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Recent figures have revealed that UK unemployment levels continue to be on the up. In fact, in the three months to the end of November 2010, UK unemployment rose by 49,000 to almost 2.5 million, according to the Office for National Statistics (ONS). The UK unemployment rate now stands at 7.9%.

But it's the young who have been hit hardest. One in five 16 to 24-year-olds are now out of work, taking the total to 951,000 without jobs - this is the highest figure since records began in 1992.

If you're one of the many who have recently been made redundant, or perhaps you're self-employed and struggling to find work, rest assured, there are lots of constructive steps you can take.

Reassess your financial priorities
Firstly, you need to take a good long look at your budget. For example, if you have a standing order to your savings account , you may need to cancel this and use the cash for everyday expenses, instead. Or perhaps you're no longer able to overpay your credit card each month. See how you can save your money.

Focus on the skills that matter
If you're unemployed, you're going to have to fight tooth and nail to get ahead of other candidates in your field and nail that next job. And if you're self-employed, you'll know that it's a constant battle to bag the next commission.

Either way, you need to focus on the skills that will make you stand out from everyone else. Salsa dancing is a lovely hobby to have but some perspective will be needed, depending on the job you're going for.

A good place to start is surveying job adverts in your sector and work out what skills, qualifications or experience they all seem to be asking for. Talk to other people in your profession and work out which skills are in short supply and high demand. Then focus on getting your head round them.

Strengthen your brand
This is particularly important if you're self-employed, because very often future commissions rely on your portfolio and your reputation as much as on your CV.

Here are a few ways to get yourself into the public eye:

Build a website – Register an internet domain under your own name and build yourself a simple website showcasing your skills and experience. This doesn't have to cost much, and you don't have to be a tech whizz to get things off the ground.

There are various web hosts and site-building programmes that you can use to get the whole thing going for well under £50. Your main outlay will be the time you spend getting it right.

Get some business cards printed – Make yours stand out by choosing an unusual colour, material or shape. The more recognisable, the more the chance of an employer taking the time to review it in detail.

Tailor your stationery – Get correspondence paper that's tailored to your needs. A stylish, well-placed design that's unique to you will look professional and sophisticated.

Keep your spirits up
If you feel yourself sinking into despair/apathy/complete inactivity, you need to drag yourself out of it as soon as possible. That could just mean getting out of the house, even if you don't feel like it.

Or, to help motivate your job hunt, you could set yourself inexpensive rewards for getting things done. So three solid job applications = ice cream and a DVD - or something on those lines.

Finally, try to keep yourself groomed and in reasonable physical shape. When you're out of work, it's all too easy to live in your pyjamas. Look good and you'll feel good.