SAN MARCOS -- A small group of students and community members learned creative ways to network and got tips on how to deal with uncertainty while searching for a job Thursday at Palomar College.

"Networking is the very best way to get a job -- it is the hidden job market," said Sue Arth, a change management facilitator for Sea of Change who led a workshop called "Navigating You Career in a Tough Economy" on Thursday afternoon.

"Everything else pales in comparison, so get out there and start talking."

Hosted by the college's Career Center, the workshop provided strategies to uncover opportunities in times when available jobs are limited, allowing job seekers to work smarter, not harder, said Eddie Tubbs, center coordinator.

"When you think of today's economy, whether you're a student, retiree or someone coming back to work, it's a tough challenge to find a job," Tubbs said.

The Career Center offers free services, including assessments, job research, resume help and workshops

"It's an untapped resource for students and community members," said Tubbs.

Arth said a useful first step in starting a job search is completing a personality assessment, which can indicate strengths and weaknesses, work habits and what careers best fit your characteristics.

"Finding out who you are and what talents you have is critical," she said.

Oceanside resident Ron Pasowicz, 54, thought a personality test was a good suggestion he wouldn't have thought of before attending Thursday's workshop. Pasowicz, who has been in real estate mortgage for 10 years, said that with the downturn in the housing market he's looking to learn what other options he has.

"I've been self-employed most of my life, so it's tough," he said, adding that he never really had to put together a resume. "Looking for a job is a full-time job."

Arth encouraged audience members to widen their circle of influence by networking with everyone from family members to casual contacts at the grocery store. The best networking tool, however, is the informational interview, Arth said. Job-seekers can get important information about work environment, typical salary and job functions from someone in an industry they're interested in.

"Most people are very willing to offer you information, even if they can't give you (a job)," she said.

Attendees also learned how to draft a "60 second commercial" about themselves, as well as how to maintain balance and minimize stress during a time of change.

"It was helpful, handy and I'm definitely glad I came," said Palomar student John Morgan.

For more information on the Career Center, call (760) 744-1150, Ext. 3125 or visit www.palomar.edu/counseling/careercenter.

Contact staff writer Noelle Ibrahim at (760) 740-3517 or nibrahim@nctimes.com.