Underemployment insurance

For more information on managing your largest investment, check out Gerri Willis' 'Home Rich,' now in bookstores.

CDs & Money Market

MMA	0.69%
$10K MMA	0.42%
6 month CD	0.94%
1 yr CD	1.49%
5 yr CD	1.93%

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NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- The unemployment rate is at 7.2% - that's a sixteen year high. And even some people who ARE working aren't in a job that matches their skills.

If you find yourself underemployed - either you're working part-time and want a full-time job, or you're in a job that isn't utilizing your skills, Personal Finance Editor Gerri Willis is here with steps you can take to get the job you deserve.

1. Get known

Job number one is to get your name out. You need to use your current job to showcase what can you do.

Small things make a difference. Make sure your superiors know of your hidden talents. Tweak the signature on your outbound email so that it lists your critical skills and background - it doesn't hurt to have that material out in the market place.

If you have a specific interest or skill, think about starting a blog. Check out sites like wordpress.org or livejournal.com to get started.

2. Get out of the office

Raise your profile outside of your normal gig.

Get out and speak to alumni groups, industry or trade groups. Take a leadership role in the organization.

Volunteer with community organizations or church groups executing the role you want - if you're an aspiring CFO, get on your church's finance committee.

3. Think part time

You may just need a way to make the bills each month - that's where part-time work may come in.

First, visit the Web sites of companies you're interested in. Many companies have online applications. Make sure to have a good handle on your schedule since you may be asked what days and hours you are available to work.

If it's a smaller company you're interested in, review the help wanted ads in your local newspaper or pennysaver. A lot of smaller companies won't be on the larger career Web sites.

4. Work from home

With unemployment rates going up, more people are falling for promises of quick cash by working from home.

If you are interested in working from home, you should always check in with check in with the Better Business bureau. Legitimate work at-home sponsors should tell you in writing what is involved in the program. Find out if you will be paid a salary or by commission and get the total cost of the work-at-home program, including supplies, equipment and membership fees.

Here are some places to check out if you want to work from home: The Virtual Assistants Association at IVAA.org and Alpine Access at Alpineaccess.com.