At this point in the job search grind, you should already know that no search is complete absent an effective strategy for tapping into the hidden job market. So the only real question is - what is your strategy? If you already have your hidden job market strategy in full swing - is it working? what challenges are you running into?
Chances are if you are like the many predecessors before you, then you're running into some of the typical scenarios with people relations. Even more so since is job related...meaning it involves your livelihood. The reality of building job contacts or working your existing business contacts is that it's really an art not a science. Basically, that means its going to take a lot of trial and error mixed with quite a bit of patience. Of course, that can be quite a challenge as you watch your cash reserves deplete while you play the "who can schmooze the best" game. If you don't have a lot of experience with schmoozing than you need to get up to speed quick, because that may wind up being the difference between feast or famine.
Schmoozing basically equates to a heightened level of courtship with your business contacts. It means you will be buying lunches, flowers, candy, baby booties, gift cards, expanding your sense of humor - basically whatever it takes to get in on the good side of your job contacts. With all that effort, you should, of course, be wise enough to know that you should be targeting power brokers. It would be a shame for all your efforts to end up nowhere, because you didn't target people in a position of power to help you. With that being said, things have changed quite a bit in terms of the power band, which to you means that you shouldn't overlook the people right there in front of you i.e. receptionists, personal assistant, courier and the like. Hey you would be surprised how valuable those resources are; after all they have personal knowledge of the likes, dislikes and behavioral norms of the contacts you're targeting.
So again, make sure to hand pick who you plan to target to help with your job situation. You know the old saying, "if you fail to plan, then you plan to fail," so outline your job networking strategy in detail versus just leaping into it. If you don't, the best you can hope for is to write off all your expenses, on your taxes, as job search related. Sure every dollar helps but what you need is a job not a measly tax deduction, that you have to wait a whole year to claim.
So the bottom line is that, to overcome your challenges with tapping into the hidden job market, you are going to have to fine tune your schmoozing or soft skills. The key there is trial and error with a heavy dose of patience. As long as you don't get mentally caught up in your current job situation and stay focused you will be fine. Remember nothing lasts for ever - good or bad. Make it happen. 
