What have you or someone you know done when searching for any form of employment was totally fruitless?

There are many places in our town that are basically ‘day labor’ employment services. Whomever shows up first and can do the work, gets the job, cash at the end of the day.

Take a break, try again later.

Obtain funding to retrain for the workforce.
There are many sponsers available through government .
I am in Canada so I am not sure if you have this in your country?
Here we have training for seniors, people who need retraining such as Apprenticeship training etc. There are lots of avenues.
Tell the Employment office clerk that no one is hiring you because you require more training etc.

In the US, the Department of Labor has programs similar to what @Inspired_2write mentions in Canada. For example, if you can’t work in your field because you’re no longer physically fit for those duties, the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation will help you.

When I was unemployed a decade ago, I recall that the unemployment office mentioned other services they have to train people for jobs. My ex-husband got training as an auto mechanic through one such program – but that was in the ‘80s before we met.

One might also see if there is some temporary seasonal work that might help make ends meet. That or volunteering might provide networking opportunities that could lead to full-time employment.

The main thing is to keep busy and not allow complacency to set in. I wish the best of luck to anyone in this position, because after experiencing nearly two years out of work, I know how hard it can be.

We shot mistletoe out of trees and had our kids sell it in front of a department store.