Getting yourself employed after losing a job, is it plain luck, hard work or something else?

I'm in that situation right now, looking for a new job after losing my last job, in fact this is the second time in my life after leaving University that I'm looking for a job, first time I looked for a job was immediately after graduating from University when I had no experience at all, so I wrongly believed that now because of my big and successful experience it was going to be easy cake, I could not have been more wrong.
It has been six months now looking for a job and I must say that looking for a job is a full time job itself (unfortunately an unpaid one), however I do believe it is worth it and I have learned a lot in the process, right now I do have several good opportunities which I'm sure will materialize very soon on several job offers.
After this unwanted but welcomed experience of6 months looking for a job I must say without hesitation that for a successful job search the most important thing you must work on is networking, you need to improve your network in your specific field as much as possible, of course it is also hard work.
I spend from5 to8 hours daily on internet or on the phone improving my networking and applying to jobs.
Part of this time is also "customizing" my resume to the specific job I'm applying to and the specific cover letter, I also use linkedin to search for the name of the hiring manager or the recruiter if I do not know the name of the final employer and I send an InMail to them.
If you do not have a linkedin profile please create one, that is an excellent tool for job search.
To conclude my response I have to say that "good luck" has nothing to do with it, in fact "good luck" is something that does not exist, we do manage our lives and everything happens for a reason that will ultimately lead to our progression as human beings.
Therefore I do not wish you good luck in your search, I wish you SUCESS.
I liked very much the final phrase on Malekulashtar's answer "Persistence pays rich results".

The first thing to do is to pick yourself up - head held high and shoulders pulled back - AKA Confidence!!! Well...yes...things may not have worked out at your job due to which either you were fired or you quit - but that is not the end of the world.
Important thing is not to turn cynical and negative this impacts your search as well as subsequent interviews.
Most places ask "Why did you leave?" - you do not need to go into details and bad mouth your employer, you can say things did not work out as expected so you decided to move on rather than stay back and be a burden on the employer and impact the morale of colleagues.
Search through all media and leverage your network to find a new job.
Luck is always a factor but it is not good to blame luck everytime - luck is just a small part of the overall effort which is dependent on YOU! There will be times where you will be interviewing for days and months and not get a job - to a point you will think "Why should I even apply to this job - I know I will get rejected or get a 'we will get back to you'" .
This should not stop you from trying.
Remember Persistence Pays rich results!! Good luck!

I am a big believer in putting yourself out there even in areas that you have only slight experience in.  I have applied for many many roles and90% of the time you don't get a response or any feedback (unfortunately that is the way it is) however, when you do get a response and gain more details of the roles they are looking to fill, it often opens up other doors for you.  It's all about being confident in yourself when you do get an interview and selling yourself on the day.  It is a bit of a lottery. however, if you don't try you will never win!.

 

Good luck

Take Action.
Rebuild self confidence - keep fit and healthy.
Family, Friends, ex-colleagues - get them to help, spread the word that you are looking for a job.
Finding Something Else to Do - Get a hobby.
Keeps mind/body balanced and helps to break up the all consuming time devoted to looking for work.
Take a good, long hard look at your situation.
Could this unemployment be an opportunity to become self employed or try something different? You may have lost your job, now look at gaining your future back.
Take charge.
Keeping proactive, managing time spent applying for jobs, believing in self all combine to helping create the circumstances for new job opportunities to open up.

Good and apt advise I must say Jennifer Clarke! I am also looking out for a long term full time job opportunity and it can be frustrating especially in the situation of 'Apply, apply and no Reply'! I try to keep my self occupied by doing the things that I am good at, had once practiced but gradually lost interest because of lack of time; my hobby of writing, singing, anchoring events & networking.
Started on it again.
They say everything under heaven happens for a reason who knows it might open new doors of opportunities.
Invest time in learning and exploring new knowledge on topics of your expertise in that way you will always be updated with current news, innovations and changes.
The key word is 'Self Confidence'.
Be confident and do the things that people appreciate in you and you are good at, never lose the opportunity of thanking the Almighty and patting your back when you do something good!

Getting employed after losing a job or being unemployed is a test of one's Confidence and Persistence.
The more confident, positive and persistent You are in networking and applying for jobs, better are Your Chances of getting employed. 
  Keep applying till you have an offer in hand - don't give up....!!

Requirements of getting a job after loosing one:1. Patience2. Persistence3. Trust in your abilities4. Look for right opportunities at right time and place5. Brush up your skill set6. Use your connections7. Get recommendations