When times are tough, it can be hard to find the right job. You must keep many things in mind when competing for a job. The following tips will give you an edge in the job hunting game.

Consult people that you know to help you with your job search. Friends can get you connected with different employers that you might have not known about, otherwise. Many people overlook this step, but it’s important that you start here, because employers are more likely to take on someone who comes recommended.

Make sure to wear your best clothes before going to an interview, even when the place isn’t somewhere that makes you dress nicely. Just because you are applying at a place that allows casual dress for most work days, you should still wow the hiring manager by coming in looking like you deserve the job.

You want to always show up early for your job. There are always things that can arise to make you late, so make sure you’re giving yourself some spare time. Employers value a quality reference of dates and information. The above method helps organize and present this information without relying on memory alone.

Go to a lot of job fairs when you are looking for work. They can be really instructional and give you lots of intel on what types of jobs are out there. These fairs are where you can expand your network as well.

Don’t limit yourself by only applying for one type of job. Check online to see what other keywords are similar. This will make more jobs available to you.

Email Address

Obtain a professional email address. Your contact information is the first glimpse your potential employer gets of you. Pick a simple address that at least has your last name in it. Do not let employers dismiss your applications because of an unprofessional email address.

Answer any phone calls as though you were answering a call from your boss. A professional greeting makes a good first impression and gets the ball rolling in the right direction. Although it will likely be a family or friend calling you, it’s possible it could be a potential employer, and he or she will be extremely impressed by your professionalism. This will give you an edge immediately.

Make sure that all the information on your resume is up to date, including references. You aren’t helping your case if an employer tries to contact a reference with bad information. Verify that the location information for your references is correct.

The economy makes finding a job even harder than it was a decade ago. The competition is greatly increased when unemployment is high. Implement what you’ve just learned, and use it to your advantage.