A down economy is never a good time to look for a new job. The competition is fierce and there is so much that you need to know to give yourself a better chance. You can use these powerful strategies to make yourself stand out from the crowd.

Ask friends and family for help. See if they know someone who’s looking for a candidate with your skillset. Although many people don’t do this, it is an important place to start. It is more likely that an employer will hire a person who is recommended.

Use LinkedIn to it’s fullest advantage. The site has an excellent Questions/Answers section where you can share your knowledge as an authority in your field. Use this section to ask others questions about ideas, experience, and jobs in specific roles and industries.

You need to avoid conflicts with coworkers. It is essential that you are known as someone who gets along well with others, and especially with those that are known to be difficult. By having a good reputation, you will be more likely to receive raises and promotions than other coworkers who stir up drama.

When it comes to your talents and skills, don’t limit yourself. The technology in the workplace evolves all the time, as well as business practices. Therefore, to keep yourself relevant, you must keep up, or you’ll be left behind. Take a class or seminar to become up-to-date. This knowledge could just give you the edge over other candidates when it comes time to hire.

When applying for jobs it is important to not put all of your eggs in one basket. Getting a job is not easy so make sure you have a lot of different choices. Keep hunting in the meantime. If you apply to multiple places, you will be much more likely to get a job.

Take advantage of the health insurance plan offered by your employer. The premium for group healthcare plans can be taken right out of your paycheck. If you have a partner, you may need to look at which employer has the best plan for both of you.

The bottom line for companies is their profits. When getting ready for an interview, think of ways to showcase your profit-generating talents. An upstanding and reliable employee is a valuable commodity, but employers want to see how you will actively benefit the organization.

As you know very well, a struggling economy makes for a hard job search. You not only have to be qualified, but you are competing with many other people equally desperate for work. Make use of the great advice you have just read to help you stand out and land the job of your dreams.