A down economy is never a good time to look for a new job. There are many things to remember and it’s hard to compete with so many others. Use the advice here to assist you in getting to the head of the pack.

When you are job hunting, dress for success, no matter the job. Nicely dressed people are seen more favorably by potential employers. You don’t have to make yourself stand out every time, but it’s important do do so if you’re just giving someone your resume.

When looking for a job, talk to people you already know. Find out if they know anyone looking for someone with your skillset, and find out if they’d be willing to make an introduction. A lot of people forget to do this, but you must remember to begin here so that you’re able to stand out to potential employers.

When struggling to obtain a job, you might need to update your strategy. While many places aren’t hiring at the moment, this can’t deter you from doing what you need to do. Check out all sorts of locations, companies, fields and positions.

If you still have a job, don’t slack off just because you’re looking for work elsewhere. You could damage your professional reputation by slacking off. This will give you a bad reputation, which you do not want. You have to try your hardest to succeed.

Find out what others are being paid for the positions you’re applying for. Thinking that employers will be turned off if they mention a number that is too high, some job candidates will request a salary far below what they deserve. This can be true if you go overboard, but if you act desperate, then you may end up with low pay that can hurt you for years to come.

When searching for jobs, you shouldn’t just search for a single job title. Keep in mind that there are many similar jobs that have different titles than the one you are searching for. Research other jobs online, and determine which ones are right for you. This will make more jobs available to you.

As you’ve seen, it can be hard to find a good paying job when the economy isn’t doing well. The competition is greatly increased when unemployment is high. Take the tips included above to heart and help yourself find the job of your dreams.