A down economy is never a good time to look for a new job. You will find that many people are competing for the available jobs. This article will help you by providing tons of great tips.

Regardless of the position you are looking for, dress appropriately when visiting an employer. The way you dress has a direct correlation as to how others perceive you. Even if all you are doing is dropping off an application or a resume, dress well without going overboard.

Preparation is necessary before an interview. Always have an updated resume available that highlights your qualifications. Your employer will expect information about your education, certificates and degrees earned and other proficiencies. You should include information relevant to your educational background as well as references from your work history.

Your cover letter should reference the specific qualifications from the job listing. If they said they want someone with leadership skills, mention times you have shown leadership. Make yourself stand out in the cover letter by using details that are listed in the ad.

Be sure to speak with the people you have down as references. It will be bad for an employer to call any of your references and find the information is no longer valid. Give them a call and refresh their memory, plus double check their contact information.

Give your cellphone number to employers rather than a landline number. That way, you can field calls no matter where you are. This gives you the mobility that you need to take calls on the go.

Bear in mind that most companies exist to make a profit. When preparing to interview or send a resume to a prospective employer, search for ways to prove to them that you will increase their bottom line with your skills and talents. While it is great that you are a responsible, honest individual, companies want more than that.

Use an employment agency. They are free and they do most of the work when it comes to finding you a job. These agencies will help to match you with something you're qualified for, so it saves a lot of time and effort. You want to make sure you keep checking in with the employment agency to make your resume stay on top of the stack.

Locating an excellent job, especially in an economy that is less than stellar, is not easy. Employers are more scrutinizing at these times and you have much more competition for the open positions. Use the advice in the article above to help make yourself stand out from the pack.