Looking for employment in a down economy can feel like a full-time job. With unemployment on the rise, competition for available jobs is high. This means that employers can be pickier than before the nation’s financial situation took a turn for the worse and that job seekers have to take a more aggressive approach.

Before you even begin looking for work, sit down and ask yourself a few questions. Is there a particular industry you are experienced in? If so, do you possess skills that can are transferable to other sectors? Are you willing to take a part-time job if you can’t find a full-time position? Is it worth it to you to take a position that is below the pay and responsibility level you are used if it is necessary to find work?

After you have your answers, it’s time to begin your job search. Many people prefer to start off by using the abundance of Internet sites with job listings. Just remember, either choose a job search site that pulls positions from various Web sites or be prepared to use multiple sites. This may include looking into industry specific job boards or Web sites from your local area.

While you’re in the process of looking for work online, take the time to update any social networking sites you use to let your friends know that you’re on the hunt for a new job. Update the status of your account or send out e-mails letting people know that you are interested in being contacted if they know about a company that is hiring.

Since many budgets are down, some businesses are not paying to post job listings. The only way to find out about these positions is often to know someone who works there or call and ask if the company is hiring.

Once you’ve found several jobs you want to apply to, take the time to go over your resume one last time. Hopefully you’ve taken the time to update it with your most recent work experience. Even if this is true, it’s important to go over it and your cover letter with a fine-tooth comb one last time before submitting it. Better yet, tailor it to each individual job you will be applying to. If a job listing requests certain skills you possess, make sure that you’ve expressed this in the same words the advertisement used.

Often employers use applicant tracking software to spider through resumes submitted online. If the computer program doesn’t find certain keywords, then it does not show the resume in question to the hiring manger. Don’t let this be you. Also, take the time to do one last careful edit. Make sure that grammar and spelling mistakes are avoided. Some employers throw out applicants that contain such errors.

Last but not least, be prepared to have to be proactive after applying for a position. After sending in your resume, call to make sure the company received it. If you haven’t heard back from someone within a few days, take the time to call and make an inquiry. Even if you receive a call about scheduling an appointment, continue to look for and apply for other positions until you’ve received a job. This will cut down on wasted time in case you don’t receive an employment offer.