With the current state of our economy, millions of people out there are desperately hunting for good jobs. In fact, most of them are applying for every available job, increasing the competition for available positions.

In these circumstances, it’s really important for you to stand above the crowd. You’ll have to prove your worth to your prospective employer, and that hiring you will be an asset to their organization.

As unattainable as landing a dream job might sound, with the right kind of forethought and preparation, you can make the move as well.

Following are tips that can help you stand out from the pack:

1. Use social networking

Today more than 987 million people are on the social media sites like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter. Some people use them to chat with their families and long lost friends, but you can also put these network sites to work for you as well!

The main idea behind these social networks is to build solid relationships. That means, you’ll have to show off your value before asking for any job. This strategy may not work overnight, but social media sites have incredible word of mouth possibilities, so you can reap huge benefits by being diligent and using all broadcasting and networking possibilities for meaningful networking.

2. Use other online resources

Everyone has online presence these days: email, blog or a social media account. You certainly can use online directories, websites and blogs to find contact information of employers, recruiters or hiring managers who’re searching for employees.

There’s definitely a huge information at your disposal and its FREE! All you need is some motivation to sleuth, some reason to get in touch and the ability to write an impressive email and resume so that your recipient will actually read and act.

3. Write to prospective employers

You should compose an impressive letter addressed to businesses you’re seriously interested in. In this letter, you should highlight ways in which you can boost the company’s bottom line and discuss all that you’ll bring to table. Your aim should be convince them that they’d be better off with you than without you. Make sure your letter is grammatically correct, professional, and confident.

4. Work remotely

Many companies prefer to employ remote workers these days. They’re interested in reducing their expenses, and typically remote workers are more affordable than full time workers.

So if you offer consulting or freelance services, you should get in touch with businesses that are interested in hiring full-time employees and offer to do the same job as a consultant or contractor. This is a win-win situation for both you and the company. Company can save good money and you will be able to work on your own terms and rate you set, as per your schedule. In fact, you can continue to build your business and take on other clients while serving this company.

5. Let your personality shine

Businesses are always interested in workers that are a good fit. Since your online presence is often the best way to showcase your personality these days, it’s probably the best way to beat your competition.

Think of it this way: if several candidates have similar degrees and work experience, and you somehow show – via, say your Twitter feed or cover letter – that you personality makes you the kind of person that company would want on their team, you’re a shoo-in. So, don’t be afraid come forward and show your personality, as it can help you get in the door.

6. Offer your services for free

Many people might think: why should I offer my services for free when I don’t even have a job? Well, are my not supposed to make money with my talents and skills? Yes, you definitely should, but offering services for free can actually work in your favor and can set you apart from your competition.

For instance, if you’re a talented childcare professional interested in a job at a new daycare center, you can work for them for few days for free. If they’re pleased with your work, they might hire you. However, it’s important that you remain a top notch volunteer for that week. You would want them to discover you as an asset you could be as a paid employee.

7. Follow up

Once you leave an interview, you should email a thank you note to your prospective employer within an hour. Then follow up in four days, then 10 days, and consistently until you get a clear yes or no answer.

You should never give up, even if you don’t get any response. It’s a sort of perseverance test for you, and you can also remain in front of the eyes of your interviewer until they make up their mind.

8. Learn to negotiate

There’s one thing most high performers do: they readily negotiate as soon as they get an offer. You should do it even if you have alternatives. Doing so is a clear indication that you’re a real performer. It will also signal to your prospective employer that you’re in demand.

Looking for a good job today can be challenging, but if you think bit differently from others may be all that you need to get that position you’ve always been hoping for. Integrate these useful tips into your job search strategy. Stand out from the rest of the crowd. Be deliberately different. And get that dream job offer!

Tell us other strategies that have worked for you in your job search in the comment box below. Maybe others might find it useful in their own job hunt as well.