Job searching is a full-time job. Putting together your resume and modifying it for every job you apply to, keeping your records organized, searching online job boards and company websites, networking, and on and on. Unfortunately in a recession, you have to work overtime. There is no room for error or downtime as the competition is fierce.

How are you differentiating yourself from your competition? Below are a few tips to get started:

1. Widen your search – When looking for jobs online try different keywords to search. For instance instead of just administrative assistant look up secretary, marketing assistant, sales assistant, customer service, etc. Also expand your geographic reach by increasing the amount of miles you’re willing to travel to work.

2. Tell everyone you know – Tell as many people as possible what type of job you are looking for. Great sources include: family, friends, neighbors, professional associations, previous employers, and former classmates. You never know who your family and friends are connected with.

3. Sell yourself – Start by having a good resume that sells your capabilities and allows the employer to see how you can benefit their company. Make sure to customize your resume for each job description.

4. Explore new avenues – Social media is a great way to find resources about the companies you are applying to or to find a Human Resources contact. LinkedIn and Twitter are good places to start. Be sure to keep your profile professional and only post items you’d want a future employer to see. Also explore niche job boards. To find a list, type niche job boards into your search engine.

5. Follow-up – For every job that you apply to, follow-up. If you don’t know who the hiring manager is, contact the main number and ask the receptionist who the hiring manager is. Instead of calling the hiring manger, you many want to send a follow-up inquiry via FedEx or priority mail.

In any case, you have to assume that in a recession hiring managers are receiving more applications then ever. Whether through your resume or through your follow-up, you have to do something to standout from your competition.