Four Things To Set You Apart In Your Job Search

Unfortunately, with the current state of the economy, many people find themselves looking for a job. If that includes you, it's important that you stand out from the crowd. You have to prove to your prospective employer that hiring you would be adding an asset to their company.

These suggestions may make finding that job just a bit easier:

• Social networking. Social networking sites like Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter can all help you with your job search. Many people use these sites to chat with long lost friends or find old loves, but they are also great places to find employment as well by making connections. It won't help overnight, but work to build relationships and let your network know you're looking for work.

• Offer your services for free. Okay, I know what you're thinking: why should you work for free when you don't have a job? Aren't you supposed to be making money with your skills and talents? Yes, but offering your services for free for can actually work in your favor and set you apart from your competition. Are you a talented childcare professional looking to get your foot in the door of a local child care center? Or an awesome chef who would love to work in a new restaurant in town? Offer to work for them for a week for free. If you're pleased with your work, you may be hired on permanently. The most important thing is to remember that you have to be a top-notch volunteer for that entire week. You want them to discover what an asset you would be as a paid employee.

• Write to prospective employers. Compose a letter to businesses that you're seriously interested in. In the letter, highlight how you'll boost business for the company and discuss what you would bring to the table. Focus on the value you can bring to their company -- helping them make money, save money, save time, or solve a specific problem. You're not begging for a job. Lay out your case. Make sure the letter is professional, grammatically correct, and confident.

• Do it the old fashioned way. In this generation of emails and online applicant tracking systems, your resume can easily get lost in the shuffle. Something to consider is to dress professionally and hit the pavement. Introduce yourself, shake hands, and hand them a well-prepared resume package. Building relationships with someone is an important part in standing above the crowd. It also allows a manager to put a face to a resume rather than just see a resume come across email. Though it may take a bit of footwork and perseverance, this may be your perfect way to make an impression when applying for a coveted job. (Note: This works better in small companies than in Fortune 100 companies where it would be hard to get past the security guard at the front desk.)

Looking for a job today can be challenging, but thinking a bit differently than other job hunters may be all you need to get that position you've been hoping for. Stand out from your competition with these great tips, and be the one who lands the job!