How to Stand Out and Land a Job in a Tough Economy

Editor's Note: This story originally appeared on FlexJobs.com.

It can be hard to get hired when the economy is going sideways.

Even the best job seekers may find themselves searching for work for several months before gaining employment.

What can you do to make the most of your job search time? Here’s how to get noticed in a tough economy.

Consider Volunteer or Part-Time Work

One way to get noticed in a tough economy is to keep working.

Volunteer work, consulting jobs, and part-time work are all excellent ways to stay in the job market, expand your professional network, and get noticed.

Even starting a professional blog where you write about the latest industry news or your expertise is a helpful way to show that you’re keeping up with the industry.

Freelance to Get Your Foot in the Door

Freelancing offers the opportunity to get into a company, show your expertise, and make a good impression in front of people who may be able to provide full-time employment.

The first step to finding freelance work is to determine your expertise and what you have to offer companies. Then, apply for freelance jobs on FlexJobs to find legitimate roles that match your skill set.

Use Social Media to Network

Clean up your social media profiles on sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Don’t give employers reasons to cross you off the list. Adjust your privacy settings accordingly, and untag yourself from any unprofessional photos.

Also, if you’re not on there already, sign up for LinkedIn. LinkedIn is a powerful professional networking site for connecting with recruiters and fellow industry professionals. In addition, 95% of recruiters use LinkedIn to search for candidates.

Be sure to fill out your LinkedIn profile completely to appear in more searches. Also, consider joining relevant LinkedIn groups to uncover hidden opportunities and grow your network.

Consider Interning Part Time

Though some internship positions are unpaid, they’re still valuable for gaining entrance into an organization.

Once you’re in the door, you can network with professionals who can either help get you hired at that company or include you in their network outside the organization for other hiring opportunities.

Consider Hiring a Professional Resume Writer

People spend hours trying to write the perfect resume, but you could eliminate the guesswork by hiring a reputable resume writer.

A professional resume writer can assist you with job search advice and interview tips. They’ll also be able to help you create a resume that captures the attention of hiring managers and applicant tracking systems (ATS).

Follow Up

If you’ve applied for a job and haven’t heard back yet, it’s okay to follow up on a job application.

Generally, the most appropriate way to do this is via email. Keep your message brief and courteous, and reiterate your interest in the position.

If you’re interviewing with companies, always write a thank-you note. This can be a great way to stand out, and sending a note via email is usually best.

Make sure to thank the interviewer for their time, restate your interest in the job, and keep it brief.

Get Hired, Even in a Bad Economy

A seasick economy can create a lot of uncertainty, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find a new job. By following these tips, you can stand out from the crowd and get hired in a new remote or hybrid job.