Job competition is stiff anywhere in this economy. It doesn’t matter if you are looking for work in the States, travail in France, or trabalho in Brazil these tips can help you land a job:

• Be open minded – Consider being flexible. It isn’t easy to get an ideal job at a popular company, so start somewhere else to gain experience before you shoot for the stars.

• Perfect your resume and cover letter – Make sure your resume is up-to-date, highlighting the most important qualifications and experiences for a particular position. You will not get any interviews if you do not proofread a resume or cover letter, small mistakes shows a disregard for detail.

• Prepare prior to the interview – Researching a company before the actual interview is essential. You don’t want to be caught not knowing the basics of the company. Asking questions you should know about the company shows disinterest and a lack of preparation. People who take jobs seriously prepare.

• Dress business professional – There are several industries that allow employees to dress business casual, you need to dress business professional regardless. First impressions are lasting and you don’t want to be under dressed.

• Ask questions – This isn’t school, in the big leagues there are such things as stupid questions. Make sure your questions are intelligent and show genuine interest in the company culture and the position available.

• Don’t forget to follow-up – Thank you letters or emails are always appropriate. Interviewers need a reminder of who you are, and follow-ups keep you in the competition. Do not be over-eager, only one follow-up is necessary.

• Negotiate your salary – Don’t just settle for any salary because you are currently unemployed. Make sure your salary reflects your worth to the company. These things are generally negotiable and should be handled with class and delicacy.

The job hunt isn’t easy and landing a job isn’t any easier. Remember these suggestions to tip the odds in your favor.