The job search can be overwhelming, and it can be hard to to maintain momentum. Try these strategies for a successful job search.

As Canada is adding jobs and the economic picture looks set to improve, so do your chances of landing gainful employment.

But the job search process can be overwhelming and difficult, and it can be hard to know where to start and how to maintain momentum. Worry not. We can help.

Here are eight strategies for a successful job search.

1. Know what you want

You’ll get where you want to go faster if you know where that is. Research the positions you would be suited for and identify the titles of the jobs you want to land and the companies you’d like to work for. Targeting your search is more effective than blasting out applications to any and all jobs that look like they might be interesting.

2. Get organized

Keep notes on which jobs you’ve applied for and the dates, whether you’ve heard back and when interviews are scheduled. You can even create a spreadsheet, of you’re the type of person who does that. That way you’ll know where you’ve applied and how long it’s been that you haven’t heard back. Maintain these notes and consult them daily. This helps you keep track and also to stay motivated.

3. Utilize all available resources

Use all of your resources when looking for a job and leaving no stone unturned. This means looking to online job boards, social media, your personal network, both real life and virtual, and any other resources you can think of. Look for that job and ask people if they know about jobs. The job for you is out there. You just have to find it. The more resources you use, the more likely it is that you will.

4. Consider moving up where you already are

We often tend to think about moving on to move up, and many companies make this a requirement, refusing to promote internally rather than hire from outside. But that doesn’t mean it’s not possible for you to find something at your existing company. Don’t overlook this possibility.

5. Prep great references

Decide who your references are going to be before you apply for jobs and have a conversation with them about what they are going to say. Make sure to choose advocates and don’t make assumptions. I once had someone use me as a reference and this was a terrible idea, since I did not have very many good things to say about her level of professionalism. Do the work in advance so there are no surprises for you or for them.

6. Work on your personal brand

Your reputation matters – a lot. Take a look at everything that represents you publicly, including your social media accounts, online presence, and application materials. Ask yourself if you would hire you. If the answer is “no,” make necessary adjustments. This may mean tweaking your writing or pictures, removing old posts that may be in questionable taste, deleting unused social media and more. Do this until you look good enough to hire across all channels.

7. Know your value

Do you know what you’re worth? Literally, not figuratively. Find out. Look up how much people in your industry with your level of skills and experience in the jobs you want are making. Knowing what you’re worth on the job market will help when it comes time for salary negotiations. Sites like Payscale and Glassdoor are good places to start.

8. Let people know what you’re looking for

Let your friends and family know you’re looking for a job and exactly what type of job that is. “Let me know if you hear of any food service jobs” will be much more effective than “let me know if you hear of any jobs” or “jobs I can do from home.” Because almost any job can be done from home these days. People want to help and it’s easier for them to do so when they have some guidance.

There are a lot of jobs out there right now, including the one for you. These tactics will make it easier to get.