Most unemployed Americans right now face the toughest job market they have seen in their lifetimes. Unemployment keeps climbing, meaning companies are doing more firing than hiring.

If you are looking for a job, it’s important to use every possible tool in your arsenal to make sure you’re considered for a job. There is a dearth of competition out there right now. Here are some tips from ABC News.

1. Always call

People often justify following up on a resume because they don’t want to “bother” someone. Don’t be that person! Follow up on every resume. Find out the name of the HR manager or recruiter by using your Internet sleuthing skills. Look for the company on Facebook or LinkedIn. Google the name of the company plus “hr manager” or “recruiter.” Get a name, get a number, place a call and make sure they got your resume!

2. Be original and give details

Try to avoid cliches at all costs, and avoid saying things the interviewer has already heard many times. If you’ve been unemployed for a while, be prepared to talk about what you’ve been doing since your last job. Resist the temptation to give the obvious “looking for a job” answer. Talk about books you’ve read, projects you’ve taken on — anything that shows you’ve attempted to use your time productively.

Instead of using common phrases such as “team player” to describe yourself, talk about situations that showed your work ethic, how you respond to crises, problem-solving skills, etc. Tell a story about a time you brought the team together or an initiative that you successfully achieved.

3. Convey comfort and confidence

Be aware of your body language during the interview. Try not to fidget or avert your eyes. This diminishes confidence and can make your interviewer uncomfortable.

Instead, offer a firm handshake, maintain eye contact, stand and sit tall and always smile, says ABC News.

4. Focus on your skills

When the interviewer asks why you want the job, don’t talk about your mortgage, having to get payday loans or other financial woes. Focus on your professional experience and your skills. Sharing personal information about your money problems will not help you stand out from all the other job seekers with money problems. It is pretty much guaranteed that the other applicants need the job just as much as you do. But level of desperation doesn’t matter; qualifications and experience do.

5. Be optimistic

We have all heard that we must stay positive during an interview. But you never know where a job is going to come from. Stay optimistic in all job-search or unemployment related conversations. This will help keep your attitude upbeat, and attitude is what will make you stand out from the other applicants.

Plus,  you never know who is listening. An acquaintance you bump into unexpectedly might just know someone who could help you out. Lots of jobs are attained through networking. The more people you draw to you with your solid character and sparkling personality, the more opportunities will open up.