Updated On Fri, 04/09/2010 - 3:22pm

In a tough economy, you might be competing against hundreds if not thousands of applicants for one single job opening. Recruiting expert Gary O'Neal says, however, that there are ways to get to the 'front' of the line.

O'Neal says you should use social networks and phone calls to contact hiring managers at companies you could contribute to. He says calls should come even before openings get posted.
 
O'Neal suggest job seekers present themselves as 'problem solvers' when talking about prospective employers. He says the most important thing you can do is build a repore with the manager, and have them suggest openings within the company.
 
These days, you have to be proactive, according to O'Neal. He recommends using search engines and the social network known as Linked In to research key contacts within a company.
 
According to O'Neal, one of the worst things you can do is apply for a job and simply wait for a call back.