The old days of finding a job right out of school and sticking
with it until retirement are certainly in the past. In these modern times,
people have become more adept at locating new job opportunities. But some of
the more traditional tactics have started to fade in popularity; no
longer are people looking solely at the newspaper want-ads to find their dream
jobs. Job seekers are becoming more creative and utilizing new strategies in
moving their careers forward.
1. Networking
It is said that the majority of job vacancies are never
advertised, often referred to as the "hidden job market." To
land these jobs, seekers will need to find a way to get a foot in the door.
Networking can go a long way in locating job opportunities; even if no one you
know directly has knowledge of a job opening, there's a chance they know
someone who does.
Networking can be done both in person and online. You can join
professional associations, attend events for graduates of your school, or aim
to connect with professionals who work in your field. Various online tools also
exist, such as LinkedIn, which allow you to network with other professionals
and learn out about possible job openings. You may also be able to meet other
professionals through social networking sites like Facebook or
Twitter.
2. Referrals
Referrals also come from individuals you know, however, this
method may get you an invitation to apply for a position without actually
searching for a new a job. Some employers offer incentives to their employees
for referring a successful candidate to their company a win-win situation for
everyone. You get a new job, and your contact gets a finder's fee for
attracting a top-notch employee.
3. Job Boards and Career Websites
Job boards were traditionally just that boards posting vacancies
and employment opportunities. Though some of these boards may still exist in a
literal sense, many job boards have moved toward a virtual format. Often
federal or state governments will provide job boards and job banks that job
seekers can access. You can also use job search engines on the internet or the
vast number of career-related websites that post job openings, such as
Monster.com or CareerBuilder.com. These websites function in a similar way to
the traditional want-ads, however, they have a much quicker turnaround time
and allow you to search a much larger number of jobs over a large area.
4. Job Fairs
Job fairs are typically targeted toward specific industries,
though some job or recruitment fairs are more generalized. These ads will
usually come with a list of the organizations that will be present. Investigate
any companies that interest you, bring a number of resumes and be ready to sell
yourself. Consider any conversations with recruiters as mini interviews that
can set you apart from other applicants. Some organizations may even offer
on-site interviews to candidates that match their requirements.
5. Company Websites
If you already have your dream employer in mind, why not go
directly to the career section of their website? If you watch for openings on
their site, there's a chance you'll find just the opportunity that you've been
waiting for. Create a list of employers that you'd like to work for and visit
their websites often. If you're really set on working for a specific company it
may take some time to find just the opportunity that fits your skill set. But
if you've got the luxury of time, this might be the optimal method for finding
your dream job.
6. Cold Calling
If you don't see any job listings posted for a company you're
particularly interested in, you might consider making a cold call. You can use
the telephone or email to contact individuals within an organization by finding
their contact details on the company website or by inquiring with a
receptionist. Contact individuals directly to find out if they foresee any
upcoming vacancies, and be sure to attach a copy of your resume to any emails
you send. You can also ask for information about types of jobs, or what kind of
skills or qualities the organization looks for in a candidate. Keep in mind
that this kind of contact may not always be well received, but there is always
a chance it'll give you the inside track on upcoming vacancies.
7. Head Hunters and Recruitment Agencies
If you're looking for some professional help in your job search, head
hunters and recruitment agencies can definitely lend a hand (though in
some cases it may come at a price). There are a number of organizations that
hire through recruitment agencies because it helps to streamline the lengthy
process of locating and interviewing candidates. Head hunters locate
individuals to fill a specific vacancy within an organization or find a
position for a job seeker who has hired their services. Payment is often based
upon commission. Keep in mind that many high schools, colleges and universities
have job placement services that can help new graduates to develop their
resumes and assist both current students and alumni with their job searches.
8. Temping or Internships
Sometimes temporary employment can lead to permanent positions. If
you're without work, finding a temporary position with a great company is a
great way to get a foot in the door, or offer you with useful business contacts
to call upon in the future. Many recruitment agencies can assist with locating
temporary or casual positions and contract work. Internships are a great choice
for students who are just graduating from college and many schools' job
placement services can connect students with opportunities. Volunteering can
also be a great technique for gaining valuable industry contacts.
9. Creative or Outlandish Tactics
In a competitive job market, some job seekers have moved toward
more creative approaches for drawing attention to themselves. Billboards, chain
letters with copy of your resume attached, or even pasting your resume to
yourself and walking around the city as a human billboard are just some of the approaches
individuals have used to get noticed by potential employers. Though these approaches
can actually work, be cautious. You may get the attention of recruiters, but
you may also be sending the wrong message. If you're going to resort to
creative techniques, be sure that it's suitable for the industry in which
you're attempting to find employment.
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