How To Find a Job

Focus

Whether you have your career goal in mind, or if you're just looking for a part time job to pay the bills or a get you closer to that dream job, you need to find a job that meets your needs and matches your skills, experience and education. Your "needs" may consist of location, a certain salary, flexible working hours, or something that you enjoy doing.   Your skills, experiences and attitude will help you get the job you're trying to find. Most often you won't be able to step right into your ideal career and will have to take small steps to build your way up. Knowing what you're looking for is the first step! There are many job banks, job search engines, publications and other print media that house thousands and thousands of jobs. Don’t get discouraged or overwhelmed when trying to find a job, because there are ways to help you sift through it all. There are several different ways to go about your job search, and by expanding your job search methods and sources, you can find a job that meets your needs

Find a Job Online

The internet is a great resource for job hunting and career development. For some, this will be the most efficient method of weeding through the many, many jobs that are available.  Job searching online is also a way to find out about job openings that aren't in your local area.  Job search engines and job banks allow you to browse and search for jobs based on criteria such as location, salary, educational background, and type of job.  Some sites are focused on particular types of jobs, such as SnagAJob.com, which specializes in hourly jobs, while others, such as Monster.com, provide expansive job databases covering a wide range of employment opportunities.  Most online job search sites also allow you to set up job search agents that will alert you when a job is posted, based on criteria that you specify. These criteria can include things like location, salary range, and job type. You should also check the website of the company you're interested in. Many companies have "Job Boards" on their site where they post current job openings.

Find a Job using Headhunters and Employment Agencies

If you're looking for assistance in your job search, you can enlist the help of headhunters and employment agencies. Some headhunters and agencies are paid a "finders" fee by employers, while others will expect you to pay for their services. These types of services provide help from people that have made it their job to match up potential employees with employers.  They can also be a great asset to your job search by providing some of the following services and benefits:

• Help identify your skills, experience and assets, and highlighting the appropriate ones for each job application.
• Help you develop a resume and cover letters for job applications.
• Provide lists of jobs in certain locations, salary ranges, or with a particular types of employers.
• Provide access to jobs that may only be available through an agency.  Some companies rely on Employment Agencies to provide a steady stream of job candidates.

Find a Job in Print Media and Publications

There are many jobs still being advertised in good old fashioned print media. Magazines, newspapers, and other publications are typically a good source for local jobs and employment opportunities. Print media such as trade journals and publications contain more refined job advertisements that concentrate on particular careers (i.e., nursing, radiology, psychiatry, computer technology, etc). These trade journals may contain jobs ads that take up an entire page for positions that are in high demand. You may also find jobs advertised on fliers hanging in your local library, schools, and even companies themselves.  Don't be afraid to visit local companies and check their "job board" or enquire about employment opportunities as part of your job search.

Find a Job through Networking

Your job search should include 'networking', or connecting with other people on common interests, such as a job or career. Social and career networking have become a valuable resource for finding out about jobs, and staying abreast of news and information about job related issues. There are online networking resources such as Linkedin.com, and CIOZone.com. You should also "network" with your friends, acquaintances, and family. If they know you are looking for a job, they can "keep an ear out", and let you know of opportunities you may never have found out about elsewhere. Sometimes the answer to your job search lies with someone you know, or someone that they know.

Let the Job Find You

You can also submit or "post" your resume on many sites, allowing employers to see your skills, background, and education, and then contact you. Don't limit your job search to what you can find, but also let companies and employers see that you are looking by creating and publishing your resume. Sites like Monster.com are a great place to post your resume so that employers and recruiters can see your resume. There are also new services coming out like MyCredentials.com that allow you to create a 'Career Portal'. They will help you set up your own "Career web site" that you can refer people to for your professional career information. Advertise Yourself with Greater Exposure with MyCredentials