Where to Look for a Job
There are many, many places to look for jobs. While is good to target your job search to an industry or occupation, you should expand the places that you look for these jobs. Networking, as you may have heard already, is the best way to obtain job leads. The Internet, of course, is the most popular way of searching for jobs but there are lots of different kinds of site to visit. Here are some ideas:
Visit a local Career Center
A Career Center has a resource room where you can find information on: job listings, job fair information, on site employer seminars, staff assisted job search activities. They are a great place to network.
Use the local library
To a lesser extent than a Career Center, libraries have a job search area. Libraries are also great places to relax.
Use the Internet
Register on several sites. Record for your own info resumes you send over the Internet or when you apply through a certain site. Frequently, the Internet is used to “shotgun” resumes. And, since you may have sent 100 resumes in the last week, you need to develop a system to track what company you apply to and what position you apply for. Visit government web sites.
Don’t forget the newspapers
The Sunday editions are the best. Companies pay to have their job announcements printed. They are serious if they are spending money. Local publications such as The Job Giant, The Employment Guide, and even The Penny Saver are good places to look.
Find out what the Hidden Job Market is
These are jobs that are not announced anywhere. You may get an idea an employer is hiring by reading the Business Section of the newspapers. Visit company site on the Internet. Read some industry specific journals or publications. Look through the Book of Lists, which lists top employers in the area. Another publication is the Book of Inside Prospects.
Job Search Tips
A successful job search strategy will need to include several, if not all, of these important categories:
Assessment
1. Have I decided on a specific job or jobs to pursue?
2. Have I reviewed my current skills, are they up to date and if not, am I taking appropriate steps to
upgrade my skills to what employers are asking for?
3. If you are unsure of a specific career, there links to several assessment websites under “Youth Web
Resources”.
Occupational Research
1. Have I completed appropriate research about my occupation/job/career locally? This includes the job
description, projected demand, training/certificate/education requirements, and salary expectations.
2. Have I recently checked the labor market statistics on the occupation I’m interested in?
Attitude
1. Am I displaying a positive, friendly attitude that employers are looking for?
2. Am I taking care of myself on a daily basis to keep an upbeat attitude?
Organization
1. Am I writing daily and weekly objectives and a daily calendar of job search activities?
2. Am I prioritizing my work, spending time on job search activities that are effective and apply time
management techniques?
3. Am I keeping good records and documenting my job search activities (i.e. copies of resumes/cover
letters, record of networking contacts, etc.)?
4. Have I established a routine work schedule and created a workspace in my home?
Communication Techniques
1. Have I practiced my phone voice?
2. Am I prepared for a phone call at any time from an employer or recruiter?
3. Do I have a professional outgoing message on my answering machine/service?
4. Do I prepare for each phone call?
Networking
1. Have I made it a habit to “network” and chat with people whenever I have the opportunity?
2. Have I made a list of all the professional and personal people I know?
3. Have I contacted each person on my networking list and clearly communicated how he or she can
assist me in my job search?
4. Have I increased my networking group by asking contacts for referrals?
5. Have I offered my assistance or help to my networking contacts?
6. Have I asked those appropriate persons for an informal interview?
7. Have I maintained contact with my list of contacts and referrals throughout my job search?
8. Have I sent thank you notes to all of those individuals who have assisted me or offered assistance?
Job Leads
1. Have I used all the available resources to look for jobs?
2. Do I read the daily paper and specific industry/occupational literature to look for job leads, stay current
on job market trends, and review the classified ads?
3. Have I attended job fairs to gain information about companies and make contact with resource
professionals?
4. Have I used the Internet to look for a job?
5. Have I made a list of companies I would like to target and developed a strategy to make contact?
6. Have I registered with several placement agencies that specialize in my desired area of employment?
Resumes and More
1. Do I have a well-written, concise cover letter that I always include with my resume?
2. Have I written a current, up-to-date resume?
3. Have I had a job search professional review and critique my resume?
4. When possible, do I research the company and position being offered prior to sending my cover letter
and resume?
5. Do I customize and tailor my resume to mirror the position I’m pursuing?
6. Do I have a list of references prepared?
7. Do I have a sample application completed, which I always bring with me?
8. Do I have a list of my salary history or salary requirements prepared to send out upon request?
Interviewing
1. Do I research the company and job description prior to the interview?
2. Do I know the most commonly asked interview questions?
3. Have I practiced answering the most commonly asked interview questions out loud, or role-played with
a friend?
4. Do I have my interview suit ready? (suit is dry cleaned, appropriate shoes and accessories are
chosen?)
5. Have I followed up each interview with a thank you note?
6. Do I have my portfolio prepared, including a copy of my resume, a list of references, and questions to
ask the employer?
Salary Negotiating
1. Have I researched and learned the current salary range for my occupation?
2. Have I practiced negotiating by role-playing with a friend?