Whether it’s your first job, your next job, or your dream job, searching for work can be a difficult and time consuming process. It can seem as if everyone is hiring until you need a job, then nobody is! Fortunately this typically isn’t the case and there are a number of ways to find the right job for you. Whether you opt for a 21st century method or a little more old-school procedure, “the job” is out there waiting for you to find it. Here are a few places you might look for your next job.
The Internet
The World Wide Web has become a virtual clearinghouse of job openings in recent years. How you harness this resource depends on how picky you are however. There are an increasing number of websites which post job openings for many different employers on the net. Some post jobs related only to a specific field and others post indiscriminately. If you know one or several companies you might like to work for the internet is often your friend also. Many companies will post their job openings on the web for interested applicants to view—do a little searching and you never know what you might find!
Not What You Know, But Who
We’ve all heard the saying “sometimes it’s not what you know, but who you know”. This statement is especially true for the job searcher. According to at least one study this personal connections-based job placement, commonly called networking, is the single greatest source of employment for the modern wage earner, with 41% of people in the study saying they landed their current job through networking. Think about all the people you know and where they work or have worked in the past. Perhaps think of people they know as well. If you think you’ve got a valuable connection pursue it no matter how casual or insignificant the relationship is. People are generally open to helping someone they know even casually get a job.
Pound the Pavement
Sometimes you just have to put yourself out there. Take a shower, put on some cologne or perfume, dress up a little (as appropriate for your field), and get out there and start knocking on doors. If you opt for this method, there are a few simple tips to follow to increase your success rate. First of all be confident, as this will rub off well on a potential employer especially if you’re unemployed and maybe a little desperate. Second, make sure you have your resume available as many employers will request one when applying in person. Third, choose your options wisely—go only to places you want to work, not ones you aren’t sure about as this could be a waste of time.