Where to find Job Openings

By: Randi Martz, JobResourceCenter.com

It is unlikely that the perfect job offer is going to fall in your lap. You aren't just going to find employment opportunities—you have to go after them. There are many avenues to follow when searching for a job. You never know which one may lead you to the job you're seeking. Get out there, and don't limit yourself to one or two of these options.

Personal Contacts

You've heard the phrase, "It'll all about who you know." In the case of job hunting, it's quite true. The majority of jobs aren't advertised. Think about it—why would employers pay for classified ads, if they can fill positions through word of mouth? In order to learn about these "unspoken" employment opportunities, make sure everyone you know knows you are looking for job. Talk to your relatives, neighbors, friends, former co-workers, and others about your job hunt. Be sure they know what your credentials are and for which type of work you're searching. People in your network can let you know when their own employers need to fill a slot. Employers like referrals from their current employees because it saves them the work of recruiting, and the referral is likely to be trustworthy.

Employers

On your hunt for the job you're after, go right to the source. Don't wait for potential employers to come to you. Develop a list of potential employers in the field and location you want, and then be proactive. Call and visit their website to see if they are hiring. Even if they don't currently have any job postings, send them your cover letter and resume, anyway. You never know when something might become available. The more they know about you, the better.

Classifieds

The "want ads" are the traditional place to look for job openings, and many people land a job through them. However, it's important not to limit yourself to what you see in the newspaper. Follow a few tips when using the classifieds. Every other job seeker is scouring the classifieds, too. Learn which day of the week your paper prints new ads. If you're going to reply to a job posting in the classifieds, do so immediately. These job openings are often filled very quickly.

Government

The Federal Government employs millions of people, and each individual state hires thousands of workers. Opportunities vary widely, from trade to clerical to licensed professionals. State agencies typically only post job openings on their online employment resource system. Go to the website of the state in which you are searching to find openings and information about applying for positions. Information on obtaining a position with the Federal Government is available through USAJOBS (http://www.usajobs.gov), the Federal Government's official employment information system.

State Employment Service Centers

These offices are located nationwide, and they help match qualified workers to jobs. Here, an interviewer can help assess your skills and abilities and match you to the appropriate career. You can also get help contacting potential employers and scheduling interviews. Veterans receive priority at state employment service centers. If you are veteran, a veteran employment representative can help you find a job and work through any difficulties you may be having.

Internships

Even though you are job searching, consider taking a position as an intern or a volunteer. Many organizations hire volunteers who show promise, enthusiasm, and ability. Some internships and volunteer opportunities offer a living stipend, as well. Even if your experience doesn't lead to a job offer, you will have done something meaningful during the time you were job hunting, and it will look better on your resume than "unemployed."

It can take months to find a job, but you can speed up the process by using many job search methods. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that people who utilize many resources find a job much faster than those who use only one or two.

Tags: Apply for Jobs, career tips, job search tips

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