If you're looking for work, using only
traditional avenues for employment just won't cut it anymore
— there's too much competition. You need every resource
available. Here are eight places aspiring job hunters
should use to give themselves an edge.
• Job Fairs Universities hold
job
fairs at least once a semester, but they're not only
for college students. Plan to attend. It only takes a
few hours, and nowhere are there more job opportunities
in a smaller space.
•
Networking Do your friends know of any openings?
Having someone on the inside can be your biggest job search
advantage. Make a few phone calls, invite some friends
out for lunch, and see what comes up.
•
Trade Magazines Subscribe to your field's
trade
magazines to increase your industry knowledge and
learn about employment trends. Many also list job openings.
•
Employment Agencies Get help preparing your
résumé and finding work.
Agencies
provide you useful contacts, but they can be expensive,
costing a percentage of your first year's salary or another
negotiated fee.
•
Professional Organizations Company decision-makers
are often
professional organization
members. When a position opens, they look there first.
Membership shows you're well-rounded,
enthusiastic,
and have initiative. Organization newsletters may
also list job opportunities.
•
Internet Employment Web sites, like
www.monster.com,
allow you to place your résumé online. While
posting your résumé may lead to a good offer,
these sites should only supplement your search.
•
Work Part-time or Volunteer Show
you have initiative as a part-timer or volunteer,
and
your bosses may switch you
to full-time or give you first crack at an open position.
This tactic works great for
nonprofit
sector jobs, a neglected job search area.
•
Cold Calling Call
the
human resources department at companies you're
interested in to check for open positions. They may put
your résumé on the back-burner, but if you've
got the skills and make yourself stand out, you might
get an interview.
Written by Alixander Lim
Share your job hunting stories.
E-mail
us.
