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Organize job search

Job search channel

Even in tough job markets, the jobs are out there. Sometimes it just takes a little more work to find them. Below is a list of ideas on where to find jobs.

• Apply directly to an employer. Select employers that interest you and obtain their addresses and phone numbers. Consider visiting the company with resume in hand or directly calling the company. In either case, if you don't have a contact name, ask to speak to a hiring manager or Human Resources representative.
• Network. Ask every friend, relative, teacher, former co-worker and casual acquaintance you have about job vacancies they may know about. Tell everyone you know or meet that you are job hunting. The more people you have trying to find you a job opportunity, the better your chances for success.
• Check the newspaper. The newspaper is often the first place job seekers look. While this can help you find out the types of jobs that are out there and some of the companies that may be hiring, it is not the most effective place to find a job. Since everyone can find out about these jobs, competition tends to be high.
• Search the Internet. The Internet has an incredible number of job listings and job-related information. In addition to searching for jobs on the Internet, you can also post your resume and job application and wait for employers to contact you. However, just like the newspaper, there can be a lot of competition for these positions.
• Consider smaller companies. Many new jobs will come from smaller, growing companies, usually with fewer than 500 employees. Although larger employers are often more visible, well-known and aggressive in looking for employees, smaller companies may have the same positions. Focus on small companies that are expanding and projecting high growth; they can be easier to approach and contact than a large corporation.
• Try temporary work. Working as a temporary can provide you with valuable experience, contacts and references. Many times temporary jobs can turn into permanent opportunities. Also, many staffing companies offer free training to increase your skills.
• Consider state and local government sources. The state government has a huge amount of potential job search information available to you at little or no cost. Visit or call your local employment office and take advantage of the services they offer.

Networking

The people you know can help you find a job. As soon as you decide to look for a job (or even while still employed) tell people that you are looking. Studies have shown that over 60% of job seekers find jobs through networking. The list below will give you some ideas for your initial networking contacts. As you continue your search, your network will expand through visits to job fairs and placement offices, classified ads in newspapers, industry publications and newsletters and postings on the Internet and TV.
Networking is contacting friends, friends of friends, family members and colleagues to discuss new directions, generate career options, problem solve for decision-making, assess transferable skills, find job leads, shape up your resume, rehearse for interviews, gain access to role models and mentors and receive emotional support.

Create a contact list

Try to write a list of 50+ people you could consider for networking purposes. Include some or all of the following:

• Relatives
• Friends
• Neighbors - current and former
• Employers - current and former
• Co-workers - current and former
• PTA Members
• Teachers - including college professors and advisors
• Members/clergy of your church or religious institution
• College alumni
• Family contacts
• Social acquaintances
• Salespeople
• Classmates - from any grade level
• Politicians, Town Council members
• Doctor, dentist, lawyer
• Business club members and executives

Prioritize each contact

After you have made a list of the people you know, prioritize them while keeping in mind the following traits of a good contact:

• Likes you and/or has a reason to want to help you
• Knows many people
• Aware of the current job market
• Successful

Networking plan

• Research your chosen career field at libraries, bookstores and on the Internet.
• Ask friends about people they know who have jobs in this career field.
• Build a network of people you can talk with about their work.
• Organize a system to track your networking activities and contact names.
• Prepare a personal pitch - a 30-second response to "Tell me a little about yourself."
• Prepare your networking self-marketing tools:resume, letters, etc.

Networking tips

• Find contacts who really want to help.
• Express your gratitude. Send a thank you letter within 24 hours of a meeting.
• Inventory your contacts by type. Network for the specific connections you need.
• Be clear about what you want from your networking contacts.
• Be very thoughtful about your 30 to 45 second Personal Pitch and practice its delivery.
• Always be prepared - have business cards and resumes with you at all times.
• Create business cards to be used as "calling cards." You don't need to list a job title or company name - just your basic contact information.
• Stay in touch. Keep interested contacts informed about your job search progress.
• Effective networking is usually not a one-shot deal. Nurture long-term reciprocity.
• Find people experienced in the areas you're pursuing and build a relationship with them. They'll be a sounding
        board for your ideas and help analyze your career goals.
• Volunteering, part-time jobs and temporary work are alternate ways to network for information and job leads.
• Professional associations are full of avid networkers who would welcome you to meetings.
• Associations are a key to the "hidden job market" and networking. Their Web sites post membership directories, industry news and job trends and targeted resource libraries. To connect with associations visit your local library, or go online to get more information.
• Get your nose out of that book and network! It's easy to get stuck in the library or on the computer.
• Networking is happening all around us. Take a deep breath and do it.

Job fairs

Attending a job fair is an opportunity to gain information about a variety of jobs and companies. It's a great time to make contacts for careers, internships or seasonal work. Here are a few suggestions on how to make the most of this great networking opportunity.

• Locating job fairs: check newspapers, college placement offices, community centers and the Internet for information about upcoming job fairs. Select job fairs that cover the geographic area, companies and positions of interest to you.
• Prepare for the fair: begin by identifying a few of the key strengths on your resume. Be prepared to discuss each key area, as appropriate, with potential employers. Practice introducing yourself and describing your skills to friends or family before the fair.
• Dress exactly as you would for an interview. If you have "business cards" containing your personal information, bring them to hand out. (You can have these made inexpensively at a local copy shop). You will also want to bring plenty of resumes (more than you think you will need), a notepad and pen. Consider including a very general cover letter with your resume that identifies your objective and key qualifications. This will make a positive impression because very few candidates make the effort. Carry a small portfolio instead of a briefcase so you can easily shake hands with recruiters.
• Prepare for the job: if you know which companies will be represented, do some research before the job fair so you can discuss their businesses and ask intelligent questions. You will also want to prioritize which companies you want to meet with in case you run out of time.

At the fair

Think of your interaction with employers at the job fair as a job interview. Don't be surprised if you are interviewed on the spot. Pay attention to the non-verbal cues of the people working the booths. If the interviewer looks over your shoulder or at his/her watch, it's time to move on.
This is also an opportunity to gather information. A job fair is an ideal way to find out what positions are open and the qualifications of the people being hired.

Follow-up The day after the fair, send a cover letter to each contact with whom there might be ongoing mutual interest. Remind him or her of your meeting and qualifications. Enclose a fresh copy of your resume. If you said you would call the employer, do so, but leave only one or two messages. Be prepared to wait for a response.