Job Search Methods

Job search methods that help you find and get the job you want.

What are some of the most effective job search methods? There is no doubt that finding a job can take a great deal of time and effort. But you can make the process go faster and more smoothly by using a variety of methods to find open job positions. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics suggest that people who use many job search methods find jobs faster than people who use only one or two, which makes perfect sense. Never put all of your eggs into one basket, right?

Personal contacts (also known as Networking). Many jobs are never advertised. People find out about these jobs by talking to friends, family, neighbors, teachers, former coworkers, acquaintances, and others who know of an opening. For this reason, it is important to tell people that you are looking for a job. Why? The people you know may be some of the most effective resources for your search. If you want to develop new contacts (networking partners) join student, community, or professional organizations or find out if there are any job networking groups meeting in your area. Check with your library, local employment service or do a search on the internet.

Employers. Directly contacting employers is one of the most successful job search methods. Through library and Internet research, develop a list of potential employers in your desired career field. Then call these employers and review their Web sites for job openings. Web sites and business directories can tell you how to apply for a position or whom to contact. Even if no open positions are posted, do not hesitate to contact the employer: You never know when a job might become available.

Classified ads. You can find these ads in newspapers and the Internet. They list numerous jobs, and many people find work by responding to these ads. Keep in mind that you will likely encounter more competition for these jobs as there are a lot of other people reading the same ad.

Internet resources. The Internet includes many job hunting Web sites with job listings. Some job boards provide National listings of all kinds; others are local. Some web sites actually aggregate or bring together job postings from a variety of web sources. For instance, www.indeed.com included job postings from Monster.com, careerbuilder.com and others.

To find potential job opportunities, begin with an Internet search using keywords related to the job you want. Also search for sites of related professional associations.

Another job search method that involves using the internet is checking Internet forums, also called message boards. These are online discussion groups where anyone may post and read messages. Use forums specific to your profession or to career-related topics to post questions or messages and to read about the job searches or career experiences of other people.

Professional associations. Many professions have associations that offer employment information, including career planning, educational programs, job listings, and even job placement. In almost all cases, to use these services, associations require that you become a member. You can find out whether your profession has an association by checking with your local library or performing research on the Internet.

Private employment agencies and career consultants. Private agencies can save you time and they often have contact with employers who otherwise might be difficult reach, but these agencies often charge for their services. Most operate on a commission basis, charging a percentage of the first-year salary paid to a successful applicant. Sometimes the employer pays the fee, but many times, the employee (you) have to pay the fee. There are many cases where a fee must be paid in advance of the job search, too. This can run into thousands of dollars. Find out the exact cost and who is responsible for paying associated fees before using the service. When determining if the service is worth the cost, consider any guarantees that the agency offers.

School career planning and placement offices. High school and college placement offices help their students and alumni find jobs. Some invite recruiters to use their facilities for interviews or career fairs. They usually also have lists of open positions, too. Keeping in touch with these placement offices is great even when you aren't searching for a job as they offer many other helpful benefits, too. For instance, most also offer career counseling and career testing. If you aren't sure what career field suits you best, they can help you through a variety of strategies. Some have career resource libraries which makes it easier to research potential employers as well as review job search, resume writing and career-related advice.

State employment service offices. The State employment service, sometimes called the Job Service, operates in coordination with the U.S. Department of Labor's Employment and Training Administration. Local offices, all over the country, help job seekers to find jobs and help employers to find qualified workers at no cost to either. To find the office nearest you, look in the State government telephone listings under "Job Service" or "Employment." This is one of the job search methods that is often overlooked.

Federal Government. Information on obtaining a position with the Federal Government is available from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) through USAJOBS, the Federal Government's official employment information system. The web site also provides information about how to apply for a federal job, resources for people with disabilities and explanations of how jobs get filled.

Community agencies. Many nonprofit organizations, including religious institutions and vocational rehabilitation agencies, offer counseling, career development, and job placement services. These are generally targeted to a particular group, such as women, people with disabilities, youths, minorities, ex-offenders, or older workers.

Internships and Volunteering. Some people find jobs with business and organizations with whom they have interned or volunteered. Look for internships and volunteer opportunities in the newspaper, on job boards, career centers, and company and association Web sites. Some internships and long-term volunteer positions come with stipends and all provide experience and the chance to meet employers and other good networking contacts. If nothing else, they look great on your resume.

Labor unions. Labor unions provide various employment services to members and potential members, including apprenticeship programs that teach a specific trade or skill. Contact the appropriate labor union or State apprenticeship council for more information.

The above job search methods were compiled from the Bureau of Labor Statistics web site.

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