Getting a job can take months of time and application. But you can speed the process by adopting many ways to find job role openings. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics suggest that folk who use many job role search methods find jobs faster than folk who use only one or 2.
Personal contacts. Many jobs are never advertised. Folk get them by talking to friends, family, neighbors, acquaintances, teachers, former coworkers, and others who know of an opening. Be sure to tell people that you are looking for a job because the folk you know may be some of the most effective assets for your search. To develop new contacts, join student, community, or professional organizations.
School livelihood planning and placement offices. High school and college placement services help their students and alumni find jobs. Some invite recruiters to use their facilities for interviews or livelihood fairs. They also may have lists of open jobs. Most also offer livelihood counseling, livelihood testing, and job search advice. Some have career resource libraries; host workshops on job role search strategy, resume writing, letter writing, and effective interviewing; critique drafts of resumes; conduct mock interviews; and sponsor job fairs.
Employers. Directly contacting employers is 1 of the most successful means of job role hunting. Through library and Internet research, develop a list of potential employers in your desired career field. Then call these employers and check their Web sites for job role 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 role might become available. Consider asking for an informational interview with people working in the livelihood you want to learn more about. Ask them how they got started, what they like and dislike about the work, what type of qualifications are necessary for the job role, and what type of personality succeeds in that position. In addition to giving you career information, they may be able to put you in contact with other employers who may be hiring, and they can keep you in mind if a position opens up.
Classified ads. The "Help Wanted" ads in newspapers and the Internet list numerous jobs, and many people find work by responding to these ads. Nevertheless when using classified ads, keep the following in mind:
Follow all leads to find a job role; do not rely solely on the classifieds.
Answer ads promptly, because openings may be filled quickly, even before the ad stops appearing in the paper.
Read the ads every day, particularly the Sunday edition, which usually includes the most listings.
Keep a record of all ads to which you have responded, including the specific skills, academic background, and personal qualifications required for the position. You may want to follow up on your initial inquiry.
Internet resources. The Internet includes many job role hunting Web sites with job role listings. Some job boards provide National listings of all kinds; others are local. Some relate to a specific type of work; others are general. To find good prospects, begin with an Internet search adopting keywords related to the job you want. Also look for the Web sites of related professional associations.
Also consider checking Internet forums, also called message boards. These are online discussion groups where any1 may post and read messages. Use forums specific to your profession or to livelihood-related topics to post questions or messages and to read about the job searches or livelihood experiences of other people. Although these message boards may seem helpful, carefully evaluate all advice before acting; it can be difficult to determine the reliability of information posted on message boards.
In online job role databases, remember that job listings may be posted by field or discipline, so begin your search adopting keywords. Many Web sites allow job seekers to post their resumes online for free.
Professional associations. Many professions have associations that offer employment information, including career planning, educational programs, job role listings, and job role placement. Information can be obtained directly from most professional associations through the Internet, by telephone, or by mail. Associations usually require that you be a member to use these resources.
Labor unions. Labour unions provide various job resources to members and potential members, including apprenticeship programs that teach a specific trade or skill. Contact the appropriate labour union or State apprenticeship council for more information.
Job role matching and referral. At the State job service office, an interviewer will determine if you are "job ready" or if you need help from counseling and testing resources to assess your occupational aptitudes and interests and to help you choose and prepare for a livelihood. After you are job role ready, you may examine available job listings and select openings that interest you. A staff member can then describe the job openings in detail and arrange for interviews with prospective employers.
Services for special groups. By law, veterans are entitled to priority job placement at State job service centers. If you are a veteran, a veterans' employment representative can inform you of available assistance and help you to deal with problems.
State employment service offices also refer people to opportunities available under the Workforce Investment Act (WIA) of 1998. Academic and livelihood resources and referrals are provided to employers and job seekers, including adults, dislocated workers, and youth. These programs help to prepare people to participate in the State's workforce, increase their job and earnings potential, improve their academic and occupational skills, and reduce their dependency on welfare.
Community agencies. Many nonprofit organizations, including religious institutions and vocational rehabilitation agencies, offer counseling, livelihood development, and job role placement resources, generally targeted to a particular group, such as women, youths, minorities, ex-offenders, or older workers.
Private job agencies and career consultants. Private agencies can save you time and they will contact employers who otherwise might be difficult to locate. Such agencies may be called recruiters, head hunters, or employment placement agencies. These agencies may charge for their services. Most operate on a commission basis, charging a percentage of the first-year salary paid to a successful applicant. You or the hiring company will pay the fee. Find out the exact cost and who is responsible for paying associated fees before utilizing the service. When determining if the service is worth the cost, consider any guarantees that the agency offers.
Internships. Many folk find jobs with business and organizations with whom they have interned or volunteered. Look for internships and volunteer opportunities on job boards, school career centers, and company and association Web sites, however also check community service organizations and volunteer opportunity abstractsbases. Some internships and long-term volunteer positions come with stipends and all provide experience and the chance to meet employers and other good ne2rking contacts.
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