5 Quick Tips for Finding a Job

It is a dog-eat-dog world out there in regard to searching for a job. It seems like there is no shortage on qualified people who need work, and it can sometimes take months– or even years– to have something turn up.

That’s why job applicants need to know every advantage possible. They need to know the resources available to them, and how to best use them.

Here are five tips for finding a job:

1. Use networking websites such as www.LinkedIn.com. Several head-hunters and recruiters check out this website on a daily basis. Also, this website is a great way for you to meet new people as well as take part in discussion related to your field. Word of advice– LinkedIn says that members are not supposed to send connection invitations to connect with people they do not know. Technically, if enough people said they did not know you, LinkedIn would not allow you to send more invitations. This almost never happens, though. Everyone is glad to meet new people! So send invites to anyone and everyone on LinkedIn that you think may somehow help your cause.
2. Do job searches on Yahoo, Google, etc. But beyond that, do very, very specific job searches. Learn the tricks behind only including certain words in your searches, including similar words, and a wide variety of other tricks.
3. Most states have Career Centers or employment agencies that exist primarily to help you find a job. Take advantage of these resources. For example, Missouri’s Career Center website can be found at www.jobs.mo.gov. There are also several physical locations for the Missouri Career Centers, and this is also the case in several other states.
4. Find something part-time that you can do in your field until something full-time comes along. Or, by the same token, try to find freelance or consulting work. This will help get your name out there, and it will also help people know you are still available. For example, aspiring or unemployed journalists could benefit greatly from writing stories on a freelance basis for publications.
5. Do plenty of real, old fashioned, face-to-face networking! Actually go and hand out your resume to organizations you would like to work for. Too many people are too afraid to go out and visit people. Also, make sure to follow up on past applications either in person or on the phone. Email is an invaluable tool in many ways, but it can never quite replace face-to-face or even phone interactions.

Best of luck,

Jake