Different
Tactics to Uncovering Job Leads:
It’s Not Just about Job Boards and Newspaper Ads
By: Jan Moppert
Associate Director, Career Development Center
Job searchers are signing up on e-job boards at record
levels; at the same time, job postings are falling rapidly.
This is one more sign that it is a competitive and tough
job market out there. What makes this even more sobering
is that more than 70 percent of jobs are never advertised.
I predict that as the market tightens, even fewer jobs
will be advertised and employers will rely more on word
of mouth, networking, and scouting.
What does this mean to you the job seeker? You will
have to work even more strategically to find a job.
Jobs are out there, but it'll take more than mailing
some resumes and posting on job boards. Competition
will be tougher and the competition's tactics will get
smarter. Here are a few ways to enhance your job search.
Blogs
Read about employment sectors that interest you on blogs.
If your career goal is to work in economic development
in emerging countries, research some blogs on the subject,
join the discussions on the blogs - ask questions and
share opinions (be professional and appropriate). As
you build a professional persona on this medium, you
may develop some e-relationships with industry leaders,
who will offer inside information, contacts, and advice
for your job search. You can research blogs through
Google; click on the "more" option on Google's
toolbar, choose "blogs," and start searching.
Or use LexisNexis, which can be found through the Monroe
Library's databases. Still want more? Topofblogs.com,
globeofblogs.com, and many more blog directories can
be found on the Internet.
Social
Networking Sites
Most positions are found through networking. Take advantage
of the power of your connections. Join LinkedIn,
Twitter,
Facebook,
and other networking sites, and use these sites to support
your efforts. Let your network know you are looking
for a position and keep them updated on your progress.
Share your transferable skills and experiences with
them, and ask for job leads, recommendations, and introductions.
Join career-oriented groups through these e-communities
and expand your network. Keep your profile and any photo
albums professional, or at least appropriate. Clean
up your digital dirt.
Breakfast Clubs
Many of your friends will be in the same situation.
Start a breakfast club that meets the same time each
week. Share leads, listen to frustrations, regale each
other with funny interview stories, give interviewing
advice, edit each others' cover letters, and keep each
other accountable by asking questions such as, "How
many resumes did you send out this week? Did you write
that thank you note? Did you make follow-up calls?"
Research Associated Job Paths
CareerBeam
(a web-based career development resource available on
our website) offers a multitude of career and industry
research tools. Use Hoover's Company Records to identify
competitors of businesses you have considered working
at, and apply to competitors to get industry experience.
Use the Occupational
Outlook Handbook to learn the growth expectancy
of your desired career, its salary levels, and associated
careers. Consider starting your career in an associated
path. Use this time to hone transferable skills, attain
industry expertise, and build your network. Maybe this
alternate path is the means to the end in achieving
your dream career.
Internships
While in school, secure as many internships as your
schedule will allow. Build your transferable skills,
test different careers in your major, and develop your
network. After graduation, if you struggle finding a
job, consider another internship to get more experience
and help differentiate yourself from the competition.
Volunteer
Many new graduates need to take cash-flow-only jobs
to cover their expenses while looking for their first
professional position. Supplement this position with
volunteering at an organization that will allow you
to develop more transferable skills and expand your
network with prominent people in your field of choice.
For instance, if you want to be a public relations executive,
volunteer with the American Heart Association and offer
your promotional skills to the planning and execution
of their annual fundraising event.
Temporary Positions
Approach temporary job agencies and offer your services
for temporary assignments. Take each assignment as seriously
as you would a long-term position. Many temporary positions
convert to long-term placement once budgets loosen up,
you can build your network with co-workers and supervisors,
and you get to make money in the meantime. Possibly
the best thing is, these jobs keep you busy, helping
you eliminate the job-search blues and insecurities.
There are jobs out there. You have to be strategic,
patient, and creative. Remember, looking for a job is
a full-time job. This will take time. Come visit with
a career coach in the Career Development Center to help
you make a career search plan. Or come to our workshops
on Tuesdays during the window. We have lots of ideas
for you.
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