How To Find Employment

A good job search campaign takes a commitment of time, dedication and hard work. As a suggestion, divide the time you have available into the following areas:

NETWORKING RESOURCES

(75% of your time) Part of an excellent job campaign includes mailing your resume to prospective employers. If you mail 100 inquires, you may only get 5% who respond. The secret to a good response rate is finding a job before it is advertised, and the best way to learn about job opportunities is by talking to people. The following may give you some useful sources of information.

Previous Work Colleagues

Since you have worked with them in the past they know your potential.

Friends and Relatives

It’s important to ask the right question. For example, “Do you know anyone in Chicago ?” or “Do you know anyone who works in purchasing?” Even distant relatives can be good sources of information.

Job Fairs

Visits at career fairs enable you to become more familiar with employers.

Membership in Professional Organizations

Attendance at meetings and conferences of professional associations can place one in touch with key people in their field and the community.

Volunteer Activities

Become involved with your community. Widen your professional contacts and increase your knowledge by volunteering your services to interesting organizations. Even as little as an evening each week can pay valuable dividends such as improved skills and a broader base of contacts. This is especially true with college. Getting involved with campus clubs, student government organizations and talking to people in your residence halls or classes can lead to valuable contacts and rewarding experiences.

Memberships in Health, Special Interest Clubs and Religious Organizations

Increase your circle of acquaintances in your local area and beyond by involving yourself in interesting organizations.

Information Interviews

People who are currently employed in your field of interest may have valuable information. Ask them how they would find employment, which colleagues would help, and what publications to read. Talk to people who have recently found employment. They often have information to share.

RELATED RESOURCES

(25% of your time) An exception to this rule would be graduating students, who should spend 50% or more of their time utilizing university resources. But if you are looking for employment in a limited geographical area or employment category or if you have extensive experience only 25% of your time should be divided among the following. A good job campaign should be a combination of all sources of information and not just one or two.

University and College Placement Offices

Look into the services and vacancy materials they offer alumni and students. Graduating students should spend 50% or more of their job campaign time utilizing these resources. Find out who has hired previous graduates from the University.

Employment Security Commission

It is a good idea to check your local jobs service office at least once each week. Offices are located in small and large cities and have computerized listings of local, statewide, and national job openings.

Executive Employment Agencies

Utilize agencies that do not require a fee. They may have access to job openings you do not.

Chamber of Commerce

A local chamber of commerce can provide information on local businesses and developing industries. A good source of inside information about a community.

LIBRARY REFERENCE RESOURCES

Directories

Many directories list organizations by industry type and geographical location. Directories such as “Standard and Poor’s” and “Dun and Bradstreet” list nationwide employers who have sold stocks and shares. Don’t forget the telephone book is the most comprehensive and up-to-date listing of all employers in a geographical area. These are often available in many libraries.

Job Bank Series

These books contain information about principal employers in each major population center in America .

Vacancy Bulletins

The vacancy bulletins list area job vacancies and are available at local and university libraries. There is an increasing number of computerized bulletin boards and databases available to employers. You can learn about these through magazines and other professional publications.

Newspapers

Many local and national newspapers are available. Answer classified advertisements for employment opportunities, but many authorities recommend that you only spend a small portion of your job search efforts on this resource. Specialty Newspapers “National Ad Search” and “National Business Employment Weekly” compile job opportunities from many newspapers nationwide. Job campaign books will give you a list of the publications to consider in your field of interest.

Specialty Magazines

Every organization and industry has its own publications which will give information on recent developments in the field as well as job listings. Learn about these in your field of study and stay informed.

OTHER OPTIONS

Part Time Employment

This will give you some income and still leave you time to look for other employment.

Internships

Internships will allow you to expand your work experiences. Some organizations extend job offers to as many as 75% of their interns.

Compromise

Don’t set your goals too high at first. Be willing to take a position that does not quite meet all your needs. If an organization is growing, you will be in an ideal position for advancement.