The competition for jobs is no joke! With so many companies laying off workers you wonder if you will ever find a good job again. Even with all this turmoil jobs are still available. Knowing where to look can be key in finding some of the best jobs around. Discover some of the best places to find a job listed below.

Getting Started in Your Job Search

Before you even start to look for a job you need to get organized. This includes preparing your resume, setting up a professional email account and contacting references.

Update your social network profiles and be sure to make use of these in your job search.

Having a spreadsheet where you list jobs you have applied to and the results is a very good way of keeping organized. Job hunting takes time and approaching it with a good mind set is vital.

It doesn’t hurt either to make a list of places where you would like to work. You can then email them to see if they are hiring in the near future.

Where to Look

Craigslist.org and Monster.com remain the top online go to sites for finding a job.

Before we go into the more conventional ways of seeking employment, here is an outside of the box method that works. Every year a list comes out of “The 100 Best Companies To Work For“. Research the companies on the list, visit their websites, contact their HR department, find out if they have any openings that suit you. If you’re looking for a job, you might as well look for a job with a company that is ranked the best!

One of the best places to start looking for work is in your local newspaper. Most newspapers are now available online and you can simply look up the classified section to see what is available.

Use your local “worksource” and even unemployment office regardless of whether you are receiving unemployment or not. It is easy to narrow down your search and check in each day to see if anything new has been posted.

Numerous companies are using temp agencies to recruit new staff members. It would be worthwhile to register with your local temp agencies. This normally takes an hour or two and many times results in a job placement fairly quickly.

Local communities often hold job fairs and this is another way to let employers know you are available. You have the opportunity to drop off your resume and apply for jobs while at the fair. While this is a good method to use be prepared to stay at the job fair the entire day. Going through the application and interview process can take hours.

National job banks and online sites have tons of jobs available. This is a particularly great resource if you are willing to relocate. As well as posting available job openings you have the chance to post your resume. This way any prospective employer can search your resume before contacting you. This method has proved to be very successful for many people.

When you start looking at different ways to do your job search you will see that things aren’t as gloomy as you might have thought. Always keep a positive mindset and allocate time each day to search for that perfect dream job.

Networking to Find a Job

We all know the saying “it’s who you know”….well when it comes to finding a job everyone that you know is a potential source or lead. You need to network and take advantage of networking opportunities.

The majority of job seekers today tend to use the internet as their main way to find employment. This is an excellent method but you should also look into taking advantage of local job employment centers in your area. They can be full of useful information and have connections to companies looking to hire from their local area.

Many communities have their own job club site which is often government run. This is another great place to network with people and find out about other types of employment opportunities and training courses.

They often provide free use of the internet where you can send emails and resumes out. In addition you are given use of the telephone and fax machine to contact businesses and arrange interviews.

Don’t overlook using local business associations to find employment. Go to a chamber of commerce meeting or even a local business get together. You never know who you may run into at these meetings. Make sure you take copies of your resume or your business card with you.

Depending upon the time of year if you are invited to any social events or gatherings accept them all! This is another fantastic way to meet people and let them know you are in the market for a new opportunity.

Another area that you don’t want to overlook is picking up the phone and making calls. Many jobs are never advertised outside of a company. If there are no openings ask if you can leave your name or email them your resume. You just may happen to call on a day when a company has a vacancy. Or they may have accepted a new order that requires some additional help for a few weeks.

Working a temporary job can be a great way to get your foot in the door. So don’t overlook these types of opportunities. Covering for someone while on maternity leave can give you some new experience and who knows what will happen in one year. The person may decide not to return to work, or the company may find you another job in a different department.

You can even try volunteering for a company or organization that is in your field of expertise. There may be no job openings but you are getting your name out as someone who has devoted time to a good cause. You can use this experience on your resume and it is something that employers like to see.

Getting out and about in your local community can really help your job seeking efforts. Using the internet is easy but having your face seen around town may be more beneficial in the end.

Marenda (Posts)

Living Life Abundantly Motivator Blogger Entrepreneur Extraordinaire! Living Life Abundantly is a life style choice of personal development, self improvement, and inspired action. I created this blog with the intention of entertaining, educating, and empowering those ready for change.