Tips for the Search

Learn How to Network

Make your job hunt a social experience. Let everyone know what you are looking for. This way you won’t be the only person that is helping you find a job. Since most people get jobs through connections (see the chart above), go out and make some connections through informational interviews, phone calls and direct visits to employers. Find your local professional association, join Toastmasters, get involved. The last thing you want to do is stay home and isolate yourself! Take a look at “How to Get the Job You Really Want” by J. Michael Farr or “What Color Is Your Parachute?” by Richard Bolles for more successful networking.

Here are some people that can help you look for work:

Know Your Skills

An essential part of a successful job hunt is knowing what skills you have to offer an employer. This is important whether you are networking, writing a resume, or interviewing for a job. People usually don’t give themselves enough credit with skills that they already have. Many resume and job search books have skills lists and exercises which help you identify your assets. Employment Security has a free publication called “Job Finding In The Nineties” which is helpful in this area.

The Hidden Job Market

Myth: There are no jobs available in times of high unemployment.
Fact: Jobs open up even in a tight job market due to changes in technology, people moving, promotions, employer expansion, new businesses, and retirement.

Myth: Getting a job is just a matter of letting employers know you need one. They will call when there is an opening.
Fact: Persistence pays off, you must take the initiative to remind them that you are available and interested. Employers hear from hundreds of people looking for work.

Find more information on networking and effective job search techniques in our workshops.