The Internet has profoundly changed the way we identify potential employers. To find one--preferably the one--that's right for you in today's job market, you will need to wield a combination of paper and electronic tools.
Opportunities for employment now extend well beyond the résumé banks that reside--and often lie dormant--at major companies. Savvy job seeker can choose from several methods, detailed below, to increase their exposure and improve their odds of landing the job they aspire to.
Print Classified Ads
Although the traditional “help wanted” print ad has not disappeared altogether—yet—it is most commonly used within fields such as engineering or nursing, in which job openings are regular and ongoing. Employers looking to fill positions more quickly usually turn to online classifieds. The Conference Board estimates that U.S. companies now post approximately 4.2 million jobs per month at a variety of online sites, including newspapers, corporate websites, and online job boards. A few job seekers also take a guerrilla job-hunting approach and buy their own ad in a newspaper or trade magazine. It takes guts to go this route, of course. But according to David Perry, co-author of Guerrilla Marketing for Job Hunters, it can help a candidate stand out and produce positive results.
Trade Magazines
Many employers continue to place ads in highly specialized trade magazines as a way to “narrowcast” their open positions. Whether you’re seeking work as a corporate travel specialist or a university librarian, many trade magazines provide bona fide leads. Finding these magazines may require a bit of creativity; few of them are available at newsstands. In many cases, a Google search, such as “trucking magazine,” will yield results. You can also often find trade magazines by searching for a professional field (such as engineering or accounting) along with the word association. For example, you would search for leads in engineering by typing engineering associations. This search would yield a number of associations, including the American Council of Engineering Companies and the National Society of Black Engineers. Both of these groups display their magazines at their Web sites. You can also check the Encyclopedia of Associations, which is widely available in libraries. After you’ve identified industry associations, venture online and see if they publish a magazine or newsletter.
Corporate Websites
The official website of almost every company—particularly medium and large firms—includes an “employment” or “job seekers” link that’s a rich source of information about open positions, pay and benefits, career development, company information, culture, and education and training opportunities. Many sites also let you submit a résumé directly, as an attachment or via fax.
Submitting an application and résumé directly to a company has both pros and cons. The upside: Your information makes its way into the firm’s database immediately. The downside: Many companies are so inundated with online applications that your chances of being singled out can become a game of “keyword roulette.” After all, a company’s search is only as good as the person searching for the particular terms she opts to enter (see chapter 12 of "Finding the Work You Love" for more information about how to use keywords).
Executive Search Firms
For certain types of positions, particularly managerial-level jobs at medium and large firms, an executive-search strategy can produce winning results. However, as a rule, recruiters don’t specialize in career changers. They seek professionals with loads of experience and the fast-track to a new job (for which they earn a hefty fee). Keep in mind, too, that search firms work for employers and typically have specific job “orders” or “contracts” that they attempt to fill.
As a result, it’s wise to send your résumé to dozens of these companies and look for boutique firms that specialize in your area of expertise. For example, this might include Shelton Associates in science and engineering, the Howard-Sloan-Koller Group for publishing, and the Esquire Group for the legal field. Meanwhile, larger recruiting firms such as Korn/Ferry International and Robert Half now specialize in multiple areas, including medicine, technology, and finance and accounting. You can find numerous executive-search resources and guides online, including RileyGuide.com, Bluesteps.com, and RecruiterRedbook.com, which invite you to view directories, listings, and advertisements for hundreds of search firms. In addition, many industry groups include a roster of members who work as recruiters. If you’re interested in a particular field—accounting, engineering, medicine, you name it—consider checking with the appropriate association (you can search online or check the Encyclopedia of Associations at your local library).
Alumni Networks
Alumni groups have exploded in popularity in recent years for good reason. The Internet has made it easier than ever to leverage the power of the human network. Check past employers to see if they operate an alumni network. If so, create a profile and reconnect with past colleagues. Other professionals often have the inside scoop on top recruiters and employment opportunities.
Also, don't overlook job fairs and social networking sites such as Linked In, Facebook, and Twitter. The right information at the right place can lead to consulting gigs, freelance assignments, even a job offer.
Remember, there's no single way to find the work you love.
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