Is Your Dream Job in Sunday's Classified Ads?
Bill Krutzen, Vocational Counselor, HireDiversity.com
|
|
|
|
Planning on using the classifieds next Sunday to find your dream job? Here's something to think about: The Department of Labor says that more than 85 percent of all jobs are never advertised! That means those help wanted ads actually cover less than 15 percent of all jobs currently available. Effective job hunting demands a proactive approach. YOU need to track down potential openings and actively follow up on all leads. Too often job hunters simply don't know where else to look after they finish with Sunday's paper. Here are some good avenues to pursue.
Use the Internet
The Internet has thousands and thousands of job openings. The big trick is not spending all your time just finding them. Use a site that gives you an edge. HireDiversity.com uses in-house recruiters that specialize in providing companies with diversity candidates including all women, minorities, bilingual, veterans, disabled and the mature worker. Make sure to create a resume listing your qualifications and experience. Post it on bulletin boards and web sites, or send it inside e-mails to make sure it doesn't become garbled during transmission.
Network
Two-thirds of all jobs are found by networking through contacts. Consult family, friends and colleagues for assistance in tracking down potential opportunities and companies. Attend any professional functions where you may meet new contacts for networking. This often leads to meeting potential bosses of companies you really want to work for. Networking is also an important tool to get insider information and a more accurate look at a company's true work environment.
Use the Library
Conduct some market research to analyze where the best opportunities lie for you. Make a list of at least 20 organizations to investigate for possible openings. Note the company name, address, and phone number; you'll eventually need to find a contact person. Your goal is to reach the hiring manager -- your potential boss -- not the Human Resources department.
Self-Marketing Letters
Once you know the companies you are interested in, mail a targeted letter to the manager. Write a short paragraph that concisely outlines your strongest skills and accomplishments. Let them know you'll be calling in a few days to follow up and learn more about their current needs. Attach your resume, and be sure you make that call to inquire about their openings. If they don't have any current openings make sure to ask if they know of any companies that do. Don't get discouraged if you don't see quick results. This process takes time, but it can uncover excellent job openings or if your letter really does its job a job created for your unique skills and experiences.
Source: HireDiversity.com
|
