| An aggressive job-search is not centered solely | | | | your qualifications in a very direct way. Yes, toot |
| around one method, such as online job boards, | | | | your own horn! |
| newspaper ads or networking. | | | | Even if the company is not hiring, request a short |
| Based on my experience as a resume writer, some | | | | informational interview so that you can find out more |
| job hunters mistakenly think that their job search can | | | | about them and they can find out more about you. |
| be conducted entirely from their home, sitting in front | | | | Afterward, send that individual a thank-you note. |
| of the computer. | | | | Then, keep in touch with that individual. |
| Instead, experts say that a successful strategy | | | | 3. Read newspapers and watch the local news on TV |
| should employ multiple search methods for the best | | | | to identify leads. Pay particular attention to business |
| chances of securing interviews and, ultimately, offers. | | | | newspapers that cover only business news. Most |
| For example, a job seeker might use networking, | | | | major markets have business papers, but you might |
| online job boards, cold-calling, a staffing firm and | | | | have to hunt for this type of paper (they are not |
| professional associations as part of an overall | | | | always sold on newsstands). Look for stories about |
| strategy. | | | | companies that are moving to town, companies that |
| Utilizing all of these different methods could help with | | | | are expanding, new business developments that are |
| tapping into the so-called "hidden job market." | | | | in the works and any other news that would suggest |
| Statistics have shown for years that most job | | | | possible job opportunities. Columns with |
| openings are not advertised. Employers seem to like | | | | announcements about recent promotions and staffing |
| candidates who were personally referred, too. A | | | | changes are a gold mine. Whenever someone gets a |
| 2001 Forrester Research study found that 62% of | | | | new job, there is usually a job opening created by |
| hiring managers said that word-of-mouth referrals | | | | that person's departure. As you identify leads through |
| were the best source of new hires. | | | | the media, determine if anyone in your network can |
| That means that networking continues to be one of | | | | help you get your foot in the door to the |
| the most valuable tools in any job-seeker's toolbox. | | | | organization, and make contact either way. |
| As a job seeker, you should aim to find out about | | | | 4. Get involved with professional associations in your |
| the job openings that will never be advertised, and to | | | | industry. Most professions have associations that |
| be one of the first candidates considered as soon as | | | | provide professional development opportunities for |
| a company decides to hire someone - before they | | | | members. Most major markets have local chapters of |
| have even told anyone they're hiring. | | | | national associations, and these local chapters typically |
| How do you go about this? | | | | have regular events, such as monthly luncheons with |
| 1. Start with your address book. Contact friends, | | | | speakers. These are great opportunities to learn |
| family and all of your professional contacts, such as | | | | more about your profession and keep up with the |
| people you worked with at previous jobs, vendors or | | | | latest trends. Perhaps most importantly, these |
| clients you worked with at previous jobs and people | | | | meetings provide the opportunity to meet peers in |
| you've met through professional associations. Tell the | | | | your profession and people who might be in a |
| people you know from church, service clubs and | | | | position to hire you. Additionally, some professional |
| other organizations. Do not forget about other people | | | | organizations offer job listings for members only. This |
| you have relationships with, like your financial adviser | | | | might be on the organization's Web site in a |
| and eye doctor. | | | | password-secured area or in its members-only |
| Ask all your contacts if you can send your resume to | | | | newsletter. Often, employers might list jobs with a |
| them. Even if these people know you, they might | | | | professional association but not list them with any |
| not know all of your qualifications and be able to | | | | major job boards. It is probably cheaper (or even |
| convey them to someone else effectively. | | | | free), and they can have a reasonable expectation |
| Ask your contacts if their companies might be hiring, | | | | that the candidates will be dedicated professionals |
| and if they can get you an informational interview | | | | who are successful in the industry. |
| with their employer. See if they know anyone who is | | | | Your contacts in a professional association will also be |
| hiring, and if they will keep an eye out for | | | | valuable should there be any job openings at their |
| opportunities for you. | | | | companies. You could speak to a contact about a job |
| 2. Identify companies for whom you would like to | | | | opening at his or her company to get information |
| work. Begin researching them. Find out as much | | | | about the job that another candidate would not |
| information about them as possible. Identify the | | | | know. You also might be able to have your contact |
| appropriate point of contact there (such as the | | | | hand your resume to the hiring manager, which would |
| manager of whatever department you would like to | | | | get the manager's attention and make you stand out |
| work in), and make contact. Put in a phone call. Give | | | | from the dozens or hundreds of strangers sending |
| him or her a 30-second "elevator pitch" explaining | | | | resumes to HR. |