Job Search Advice for Desperate Job Seekers
Another morning of job hunting lies ahead of you. You pour a cupof coffee and open the paper to the employment section. With amixture of anticipation and desperation you pick up a stub ofpencil and prepare to target and identify some possible jobopportunities.
There are less ads to circle this morning and despite thepromising words and vague descriptions you have begun to believethat none of these potential employers will seriously consideryou. Perhaps they have family or friends or maybe you'll hearonce again "I'm afraid you're overqualified for this position".
After making a few phone calls you try to get into a positiveframe of mind. You head out the door, a folder of resumes in onehand and a list of addresses at the next. You will drop off a fewresumes and have plans for an interview this afternoon.
Maybe today will be different...
Are you or a friend looking for work? Have you heard ofacquaintances laid off from long-term employment only to findfour or five months later that they are still unable to find ajob?
If you think the only way to find a job is to have connections,you may be partly right. With such a demand for employment manyjobs never make it to the paper. How can you compete?
NETWORKING
"Leave no stone unturned". Tell friends, family and acquaintancesof your job search. These people can give you an 'IN' to theirbusinesses when positions come available.
They may also hear of someone who is hiring and keep you updatedon opportunities you may not otherwise have heard about. Theirpersonal referral can also make an impression on the employer inyour behalf.
NON-POSTED JOBS
You don't have to wait for a job to be listed in the paper, oreven posted on the company board, to apply for work at a company.
Go through the phone book and make a list of companies you'd liketo work for. Call and ask if there are any positions available.Ask for the name of the human resources manager or the individualin charge of hiring for the area you are applying to.
Send a resume and direct it to the person in charge of hiring.Write a cover letter that expresses your interest in the companyand why you'd like to work for them. Follow up several days laterand ask for the individual. Tell them you're checking to see thatthey received your resume and ask if there are any positions thatmay become available.
If they are not hiring suggest you'll check back at another time.Often positions are made available unexpectedly and by keeping incontact (without pestering) you may be the first person thatcomes to mind.
This is not a secret. If you're not taking advantage, someoneelse will. You can't afford to miss out on making yourself knownto employers BEFORE the job posting is made public.
Accessing this hidden job market may open up opportunities younever thought possible. By staying one step ahead of other jobsearchers you can be sure that your new job is just around thecorner!
Roger Clark is senior editor at Top Career Resumes who provide free information to job seekers on all aspects of finding a new job and Medical Health News where you can find the most up-to-date advice and information on many medical, health and lifestyle topics.
