How do you find jobs? You have to dig!
The visible job market
Want Ads • State Employment Agencies • Temp Agencies
The hidden job market
Advertised positions account for only 10-20% of all
job openings at any given time. Almost 90% of all job seekers apply to
these advertised openings. You should only spend one-fifth of your time
in this pursuit.
Employers often sort through applications and resumés on file or
check with employees and other people in the industry to see if they know
of good candidates.
Reach the Hidden Job Market through:
Network:
Who do you know and what do they know about you? Let family, friends,
and acquaintances know that you are looking for work, the type of work
in which you are interested and your qualifications.
Try this website: www.jobsnd.com
Direct Contact:
Letter of Inquiry: This is similar to the cover letter, except for the
first paragraph. Inquire about
possible openings with the company you are interested in working for and
have researched.
Cold Calling:
Research a business. Then call and ask for the person in charge of hiring.
Inquire about possible openings and ask to set up an appointment with
him/her.
Applying for Jobs - Target Potential Employers
Assess the company and its policies as you decide whether it would be
a good “fit” for you:
Geography: Is it within commuting distance or in a desirable location?
Are you willing to move?
Product/Service: Does it produce a product or service with which you are
familiar, that you can support and/or have experienced?
Pay/Benefits/Advancement: What benefits are provided? Are there opportunities
for advancement?
History: Does it have a strong financial growth pattern? Is a merger or
decline projected?
Philosophy: Does it prize individuality or teamwork? Reward creativity
or status quo? Encourage employees to take risks or play it safe? Are
employees proud to be associated with the business?
Mission: Does the company have a clear sense of why it is in business
and of what it hopes to
accomplish?
Before you write your resumé:
EVALUATE:
Focus your objective.
Review your goals.
Decide where you want to work and what type of work you want.
Determine your likes and dislikes.
Specify the tasks you would never consider doing.
TAKE INVENTORY:
Review your work-related knowledge and skill base; informal and formal
training; hands-on experience.
Evaluate your job-related strengths and weaknesses.
Appraise your accomplishments on and off the job.
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