How to Find Employment
A good job search campaign takes a commitment of time, dedication and hard work. As a suggestion, divide the time you have available into the following areas: & K) U2 E- G) ^( G* @
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NETWORKING RESOURCES ( F" [* E. p6 X4 |: f
(75% of your time) Part of an excellent job campaign includes mailing your resume to prospective employers. If you mail 100 inquires, you may only get 5% who respond. The secret to a good response rate is finding a job before it is advertised, and the best way to learn about job opportunities is by talking to people. The following may give you some useful sources of information.
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Previous Work Colleagues , A% p k# R7 }
Since you have worked with them in the past they know your potential.
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Friends and Relatives
/ {) `, e; w& ^8 jIt's important to ask the right question. For example, "Do you know anyone in Chicago?" or "Do you know anyone who works in purchasing?" Even distant relatives can be good sources of information. 3 X1 l) J) d! n1 V3 t% V2 t& V# G8 r
$ g: U0 @8 R: M$ WJob Fairs L! ?2 `6 ]7 }: @0 N
Visits at career fairs enable you to become more familiar with employers.
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Membership in Professional Organizations
- W. ~6 d7 A5 r0 {) mAttendance at meetings and conferences of professional associations can place one in touch with key people in their field and the community.
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' B+ Q( m! u' D( V( w, w" m% ^Volunteer Activities
( u2 r% \+ j' F1 D3 g' Q+ TBecome involved with your community. Widen your professional contacts and increase your knowledge by volunteering your services to interesting organizations. Even as little as an evening each week can pay valuable dividends improved skills and a broader base of contacts. This is especially true with college. Getting involved with campus clubs, student government organizations and talking to people in your residence halls or classes can lead to valuable contacts and rewarding experiences.
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Memberships in Health, Special Interest Clubs and Religious Organizations + M# z$ a3 r" a
Increase your circle of acquaintances in your local area and beyond by involving yourself in interesting organizations. 2 P$ G& N6 e( ]
: {3 B. P$ ^ z/ I6 w- q7 BInformation Interviews
" }4 z5 B: a0 [4 U- dPeople who are currently employed in your field of interest may have valuable information.f Ask them how they would find employment, which colleagues would help, and what publications to read. Talk to people who have recently found employment. They often have information to share. ' R8 a. P8 q5 ?4 \& O9 l
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RELATED RESOURCES
7 @9 T0 z# J6 X, Z(25% of your time) An exception to this rule would be graduating students, who should spend 50% or more of their time utilizing university resources. But if you are looking for employment in a limited geographical area or employment category or if you have extensive experience only 25% of your time should be divided among the following. A good job campaign should be a combination of all sources of information and not just one or two.* R) G& J# M# F& t/ {5 X' X
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University and College Placement Offices
) }# _' {. P" M- K1 a; i2 L( c |( xLook into the services and vacancy materials they offer alumni and students. Graduating students should spend 50% or more of their job campaign time utilizing these resources. Find out who has hired previous graduates from the University. 0 d6 a4 F/ R8 U# \2 o
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Employment Security Commission / W% o& F W& Y8 M5 S0 b/ l5 s
It is a good idea to check your local jobs service office at least once each week. Offices are located in small and large cities and have computerized listings of local, statewide, and national job openings. ' A. L6 u! L F) }# s8 R/ ~
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Executive Employment Agencies
$ Z. i/ f2 X0 M) T. Y2 OUtilize agencies that do not require a fee. They may have access to job openings you do not. 6 n/ G" |* V- V
7 x0 v: G9 M( `+ q w# P0 [ pChamber of Commerce
! X0 i8 z* |! p FA local chamber of commerce can provide information on local businesses and developing industries. A good source of inside information about a community.
