Where to Start When Looking for a Job

When searching for a job, you might not know where to begin, especially if you didn't expect to become unemployed. To stay focused on your main goal of getting a job, you need to be organized. Here are a few tips that could help you start when looking for a job:

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Step 1: Make a plan.

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Make a list of jobs you would like to apply for. 

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You know what you do best. Make a list of jobs you would enjoy doing. Make a list of talents and skills that are required by that job and list all of your talent and skills so you can compare. 

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Make a list of your training and experience.

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Making a list of all of your training experience can help narrow down your job search. This will help you explore things that you are good at and things that you aren't good at.

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Think about occupations that require your talents.

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Look for job information on occupations you would be good at or enjoy doing. Your job is something that should be fun for you. Once you find some jobs you would like, narrow them down. Keep changing the list until you feel confident that you'd love that job and that you would do well at it.

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Step 2: Start the search.

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Make connections.

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Some job opportunities may come through extended networks

of friends and colleagues. Once you have decided that you want

to find a job, contact your colleagues and see if they can lead you

to a job opportunity. Make sure to tell your colleagues about the

jobs you would prefer. This will make their life much easier.

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Social media networking.

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Social media sites like LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter can

provide useful information in your job search. You can find

discussions about job openings, gather information about

companies you're interested in, and keep in touch with possible

contacts. 

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Job boards and career websites.

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These tools can be very useful in your search. They allow you to search by keywords, location, and industry. You can even post your resume on some. 

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Job fairs.

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These events are a great way to speak directly with prospective employers. They also allow you to explore opportunities that you might not have considered before.

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Professional associations.

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If you belong to a professional association, they are a great way to network within your industry. Many associations have job boards available to members.

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Company websites.

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These are a great way to learn about companies you have an interest in. Most companies have a page with their most recent job openings and you can many times apply online through their website.

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Headhunter/recruitment agencies.

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While headhunter/recruitment agencies do require a fee, their services take a lot of the pressure off of you. They will actually work on your behalf to find positions that meet your criteria. 

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Make cold calls.

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Don't be afraid to actually visit businesses that you have an interest in, but have no jobs posted. Many will take your resume and keep it on hand for future openings. You might even get lucky and find a job that has yet to be posted.

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