After exploring careers of interest and determining the kinds of education and training needed to succeed, you're ready to begin your job search. Finding a job takes planning and persistence. Using a variety of approaches will improve your odds of finding the right job with the right employer.

While you're searching, you should also be aware of the employer's perspective. Considerable costs are associated with the recruiting, selecting, hiring, and training of new employees. Therefore, employers are careful about hiring decisions, taking time to evaluate applicants while looking for the maximum skills they can hire for the wage they have to pay. Successful applicants will need to be professional, prepared, and presentable.

Strategies that Work

Today's job seekers need the best preparation possible for their job search. The following strategies will help you land the job that's right for you:

• Develop a resumé that showcases your skills and abilities and is tailored to the specific job for which you are applying.

• Develop your network of contacts; the more people who know you are looking for work, the better your chances of finding work.

• Use the Internet to view job search sites, as well as to view job postings on individual corporate web sites. However, don't limit yourself to Internet searches only.

• Contact prospective employers directly. After researching the business, call and ask to speak with the hiring manager or other appropriate contact (such as a specific departmental manager), inquire about possible openings, and ask to set up an appointment with him/her.

• Register for work with your local JobLink Career Center, Employment Security  office, or other employment placement agency. Be aware, however, that some private placement agencies may charge a fee for their service.

• Search job postings in newspapers, professional and trade journals, and other publications.

• Read the business section of your local newspaper to learn about companies that are moving into the area, expanding their operations, or have received patent approvals or other awards; these companies are likely to be hiring new workers.

• Attend job fairs in your area or at your school.

• Take advantage of state agency resources, particularly if you are a dislocated worker.

• Take a drive through nearby industrial parks, shopping centers, and office complexes to note the companies located there; contact suitable companies at a later date.

• Develop your interviewing skills so that you can relay your experience, skills, and abilities with poise and confidence.

• Know what it takes to negotiate a job offer so you're ready when the time comes.

• Know what it takes to succeed and grow in your career.
   

Using a combination of methods is essential for a successful job search. Develop a strategy that works best for the occupations you are seeking. To find the best methods for you, consult with people in your field of interest or with a career counselor in your school or community. How did others in the same or similar field find their jobs? Was it through networking, a head hunter, a newspaper advertisement, a posting on a web site or with a government agency, or a job fair hosted in your area or at your school/college? It was probably more than one of these methods. One size does not fit all, so develop a job search campaign that targets your specific career goals.