A Good Way to Find a Job
- Job fairs give employers the opportunity to do multiple mini-interviews in one setting. They also make it easy for you to talk with potential employers, pass out your resume, get interviewed and increase your business contacts. Often, several different companies host a job fair, but sometimes a single company puts on a job fair when it is hiring for many different positions.
Dress as you would for an interview, bring several copies of a current resume and a folder to hold all the business cards, contact information and job descriptions you'll pick up. Do not bring your kids or family members unless they are also looking for work. Introduce yourself with a firm handshake and a confident smile. Be prepared for a mini-interview. If it goes well, tell the representative you are interested in pursuing the position available and ask what you need to do to move forward in the process. Take notes on key points of each business you are interested in and ask the representatives for business cards. After the fair, send each person you spoke with a short thank you note expressing your interest in the position and appreciation for the opportunity. - Networking is not limited to family members, though you should ask them if they know of anyone hiring. Talk to your friends, old bosses, neighbors and professional contacts about your job search. Give them a current copy of your resume. Tell them your goals and expectations so if something becomes available within their business or industry they can pass your name along. Ask if you can use them as references when you contact their places of employment. Sometimes companies don't advertise job openings publicly, so unless you talk to your peers, friends and family, you may miss opportunities for potential employment.
- Using the Internet to find a job allows you to look internationally, using your criteria and expectations to narrow the work opportunities available. You'll find multiple employment sites, companies and industries not found in a local newspaper or community job board. You can research companies you are interested in, fill out applications and send electronic versions of a cover letter and resume without ever leaving your house, if you have an Internet connection.
If you cannot access the Internet from your home, go to your local library. Most public libraries have computers with Internet access available for you to use. - Many companies advertise their job openings in the classified section of local, regional and national newspapers. The ad may instruct you to call the business for more information or to schedule an interview, or the ad might instruct you to send a cover letter and your resume to the listed address. Daily papers often have smaller listings than Sunday papers. If you don't subscribe to a paper, buy a Sunday paper at a gas station, market or corner kiosk.
