By Kevin Donlin, Guaranteed Resumes
Here are two powerful ways to network your way to a new position -- job
fairs and job clubs.
You'll see advertisements for job fairs in almost every Sunday paper.
They're often held at local hotels or convention centers. Even if you don't
see an ad for a job you seek, if an employer you'd like to work for will be
at a job fair, go there with your résumé and start meeting people.
Chat with potential employers to discuss what you'd like to be doing for
them -- they might offer to create a position just for you to take advantage
of your skills. Or at least agree to let you interview. You'll never know
what good things might happen unless you go and find out!
In addition to meeting employers, try to exchange business cards with at
least five other job seekers. Why? They might be leaving a company that's
looking for someone just like you. At the very least, you'll be practicing
your networking skills, which can help you in a job club.
Job clubs -- what are they and how can they help you? Here's the inside
scoop.
Because the vast majority of jobs are filled through personal contacts, a
job club can be very effective in your job search. And you'll find them all
around you. Contact your local library, church, community groups and state
employment agency for help in contacting one or more that suit your needs.
If your city publishes a free employment weekly newspaper, be sure to check
the announcements section to find job clubs. You may also find them listed
in the phone book.
In a good job club, you'll meet regularly with 10-30 other people to share
leads, provide support and practice such skills as interviewing and
negotiating for salary. Job clubs are often free, so don't worry about high
membership costs.
I highly recommend you consider adding job fairs and job clubs to your
arsenal of job search weapons.
Best of luck to you!
-- Kevin Donlin is the author of "Resume and Cover Letter Secrets Revealed," a do-it-yourself manual that will help you find a job in 30 days ... or your money back. For more information, please visit
http://www.CollegeRecruiter.com/guaranteed-resumes.php
