The Seven Not So New Realities About Looking for a Job

By Rosita Smith

Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce

 

As you look for that right position for you, consider these seven not so new realities that will impact your search for your first job out of college. Most are timeless truths that are being revisited by first time job seekers, while the others reflect technology's influence on the job search. .

1. Technology complements, not replaces human contact. Former job seekers have found that relying on the Internet is not enough when looking for a job. Networking, combined with the on-line search tools are important strategies to finding a job. Savvy job seekers apply for positions on-line through company sites and general sites, and then call contacts within the company for further advice.

2. Only targeting large companies does not guarantee job security. Competent, valued employees with small and larger employers often lose their jobs for reasons outside their control. Company stability should be a strong consideration, but just as important, look for positions that match your skills, interests, and talents that will enable you to make a contribution to an employer while expanding your own skills for future positions. No employer can or will promise you a job for life - or until YOU are ready to leave. The depth and relevancy of your talents and skills, professional reputation, coping skills, resourcefulness and any personal contacts that you make in your field are what you will rely upon if you find yourself unemployed at some period during your working life.

3. Most jobs remain unadvertised. After all the formal posting and searching is done, employers with positions to fill often still use their informal network to strengthen their pool of candidates. If you are focused on specific industries, it will be easier to find a position if you make it known within the informal networks that you are looking for a job. Make an appointment with a person who is holding the type of job you'd like to have as a way to becoming a part of the informal network. Ask the person for additional names of persons you can talk to (in addition to any inquiries about specific positions). Talk to these persons about useful web sites, sources of job leads, persons to know, professional associations and industry publications. This will help you to become familiar with key names and sources of job leads - while developing your own personal network for the future.

4. An effective job search includes staying abreast of regional business news and industry trends. While searching for your position, take time to read the local business news in the geographical region of where you are applying. Read national business publications and the publications in your field to gain familiarity with industry buzzwords, news and industry trends. Use the press site on the company web site, the index of the Wall Street Journal or other resources to uncover current company information.

5. Personal referrals from others, professional association meetings and business events remain the richest resources to get job leads and advice. The job search effort almost requires that you get help from others. And most people want to be helpful. If you never ask, you won't know what information someone may have that will lead you to that desired position. You just have to ask. Make a list to include employed friends, friends of employed friends, those in service occupations who meet a lot of people, neighbors, professors, career services staff, family friends, alumni networks, etc. and start contacting these people. Prepare a pitch ahead of time that clearly explains what you are looking for. Commit to always being active with one or more professional associations. Commit to attending a minimum of two business events each week.

The above is an excerpt from The Last Job Search Guide You'll Ever Need: How to Find and Get the Job or Internship of Your Dreams, which is available for sale for $19.85 in our bookstore or $27.00 at Amazon.com but for free to those who subscriber to our free career newsletter. This hot new book contains job search secrets of the most experienced, most knowledgeable and most respected career experts. Learn career planning, job hunting tools and tactics, interviewing, cover letter and resume writing (lots of samples!), networking, and how to find an internship. Written by 149 career experts. To receive a free copy, subscribe to our free career newsletter.

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