6 Key Steps to Job Searching

You may be astonished to discover that some of the most common job search tactics are unsuccessful for most of the individuals who use them. Ideally, you want to use various methods to contact employers. 6 of the most popular resources and methods are:

*Contacting Employers Directly*

One of the most compelling ways to acquire a job is to contact employers directly, whether you know of an opening or not. First, create a check list for classifying the types of companies for which you'd like to work for. You might classify them by product line, size, growth outlook, or geographical locale.

The next step is to begin working on your resume. Send out your resume with a personalized letter. The letter should be addressed to a specific person, not just to the Personnel Office. After sending your resume and letter wait 2 or 3 days, then call the person you sent it to and let them know why you're calling. Speak with confidence, why you would be a good candidate for hiring, and what kind of position you're interested in.

*Networking*

Networking is the way of exchanging data, contacts, and services among individuals, groups, or corporations. Networking is a great method for finding a new or better job. Some of the groups and organizations you can contact or attend for carrying out your net working plans are...Industry and Trade Shows...Business Seminars...Conferences...Professional Organizations...

Career fairs is another important job-searching resource. With representatives and hiring personnel from various companies there, provides the opportunity to introduce yourself and have the chance to exhibit your skills and experience.

On-line newsgroups are an excellent place for networking, with discussion groups to suit practically every interest. These group participants generally include human resources agents and hiring supervisor, who lend their know-how by discussing the qualities they look for in employees.Taking part in on-line discussion groups brings a much larger exposure than, say, going to a meeting.

*Internet Job Search*

The Web is fast becoming the place to look for jobs on the Internet. There are many career resources on the Web that are devoted to job listings, with additional lists spring up every day. The Web has listings for job searchers of all backgrounds. Four of the major and most popular job-search sites on the Web are Career City, Career Mosaic, Job Options, and the Monster Board. Another way to find job listings on the Web is to perform a keyword search in search engine's like Google, or Yahoo. Use keywords like "employment opportunities", "job listings", or "positions available".

*CD-ROM Job Search*

Business directories on CD-ROM contain a vast amount of data for anyone searching for a job. Most furnish the same basic information; company name, description, address, phone and fax numbers, e-mail or Web site address, product and financial information. All directories list one or more contacts, so you know exactly whom to call for information or where to send your resume. The following is a list of 11 Databases on CD-ROM.

1. American Big Businesses Directory CD-ROM: This CD-ROM includes company descriptions that list business type, merchandise, and sales data. Available only through libraries.

2. American Business Disc: This CD-ROM contains general data on over 10 million US firms. Available only through libraries.

3. American Manufactures Directory: Lists over 1/2 million manufacturing companies with 20 or more employees.

4. Corp Tech Explore Database on CD-ROM: Lists and describes over 50,000 mostly private firms. It also gives the names and titles of Executives-Administrators, Sales Managers, and Supervisors. Available in many public, college, and university libraries.

5. D & B Million Dollar Database: Furnishes data on over 1 million businesses of numerous firms, listing the number of employees, sales volume, name of the parent company, and corporate headquarters. Also includes the names and titles of top executives. Available in colleges, universities, and some public libraries.

6. Hoover's Company Capsules on CD-ROM: Provides information and profiles of more than 11,000 firms and 30,000 executives. This CD-Rom includes detailed data on the company history and products. Available at public and universities.