Five fingers of job search – 5 ways to
get a job
Recently when explaining to a client
that it was important to vary his approach to finding and applying to jobs, I
stumbled upon the Five Fingers of Job Search. In general, you are going to have
the best results by spreading out your “hand” and tapping into more jobs. Certainly
other ways to get a job, but if you follow these recommendations, you are bound
to be successful.
To find the most jobs, you will want
your fingers to spread over the following job search resources
1.
Online
postings – you can find hundreds of jobs online, but so can everyone else! Most
employers are requiring this, so you will have to comply in order to be
considered. Follow up is especially crucial when submitting your applications
online. Just because you have applied, doesn’t mean it was received! Some
popular job search sites are:
2.
Community agencies – your local job
service or Career One Stop office, libraries, and many other municipal or
public agencies may offer not only job search assistance, but computer and
other training.
3.
Staffing agencies – these used to be
thought of as temporary agencies, but increasingly are placing folks in
permanent positions. They can be an invaluable source of jobs. Try to develop a
relationship with a specific recruiter at each agency in your area and follow
up with them regularly.
4.
Newspapers (actual printed ones) –
many of my clients find jobs they eventually receive offers from via small,
pennysaver type local papers. Don’t disregard these as a source for potential
job leads.
5.
Employers – Many employers advertise
only on their internal job boards and/or websites. Identify employers in your
area for whom you would like to work and check their career pages regularly.
Likewise, when applying for jobs you
want to vary your approach to increase your chances of obtaining an interview
and job offer:
1.
In person – occasionally, you may
luck into a direct contact or interview with the hiring manager when you
present in person with a resume or to complete an application. This is an
excellent way to stand out from the other applicants who are sitting at home
applying for jobs online.
2.
Snail
mail – a postcard with a brief note and, if pertinent, a link to your profile
or resume or with your email address can make all the difference. The employer
doesn’t even have to open an envelope!
3.
Email – many employers provide email
addresses for their staff or follow specific conventions that can allow you to
“guess” an email address. For example, fistname.lastname@company.com is
a common email convention.
4.
Online – Again, applying on line is
a necessity these days, but so is follow up. Complete the online application,
but you may want to follow up with another application method to insure your resume
is received.
5.
Database – www.careerbuilder.com and www.monster.com as well as other job
search websites often provide the ability to post your resume online for
employers to find. This is not a bad idea, but be aware that scammers can also
see your resume and seek you out to sell their services to you.
You can also use
the ways to get a job concept to vary your approach to follow up as
employers have different styles and preferences just like everyone else. When
following up try each of the following:
1.
In person – many times someone not
accessible by phone is very accessible in person. It is also harder to ignore
or delay someone standing right in front of you versus a nameless person on the
phone. A face with a name will go a long way toward making you stand out to an
employer in general.
2.
Snail mail – This method is often
forgotten in today’s electronic communication wave. But, employers still get
mail and they will be more likely to get your resume if sent vial the post
office with a quick follow up note. Or, the postcard mentioned above!
3.
Email – if an employer is someone
who likes email, you can often obtain information about the hiring process or
time line or to request an interview. I always like the reasoning behind
offering: I am going to be in your area tomorrow and just thought I would
see if it was possible to schedule a little time with you….
4.
Phone – pick up the good ole phone
and call! Have a phone script ready to outline what you will say to the
employer and have a clear goal in mind for the call.
5.
Fax – also kind of old fashion, but
can be very effective. Most companies do not hesitate to publish their fax
numbers. If you need to do a google search use the following in the search
field: companyname city state fax
If you are
looking for work and looking for better ways to get a job, you will be more successful applying the above
principles. In fact, you should notice
results immediately.