So you just got laid off, quit your dead-end job, or are just looking for a change of pace?
Here are 8 tips/resources that can help you easily land the job of your dreams, and get a call back within the week.
1.) Craigslist.
I will never understand why people shy away from using craigslist to find jobs. Here's why it's a great resource; first of all- you have less competition. Few people use it as a medium, and many job posts are repeatedly posted because positions are not filled. Secondly, using Craigslist is a great way not to get suckered into a small-time position at a huge chain. Many small warehouses are more than happy to pay a very good wage to reliable people in the area, and not only will they pay well, but chances are you'll gain free training and experience that will help your resume out even more.
2.) Ask around.
Don't be afraid to tell your friends what kind of a position you're in. In fact, chances are that through their networking abilities in and out of the office, they may know of an opportunity that would suit you. After all, they are your friends and know your strengths, weaknesses and interests.
3.) Linkedin.com
Linkedin is another great job-finding resource. And by this, I don't mean you should pay the fee to become a "job-seeker", because you will be in competition with hundreds of others. Make "connections" with family, old classmates, colleagues, work-peers, owners of companies you've worked along-side. Check out their profiles, and check out what they do. Look on their companies websites and call up to see if they're hiring. You may even be able to use your connection as a reference. Another way to use linked-in to find jobs is to join "groups" that have to do with your skills and interests. Often on the boards will be job postings that you can access for free, and a face behind it. You can also post your resume on the board for others to contact you.
4.) Make yourself known.
If you know of a place you'd like to work, go drive over there. Say hello. Let them know that you're willing to fill any necessary position. Enlighten them with your knowledge of the company by doing your research. For example, "I'm aware you have been around for 16 years, and in this economy that's quite a feat! I know you must be doing something right and I'd love to be a part of it." Drop off your resume- complete with a cover letter stating what you think you can offer the company.
5.) Be willing to travel.
One of the biggest troubles that hiring managers and company owners face is finding an employee who is free to travel. In fact, many companies state it directly on job listings. Having the ability to travel opens you up to a completely new realm of possibilities that many find untouchable. However, I don't suggest this to those of you with families.
6.) Learn another language.
Learning another language is another way to put yourself ahead of the game. Plus, with it being the age of technology, it's never been easier. In fact, one of my new favorite websites is http://duolingo.com/
Though your selection is limited, they allow you to learn languages easily, quickly, oh, and it's totally 100% free. No need to waste your money on classes or Rosetta Stone. No catch, folks.
(And I was not offered or paid in any way to speak out about the site, I'm just a huge fan.)
7.) Offer critique.
I do not, I repeat do not mean criticism. But if you do happen to get that interview, and you get around to checking out the website etc (which you'd have to be dumb not to) I've found that it helps to mention to the interviewer what you liked about it, and if you're ballsy enough, what you think they could do to make it more valuable to the user. This could come back to bite you if you say it the wrong way, but if you can manage to be suave until at least the end of the interview, it could show the interviewer that you may be able to provide help even in areas that are not your "expertise". For example, in the job interview I had with my current job, I mentioned that I did logo design, and would be more than happy to update their logo or help with business cards if they needed it. I feel that I was, in part hired for that reason- because within six months I had been asked to do exactly that, and had proven my worth.
8.) Talk to strangers.
When I was 16, I took my sister to school one day. Ended up in conversation with a mother of another student. She asked me at that time if I was available to babysit, which I was. (I mean, more money.)
She and I continued to maintain a relationship where I would watch her daughters, she'd invite me to church groups, I would buy her daughters little gifts, teach them the guitar, etc. One day she called me and mentioned a sales position available at a small company whose owner she knew. I ended up taking the position, and working my way up to managing the warehouse, doing the accounting work, making purchases...Anything I could learn- I did. The company exploded, and when I decided to leave after three years, I had a huge list of new skills, all thanks to talking to a stranger in an elementary school parking lot.
Long story short, you never know what someone else may have under their belt to offer. Networking is absolutely the most valuable skill when it comes to job security. So, I implore you to get out there. Get online. Make friends. Let people see you shine, and help you to achieve your goals in a setting where you're most appreciated.
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So my question for today is, what are some other tried and true methods of gaining employment?
Feel free to answer below in the comments section.
