While job searches requires less shoe leather than before the Internet, a successful job search still requires clear thinking and an optimal search strategy. The number of job websites is plentiful however, for many the job hunt remains a struggle.
The most successful job searches often employ multiple search strategies.
Online Job Boards: Popular job sites include LinkedIn, Career Builder, Indeed and Glassdoor, as well as niche sites such as Dice, professional and alumni sites. Most staffing companies also post job opportunities on their career portals.
Networking Tools: LinkedIn is at the top of the networking food chain. It’s the place to find people who can connect you to jobs or to other professionals in the area. LinkedIn also keeps your profile in front of the most people. There are a myriad of ways to optimize LinkedIn use (Three Ways to Use LinkedIn for Your Next Job Search).
But your job search should expand to the “offline” world as well.
Meetup.com: Meetup and other online communities that organize face-to-face events are a great way to meet new people and expand your professional network. Search keywords “Tech,” “Engineering” or “Marketing” and return dozens of groups and information about the next meeting. Meetup allows you to get a feel for the market in your area of expertise and refine your search going forward.
You will meet others in your field, including:
- peers who have the kind of job you would like
- managers in your area
- members of established professional organizations
- groups focused on specific activities, like hackathons that test your skills and abilities
The Walk-In Approach: It may seem old-fashioned, but the walk-in job search approach still works when targeting small companies. Obviously a job seeker who strolls into Facebook or Google and asks to speak to a manager will probably not be taken seriously; however, walking into a small business with a resume and asking the receptionist if the company is hiring can be a great way to literally get your foot in the door. This tactic can work especially well for fresh college grads looking for entry-level positions because it demonstrates a strong commitment and work ethic. Utilizing this strategy will also show prospective employers that the job seeker has confidence, is not afraid to be outgoing and take reasonable risks.
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