In the world of Job Searching Techniques, there are many ways to skin a cat. Before you can begin searching for any job, it is a good idea to narrow down your search. If you can do “anything” you are sorely mistaken. You will only dilute your results, and it will take longer to get a job. Pick a job you know you can do and focus.
Once deciding on your “focus” job, putting together an optimized resume is key. An optimized resume will open the door to opportunities within your “focus” job. Without, you will be throwing darts at a board.
Read: How to Build a Winning Resume
Resume Template: IT Resume Template
Job Searching Techniques List:
1. Job Boards
Take your newly optimized resume to the boards. A good place to start is Careerbuilder, Monster, and Dice. When it comes to technology jobs and opportunities, Dice is nice. Another great place to post your resume is on Indeed.
2. Recruiters
Research Staffing Agencies in your area for the type of work you are looking for. Connect with someone and send your resume over. Agencies generally work with all kinds of clients and already have a foot in the door with hiring managers. We(Recruiters) are normally really busy, so feel free to check in periodically, but don’t call us everyday. If we have a matching opportunity we WILL reach out to you immediately.
3. LinkedIn
Connect with old colleagues, co-workers, college buddies, and everyone else you know. Let them know that you are looking for opportunities in your field and you would appreciate a referral if they know of anyone looking for people. Networking is one of the best sources for finding a job in the job searching techniques tool box.
4. Job Fairs
Research local job fairs. Research attending companies and open positions before you attend. Dress sharp – wear a suit and tie. Bring multiple copies of your resume. Check out companies that in your research you found to be a match.
5. User Groups, Professional Groups, General Networking
You never know when you are going to run across a resource. Volunteer for non-profits. Attend user groups that are of interest. Attend happy hour networking groups. Attend any event that will get you in front of people.
6. Job Search Aggregators
In addition to posting your resume on Indeed, you can use it to search out opportunities. Indeed combines multiple job boards into one easy search. Simplyhired is another great job board aggregator. Make sure to only apply for jobs matching your optimized resume. Keep track of where you applied.
7. Corporate Websites – Suggestion by Eric Putkonen of MinnesotaTechJobs.com.
Check out the companies you really want to work for. Sometimes the job is not really posted anywhere else…especially for smaller companies. It happens. Set up job alerts with those companies, so if they don’t have something now…at least you will be notified when something does come up.
Make sure to follow up with people. Don’t be a pest.
Additional Job Searching Techniques? Comment and I will add to the list.
Photo Courtesy of Flickr: Jeffrey Beall
As an IT Recruiter (by day) I concur with you, Ryan. Dice is nice!! Oh yeah. Dice is the bomb.com when it comes to finding talented IT professionals.
As for job boards, I would like to recommend my own board – MinnesotaTechJobs.com. Shameless plug…I know.
Now for what I also wanted to say…a seventh place….
7. Corporate Websites – at least check out the companies you really want to work for. Sometimes the job is not really posted anywhere else…especially for smaller companies. It happens. Set up job alerts with those companies, so if they don’t have something now…at least you will be notified when something does come up.