Even in tough job markets, the jobs are out there.
It takes a little more work to find them, but you may discover your right-fit job in a place that surprises you. If you’re wondering how and where to find the job that’s right for you, read on.
What is “Right Fit?”
Getting hired and your success on the job can depend on your “fit” in the job just as much as your technical skills. Are you well-suited to the company’s culture and work environment? Do you have traits and values that will make it easy to form good working relationships with other employees at that company? The hiring manager will be examining these questions, and you should, too. Finding a job that fits will impact your satisfaction with your work.
Defining Your “Right-Fit”
Before you start looking for specific job openings, take some time to define what is right for you. There are many career planning and self-assessment tools online, in bookstores and libraries that can help. Consider some of the following elements that could influence your job search direction and ultimate employment choice:
Work environment and geographic location
Daily tasks and responsibilities
Advancement and training opportunities
Benefits and compensation
Narrowing Your Search
Narrow your search to a specific industry or profession using your right-fit criteria. Use resources like associations, trade journals, and sites like wetfeet.com and vault.com to explore industries and professions. Ask people you know who work in areas of interest to sit down with you for an informational interview. Finally, start narrowing your search to specific job titles and positions.
Where to Look
Look for job openings that are compatible with your research through:
Employers. If there are companies that interest you, consider visiting the company with resume in hand or directly calling the company. Ask to speak to a hiring manager or Human Resources representative if you don’t have a contact name.
Your network. Ask every friend, relative, teacher, former co-worker and casual acquaintance you have about job vacancies they may know about. Tell everyone that you are job hunting. The more people you have trying to find you a job opportunity, the better your chances for success.
Online. Check job boards, job aggregators (like indeed.com, which pulls together a comprehensive list of jobs from many sites), company websites and Facebook pages, as well as local newspaper sites.
Staffing agencies. “Test-drive” a positions or companies by taking on temporary assignments. This will help you build valuable experience, contacts and references. Plus, many temporary jobs turn into permanent opportunities.
Federal and local government sources. Visit or call your local employment office.