Searching the help-wanted ads may be one of the least-effective ways to find employment. Putting your resume online is not much better. The golden methods, experts say, are headhunters, employment agencies, and your own contacts. Always check with familiar companies to determine whether they have an opening. Knowing a person who could actually help you is a plus. Most will say there is no opening. At that point, ask if you can submit an application and be considered when something opens up. Most positions are never advertised, but filled with someone the company already knows.
Get the word out. Tell everyone you know that you are looking for a job. Network in person, by phone, by email, and on social networking sites. Salesmen can check Salesman.com. Headhunters may be able to help, but know who pays for the service and how much it is.
Some say looking for a job on Twitter is a good move. They recommend making a Twitter bio (140 characters) and Tweeting about your job search.
Establish yourself as an expert, but be honest. If you are skilled in a specific occupation, the state employment office will notify you of openings. If you are a young person or someone returning to the workforce and willing to take any job you can find, there is no substitute for the walk-your-shoes-off job hunt. That means going into every type of business from supermarkets and department stores, to banks, offices, and restaurants. Even if assured that no help is needed, you should ask to fill out an application. You could be surprised at who calls in the next week or two.
Job seekers can check listings at findajob.com and snagajob.com, which claim to have full and part-time jobs, some of which could be nearby.
