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Step 1
If you know which companies you would like to work for, search their websites for job openings. There are still a few companies that only accept applications through temp services or unions, and in this case you will want to research which agencies or unions they deal with directly.
Universities, hospitals, mills, and many other companies still post their jobs only on their website. There is no need for them to advertise elsewhere because they can get qualified candidates internally or by reference, people who know to look directly on their websites. -
Step 2
Follow the trend: A 2008 study found that Craigslist.org is the best online source for finding a job, beating Monster and Career Builder. Unlike the latter, Craigslist offers an easier searching device and their modest job posting fees are attractive to an employer. Especially popular in large cities and metro areas, more and more cities are jumping on the bandwagon.
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Step 3
Look for job search engines specific to your field. For instance, if you want to work in non-profits - currently one of the largest employment fields in the U.S. - search at Idealist.org or NPO.net. Use the About.com link below, their list of field specific search engines is fairly decent.
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Step 4
Word of mouth and networking are not sins. Announcing your desire to find a new job to friends and family (not co-workers) will keep them on the look-out for openings. The upside to word of mouth is that often people will know about a job opening before it is posted anywhere else.
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Step 5
The classifieds aren't dead, and now they are online. The newspaper is a suitable resource if you are looking for a first job, or part time job. However, online you may find far more openings and a legitimate search engine, rather than flipping through the hard copy paper. In small towns and less populated areas, it is still sometimes the only resource and so cannot be disregarded.
