How to Find a Job When You Are Unemployed

Getting fired or otherwise losing a job, especially one you thought would be there for you, is a demoralizing and painful experience. Don't let the hurt paralyze you though. Finding a new job takes focus and effort. Here are some steps to take.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Determination
• Stick-to-it-iveness

1. .
   ***Join a Network***
   
   Find a group of folks with similar experiences to yours to share ideas, trade job leads, help with resumes, or simply listen to each others problems and help boost morale. This can be an online network, a group in your community, or a network formed by a union, church, human resources department from your old job, or local government.

2. .
   ***Fill Up That Rolodex***
   
   Use your network, along with friends, family, colleagues, community acquaintances, to find out who-knows-who. Build up lists of names of people to contact, along with their phone numbers, and what their job is...and don't forget to include who referred you ("Hi. My name is David Sarokin. Joe the Plumber suggested I give you a call.")

3. .
   ***Get Out of the House***
   
   Sitting at the computer all day searching monster.com for a new job is only going to get you so far. Search the local want ads, work the phones, use your network, and get out there to talk to people. If no jobs seem to be available, ask contacts at companies of interest for an "informational interview" -- an opportunity to get to know a bit more about what a company does, and what skills they need, and for the company to get to know you as well. Information interviews can lead to job offers more often than you might expect.

4. .
   ***Set Your Objective***
   
   Know what you want. What type of job, what salary, what sort of working situation (full time, part time, telecommuting, etc).
   
   Be realistic, and be flexible. If no jobs are materializing for you, then revisit your objectives, and see if you need to refine them to better reflect current hiring conditions (which may mean settling for a smaller salary in order to get back into the working world).

5. .
   ***Beef Up That Resume***
   
   Get feedback on your resume from friends, family, and your network. Learn how to make maximum use of your experience, in and out of the workforce, to put your best foot forward. Never miss an opportunity to leave your resume with someone you've contacted who may be a potential employer.

6. .
   ***Remember It's the 21st Century***
   
   Use the internet sparingly, but effectively. Sites like Craigslist.com, LinkedIn.com, and Monster.com are all effective tools for building your network and learning of new job openings. But be careful! Don't spend your whole day (or week or month) sitting at your computer (see Step #3).

7. .
   ***Use Public Resources***
   
   Your tax dollars have help fund an amazing variety of organizations that can assist you in your job search, from general strategies for job hunting, to specific leads you can follow up on. Take a look at edd.ca.gov to see the type of resources offered by California. There are going to be similar services in your community as well.

8. .
   ***Consider Using a Professional***
   
   An employment agency (or head hunter, if you're at an executive level) is definitely worth a visit. There may be fees involved, but usually, the first visit/consultation is free. Let them explain their services, their track record, and what they think they can do for you.

9. .
   ***Be Open to Alternatives***
   
   Have you considered working online? Writing for eHow is a way to earn some extra cash (but not a full time salary!). There are freelancing opportunities online as well. The Resources section has some food for thought in the online money-making area.

Tips & Warnings

• Best of luck. These are tough times, but new jobs are out there. Stay focused. Stay committed.

Resources

• Making Money on the Internet
• Need more information? Ask a professional research service.
• Learn how to earn $1,000 a month (or more) at eHow

[steph275]

on 11/9/2008 Excellent piece. I liked your point about how we rely too much on the computer to look for a job. Thanks for writing.

[shannonny]

on 10/21/2008 That is to say...Shannon got fired from three jobs in quick succession, not David! Sorry for the poor sentence construction.

[shannonny]

on 10/21/2008 Terrific, terrific advice from someone who got fired in quick succession three times in 9 months. The only thing I would add is to KNOW THYSELF. Because I have a way with words and some basic computer skills, I thought I should enter the job market (after being stay-at-home) as an admin. asst. HONK! WRONG! If I had been true to myself, I would have known that Shannon can sit still all day the way cats don't need a nap. Once I got on my feet, it made all the difference...and I'm seeing real success.

[Samanthe]

on 10/20/2008 Superb article. Amazing how many people know Joe the plumber.

[Suexi]

on 10/19/2008 Good, good, good, good! I think that networking tip is really important. Many times, people feel a sense of stigma if they've lost their job whether they were fired or simply laid off because of these difficult economic times. Letting friends know you're looking for work can be like an admission of failure of some sort.

This was well written and a good reminder to not simply depend on the Internet to get your next job. While it MAY happen, there's a greater chance for success when you also step outside and get talking with people.

Well done!