Things You'll Need:
- Internet access
- Time to update your online profile
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Step 1
** Craigslist **
For those of you who are not familiar with Craigslist, it's a combination of online want ads, job postings, service providers, and shopping. So it's a one-stop shopping site for everything and anything. Now when you're job hunting in today's rough economy, you have to combine traditional job search methods with more modern and unconventional techniques.
So how can you use the power of Craigslist to your advantage? Well the first thing you can do is check out the online job postings, which are categorized for you. And there are regional Craigslists you can click on to narrow your focus to a particular state or city. So you can conduct both a regional or more local job search as well as a nationwide job search.
For example, there are local Craigslist pages for jobs in Las Vegas, San Francisco, Seattle, NYC, etc. So if you want to narrow your focus, you can click on the link to your local area and then sift through the local postings. Or if you prefer, you can search the national site. Craigslist also has international job postings too!
Once you've chosen which Craigslist site you want to work with, there are various links to the different types of jobs. For example, there's one for part-time jobs. Another for accounting jobs. A link for jobs in education. One for healthcare. Etc. So they're separated out just like a newspaper or the want ads.
Some of them will give you quite a bit of detail about what the job involves. Others will be more general. And sometimes, you may be provided with a link on how to apply and/or for more info about the company or job. In addition, the postings are separated by date so you can tell which are the older postings and which are newer ones. And because they are constantly updated, it's best to check back throughout the day to see if there are any updates.
In a separate section of the Craigslist site, you can find contracting, consulting, and work-at-home opportunities. So for those of you who are looking for some "extra" work or side jobs, I would definitely suggest you check this section out. For example, somebody may need something repaired and they post an ad looking for somebody. Or a company has a project that needs to be completed. So you get a combination of individuals in need and companies looking for people.
Craigslist also has a listing of upcoming job fairs and events. So you can find both job postings, side gigs, and see if there are any job fairs in your area that you'd like -
Step 2
** Linkedin **
Linkedin is a site that allows you to tell potential employers what your background, experience, and education is. And gives you the opportunity to connect with those who can provide advice and leads. For example, you may join a certain job search group that caters to your particular field. Some groups are nationwide in it's membership. Others are more local or regional. I belong to both national and local groups.
Members could include fellow job seekers, plus company employees who know of available positions and may be willing to take your resume and pass it along. Or refer you to a particular company they know is looking for people. For example, I belong to a number of job search groups and have given helpful advice to other members looking for work. I've given resume and interviewing tips. And have provided guidance in terms of strategy or possible companies to investigate.
Do employers look at your profile? Actually, you'd be surprised at how many actually do! But here's one good piece of advice: Make sure your profile and picture, if you include one, are 100% professional! Remember, first impressions are lasting ones. So always put your best face forward.
And lastly, Linkedin has an Answer's section. This is where you can post questions and get them answered by a variety of experts. I myself have answered quite a number of questions from a wide variety of job seekers. And that's because I want to see you successful and enjoy sharing my knowledge and expertise -
Step 3
** Facebook **
Facebook has become extremely popular over the years. And has now overtaken Myspace as the number one social media site. So how can a job seeker use Facebook? By posting a profile of yourself and then connecting with other members who may be able to throw you leads. Once again, you want to make sure your profile is 100% professional because that's what potential employers and recruiters will see.
