Tips for Job Hunting in the Newspaper

Newspapers can help you in your job search.

While the printed newspaper was once the "go-to" source for job hunters, the Internet has expanded posting opportunities for employers. Not only can job seekers peruse the newspaper classifieds in black and white, they can also access online versions of newspaper ads. Yet, current jobs offered aren't the only thing of interest within the pages of newspaper "Help Wanted" advertisements.

Print Ads

Purchase a print version of the most current newspaper each time it publishes or find out which edition publishes the most jobs and buy that one. Ask friends or family members if you can have their local papers when they finish so you don't have to pay anything, or visit your local library to look at a copy. Read through all of the "Help Wanted" ad sections carefully, even in sections where you think you might not find an opportunity.

Online Ads

Look up the online "Help Wanted" ads in the Internet version of your local paper. Check the website each time the paper puts a new version online. Don't make the mistake of thinking that reading the print version of the paper is enough. There may be job ads online that aren't published in the print version and vice versa.

Advantages

Look closely at the job ads you are interested in pursuing. Make notes regarding what the employer is looking for in a potential job candidate. For instance, if they want someone who has prior experience with a certain type of computer software, make sure to use that as a selling point in your resume or cover letter.

Old Leads

Visit the library and go through old print versions of the newspaper, as far back as six months. Companies that filled a position six months ago may be gearing up to hire someone else and you can possibly make a coincidental connection. Send a copy of your resume to the company along with a cover letter describing your skills and abilities. Companies that hired someone one or two months prior may want to rehire for the position because their current hire either isn't working out or they need additional help. Send a resume and cover letter to those companies also.

The Rest of the Newspaper

Look through the Business section of the current newspaper to find out if there are any new companies moving to your area. This can help you get ahead of other prospective job candidates. You can research the company and target your resume and cover letter to positions within that particular organization before the actual employment ads are posted. Look in other sections of the paper for retirement announcements to make note of people who are leaving their positions at the school district, city hall or other businesses in your area. You can also read about different businesses in the community and brainstorm possible positions that would benefit them. This could include you approaching members of management and asking them to create a position for which you are qualified.

References

• "The Everything Get a Job Book: The Tools and Strategies You Need to Land the Job of Your Dreams "; Dawn Rosenberg McKay; 2007
• "Damn, I Need a Job. Again!"; Dakotta James Kanianthra Alex; 2004
• "Lippincott Williams & Wilkins' Administrative Medical Assisting, Volume 1"; Elizabeth A. Molle, Laura Southard Durham; 2004