An Effective Way to Find a Job
Finding a job is not always an easy task. Many job seekers apply for jobs for which there are dozens of other competing applicants. Simply applying for open job positions is not always the most effective way of finding a job, as many job seekers often find out. Whether you are seeking a position in the business community or elsewhere, there are a few effective ways to find a job that go beyond the simple resume submission.
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Networking
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In the business world, it's not always about what you know. Instead, who you know can be just as important. Many business professionals use their networking connections to find positions with new companies and move up the business social ladder within their own company. Networking involves expanding your sphere of social influence. Joining professional organizations, for example, puts you in contact with other like-minded professionals. You can avoid asking your contacts direct information about their company by striking up a conversation about effective job-hunting strategies and recommendations.
Research
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Once you have determined where some of the jobs may be and who you can count on to put in a good word for you, you can conduct research to determine whether or not each company you are considering will be a good fit or not. Learning about a company's current openings, hiring policies and process, pay structure and benefits and its products and services can help you narrow your job search and limit the amount of time you spend submitting unnecessary applications. Contacting a human resources professional in each company you are applying to can be one of the most effective ways to find a job and get your foot in the door.
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Creating Cover Letters
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When the job search has been narrowed significantly to only those jobs which you know you want to apply, you can help ensure that your application will get noticed by creating carefully crafted cover letters for each position. Rather than just sending out generic cover letters expressing an interest in the job, tailor each cover letter to address the specific needs of the company and the qualifications needed for the position. This should be simple to do if you have conducted thorough research.
Unconventional Methods
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When all else fails, you may want to turn to some more unconventional methods for finding a job. A 2011 article by Alexis Grant in "U.S. News & World Report" suggests "thinking outside the box" by creating a video resume rather than a paper application. Setting yourself apart from the competition by getting noticed in an unconventional manner can help you land that elusive job interview.
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References
- Bloomberg Businessweek; Networking and Job Boards Voted Most Effective Way To Find A Job; Lindsey Gerdes; May 2004
- The Russia Journal: What are the Most Effective Ways to Find a Job?; Yelena Busovikova; April 2002
- U.S. News & World Report; The Most Effective Ways to Look for a Job; Alexis Grant; March 2011
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
