How to Locate Job Leads

Introduction

Given the state of today’s business world it’s bound to happen to 82% of the working population; you’ll end up changing jobs. Whether it’s because of down-sizing, corporate buy-outs or just good old fashioned management changes, it’s best to be prepared for this eventuality. Here are four tips to land a job in this today’s market:

By: iva2008

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Tips & Warnings:

Add you blog/web page links to your email signature for more exposure
Make sure your blog/web page links appear in your signature when you post on someone else's blog
Volunteer your expertise and help on projects for your community or church. It's great exposure and gives possible network leads a chance to see you in action
Be careful of relying too heavily on job boards
Be kind to your network; no one likes feeling "used" so don't just show up and speak to them only when you need a job lead; it's just rude

Step1

Networking You Must Network -
It used to be said that “it’s not what you know; but whom you know” but now it’s who knows you and knows what you know and what you can do.” Networking is how things get done today. Make sure you're on the radar of people who have access to the kind of job leads you want.

Don’t wait until it’s too late; put the feelers out and let your peers, contacts, friends, and family know that you’re looking for opportunities. Have them notify you about job leads before they go public at their work locations.

Step2

Blogging Use Blogging -
The best thing about blogging is that it let’s you show your stuff. This isn’t something that shows on your resume. Join blogs that are relevant to your industry, written by professionals at the top of their career and become a regular commenter. Once you've developed rapport with a blogger, ask about career advice and job leads.

Step3

Search Wisely Use the Job Boards Wisely -
Only apply to jobs if you are completely qualified for that position. Once you’re certain re-read through the posting and add the key points mentioned in it to your resume to help it get past the “keyword search” software.

When you apply to a posting on a job board it’s an 80/20 proposition that your resume will ever be seen by the hiring personnel. Since many companies pre-screen resumes using software that only hunts for specific keywords there’s a chance your resume will fall into the Resume Pit of Despair never to be heard of again if those words are not present.

Step4

Make Yourself Stand Out Brand Yourself -
Think about why you eat at your favorite burger place or can sing you favorite jingle at a moments notice. It’s because of the marketing of that brand. Now you must see yourself as the Brand and market your jingle; in this case your skills. Don’t be shy about it.

The idea here is to build your credibility within your field and set yourself apart from the competition. To do this establish yourself as an expert in your field, by creating a blog that offers advice and helpful tips to the people reading it; publish a book (self-publishing is helpful for this, and you can advertise your book on your blog); write articles for trade journals or take part in a forum.