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Using many search methods gets job faster
Patty E. Shaver, BR Graphics Editor
January 08, 2009
3 MIN READ TIME

Using many search methods gets job faster

Using many search methods gets job faster
Patty E. Shaver, BR Graphics Editor
January 08, 2009

Has your job been downsized, restructured, outsourced, or just plain eliminated?

You’re not alone. It’s happening everywhere, everyday.

In the current labor market there are more people looking for work than there are available jobs. That means there is a lot of competition for jobs which requires a lot of hard work. In fact, looking for work can be a full-time job in itself.

According to Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition (OOH), “finding a job can take months of time and effort. But you can speed the process by using many methods to find job openings. Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics suggest that people who use many job search methods find jobs faster than people who use only one or two.”

Most effective job search methods

The most successful job search methods are networking and researching employers and applying directly. This is how to tap into the hidden job market — finding the jobs that are not advertised.

Networking is when you make personal contacts by talking to friends, family members, acquaintances — everyone you can think of — who might know of an open position. Job seekers can expand their network by joining networking groups and professional associations. Some networking groups offer resume and interview preparation workshops and other resources.

Research companies of interest and apply directly. Find out about the company from its web site or see if anyone in your network knows the manager or anyone else who works there. Try and arrange for an introduction through your network or contact the hiring manager directly and ask for an interview.

Other job search methods

The least effective job search methods involve applying to advertised positions, such as: classified ads in newspapers, trade journals and magazines and Internet job posts. The large number who see and apply to these ads decreases the probability of one person getting hired.

Other options to consider include applying to job ads through the state employment services office, private employment and staffing agencies, career centers, and community non-profit agencies.

Temporary or contract work may be a good option, especially during a lengthy job search. Not only can this bring in some money, it could also expand your network and possibly lead to a permanent position.

Working as a volunteer or intern, or joining professional associations related to your career is another way to network or discover job openings.

Remember to use several different methods spending the most time on the most effective methods — networking and applying directly to employers. Spend less time on the least effective methods. Also, find out how others in your field found their jobs and do the same.

Resources for job seekers

  • Christian Women’s Job Corp/Christian Men’s Job Corp — Provides a Christian context in which men and women in need are equipped for life and employment; and a missions context in which women help women and men help men.

  • Jobs for Life — Equips churches and faith-based organizations to provide job training and support enabling everyone to secure meaningful employment.

  • Colonial JobSeekers — A networking group that meets on Monday mornings at Colonial Baptist Church in Cary.

  • LinkedIn — An online network of more than 30 million experienced professionals from around the world, representing 150 industries.

  • Resume tutorial — For resume tips and samples, use the online resume tutorial.

Financial health package

Across three issues of the Biblical Recorder and numerous postings online, the BR staff compiled stories dealing with financial health, budgeting, teaching children about money, stewardship issues, etc. For a complete list, click here.