How To Use Jobs Resources

Introduction

At one point in time, the only resource a person needed to find a job was himself or herself. Of course, you may have had to prove that you have a certain level of education and professional experience, but after these formalities were satisfied, many people gained new employment with relative ease. Today, people have to search for jobs in an almost strategic fashion, as if they are battling the rest of the labor force, to find a source of income. In fact, during periods of economic downturn, unemployed people might compete against dozens and maybe even hundreds of applicants for the same vacancy.

Jobs resources, however, are not weapons. They are tools and techniques that job seekers can use to increase their chances of landing employment. Jobs resources are persons, places or things, and in many cases a job seeker might need to consult with a knowledgeable employment expert, at facility that exists to help people find jobs, using technology supports the job search. Discovering how to use jobs resources can actually be an enlightening and fulfilling venture at the end of the day.

Step 1

Create a collection of websites that feature job advertisements who have openings. Use features in your Internet browser, such Firefox and Chrome, to create bookmarks and folders that help you organize these websites.

For example, bookmark Monster.com, Careerbuilder.com and TheLadders.com. Register for an account at each website, which includes setting up a username, password and creating a profile with your resume. Revisit these websites every day when you turn on your computer and open your Internet browser. Alternatively, you can make selections on many job resources websites that will automatically send you can email message if new employers post jobs that match your profile.

Step 2

Network with family, friends and current/prior colleagues who can help you find employment. Jobs resources of this nature are based on your personal interactions with other people. Even if you aren't very close with family and don't have a lot of friends, you can use the resources from a human that you may casually encounter in your daily life. For example, if you use mass transit, such as a train or bus, to commute to work or find jobs, politely strike up a conversation with someone else sitting next to you, asking about job prospects.

Other jobs resources related to networking include joining a professional association for your field.

Step 3

Contact the alumni association if you attended college locally. Use the jobs resources at institutions of higher learning in your area, even if you did not attend the school. You may want to enroll in continuing education courses in your field which can enlighten you about newer aspects of the industry. This new found knowledge can put you on the path to gainful employment.

Step 4

Register with local employment agencies as one of your jobs resources. People commonly call these places temporary agencies, because the assignments are short-term, but back-to-back projects throughout the year can seem like long-term, full-time work.

Step 5

Volunteer, as a part of your jobs resources, if you cannot find paid employment. This activity can serve as a tool to help fill in resume date gaps, which hiring managers frown upon. Also, you can network with other people who may know what companies are hiring in your area.

Tips

Comments