How to Find a Job in LA

LA . . . proved too much for the man. It might prove too much for you as well if you can't find a job. Believe me, I know. It's hard out there for a pimp. Ok, seriously, it really is hard out there because there are so many people searching for jobs from acting to waitressing to vocal performance to business executive.

There are more people every day coming into LA and less jobs going up for notice. This is the problem. So how do you find a good job here? Well, you can always apply at the fast food restaurants. People are always quitting or getting fired or going off to college. Next up is the nice restaurants. Go around an find a place where you can make good money at the restaurants where people actually tip well. The next step up is to get a city job like being a garbage man or a bus driver or a doorman. It may not seem like a dream job but it pays well.

But like a lot of people you are probably looking for something that is your dream job, so back to how to find that. Well, the first thing to do is to follow my steps and you may not have your dream job next week or even next month, but hopefully by the end of the year you will be set for life.

1) Build up your nest egg. Looking for a job is hard work. It's like having a full-time as anyone will tell you. You could be just coming out of college or quitting your old job you can't stand anymore but most likely you don't have much money. So work for a year, build whatever you have and save it. Make sure you have at least a good three month's rent set back so that when it's time to look for your dream job you'll have the time and money to do so. Yeah, I know, it sucks. But if you really want your dream job, you've got to be realistic. It takes time, money and effort. There are no quickies in the job world unless you get discovered off the street which almost never happens.

2) Get your resume together. Sounds simple, but really, spend a week getting your resume together. Make at least three different types of resumes. One for each type of job that may be in your profession. You may want a resume that doesn't how that you did customer service and one that odes. Get recommendation letters from your friends, co-workers and bosses. This really helps in an interview when someone wants to see your resume. You can give them a packet with your resume, recommendation letter and any portfolio stuff.

3) Get online. Go to job websites like www.monster.com or www.carreerbuilder.com. They can help you find specific jobs that are out there right now. Also a good bet is to go to www.craigslist.com. You can find jobs posted there and they're usually immediate.

4) Look in the classifieds. People don't do this much anymore with the invention of the internet but it's worth it. You'll find smaller companies with bigger positions a lot in the classifieds.

5) Lastly, call the companies in your industry that you think you might fit in well with. Even if their jobs aren't posted on any websites or in the classifieds, they can probably give you their website if jobs are available.

As for interviews, you'll have to fend for yourself. Be intelligent, be concise, dress well. You have to let yourself shine but the important thing is to really work hard at getting a lot of interviews.