Searching for a Great Job in a Down Economy

Just because everyone says the economy is bad, doesn't mean no one is hiring. With the right search techniques, a little effort and a lot of patience, you can find the right opportunity for you. You just have to know where to look.

Yes, the Internet is Still a Good Bet

Companies have not given up on posting their opportunities on the Internet and you may be able to find a variety of jobs that fit your background and experience. It's just a matter of being flexible with the type of position you choose as well as understanding how to conduct a quality search.

While the obvious place to begin is usually with the big job posting websites like Monster, Careerbuilder and Hot Jobs, you might find that there are limitations working with these huge boards.

First, depending on your city, sometimes you'll find an overload of postings from temporary service companies (this happens a lot in the large metro areas). Now, working with a temporary service might not be a bad idea especially in this economy. Taking a temporary job provides you with a chance to get your foot in the door and prove yourself as well as to check out the company and see if there are other openings you might be interested in. However, if your only goal is to land a regular full-time gig, you may have to take the time to look through the clutter and find what you want.

The second problem with the larger job boards is that sometimes the cost to post there may limit the ability of smaller employers to participate, so you could be missing out on some opportunities by spending all your time in the big leagues. No matter what the state of the economy it is always important to keep an open mind about your job options.

An alternative is to conduct a Google search to find a job. By using relevant keywords in parentheses - such as "administrative jobs" - along with your city or zip code you can do a targeted search for specific jobs in your area. Keep in mind that when you search for a "job" similar words such as "career" and "work" might net you some good results, too. By using a ~ (called a tilde) in front of your search term, you're result will include similar terms.

Don't forget you can also use Google in other ways. Look for jobs boards specifically targeted to your industry or profession by conducting a targeted search, like New York job boards or customer service job boards. Or if there is a specific company where you think you might like to work, Google them to find out if they have any current openings posted on their website. Or check out Google Base, Google's version of the big job search boards. Not quite as polished as the big three, but it still has all the bells and whistles.

Finally, a more recent development in job search techniques is using social networking web sites such as YouTube and Linkedin to find jobs. Believe it or not, organizations such as the CIA and public accounting firm Ernst and Young have stepped up and used Facebook when looking for job candidates.

Check Out Your Local Community Services

If you haven't already found this out, many communities have non-profit job services available. One of the biggest nationwide programs is CareerOneStop sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, which offers access to jobs as well as education and training. To find other services in your area, try a Google search using "community job services" and your city.

Another method of finding great employment opportunities is that old standby: networking. It is a vital job hunting tool especially in this economy. Talk to friends, family members, classmates, church associates, prior coworkers, people you know from professional associations or anyone else who might be able to provide a lead. And be prepared to offer your assistance in return.

You may have decided not to use a temporary service, but you might still want to consider connecting with employment agencies. While they are feeling the bite from the economy just like everyone else, they are the experts in their field and it never hurts to have an extra pair of eyes helping you look.

Finally, if you are a current college student or even a recent graduate, you should check out your campus career center not only for recent job postings but for assistance in conducting a productive job search.

Yes, the market is down right now making it more difficult to find work; however, with a little perseverance and a lot of patience, you can find the job that's right for you.