Using All Available Resources to Find Your Ideal Job

Making yourself open and receptive to all resources for job searches is the prerequisite condition for finding your ideal job. In the past, we were confined to very traditional methods of looking for work, including going door to door, reviewing the newspaper ads and mailing resumes. Fortunately, advances in communication have made most of this obsolete. But when you are looking for the job that is mandatory for the best interests of you and your family, no methods are wrong.

For one, always have numerous clean copies of your resume, whether you're going on an interview, to the dry cleaner or to happy hour. Something that I've learned along the way is that coincidences (or serendipity) happen all of the time. People whom you would never expect are inevitably going to be knowing someone who is looking for someone. Tell everyone you know that you are looking for a new position. Ask if they have heard of anyone or any organization that is hiring.

Beyond that, use technology to your best advantage. Enroll in as many job search engines as you can. Employers are still using these services or they wouldn't stay in business. Expand your previous experience to allow for a diversification to a new job title. Think of the mud on the wall metaphor, that if you throw enough of it, some of it will stick.

Along those lines, apply for positions that are similar to what you've done in the past but require additional training or certification. Many employers are willing to finance this training and appreciate someone who is trying to better him or herself. Research the companies to which you've applied. Take notes and use the information you've gained on your interview.

Use old methods as well. Review the newspaper ads. Check for message boards in community centers, supermarkets and fitness centers. Visit all of the educational facilities in your area, including community colleges, technical and specialty schools. Placement offices that may have job listings available to you are commonplace, especially if you are a candidate for one of their programs.

Make a list of all those companies that fit within your anticipated job search and check their "careers" or "positions available" sites. Very often, they are looking for qualified candidates both within and outside of their organizations and will review your credentials. Do the same for the companies that were competitors of previous employers. You may be surprised to see how eager they are to speak with you.

Keep your options open. Be available for a less prestigious position with the idea that you can prove yourself and advance within the company. Have letters of reference from previous employers available at all times. If you don't have them already, they are excellent opportunities to make contact with companies with whom you've had positive relationships, to see what positions may be available.

Finally, don't overlook your extracurricular activities as possible sources for job leads. If you are volunteering at activities that you love, maybe there are places for you to get paid doing exactly that. Again, there are job message boards and web sites. At the very least, program coordinators are probably delighted to provide references. Use the internet for as much as you can imagine. Search for "pipefitters" or "widget designers" or whatever it is you seek and be amazed at what you will find.

Persevere, visualize the best outcomes and practice flexibility. You will succeed.