There’s no guaranteed route to landing a job. Successful job hunting requires a combination of strategies. As you may face fierce competition for every job you apply for, you need to take extra steps to make yourself more attractive to potential employers. But first, you need to know where to find great job opportunities.
Employers use many different tactics to find superstar talent. By familiarizing yourself with where companies are looking, you’ll put yourself in a better position to find your next job. Here are 10 of the best places to look for jobs:
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Job Fairs
Job fair events are highly beneficial for both employers and potential employees. Job seekers are given the chance to learn about career opportunities in many different fields, while companies are given access to a large pool of potential employees that could be a good addition to their business. If you’re headed to a career fair, be sure to wear a professional outfit and be prepared with at least a dozen copies of your resume and cover letter. Also, make sure to prepare yourself to answer spontaneous questions. Practice beforehand so you’ll be able to make a good first impression with company representatives.
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Social Media
Social media can be a great way to boost your job search. Use it to learn about the companies you’re interested in. Follow them on social media so you can have a look into their culture, clients and work standards. As a part of their fan base, you’ll most likely immediately know when job openings are posted. Use the information you’ve gathered to your advantage when it comes to crafting your cover letter and during the interview process.
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Online Communities
Checking out online career communities is a good way to keep up to date on what’s happening in the corporate world. Many career communities online are organized by industry, others focus on those initial years of your career, while some are dedicated to job searching and employment resources in general. You can simply search Google for career communities for your specific industry or check out job boards with advice forums.
Many online communities post job openings as well as provide useful information through dialogue between community members. It’s beneficial to get advice from people with more experience, particularly when it comes to entering the job market. Visit online communities with members that share tips, resources and words of wisdom for real value.
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Networking Events
It never hurts to attend networking events and conferences, especially with like-minded professionals. Each event is an opportunity to connect with professionals and organizations that may help bring you closer to your next your dream job. The more people you meet, the better your chances of hearing about a job opportunity.
Exhibit helpfulness and genuine interest during every networking event you go to. Have your business cards and resume ready as well as your elevator pitch. Be confident but warm and greet people with a smile.
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LinkedIn
LinkedIn is the social media for professionals. Many use LinkedIn to post jobs as well as to search for people with specific experience and skills. You can use it to broaden your network and connect with people within your targeted companies or industry. You can also build relationships and establish a professional presence by participating in conversations. So take the time to build your LinkedIn profile, find connections, and nurture those relationships by offering helpful insights or referrals if needed.
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Job Boards
There are thousands of job sites online. Most of these sites offer search tools so you can easily find job opportunities based on the type of job you’re looking for, your location, and other criteria.
Monster.com, CareerBuilder.com, and Indeed.com are just some of the more popular job boards you can check out. You can also look at niche job boards or sites that focus on certain types of positions. There are job boards in almost every niche so make sure to find the right specialized job board for your career or set of skills.
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Print Advertising
Many companies still use local print media to advertise job vacancies. Some companies even post job opportunities on trade publications in order to target candidates in specific industries. So make sure to check ads in your local newspaper or magazines as they may also contain details on recruitment events and other important employment news.
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Conventions/Lectures
Industry panels and lectures are held all year round. Such events provide an opportunity for members of multiple industries get together to discuss ideas and collaborate. These interactions could lead to employment opportunities so make sure you are up-to-date with the relevant conventions or lectures happening in your industry.
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Internships
Joining a company as an intern will provide you with the strong building blocks you need for your future career. Don’t hesitate to take on internships and temporary contracts. You’ll have the opportunity to get your foot in the door with a company. In fact employers often use internships as a recruitment tool to test out potential employees. So make sure to choose your internships based on your interests and career prospects.
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Universities
Companies often consider universities when looking for new hires, particularly if they want to hire recent graduates. Plus, HR professionals may contact alumni at local universities for referrals. So make sure that you’re on their radar by joining your alumni organization or by participating in different school activities if you’re still a student.
Don’t Give Up
Job hunting can be challenging at times. Sometimes it’s easy to lose track of your potential when you experience multiple rejections. But just be confident and bring out your best as you navigate through the job hunting process. Stay positive and proactive and you will surely land your next professional opportunity.
