The Best Way to Find a Job

Whether youve just finished college or are looking for a career change, the best way to find a job is not the way youd expect, nor is it the way you have been taught. For most of us, the only ways we know to find work are looking at the classified ads or searching the online job boards. However, these are the least effective methods of getting into the career of your dreams.

Youve probably heard the expression, its not what you know, its who you know and this applies to finding employment just as much as it does to any other field in life. In fact, its something which employers are now actively encouraging. Yes, thats right they are asking staff to recommend their friends for vacant posts! And in some cases even rewarding them when they make a successful introduction.

This method has advantages for both employers and employees; the employer saves on advertising and is likely to get a better match for the job than if hed placed an ad. And the potential employee has the advantage of being able to ask her friend for the lowdown on the company. You can ask the type of question which would be inappropriate at an interview, but which might reveal crucial information which could influence your decision. You can spend as much time as you like asking about every aspect of the job and if you forget anything, you can ring your friend with additional questions. This will put you in a strong position at the interview, as youll have detailed information about the company, its products and services and the culture in which youll be expected to work.

But what if you dont know anyone who works for a company youd consider applying to? The secret is to build a strong network. Irrespective of your current situation, you should start doing this immediately. Even if you arent thinking of moving jobs just yet or have just started your final year at college, the sooner you start networking, the better.

If you are still in college, make sure you build up plenty of contacts amongst your fellow students and professors. If you arent yet in your final year, get to know students who are, through parties and societies. Friends who are already out there in the market place could be very useful to you when you graduate.

If you are looking for a change of career or getting back to work, decide what you want and then talk to as many people as possible about it. Obviously, you dont want to talk too much, as this will bore your friends. However, make sure everyone knows what you are looking for. Get some business cards printed so that they can pass these on to anyone who might be in a position to employ you.

Other effective ways of building a network are visiting job fairs. These are often targeted at recent graduates, but there are others which are more general. Keep an eye on the local press, ask at your local employment office and search online for suitable events in your area.

You can also use social networking sites and sites specifically designed for networking, although the latter usually involve a small fee. Look out for local networking events as well, as these will give you the opportunity to meet new contacts fact to face and build rapport, an important step in your job search strategy.

And dont forget to keep your rsum up to date!

Waller Jamison 2007

Waller Jamison is a Careers Advisor in London. Need a blueprint to speed up the search for your ideal career? Check out the Jobseekers Success Kit

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