Lesson
Saturday,
the fifteenth
of May
Theme: Ways
to find a job. Job postings.
1. Networking
It's
known as the hidden job market: Many of the best jobs are never advertised.
They are filled by candidates who learn of them by word of mouth from friends,
former colleagues, and ex-bosses.
KEY TAKEAWAYS
· Networking,
online and in person, is one of the best ways to stay on top of what's
happening in your field, including what jobs are open and where.
· Check
in on job search sites frequently. For best results, look for one that specializes
in your field.
· Don't
snub temporary or freelance work. They often lead to full-time opportunities.
Networking
is another word for socializing. You can join professional associations, attend
events for graduates of your school, connect with professionals who work in
your field, and take every chance you get to meet up, in person or online, with
others in your field.
Various
online sites such as LinkedIn allow you to broaden your network to include
friends of friends. The bigger your network, the more likely you'll find out
about new opportunities.
2. Referrals
Some
employers offer incentives to their employees for referring a successful
candidate to the company. It's a win-win situation for everyone. You get a new
job, and your contact gets a finder's fee for attracting a top-notch employee.
That's
relatively rare, but there's nothing stopping you from asking a valued friend
who works in your field to let you know about any openings. The working
relationships you create at every job may open other doors years in the future.
3. Job Boards and Career Websites
Job boards used to be just that – a solid surface on a wall where vacancies were advertised for all to see. Job boards have moved to virtual format, and that's good news for all of us since their reach is far greater.
If you're
just starting out, an internship or even a volunteer job can get you in the
door.
Many
state governments provide job boards and job banks that can be accessed by all.
You can also use job search engines or any of a vast number of career-related
websites that post job openings, such as Monster.com, Google for Jobs,
CareerBuilder, and Indeed. Many other databases specialize in freelance and
contract work, including People Per Hour, Upwork, Simply Hired, and Crowded.
There
also are specialized job search sites for particular fields, like Dice for tech
professionals and ArtsThread for artists.
These
websites function in a similar way to traditional want-ads, but they have a far
greater reach and a much quicker turnaround time.
4. Job Fairs
Job
fairs are often targeted toward specific industries, although some job or
recruitment fairs are more generalized. The promotional material will include a
list of the organizations that will be represented.
Investigate
any companies that interest you, bring a batch of resumes and business cards,
and get ready to sell yourself. Consider any conversations with recruiters as
mini-interviews that can set you apart from other applicants. Some
organizations may even offer on-site interviews to candidates that match their
requirements.
5. Company Websites
If
you already have your dream employer in mind, go directly to the career section
of the company's website. If you track openings on its site, there's a chance
you'll find just the opportunity that you've been waiting for.
Create
a list of employers that you'd like to work for and visit their websites often.
If you're really set on working for a specific company it may take some time to
find just the opportunity that fits your skillset. But if you've got time, this
might be the optimal method for finding your dream job.
6. Cold Calling
If you don't see any job listings posted for a company you're particularly interested in, you might consider making a cold call. Phone or email people in the organization after finding their contact details on the company website. Ask about upcoming vacancies, and attach a copy of your resume.
Keep in mind that this kind of contact may not always be well-received. You'll be lucky to get any response at all. But there is always a chance it'll give you the inside track on upcoming vacancies.
7. Headhunters and Recruiters
If
you're looking for some professional help in your job search, headhunters and recruitment agencies can
help.
Many
organizations hire through recruitment agencies to streamline the hiring
process. Head hunters actively recruit individuals to fill specific vacancies.
Payment
is based on commission. Make sure you know up front whether you or the company
is paying it.
Keep
in mind that many high schools and colleges have job placement services that
can help new graduates to develop their resumes and assist both current
students and alumni with job searches.
8. Temping or Internships
Temporary
employment and short-term contracts often lead to permanent positions. It's a
great way to get a foot in the door or at the very least provide you with
useful business contacts to call upon in the future.
Many
recruitment agencies can assist with locating temporary or casual positions and
contract work.
Internships
are a great choice for students who are just graduating from college. The job
placement services of many schools connect their students with opportunities.
If
you're just starting out and you can afford it, volunteering can be a great way
to gain valuable industry contacts.
9. Creative or Outlandish Tactics
In
a competitive job market, some job seekers have pulled out all the stops.
Billboards, chain letters with a copy of your resume attached, or even pasting
your resume to yourself and walking around the city as a human billboard are
just some of the methods job-seekers have used to get noticed.
These
methods may actually work, but be cautious. Be sure that your creative tactic
is appropriate for the industry you're trying to break into.
Homework
Give answers
to the questions:
Which of the following ways of finding a job do you like? How would you get a
job? Write your detailed answer 10-14 sentences.
Send a photo to my email till 18:00
You are free to ask questions