Tips to Find a New Job

There was a time when all a person had to do is finish school and get a job that they did until they retired. Those days are long gone. In today's world, you have to be nimble about finding new job opportunities before they are forced to. Below are some strategies from Tick Jobs you can use to keep your career in motion.

1. Networking

It is also known as the hidden job market. You should know that most of the good jobs are not advertised. These positions are usually filled by candidates who learn through word of mouth from former colleagues, friends, and ex-bosses.

You should try your best to network both online and offline because it gives you the chance of staying on top of what is happening in your field, and this includes job openings.

Regularly check in on job sites. Make sure you narrow down the results to jobs related to your field.

Do not sub freelance or temporary work. They can lead to full-time positions.

Networking involves socializing with other people. You can attend events for graduates of your school, join professional associations, connect with professionals in your field. You need to be taking every chance you get to meet up online or in-person with people in your field.

LinkedIn has tools that allow you to increase your network so that it also includes friends of friends. You will be able to find more opportunities when you have a bigger network.

2. Referrals

You can find an employer who offers incentives to employees who refer successful candidates to the company. This becomes a win-win for both parties. You end up getting a new job while your contacts get an incentive from the employer by attracting a top-notch employee.

While this is not common, there is no reason why you should not ask your friends whether they have an opening where they work. The relationships you create at the jobs you work at are going to come in handy in the future.

3. Career Websites and Job Boards

Job boards used to be a surface on the wall where vacancies were pinned when advertising jobs. This has changed because today they are in a virtual format. This is better because it can reach more people compared to the old format.

If you are getting started, a volunteer job, or even an internship, you can get in the door using job boards.

Most state governments out there have job boards and job banks where they post openings to be accessed by the public. Job search engines are also helpful when it comes to searching for job openings. Career-related websites have such engines, with some examples being monster.com, CareerBuilder, google for jobs, and Indeed. There are also those specializing in freelance and contract works, and they include Upwork, People Per Hour, Crowded, and Simply Hired.

There are job search sites that have specialized in specific fields, like ArtsThread for artists and Dice for tech professionals.

The websites work the same way traditional want-ads used to, but the difference is they have a greater reach in a shorter time.

4. Jobs Fairs

Job fairs usually target specific industries, but some recruitment or job fairs are generalized. The promotional materials for such fairs have the list of organizations that are going to be present.

Research more on the companies you are interested in, and make sure you have a batch of resumes and business cards so you can sell yourself when you get the chance. When talking to recruiters, consider the conversations as mini-interviews. This is going to set you apart from the rest. Some organizations will have on-site interviews if they find candidates meeting their criteria.

5. Company Websites

If there is an employee you have in mind, then visit their website and check out the career section. If there are opportunities, apply for them. If not, track openings on the site. You never know when the opportunity comes.

Have a list of some of the employers you are interested in working for them and regularly visit their websites. If you are interested in just one company, then it is going to take some time before you get an opportunity that fits your skillset. This can be a great method of finding your dream job when you have time.

6. Cold Calling

If you visit the website of the company and see no job listing, then consider a cold call. Email or call people in the organization using contacts they have on their website. Find more about any upcoming vacancies. You can also attach your resume.

If you choose to do this, then keep in mind that it is not always going to be received well. You might not get any response at all. But there is a small chance of this giving you the inside track of any upcoming opportunities.

7. Headhunters and Recruiters

If you want professional help with your job search efforts, then headhunters and recruitment agencies become the best place to get help from.

Some organizations choose to use recruitment agencies to make the hiring process easier. Headhunters recruit individuals for specific vacancies.

They get paid on commission. It is important to know beforehand whether you or the company is going to be paying.

Remember that high schools and colleges usually have job placement services to help graduates develop their resumes and also help alumni and current students with job searches.

8. Temping or Internships

Short-term contracts and temporary employment usually lead to permanent positions. You have a chance of getting a foot in the door. You also have the chance of making useful business contacts that may come in handy in the future.

Recruitment agencies can help with finding casual or temporary positions and contract work.

Internships are great for those graduating from college. Many schools have job placement that connects students to opportunities.

If you are getting started and can afford it, consider volunteering because you are going to make contacts that can help you in the future.

9. Creative or Outlandish Tactics

The job market is very competitive, and this is why some pull all the stops. Some methods job seekers have used to get noticed include a chain letter with a resume attached, billboards, and pasting resume on oneself and walking around like a human billboard.