Job Hunting Tips: The Basics

Finding a job is not an easy task at all. On the one hand, it can take a while to find a job that matches your qualifications and expectations. On the other hand, there is no guarantee that your resumé and cover letter will get you selected for an interview, or that the job interview will have the result you desire. Obviously, the more job openings you can find, the higher the chances that you’ll be hired soon. Let’s have a look at how you can look for job opportunities with some job hunting tips.nnThe passive approach is, of course, not the way. You can’t wait until a job advertisement reaches you. You need to search for it yourself, using all the sources available. These include the local newspapers, employment websites and job fairs. Don’t hesitate to let friends and acquaintances know that you’re looking for a job; they might find something and let you know. Employment support groups can also be very helpful in your search for a job.nnNewspapers and employment websites are usually the most popular means that job seekers resort to. The latter are particularly useful: based on the information in your resumé, you will receive only relevant information concerning job openings, e.g., only about jobs that are compatible with your qualifications. nnDon’t forget that many companies also have a “career opportunities” link on their web pages. That’s where you can read about the jobs currently offered, or even submit your resumé. This way, you will enter their database of potential employees.nnRemember, this is a case where selection is not the best idea: instead of choosing one way of looking for a job, you should take advantages of all the sources and resources you have available. It can really make a difference. Not only will you find more job opportunities, but you have better chances of finding a job that suits you best.nnHidden Jobs and How to Find ThemnnLooking for employment means exploring all possible places that are likely to contain information about job offers. Newspaper ads and job fairs are, for most people, the primary option. The choice is understandable if we take into account the quantity of information available through these channels. Still, more is not always better. While these sources are not to be neglected, your search should not be restricted to them. Some companies will only advertise job openings internally, which means you’ll have to contact them directly if you are interested in working there. nnFirst, make a list of companies that you are interested in, based on your preferences and the likelihood that they might need someone with your qualifications and experience. There are two possible ways to get in touch with them: by phone and by e-mail. Many people hesitate to use either of them, because they find the phone approach too direct and the e-mail too impersonal. At a closer look, however, these hesitations prove exaggerated.nnSince the jobs are not advertised through public media, it is perfectly natural that you should call the human resources department to ask if they have some job openings. Ask for details regarding the job description and the application procedure.nnAs for the e-mail approach, it is not by far impersonal. Check the company’s website to see the e-mail address where you can inquire about job opportunities – unless the job offers are already posted on the web page, of course. Some companies do not provide a contact person’s name and e-mail address; instead, they invite you to submit your resumé so that it can be added to their database. You can be sure that someone will have a look at your resumé and that you will hear from them if they think they might need you.nnThese less obvious channels should be part of your search for a job. After all, the more complete your search, the more likely you are to find a job quickly.nnnLooking for a Job: Start Earlyn nPeople who have experience in a certain field are likely to find jobs more easily. Some job ads even specify that experience is required, or at least that it can be an asset. Could this mean that fresh graduates have no chance to find employment? Of course not, that would be absurd. You can only gain experience by actually working somewhere, so there must be some opportunities open for you.nnIn fact, there are good chances that you might find employment even before you graduate. Many companies are willing to hire students in their last year of college, for a number of reasons. First of all, they don’t have to pay as much as they would for an employee with a bachelor’s degree. nnSecond, if you like working there, you might want to keep the job after you graduate; by that time, you will already have gotten used to the company’s standards and procedures, so they won’t have to spend time training you. nnThird, these trainings are usually for a limited period of time, so the risks concerning the student’s performance are smaller. The advantages on your side are also obvious. Not only is it nice that you can make some money, but you can build the experience, which will later prove so valuable. Moreover, it is often easier to become part of the staff as a trainee, given the above mentioned advantages for the company. If you make a good impression, they will be happy to keep you after you graduate, which will save you the trouble of looking for a job then.nnYou should start thinking about such trainings as early as one year before you graduate. At the same time, you can start sending your resumé to other companies as well. By the time of the graduation, you will already have a work history, which will make you a more attractive potential employee.nnRemember that though job hunting may be an intimidating task, there are always opportunities out there if you just know where to look. Follow these job hunting tips and you will see that where there is a will, there is a way.