Finding a New Job in 2012

The On-Line Job Search


With technology making the job search process easier, actually getting a job has become much more difficult. It seems that with every job opening you can find on-line through monster.com, indeed.com, careerbuilder.com, or other websites, that same job is posted on all of the rest as well. There is even job websites that are available to help you search out jobs within those websites that end up reposting the same job opening as well.


Submitting an application or resume to those job openings can feel like an exercise in futility. Given that much exposure, there is likely to be many thousand of resumes and applications to sort through and yours may not even get looked at with human eyes. Many of the websites now ask for scannable resumes, which are basically resumes without any of your fancy formatting that may have helped your resume standout. The scannable resumes reduces your resume to a search for buzzwords that the HR computer believes strongly fits that job opening or the search criteria the company hopes to find.


Searching for Job Openings Directly Through the Company


One way around this method of job search is to seek out companies individually. Since almost every company has a website these days, you may be able to find job openings directly from the source. Look at company websites and find links for Careers, or Employment. Sometimes these links will be hidden in the About Us link, or Corporate Information.


Search for Job Placement Companies and Recruiters


After many of my friends graduated from college and graduate school, they often ran into trouble turning that degree into a job within their field of choice. It seems many majors at college do not lead to obvious employment options, and most employers want some level of experience for job openings. Job Placement agencies are often the answer. These agencies often have relationships with a variety of employers and usually large employers with a wide range of job openings. Many times these companies will work to improve your resume if it does not meet their standards. 


This is an easy way to bypass the time spent searching and applying for jobs on-line. Placement agencies set-up interview with companies that they deem to be fits with your skills and background, and allow for feedback to help steer your search in the right direction. Every major metropolitan area has plenty of these companies that can be found with a simple google search of "placement agency" or "(job of choice) recruiter". 


Using Social Networking to Find Employment


With the wide range of Social Networking that is available these days, there is no limit to how you can use or abuse your free time. Most companies realize this and have their own presence on facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and others. The most important part of using this method is to create your on-line presence in a manner that will be attractive to future employers. Take down pictures of yourself that are not professional flattering, remove questionable posts and group affiliations, and remove any political or controversial posts. 


Once your profile is clean and ready to be viewed by employers, seek out companies that offer the jobs you want and start networking. Some companies offer services through LinkedIn that will post appropriate job openings directly to your profile. Many companies use Twitter to post jobs and there are many job search aggregate websites that pour job openings on Twitter. Often times companies will have their HR department or Specialist on Twitter to interact with people. 


Another method of using Social Networking is to combine it with traditional methods, including Job Fairs. Every time an HR person from a company gives you his or her business card, find out if they are on Twitter, or LinkedIn and connect with them. Keep everything professional, but let them know it was nice to meet them and inquire about job openings as you would at a Job Fair. 


Links to Websites Offering Advice and Strategies


BankRate.com has a list of testimonials that different people offered as strategies they used to find jobs outside of the normal methods. They mainly consist of people bypassing the normal methods of submitting resumes and cover letters, by trying to find a more personal method.


JobHuntersBible.com is a website that offers continually updated information in the basic areas of job search. This website is a supplement to the book What Color is Your Parachute? that is annually updated and re-released. 


Monster.com has a Job Search Strategy checklist that is much aligned with what I have found works well. This list coincides what I have written above and offers an overall narrative that discuss post-graduation options, and career goals. 


Next: Creating a Resume that appears professional and clearly demonstrates your skills and attributes.


-If there are any questions regarding the information posted, write it the comments and I'll answer them.