(ThyBlackMan.com) Most people turn to sites like Monster.com or Craigslist when they are ready to start looking for their next job. After all, these are large, popular sites that have plenty of job postings for numerous industries. The problem is that everyone else is also looking at these sites for job openings, and the competition is high. You might spend a lot of time sending out resumes to jobs you find on these sites and never get a single response in return.
If you really want to make your job search efficient and improve your chances of success, you are going to have to look beyond these popular sites. Here are a few things you can do to land your next job outside of conducting a basic search:
Use an Industry Specific Job Site
Most jobs that are being posted on Monster or other large job sites are entry-level jobs that don’t pay very much. Companies that are looking for high-level talent or to fill better-paying jobs will advertise on industry-specific job sites. For example, Journalismjobs.com advertises jobs for reporters, copy editors, photographers and other journalists all over the country. You can search by position type or location.
By focusing your search on industry specific job sites, you can be sure you are looking only at jobs that suit your interests and qualifications, and you can focus your efforts on better-paying jobs that will advance your career. Find the latest Veterinarian Jobs or post open positions for veterinary assistant, kennel attendant, dog groomer, over at VetPetJobs.
Start as a Temp
You may have your eye on permanent, high-paying jobs, but you may have to start small to get there. Working a temporary job can help you get your foot in the door of a larger company. The company is more inclined to take a chance on you since they have no commitment, and if you do well, you can impress them enough to hire you permanently.
Contact a local staffing agency to learn about temporary job opportunities in your area. What starts out as a six-week assignment could turn into your dream job.
Work as a Volunteer
Working as a volunteer can open up the same opportunities as working as a temp. When you volunteer, you are showing the company the type of skills you have and you are building connections that you may be able to drawn on later to get an interview or to get hired.
If you cannot find a volunteer position in the company for which you wish to work, volunteer at a related company where you can build up the skills to make you attractive to your prospective employer. For example, if you want to be a computer programmer, volunteer to run the website for a local charity.
Network
There’s a saying about finding a job: “It’s not what you know; it’s who you know.” A lot of people get jobs based on who they know. They either know someone who can put their resume in front of the right people, can say a word to get them an interview, or who has influence in getting them hired.
Networking can help you meet a great deal of people who might be able to help you. Participate in discussions on LinkedIn or reach out to people on the site who are in your industry. Join groups and the more events you can attend, the more people you can meet. The more connections you have, the better your chances of finding your next job.
Don’t limit your job prospects by limiting your search. Use these tips to help you expand your horizons and improve your chances of getting a better job.
Staff Writer; Paul Brown