How to Find a Local Job and Get Hired
- 1). Attend a local job fair. Job fairs can be disappointing if you go unprepared. Look at this job seeking opportunity as a shortcut to get a job interview and being hired. This is also a great networking venue to meet employers and to interact with other individuals looking for jobs. This can generate a larger number of people who can let you know about a job opening and you can reciprocate.
- 2). Go prepared with a 30-second verbal bio including a recent accomplishment that you achieved. Reduce your resume to selling points that answer the question, "why should I hire you?"
- 3). Prepare business cards with the title of the job you are looking for along with all contact information. Hand these out to everyone you talk with.
- 4). Attend the job fair early in the day and catch the reps before they are tired. Hand them your resume while giving your 30-second speech, and get a card from them. Write the name of the job available on the card, be specific on how you intend to follow-up if a lead is generated and fill out the company's online application when you get home.
- 1). Contact your alma mater's alumni office to find out what services it provides and assistance it can offer such as freshening up on interviewing skills and polishing your resume.
- 2). Bring an updated copy of your resume along with a list of job seeking activity you have engaged in. This will eliminate duplicate efforts and help move beyond your efforts for finding a job.
- 3). Network through the alumni association by accessing their database of past students. Gather contact information by the type of job or companies of interest and attend an alumni event. Not all jobs are posted or advertised so, according to Educatio-Portal.com "Job networking can never be understated in importance. Fewer than five percent of those seeking work find jobs through just submitting applications, responding to job postings and mailing resumes alone. Many job seekers with networking contacts in a company are hired based on the good word put in on behalf of the applicant.".
- 1). Join Crossroads Career Network, a Christian non-profit organization with locations in 25 states. Each church offers different career instruction, including network and support meetings, career workshops and events and many resources providing information on finding a local jobs and getting hired.
- 2). Attend a Networking For Professionals event. "High Speed Networking" gatherings are when business people meet clients, one on one, for five minutes at a time. Have your 30-second speech ready along with your updated resume and business card. Check NetworkingForProfessionals.com for locations and further information.
- 3). Participate in a scheduled event sponsored by the local Chamber of Commerce. This is a group of business people who represent the community and local businesses. Each Chamber offers its own programs yet all are committed to the quality of the future workforce. Contact your local Chamber office for job shadowing, internship, job forum and business place visit/tour opportunities.
- 1). Meet a diverse number of individuals while giving your time and sharing your job skills volunteering. Show your work ethic, commitment and ability to achieve amongst other volunteers. You never know who is watching or what opportunity volunteering can lead to. This is a great way of networking to find a local job.
- 2). Avoid a gap of time in employment on your resume. Volunteering is an important part of community involvement that employers look for. List your volunteer work on your resume to show a well-rounded person and fill in the time between paying jobs. This could be the one asset needed to get hired.
- 3). Keep a work schedule and remain productive. A work routine can quickly relax when out of a job and the extra time on your hands can turn on you to create laziness. Continue to get up, get dressed, and be out of the house looking for a job or volunteering to help others.