Job Search Tips

One of the most effective ways of finding a job is through networking. By networking, you'll find people who know about unadvertised jobs; you'll find the right person to send your resume to; and you'll have one of the most sought after types of job references: somebody who knows the employer. You shouldn't conduct your job search only through networking, but you definitely shouldn't conduct a job search in your industry without it.

Although you may find it to be a long process, you should always fill out an employer's online application form instead of simply sending a resume. The employer has the online system in place for a reason, so you will make a good first impression by showing that you know how to follow instructions.

A "resume blaster" is a fee-based resume distribution service that emails or faxes resumes to hundreds or thousands of job recruiters. Unfortunately, these resume blasting services aren't very effective for finding a job. Professional recruiters consider these unsolicited resume emails to be spam, so they simply delete them.

Outplacement employment agencies provide career counseling, temporary office space, and clerical support to help laid-off employees find new jobs. The former employer typically pays the associated costs as part of an employee severance package agreement.

Job headhunters, also known as recruiters or career search consultants, are hired by large corporations and companies to find qualified candidates for positions within their industry. The company pays the associated costs.

There are several benefits associated with using executive search firms:

Executive search firms find jobs that aren't advertised. Some larger companies don't want to publicly disclose their need for a position, so they hire a headhunter to conduct a discreet job search.
Job headhunters do the work for you. You can continue to focus on your current job while a headhunter conducts a job search for you.
Executive search firms are thorough about assessing a job's requirements and your requirements, such as salary and benefits, so you don't have to worry about a job being right for you.
The employer pays the costs.

Although there are several benefits to using job recruiters, there are also a few downsides:

You are not the only job candidate that an individual headhunter is working for. If you are not the one of the best in your field, then your resume may be put on the bottom of the pile.
The hiring company is paying a fee to the headhunter, so that additional cost may cut into your salary.
Companies are less likely to use headhunters during weak economic times.