Where to learn about and search for reliable job openings

“Never turn down a job because you think it’s too small; you don’t know where it can lead” ~ Julia Morgan

The jobs are scarce in today’s economy. The good jobs are even harder to find. There is too much noise, too many misleading advertisements on dream jobs that don’t exist. Based on various sources including a report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics division of the U.S. Department of Labor, here are the key resources for job search:

Personal contacts: Many of the job openings are never advertised. Talk to your friends, family, neighbors and others; tell them that you are looking for a job. They may be able to help with the new leads and even recommendations. Find ways to network and advertise yourself among peers and the community.

School career planning and placement offices: Placement officers in schools and colleges can be very helpful in finding jobs. They have lots of resources at their hands to help in this area including possible lists of open jobs, career counseling, aptitude testing and job search advice. Some of them also have career resource libraries and may host workshops on job search strategy, resume writing and effective interviewing.

Employers: One of the effective way to find reliable job openings is to go straight to the source. Contact the company or business directly. If an employer is on your wish-list, find out if they are hiring. Contact their HR department. Send them your resume and follow up; show sincere interest in working for them.

Classified ads: There are lots of commercials and advertisement about job openings. The main sources of classified ads include:

  • National and local newspapers
  • Professional journal
  •  Trade magazines
  • Library and other local bulletin boards


Internet resources: Internet has become a very powerful tool for job search. It is a one stop shopping for all kinds of information including job listings. Some of the main job search resources include:

  • Job search sites such as monster.com and hotjobs.yahoo.com
  • Discussion forums and message boards
  • Online classified
  • Search engines using keywords for your profession or job title.

Professional associations:Many professional associations have their own network with resources related to the profession including job listings and career planning. For example, an association of engineers could provide meaningful leads on job openings for different engineering fields.

Labor unions: Many of the labor unions provide services to their members and potential members. The Union may have internship or apprenticeship programs also.

State employment service offices:In America, there are free state level ‘Job Service’ programs that operate in coordination with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Employment and Training Administration. The services may include skill testing, counseling and referral to job openings. In Canada, similar employment support programs exist at province level.

Federal Government: To work for the federal government, you can get information from the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) through USAJOBS, the Federal Government’s official employment information system. Find out if you qualify. The resource for searching and applying for a job opportunities are available at USA Jobs. Similarly, Service Canada provides employment services to Canadian job seekers.

Community agencies: Some nonprofit organizations including religious societies may offer many services related to jobs and employment. These services may be for a particular group, such as women and minorities. Some the local churches, temples and other social organization could have helpful leads supported by referrals and recommendations
Private employment agencies:  The private employment agencies and career consultants can offer extra help in finding a job. They often charge a commission or a fixed fee. Make sure to investigate and understand their cost and success rate before hiring one.

Internships: This is common way to get your foot in the door. The internship can lead to a full time job. Check out the local classified ads and community service agencies to find volunteer and internship positions if interested in this path.

Even though only US and Canada are mentioned here for the government resources, similar support is broadly available in most of the countries to their work-force and job-seekers. 

The linked articles below provide an in-depth picture of the jobs and occupations in high demand.

Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics division of the U.S. Department of Labor

Related Articles:

Custom Search