Lesson 14: Find Job Openings

In many ways, the job search process is really not that different from trying to sell a car or a house. But instead of marketing a product or service, you’re promoting yourself as a job candidate. As any business or marketing major will tell you, the best way to promote or sell a product is to have an effective marketing campaign. Your marketing campaign is made up of a resume, cover letter, references, and the ability to sell yourself in the interview. But how will you find job openings? What methods will you use to connect with recruiters and potential employers? How will you advertise your availability for positions? Many students make the mistake of looking at only one source, such as online, or applying to only one or two openings. In a tight job market, the job search strategy has to be multifaceted to be effective. Developing a sound job marketing strategy is crucial when searching for a job.

Here are the components of a sound job search plan:

1. Identify your target market. Determine where you want to work (geographic location), and what type of company you want to work for. Will you be looking locally, out of state, or out of the country? Each location will require a slightly different type of approach to find openings and connect with potential employers.

1. Develop a “short” list of target companies. Once you’ve identified your geographic area, scan the yellow pages in the phone book, search for companies using Yahoo! Directory or Hoovers.com, do a Google search for companies in your industry or career field, or search company directories in LinkedIn. When you have narrowed down your list to a manageable number of potential companies that you would like to work for, check their websites for advertised openings or call/e-mail a human resources (HR) manager and inquire about future openings.

1. Identify methods to find openings. How will you find job openings? Where do employers in your career typically advertise job openings? Will you be participating in career fairs, using direct-marketing techniques to target companies, registering with career services, networking at professional organizations and mixers, or applying online?

1. Apply for positions that match your qualifications. These are positions for which you possess most of the required qualifications - even if you don't possess all of the skills listed in the job description. (This is known as the 60-70% rule.)

Now let’s learn about the different ways to find job openings. Please view the video:
Job Search 101.

It’s always helpful to keep a log or spreadsheet to track your job searching progress. This is when keeping a job search log comes in handy. It’s easy to forget who you called when, and after a couple of weeks of searching (yes, it may take that long and even longer) things have a way of blurring together.

You can create your own log or use this example: Job Search Log.

Assignment 14

Directions: Create your own personal job search marketing plan using this worksheet: My Job Search Plan.

Now you’re ready to go to Lesson 15.