Fast Track: 55 Ways to Get a Great Job Fast by Angela Brown Continued

Find a Job on the Internet

• After picking a couple of companies you want to work for, go to their website and see if they have an employment page. Many companies post available positions on their website.
  
• If they don’t have any positions you feel qualified for, contact them anyway and ask if they will keep your resume on file for available upcoming positions.
  
• You never know when the job you want will become available.

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Help Wanted Ads

Fewer than 3% of job openings are advertised in the classifieds. The companies that do advertise, especially in times like these where the unemployment rate is around 6% get slammed with resumes and the competition is very fierce.

• Do not limit your research and resume sending to only companies that are hiring. If you really want to work for a company, send your information, they may hire you in spite of the fact they are not looking for anyone at the time.

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Internal Job Opportunities

Many companies have a policy where they post job offerings internally before making the job available to candidates outside the company.

• Ask your friends who are currently employed for a listing of the available jobs within their company and after you have picked one, ask your friend to recommend you to the Human Resources Department.

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Executive Search Firms

There are 2 types of Headhunters and Executive Search Firms: Those that operate on a retainer for their client companies and those that operate on a contingent basis, meaning that they receive payment only when a successful search is concluded.

• Executive Search Firms handle experienced executives and focus on positions in higher salary ranges.
  
• They’re always hired and paid by the employer and have the company’s best interests in mind…not necessarily yours. It is common for Headhunters to contact and seek out candidates who are currently employed and not in search of another job.
  
• Search firms are interested only in executives with proven, successful records of accomplishment. After searching through thousands of candidates, they present only their best finds.

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Employment Agencies

Employment Agencies are more general than Executive Search Firms and in some states can charge job seekers a fee, but the employer pays the vast majority of these agencies.

• If you have decided to work with an employment agency, look for one that does not charge you as the candidate a fee.

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Career Counseling

Career Counseling Services are even more diverse than employment agencies. Many non-profit organizations, churches, colleges, universities, and private associations offer free or very inexpensive counseling services, and offer resume writing tips, internship programs and other specialized workshops.

• If you choose to work with a career counselor, look for ones that are non-profit first to conserve your cash between career transitions, many for-profit counseling services can charge a broad range of fees.

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Continued

Angela Oberer © 2008, Oberer is the author of the "Be Well Series".  You can send your questions and comments to her at: Angela@WordsofWellness.com