Sixteen Places to Find a Job

From searching online to networking, there are many places to look for job opportunities. Knowing where to look is a key component to making your search effective. Kforce narrows down 16 places to find a job and how each could advance your search. Follow our suggestions below and you could be one step closer to finding a job that is right for you.   1. Kforce Recruiters

When it comes to the hiring process, recruiters can help you avoid becoming ‘just another applicant’ in the scores of resumes submitted for open positions. Recruiters work closely with hiring managers and can position you as a qualified candidate directly to the employer. The key is to keep in contact with your recruiter so that they are up-to-date on your current qualifications and skills.

2. Job Boards and Aggregator Sites

It’s likely the easiest and fastest way to search for jobs. Online job boards like Monster are the first place many job seekers go to find out what opportunities are available when it comes to your career. Job boards offer a wide range of job openings, and aggregate sites such as Indeed and Simply Hired offer even more opportunities as they search a variety of online job boards along with other websites that post job listings.

While these sites are a great way to start your search, beware that there could be hundreds of jobs that may not be exactly what you’re looking for. The idea is to shoot for keywords. If you are looking for a project manager position, be specific. If you are trying to find technology jobs associated with the project manager title, try typing in details such as the programming language or a brand of software you would expect to use.

3. LinkedIn

With an estimated 90 million users on LinkedIn, networking doesn’t only have to take place in-person anymore. With a few keystrokes and a click, you can find scores of professionals and organizations related to your industry or even reconnect with former colleagues through LinkedIn. There are plenty of opportunities to inquire with your online contacts about possible job opportunities. Some companies even post job openings directly to their LinkedIn sites.

This specific social network is not only a useful tool in your job search, but it is also a great shot for recruiters and employers to find out more about you. Through LinkedIn, you can post your resume directly online, include additional sites to your work, and win over employers with your recommendations from colleagues.

Kforce recruiters frequently use LinkedIn as a way to stay up-to-date with candidate’s skills and qualifications. Just make sure you update your profile regularly to include your recent experience.

4. Facebook

Facebook is another helpful resource in finding jobs and networking with friends and former colleagues. While LinkedIn is sometimes viewed as the more professional site to network through online, Facebook offers a less formal platform for job hunting. You may be more comfortable contacting your Facebook friends to inquire about job openings.

Similar to LinkedIn, you can also post a brief resume, or links to videos or examples of your work. Just remember, when utilizing Facebook, always be conscious of pictures, videos or wall posts linked to your name. Many times, Facebook can become a make-or-break deal when it comes to the job offer if an employer finds inappropriate material on your profile.

5. Twitter

While interaction through Twitter is limited to tweets of 140 characters or less, keeping up with followers can assist you in your job search. Many companies, including Kforce, post jobs on social media sites several times a week. If you see a tweet about a new job opening, take advantage of the opportunity and send your resume to the employer.

You’ll want to keep in mind that while it is a great idea to post, or re-tweet information, remember that employers and recruiters may be viewing your twitter profile for appropriate and relevant material.

6. Company Websites

If you have an idea of which companies specialize in your industry or know who you want to work for, there is a good chance they are listing available jobs on their website. Many times medium sized companies will opt out of posting on a job board and advertise on their website for free. The best part of finding jobs on company websites is that hiring managers will likely check their own website first to find the best candidates.

7. Colleagues

You have probably heard the saying: “it’s not what you know, but who you know”. While that may be true in some cases, the people who know your industry the best have likely spent years in the business. That should be one reason why current and former colleagues are perhaps one of the best places to look for job openings.

Professionals in your own industry have an inside awareness, and may be able to tip you off to jobs that are under the radar at their own company. Even talking with colleagues who are also searching for jobs can be beneficial. They may have passed on certain jobs that are still up for grabs, or discovered other opportunities that could be a better fit for you.

8. Professional Organizations

It is an obvious place to search for work and connect with professionals in your industry. Professional organizations frequently hold industry events, stay up to speed on job openings and offer help for others in the same field.

If you are looking for finance and accounting or technology work, try logging on to websites like the ‘American Association of Finance and Accounting’ (AAFA) or the ‘Association for IT Professionals’ (AITP). By becoming members of professional organizations you can not only expand your network, but many of these groups post industry jobs directly to their websites. Another great tip -- use your college alumni network as a resource to search for job opportunities.

9. Industry Events

Whether it’s a local job fair or group convention, industry events offer countless opportunities for your job search. Occasionally, these events may be more sales focused, but many employers may attend conventions in hopes of meeting candidates. Even if some companies are not hiring at the time, these types of events provide the chance to network with important professionals in your line of work.

10. Volunteer Opportunities

Many times through professional organizations you can uncover additional opportunities, such as volunteering. While it may not be paid work, volunteering within your industry helps you meet others in your line of work and provides you with additional experience you may not have had the opportunity to explore in your current or last position. Using this job search source can help you stand out as a professional that is active and enthusiastic about supporting local efforts.

11. Friends

Don’t forget to inform your friends that you are looking for new opportunities. Friends can be a great source of information because they know you personally and are likely to give you a good recommendation. Just make sure your friends aren’t only referring you based on your friendship, make sure to let them know why you would be a great candidate for a specific job.

12. Family

If you are in your twenties or thirties, odds are your parents are well-established in some type of industry and may know several other reputable contacts. At your next family gathering connect with relatives and use them as a resource to uncover job opportunities, especially if they work in a similar industry.

13. Church

In many places of worship, as soon as you walk through the door, members of the church share a common bond. That connection alone, and the increased willingness to ‘help thy neighbor’ can prove to be a great source in your job search. At your next church event, think about taking a brief time-out and get to know your fellow parishioners better. They may be able to point out available jobs or learn what else you have in common when it comes to your field of work.

14. Trade magazines

If you want to stay abreast of what is happening within your industry, trade magazines offer the most relevant information. Generally, these magazines mention key contacts and even list job openings. Many also have websites where you can dig up more information and search for available jobs.

15. Newspapers

Believe it or not, there are still job listings in local newspapers! Why? For small businesses especially, there is a lot less competition to advertise available jobs in the local paper rather than online. Locally owned and operated companies may find the newspaper as an effective tool to find job seekers who are in the same area. Although there may be a low percentage of senior-level positions, you won’t want to overlook this job search tool if you want a job close to home.

16. Current Employer

If you are still employed, but looking for new career opportunities, look no further than your current company. Many companies typically have internal job postings where they advertise openings before any candidates in the general public can apply. Many employers look to promote from within.

As you diversify your search, the most important tip is to keep positive and be aware of the 16 places we’ve discussed.  You never know when a job opportunity or contact will be made, so, you’ll want to be prepared when it happens.  Now that you know where to look, you can start to position yourself one step closer to an interview.

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