This is probably something that I can't stress enough:
NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK!!!!!
Research your respective areas on job search / job support work teams. Usually, these groups will meet at local churches in your area. Most of the stress confidentiality so you can search for work - or, get feedback on your resume while you are still employed. What is discussed in these groups is meant to stay in the room when you leave. I have found so many leads by attending 3-4 of these groups each week.
Some preparation ideas before you start networking in groups like these:
1) Prepare your elevator speech: In 15 - 20 seconds, what could you say about yourself and your career that would provide a perspective employer some good information about you.
2) Identify a few (3 - 4) target companies or industries that you would like to work in.
Usually when you attend these groups, you will be asked to give your elevator speech. It's a good idea to practice it frequently so the words roll off your tongue easily. Also, many groups will ask you about your target companies or industries that you are interested in. Once you have stated your preferences, usually, there is someone in the group that has contacts in the company you are interested in or the industry that you are targeting.
Finally, you can flood the market with resumes - if you wish. However, studies have proven that the success rate of achieving a position through this method is not that great. Finding a position through networking and then going through various contacts in your target company to find the hiring manager is the most effective method of finding employment. The studies that have been done on this indicate somewhere between 60 & 75% of the positions are achieved by networking and direct company contacts until you have reached the hiring manager. This only leaves 25 - 40% for positions where you could get hired by sending out multiple resumes or finding a position through another means other than networking.
When I attend the networking functions, I don't expect much. However, I am very pleased when I have left the mettings and have 2 - 3 pages of notes in my notebook that I can follow-through on in regards to positions or companies that are hiring.
Oh, one more thing about positions that are posted in a newspaper or the Internet: Most times a company might already have a qualified internal candidate in mind when they post the position. Companies then collect a certain number of resumes or applications for the position. They are then able to qualify their candidate for the position because their internal candidate might have significant qualifications over those who have sent in resumes and applications for the listed position.
Granted, what I have provided above is not gospel. However, they are some effective means for finding a desired position. Plus, I find that I'm an asset at most networking functions because I'm able to provide lots of great contacts for various people in various companies because I've built a lot of great relationships though these mettings. Please keep in mind that these groups are not only for those who are looking for a job in their career. Lots of people attend because they want to make the next step in their career. Some people are with companies where their careers are at a dead end and they are looking outside of their company for their next position.
I didn't mean to make such a big posting. However, I had a lot to say - hopefully, someone will be able to put my advice to good use to land their "dream" position.
