Tips for the Weary Job Seeker

You've been looking for months for a job. You've sent out countless applications and no one has called back. Don't be discouraged, it isn't time to line up for a bum status yet. With the very tight and competitive search for job openings in the market today, it may take you awhile to get that employed status. Here a few tips to make that tedious job search easier.

Evaluate yourself. Know where you are good at and your own skills. You may be applying for the wrong job. You shouldn't be sending your application to the Jet Propulsion Lab if you have a degree in art appreciation. You should also be aware of your values and your interests. This may seem self-indulgent, especially if all you care about is making the quick buck but this is important for your future employers as well. If you are stuck in a job you hate, then hiring you would have been a waste of time. To save yourself the aggravation of job hopping, match your interests with the job you are applying for.

Be Prepared. Have several up to date resumes ready. You never know when opportunity will knock. Be ready with an answering machine for your telephone just in case the company calls and you are away. Put your cell phone number on your resume so the company can call you when you are not at home. Make sure all your papers are in order, such as insurance and health care.

Network. There are a surprising number of jobs available that are not advertised. Having a large number of contacts, friends and family will help you immensely in landing a job. Tell your family and friends that you are looking for work and ask them if they could help. You'll never believe how many referrals you can get.

Utilize your resources. Your school and government can help you. Your college alumni association, the Department of Labor or your local library provides free services such as career counseling and job search assistance. Your school also holds job fairs that can link you to potential employers.

Classified Ads. The help wanted section in your daily newspaper lists numerous jobs. Be aware though that there are many jobs that aren't listed in the newspapers. Don't rely solely on the newspapers. Also be aware that the ads list just the very bare facts about the job. Some will just list the position without saying the employer's name. Answer the ad promptly as they tend to fill the positions quickly sometimes even when the ad is still being run in the papers.

Use the Internet. The World Wide Web is your best bet of quickly finding a job. Not only do most of the employers use this resource but you can easily send your resume directly to them. Don't limit yourself to the major job searching sites. Use the sites that major in your field of expertise. You can also the Internet for job searching tips, expert interviews and communities for fellow job searchers.