Go where the employers go

Where do employers go when they're out of the office?

One of the places they go is the local Chamber of Commerce, or Business Centre for the city or town. These organizations usually host monthly "mixers", often for free and open to non-members at least for one visit.

Here employers mix and hope to find more business or business connections.

Here is also where they pass on names of possible employees to each other.

Here is where you should be as part of your job search, ready with your business card and 30 second info-mercial.
(read down for more on these)

Go around, meet as many people as you can. Tell them what you are looking for in the way of work and give them your card. Ask them to pass it on to anyone they know who may be looking for someone with your skills.

Your business card will have your name, contact information and either a job title (if the title makes it clear what you do) or 3 bulleted skills that you think will hook an employer the most.

Your Informercial takes about 30 seconds to deliver, and tells the listener exactly what it is you are seeking by way of employment.

Read other blog entries here on these two topics.

So get out and meet employers where they go, and find jobs before your competition.

Need more help with your job search?

Jobs can be found in News Stories

Jobs can be found in News Stories. Yes, they can.

When you read the newspaper, or listen to the news on the radio or TV, do so with your job search in mind.

Knowing when a new business is coming to town, a new project happening or an event taking place can show you where your skills and experience can be put to use.

A new hotel coming? Not only is there construction, but there will be all the products and services needed related to decorating, supplies of all kinds, and eventually staff.

They may need a connection to a charter bus service, or taxi service for their guests, and various other contract guest services, including hairdressing, facials and massage.

They may want tour guides, or shopping assistants and a galaxy of other products and services.

And that is only a few of the things that will be connected with this new hotel.

By identifying how this opportunity could be of benefit to you, you can get in on the ground floor - you can contact the hotel before they start looking for someone with your skills, offer your services and avoid the competition from others who can offer the same.

Be creative. No, a new hotel will not have a human resources office on the main floor - because the main floor isn't built yet!

If it's a chain, you can contact another hotel of the same chain and find out the information, or visit their website. What ever information you do have about this happening, do not be afraid to follow up on it, ask questions, and eventually you will find the person you need.

Whatever the news story you hear, consider what it could mean in terms of work for you, and follow up. Don't give up because the person to contact is not obvious. Dig deep and gain your reward.

Have a great resume ready, and you will probably be rewarded for your persistence and determination.

Need more job search help?

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What is the Hidden Job Market?

What is the Hidden Job Market?

It is every job that is not advertised. Between 85% and 93% of all jobs are considered to be in this Hidden Job Market.

How do you find these jobs?

Basically by talking to people. Networking.

That doesn't just mean talking to people you think might be able to hire you. It means talking to everyone you know or meet.

We all know approximately 300 people. So your hairdresser, for example, probably can't hire you, but s/he may know someone who can.

Your aunt's coworker's brother may be looking for someone with just your skills, but if you don't tell your aunt exactly what is it you are looking for, in words that she can then pass on intelligently, then her coworker's brother is never going to hear about you.

You can tell employers directly by calling them on the phone and introducing yourself and your skills.

However, it's best to sidetrack the "We're not hiring" speech, by not actually asking for a job.

Instead ask if they know of any where that is hiring. That way you are asking them if they can pass you on to any other business that is hiring and not putting them on the spot.

If they are hiring and like the sound of you, presumably they'll tell you. But if they're not hiring, they might tell you of another company who is.

If they do this, you can then phone the other company and tell them that xxxx from xxxx company told you about this position.

You are not using the first employer's name as a reference, just as a source of information, but it still has the power to make this second door open more easily for you.

So get out there and network. Speak to everyone you know. Ask them to tell others. Contact every employer you think might have work for you, or know of anyone else who has.

It's all about your network. Online and offline, your network in your main support in job seeking.

Want more help to find that ideal job?

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