HOW TO GET A JOB (Part 2)
Begin your search for job openings. Many openings are “hidden” or unadvertised so you need to be thorough in your search. You can find job openings in many places, including the following:
A. Ask your friends and family if they know of any jobs available. Many jobs are filled through the referral of friends from a company’s current employees.
B. Visit employers who you know or have always wanted to work at. However, call in advance and request an interview.
C. Check the newspaper classified ads, both local and regional. Also, newspaper articles about new businesses and expansions also can give clues to where jobs might be located.
D. If you are in school, job openings are often available at the schools’ Career Placement office. Also, some schools have part-time jobs available through the work-study programs.
E. Perusing the phone books will provide you with a listing of all the employers in the area. However, unless you narrow your search to certain industries, it will be a cumbersome task.
F. Public agencies and organizations, such as Butte Community Employment Center offer free job-search services. Centers are located in Chico at 2445 Carmichael Dr. and in Oroville at 78 Table Mountain Blvd.
G. The Internet has many job search websites, including local ones such as chicojobs.com, chicohelpwanted.com, and craigslist.com. Also, there are national websites, such as Monster.com, and Careerbuilder.com. One job site that everyone should consider is the California Job Bank, located at http://caljobs.ca.gov. Many employers are required to post their jobs at this site, especially if they receive state or federal funding.
H. Employment Agencies, such as Gitman and Associates, the only locally-owned employment agency in Paradise, often have temporary and long-term positions with employers who do not wish to manage their own personnel administration. Gitman and Associates maintains a pool of qualified applicants for positions which may become available in the area…AND there is no fee to the applicant.-
As you locate jobs for which you are qualified, mail, fax, or e-mail (not all of those) a copy of your resume and a cover letter specifically addressed to that company, noting how your skills and abilities fit that particular job opening. Keep a record of all of your applications/resumes submitted. Be sure to follow-up with the companies a few days after submission.
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When you are contacted by an employer for an interview, practice your interviewing skills with a friend beforehand. Sometimes, an employer will initially interview you over the phone so be prepared.
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Consider the appropriate attire for the interview. Applicants should reflect the attire of the current incumbent and/or appropriate work clothes for the particular type of company and position.