Job-Seeking Techniques
There are several different job-seeking techniques that you may employ. They include the following:
Answering a help-wanted advertisement
Employing the help of a recruiter or employment service firm
Calling on personal contacts (networking)
Sending unsolicited resumes directly to the employer (also known as the direct contact method)
When you read the words “Help Wanted,” you probably think of the classifieds in your local paper. While a newspaper is certainly one place to find a help-wanted ad, there are other avenues you should consider. Advancing technology has paved the way for literally thousands of job-hunting Web sites. In fact, on the Internet, today's job seekers can access millions of job openings around the world with just a few clicks of the mouse. Magazines are another place you might look for help-wanted ads; they too can be accessed online.
If you don't have time to pore over classifieds, actively seek out job board postings on the Internet, or print up lots of cover letters and resumes, employment services are the way to go. Whether you are looking for a temporary or direct hire job, there are enough staffing firms out there to service the particulars of any job seeker's search for employment, whether you are entry-level or executive.
But what exactly does an employment service firm do? In fact, they do as little or as much as you would like them to. Employment services can be very specialized in function, or they can be very general. They can offer only one specific service to a small group of job seekers or provide a variety of services to satisfy a large population. There are employment service firms that will only work with, say, experienced restaurant managers, and others that will help anyone, from a temporary receptionist to a Fortune 500 CEO. Employment service firms can be run by one person or be part of a worldwide corporation. They can be private or state-run agencies. Today, most services are free of charge, but you should always inquire if there is a cost to you before signing an application or contract.
If you're electing to let a staffing firm do some of the work for you, it is important not to choose one blindly. The American Staffing Association (ASA) and the National Association of Personnel Services (NAPS) are the two credentialing entities that scrupulously uphold ethical business practices for all of their members. You would do well to tap into the resources of their membership, which includes only those staffing firms that adhere to a subscribed code of business conduct for both the job candidate and the employer. You can visit them online: the American Staffing Association (ASA) is located at
Here are some other smart steps to take before deciding on an employment service agency:
Learn a bit about the history of the company. If a company has been around for a while, chances are it is a reputable agency. A firm that has been in operation at least two years is probably a safe bet.
Choose a staffing firm that specializes in your profession. Because they have expertise, these types of firms tend to be reliable. Also, because they are working within a particular industry, it is likely that news from job seekers of any negative experiences would travel fast. If you are just starting out in a particular field, you may have a bit more difficulty securing employment through a specialized employment service. Still, since many industries (e.g., advertising, banking and finance, health care, and publishing) rely on these types of services to find suitable employees, it would be worth your while to get in touch with one or more firms and see what kind of jobs are available.
Again, strive for a staffing service that is a member of one of the national associations previously mentioned. These members are required to follow a prescribed set of ethical business practices.
Ask professionals how they got their current position, and chances are at least one will say through a friend, family member, or business contact. No matter what profession you're interested in, chances are that you know someone in that field, or you at least know someone who knows someone. The point is, you should be able to find someone in your desired field who can help you in some way. Even if this person cannot give you a job, he may be able to refer you to someone who can. Making connections to other people is an easy way to break into a new field and a smart way to advance in your current industry.
If you have not found anyone who can help you, there are other ways to make personal contacts. Find out about local organizations that specialize in your business and plan to attend their local meetings. If you are a college graduate, get in touch with your alumni association and see if you can track down other graduates who work in your particular field. Or go online; you could find a newsgroup or professional forum that specializes in your business and engage in an online discussion. While job offers may not be handed to you within the first hour or so of contact, don't be surprised if you hear from these new “friends” later on, when an opportunity arises.
