Best Way to Get Your New Job

[illinigal]

Hi y'all.... I'll admit it. I'm horrible at the whole job search thing. It took me about five months after college to find my current job. I'm currently in the market for a new job, because my current one sucks, but I have no idea how to go about it. I posted on Monster, but I'm only getting calls from recruiters. I just want to know the best way to start.

Here's a few things to remember... I've already looked internally and I went to a big state school (UofI), so it's not like I can just randomly contact alumni.

[winneythepooh7]

I think it's good to start out by making a pros and cons list of what you are looking for in a new job. This would help you get a better idea of the types of jobs that you would consider. For example, is a long commute an option or not? Would you sacrifice a higher salary for perks like better benefits or being able to work from home some days?

Also, there are ways to get yourself out there to network: join professional organizations. Look for online networking lists even specifically geared for professional women in your area.

I belong to a few through Yahoogroups.

Even just getting out and meeting new people---you never know who can be a good connection. I was in a sorority in college, and we have women who work in all industries. I've had "sisters" who have looked over resumes and set up interviews for people not even in my sorority if you get my point where I am going with this.........

I think it is also important to figure out if you are looking to stay at your next job for only a couple of years or so to gain experience and then move on, or, are you looking for your "dream job" to retire at?

[illinigal]

I already know what I want... more money (I'm getting paid 20% below the market average) and a less nasty/ vindictive environment. I basically had a nervous breakdown over the weekend because of something that happened @ work.

Your suggestions are pretty good; however, all my college friends live in other parts of the country (Cali/ NYC/ etc.). And I steered clear from sororities like the plague in college.

[winneythepooh7]

I was just using that as an example though. There are plenty of other ways you can network with people.

[illinigal]

Such as?? What specific networking groups do you use? I've had a few boyfriends since I've finished school, but I've found it hard to find friends/ professional contacts now that I'm an "adult."

[BsballAcctnt]

Just to offer my own opinion, I think you should cross the "more money" off the top of your list of things you want. You really should be searching for something you want to do, and if you're good at it, you will most likely be successful. Then the money will come.

[wordsmith]

My first job, I got by first being a full-time volunteer for them. When a position opened, I was the first one offered the spot.

My second job, I got primarly because nobody was beating their door down to take it (small town midwest newspaper reporter job) and because I'm a damned good writer. The fact that it was where I grew up, and that locals are favored for jobs such as those didn't hurt.

My current job, I had no particular "in" for (though awesome references via my first two jobs definitely counted for a lot, I was told). I found it by randomly searching for nonprofit jobs in the city I wanted to move to. My demonstrated skill set was also well-suited to the position.

But, no, in any of those cases, I've never really done much by way of networking, and it's not mattered at all.

[Pol]

Try jobfox.com. The guy who created careerbuilder sold out, then created this one. It's not a gigantic list of jobs and companies like all the others. This company is like a dating service. You fill out a survey, then opst your resume. Companies reach out to you instead of you chasing them. You will be notified any time an employer views your resume.

As for networking, look for associations in the area. Basically, just look for any group of people that do what you want to do.

[illinigal]

Try jobfox.com. The guy who created careerbuilder sold out, then created this one. It's not a gigantic list of jobs and companies like all the others. This company is like a dating service. You fill out a survey, then opst your resume. Companies reach out to you instead of you chasing them. You will be notified any time an employer views your resume.

As for networking, look for associations in the area. Basically, just look for any group of people that do what you want to do.

Cool idea! Thanks!!!

[illinigal]

Just to offer my own opinion, I think you should cross the "more money" off the top of your list of things you want. You really should be searching for something you want to do, and if you're good at it, you will most likely be successful. Then the money will come.

No... more money is @ the top of my list. I enjoy buying groceries, putting gas in my car, and paying my rent... Things which I'm barely able to do on my current salary. I'm being severely underpaid (by 20%), so that really is what I'm looking for.

[Pol]

No... more money is @ the top of my list. I enjoy buying groceries, putting gas in my car, and paying my rent... Things which I'm barely able to do on my current salary. I'm being severely underpaid (by 20%), so that really is what I'm looking for.


There is nothing wrong with having money as a motivator. Those who have the luxury of valuing things besides money are in a different place. When you can barely cover the expenses of everyday living, you are not chasing money out of greed. It's too easy to say to someone, "Go do something you enjoy."

[fearlesss]

Even just getting out and meeting new people---you never know who can be a good connection. I was in a sorority in college, and we have women who work in all industries. I've had "sisters" who have looked over resumes and set up interviews for people not even in my sorority if you get my point where I am going with this.........


your point is that they interviewed people that were not in the sorority?

[winneythepooh7]

your point is that they interviewed people that were not in the sorority?

Yes, that is my point. I am friends with many of my "sisters" who work in different industries. I have met people outside of the sorority looking for work in a certain industry, so I have passed their resume onto them. Basically my whole point is, not to rule people out in general. Just put yourself out there and meet new people, because you never know who you will meet who will have a connection.

Also, let everyone know if you are looking for a new job. I am going through this myself right now so I have started telling people I know to let me know if they hear of anything. I have had people tell me about people they know with connections to different hospitals/agencies/etc. who they would be willing to submit my resume/put in a good word.

[wordsmith]

There is nothing wrong with having money as a motivator. Those who have the luxury of valuing things besides money are in a different place. When you can barely cover the expenses of everyday living, you are not chasing money out of greed. It's too easy to say to someone, "Go do something you enjoy."

There is really no better choice than, "Go do something you enjoy," but the unspoken caveat is, "Find a way to do it that allows you to support yourself."