THE BEST JOB SEARCH TECHNIQUES

In addition to using Enterprise job listings, you have several other valuable resources to use in your job search. People who network and use other job search techniques are more likely to find jobs, and specifically the type of job they want. Learning to take advantage of several job search resources is an important skill that will be useful for future job searches and career exploration after high school.

1. Networking

What: Networking means using informal contacts with friends, family, teachers, and coworkers to find out about available jobs. Networking is also making connections with people that work in your field of interest.

Why: Networking is the most common way people find jobs. More than 2/3 of all new employees find their jobs this way. The purpose of networking is to find out about job opportunities and to let people in this field know about you. Often, employers do not list job openings in the newspaper or with employment agencies. Instead, they rely on personal contacts and recommendations to identify potential employees. The more connections you have or make, the more people know about you. The more people know about you, the more likely you are to find out about job opportunities.

How: There are many ways to use a job search network. The best and easiest way is for you to talk to friends, family, teachers, clergy, and coaches about what you are interested in doing. Ask them if they know anybody working in that field or if they know of job opportunities. Always get names and phones numbers, and ask them to mention your name if they hear of anything.

2. Community-Based Organizations (CBOs)

What: CBOs are non-profit organizations like Enterprise, the YMCA, community centers, or the Boys and Girls Club that provide programs either for residents of a particular neighborhood or for people throughout San Francisco with certain interests. Talk to teachers or family about which CBOs provide programming in your community.

Why: CBOs such as the YMCA, community centers, and youth clubs are helpful resources, especially for finding opportunities in a certain area of San Francisco. Staff members at CBOs often have many contacts in the community and are familiar with the community’s needs and resources.

How: There are several hundred CBOs in and around San Francisco. Talk to counselors, outreach workers, volunteers, and other staff members at organizations in your neighborhood to find out about job opportunities. Students can gain knowledgeable allies in their mission to find the right job. A good place to find CBOs with programs for kids is under Youth Organizations and Centers in the phone book or check out some of the resources at Enterprise.

3. On-Line Searching

What: There are many on-line sites that provide job listings in a variety of areas. Advantages of on-line searching include the user's ability to tailor her/his search to find a specific type of job.The on-line job search may be most beneficial for the experienced job seeker.

How: There are many different on-line job search sites to meet one’s needs. Some of our favorites include: www.snagajob.com, www.monster.com, www.jobs.com, and www.craigslist.org.

4. Cold Calling

What: Cold calling is contacting potential employers who you have never spoken to in order to introduce yourself, express interest in the field, and discuss employment opportunities. These people include managers in businesses where you would like to work and people recommended to you by friends and family.

Why: Many employers rely on networking to find employees to fill openings. Because of this, you may never hear of job opportunities. Cold calling is a way to break into that network and find out about openings before they are filled. Cold calling is especially useful when you know what type of job you want (for example: a job in a pet store).

How: Pick a type of job in which you are interested and qualified for and look up business names in the phone book. Call these stores, ask for the manager, explain your interest in the field, and ask about any job opportunities.

5. Door-to-Door

What: People can find out about job opportunities by dropping into businesses where they may be interested in working. Stores that have help wanted signs posted are a good place to start, but many stores are always accepting applications. Employers are always interested in talking to good workers.

Why: Talking directly to employees and managers allows you to make a strong and favorable impression on those people who may eventually hire you. Meeting someone face-to-face is a good way to stand out among other candidates applying for the same job. It also allows you to get an impression of coworkers and what the work environment is like. Depending on how comfortable you feel, you can also talk to employees about what it is like to work there.

How: The point of going door-to-door is to make a good impression, so whenever you talk to a potential employer face-to-face, treat it as an interview. Dress properly. Shake hands. Be respectful. (See interview section.) In addition, bring names, phone numbers, and addresses of past employers and references, and any other information you may need to fill out an application on the spot. Leave a copy of your resume if you have one. Write down the name of the store, the name of the manager, and the phone number. Call back about one week later.

6. Newspaper

What: Most newspapers have a classified section where employers advertise job openings. Although these jobs are usually more appropriate for older people, there may be positions for which you are qualified. Newspapers will be an especially good resource later on. Other publications also list job openings. Smaller newspapers like the New Mission News or your high school weekly may have listings suitable for you.

Why: Newspapers like the San Francisco Chronicle list hundreds of job openings everyday. Because these advertisements are pretty inexpensive and can reach so many people, employers who do not list their jobs anywhere else will usually place an ad in the newspaper. For this reason, it is important to check the classified ads.

How: Look in the Classified section of the paper under "Jobs" or "Employment". Jobs are listed alphabetically by type: accountant, administrator, banking, etc. Look under the type of job in which you are interested. Copy down the information and follow directions for applying or getting more information.