AIU Online CareerPointers If you have knowledge, let others light their candles in it. —Margaret Fuller
HOMEADMISSIONS & FINANCIAL AIDDEGREE PROGRAMSVIRTUAL CAMPUSCONTACT USCLICK TO TALK March + April 2005, Issue 29
In Focus Return Home
  Beyond the Basics
The Non-Traditional Job Search
Are you sick and tired of looking for jobs on the obvious job sites like monster.com or careerbuilder.com? If you are unemployed or are in a position that is short term or not related to your career goal, a traditional "submit your résumé online" job search can exhaust your options pretty quickly. And it is certainly not motivating to feel like you have no where else to look. But don't fret! Many different resources are available beyond the basic job search.

Expand Your Internet Search
Internet searches are very popular today. However, it can be difficult to stand out in the crowd of job seekers who use the top two or three sites. To increase your chances of being seen—and getting that all-important interview—search out websites and resources in the corners of the World Wide Web that are visited less frequently. Visiting independent companies' job boards can be beneficial as well.

Target the Companies You Want
Another great alternative to the obvious job search is targeting companies that interest you. Research organizations in your area, find contact information, and then inquire about who is the correct person to speak with about open positions within the company. Learn the tricks of the trade of identifying the appropriate person and getting your résumé in front of them. Even if they don't have current openings, at least they will remember your name when they do!

To learn more about this job search technique, check out the article "4 Advantages of a Targeted Internet Job Search."

Network, Network, Network
Above all job-hunting strategies, the most successful by far is networking. Networking should be a part of everyone's job search, but most people don't know how to do it effectively. The most common way is to let all of your friends and family know that you are in the market for a new position. Someone may have an opening where they work, or have a friend who does. If you have a mentor, ask to take them out to lunch and ask for job advice or if they know of any openings/recruiters. If you are in a new area where your circle of friends or family is small, find other ways to network. Some avenues include online networking groups, local professional associations, or even the chamber of commerce.

For more advice on networking, check out the article "5 Tips to Increase Your Networking
Know-How
."

Remember, the real key to a successful job search is to take advantage of every resource and opportunity available to you. Don't skip the basics—but don't limit yourself to them either. Give yourself more opportunities to find openings by trying out our non-traditional searching tips!

Return HomeTop
5 Tips to Increase
Your Networking
Know-How
4 Advantages of a
Targeted Internet Job Search
Find Your Next Employer...
Before Your Job Search
In Focus
The Non-Traditional
Job Search

5 Tips to Increase Your
Networking Know-How

4 Advantages of a
Targeted Internet
Job Search

Find Your Next Employer...
Before Your Job Search



Have Your Say
Which job-search strategy is most likely to lead to a job offer?
Join a networking group.
Post a résumé on a
      job site.
Cold call a target
      company.
Contact a recruiter.

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Something to Think About
Top 10 Worst Networking Strategies: Don't let these mistakes derail your networking efforts!

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