Job Prospecting In The 21st Century

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The job market in the United States is not so hot. As unemployment figures remain at stubbornly high levels, millions of Americans are fighting to find employment.

In any job market, it is always imperative that a person take specific steps to separate oneself from the general pack of job seekers, but in these less than robust conditions it is even more important than ever.

In this article, we are going to discuss a few practical steps a person can take to utilize technology during the oftentimes arduous task of job prospecting.

Job Prospecting

The first step in applying for a new position is to, of course, prospect. The old school method of job prospecting generally involved the Help Wanted ads in the local newspaper and possibly turning to industry contacts in your old rolodex. Technology, however, has changed the way we can prospect for new jobs.

The first and most common method is to hit the major online employment websites. Monster.com lists thousands of jobs across the country, and this is a great way to begin a job search. Submitting resumes through Monster.com, however, is an old-school method of applying for a job.

By submitting a resume in this extremely formal manner, there is no personal connection or chance to set yourself apart from other job applicants. Using this method, a person’s only hope is that his or her cover letter will be so powerful that it will draw a manager’s instant attention.

A Better Way

There are two other ways to go about the job hunting process. The first is bit counter-intuitive. Consider forgetting the mainstream job search sites like Monster.com, and instead focus on finding companies that you really want to work for.

Jump on the internet and search for companies in your industry in your area and begin formulating a list of companies that really appeal to you.

Next, begin scouring the internet for every article and piece of information you can find about the company. Reach out to your networking contacts and check to see if you know any company employees or are able to connect with someone who does.

Once you gather information on the company in general, narrow down to your specific skill set. Could your skill set add significant value to this company?

Linked-In

Now, you can jump on LinkedIn and search to find key personnel inside the company that could be potential contacts for the job you want to land in the company.

Once you identify a small handful of key contacts inside the company, sketch out a personalized letter to each one that specifies why you love the company so much, a brief description of your relevant background and skill set, and what value you can bring to the company.

Whether you are applying to enter the field of currency trading or digital photography, it’s always best make a visit to the company and deliver these letters to reception in person.

If the company is virtual and does not have a brick and mortar operation, then simply shoot an email to the each of the contacts from LinkedIn, or if their emails are not available, then send the letters in an email to the general company email.

Technology has changed the way we communicate and find information, and using the internet, websites, and networking sites like LinkedIn offer job seekers options that did not exist just a decade ago.