Refresh Your Resume on Major Job Boards

Keeping your resume updated is always important but I also have an easy and quick trick for job hunters.  If your resume is posted on major job boards such as Monster, Careerbuilder, Hotjobs or others you can really benefit from one simple change.  The longer you resume stays unchanged on these websites the farther down the search list it falls.  Update your resume by changing one or two words and reload it on these websites.  This will bring your resume back to the top of the search options for job recruiters.

Learn New Skills

Potential employers may ask what you have been doing since your last job.  One thing to capitalize on is learning new skills.  You could go back to school.  You could take computer classes.  You could learn a new language.  Get a certification within your field of work.  Get a certification in a new field or work.  The possibilities here are endless.  The point is that if you have the time and sometimes the money learning a new skill will keep you busy, keep you connected for opportunities and possibly land you a new job.

Your Local Library

Your local library can be of great assistance in finding jobs or books to use as reference.  Use their computers to access the internet to search for jobs and job resources.  Check out books about resume writing, cover letters, interviewing and more.  What better place to have some quiet focused time searching for jobs or other job related resources.  The best part is that all of this is free so take advantage of your valuable time there.

College Career Centers

Most colleges will have some sort of career center.  Whether you're a current student, former student or alumni this can be a great resource for finding jobs.  They often provide career guidance, resume critiques, job interviewing practice, job fairs and contacts to local recruiters.  If you're spending all that money to further your education why not use all the resources they provide including career help.

Resumes For Dummies

The Dummies lines of books are always great resources for all skill levels and this book about resumes is no different.  This book highlights topics such as why most generic online resumes fail, new quick ways to find the right jobs, the resume basics to knock 'em dead, what to do after you send them your resume, resume examples in all fields and skill levels and countless other resources.  I would highly recommend this book for any job seeker.

The Power of Facebook

Facebook has now passed Google as the most popular website in the U.S.  Facebook overtakes Google was an article that opened my eyes to the power of social networking websites.  If you're open to looking for a job on Facebook it can be a powerful tool.  You can network with your friend list, become a fan of a recruiting company or even search for groups and pages specializing in jobs.  A word to the wise to you job seekers.  If you are looking for a job I would keep your profile confidential except to your friend list and at the very least get rid of any inappropriate pictures or text as recruiters or human resources may pass on you if they find anything offensive about you.

Sunday Newspaper Classifieds

Most local, regional and national newspapers feature their classified ads on Sundays.  These ads usually have an employment section.  Go pick up your copy now as most are free or relatively cheap.  Do remember though that with high circulation there will be greater competition so act on these ads quick.  With many newspapers going out of business or online and many jobs disappearing there may not be as many listings but every possible avenue should be explored.

Craigslist

Craigslist is known to most as a place to buy and sell things.  Look again as they have a job section.  Many local businesses and companies post their job openings here.  For those looking for a job it is completely free and can be a good resource to find local jobs.  For those looking to fill job openings it does cost $25 for each category you choose for a 30 day ad.

Introduction

With so many currently unemployed and many others dissatisfied with their current jobs I thought I would create a blog to help people find jobs.  I hope this will evolve into an interactive blog with every reader that has a comment, opinion or suggestion to go ahead and post it.

I look to seek out job resources such as job boards, classifieds, forums, books, resume tools and more.