9 Ways to Find a New Job (2024)

You can use several strategies to get a new job to keep your career moving forward and to earn more money. Some of the best ways to look for a new job include networking online and in person and monitoring job site frequently. Learn more about other tips to help you find a new job.

Key Takeaways

  • Networking, online and in person, can help you stay on top of what's happening in your field, including what jobs are open.
  • Check in on job search sites frequently.
  • Look for jobs that are in your specific field to take advantage of your skills set.
  • Don't snub temporary or freelance work, which can often lead to full-time opportunities.

1. Networking

Many of the best jobs are never advertised in what's essentially a hidden job market. These jobs are filled by candidates who learn of them by word of mouth from friends, former colleagues, and ex-bosses.

By networking, or socializing, you can improve your chances of finding an unadvertised job. Consider joining professional associations, attending alumni events, and connecting with professionals who work in your field. Take every chance you get to meet up, in person or online, with others in your field.

Online networking sites like LinkedIn allow you to broaden your network to include friends of friends. The bigger your network, the more likely you'll find out about new opportunities.

2. Referrals

Some employers offer incentives to their employees for referring a successful candidate to the company. It's a win-win situation for everyone. You get a new job, and your contact gets a finder's fee for attracting a top-notch employee.

That's relatively rare, but there's nothing stopping you from asking a valued friend who works in your field to let you know about any openings. The working relationships you create at every job may open other doors years in the future.

3. Job Boards and Career Websites

Online job boards in which companies post job openings are a great way to find a position that matches your criteria. Anyone can access federal and state governments job boards and job banks.

You can also use job search engines or any of a vast number of career-related websites that post job openings, such as Monster.com, Google for Jobs, CareerBuilder, and Indeed. Many other databases specialize in freelance and contract work, including People Per Hour, Upwork, Simply Hired, and Crowded.

Many industries have specialized job search sites for particular fields, like Dice for tech professionals and ArtsThread for artists. These websites function in a similar way to traditional want-ads, but they have a greater reach and a faster turnaround time.

4. Job Fairs

Job fairs are often targeted toward specific industries, although some job or recruitment fairs are more generalized. The promotional material will include a list of the organizations that will be represented.

Investigate any companies that interest you, bring a resumes and business cards, and get ready to sell yourself. Consider any conversations with recruiters as mini-interviews that can set you apart from other applicants. Some organizations may even offer on-site interviews to candidates that match their requirements.

5. Company Websites

If you know which employer you want to work for, you can go directly to the career section of its website. If you routinely search openings on its site, you could find an opportunity that matches your skills set.

Create a list of employers that you'd like to work for and visit their websites often. If you're set on working for a specific company, it may take some time to find the right opening, but it can be a great way to find your dream job.

6. Cold Calling

If you don't see any job listings posted for a company you're interested in, you might consider making a cold call. Phone or email people in the organization after finding their contact details on the company website. Ask about upcoming vacancies, and attach a copy of your resume.

Keep in mind that this kind of contact may not always be well-received. You'll be lucky to get any response at all. But there is always a chance it'll give you the inside track on upcoming vacancies.

7. Headhunters and Recruiters

If you're looking for some professional help in your job search, headhunters and recruitment agencies can help.

Many organizations hire through recruitment agencies to streamline the hiring process. Head hunters actively recruit individuals to fill specific vacancies. Payment is based on commission. Make sure you know up front whether you or the company is paying it.

Keep in mind that many high schools and colleges have job placement services that can help new graduates to develop their resumes and assist both current students and alumni with job searches.

8. Temping or Internships

Temporary employment and short-term contracts often lead to permanent positions. It's a great way to get a foot in the door or gain useful business contacts. Many recruitment agencies can assist with locating temporary or casual positions and contract work.

Internships are often a good opportunity for students who are just graduating from college. The job placement services of many schools connect their students with opportunities.

If you're just starting out and you can afford it, volunteering can be a great way to gain valuable industry contacts.

9. Creative or Outlandish Tactics

In a competitive job market, some job seekers have pulled out all the stops. Billboards, chain letters with a copy of your resume attached, or even pasting your resume to yourself and walking around the city as a human billboard are just some of the methods job-seekers have used to get noticed.

These methods may actually work, but be cautious. Be sure that your creative tactic is appropriate for the industry you're trying to break into.

How Do You Know When It's Time to Get a New Job?

There are several reasons why you may want to get a new job. If you have been in the same position with the same salary for several years, you may want to consider a new job to advance your career. If the company you work for seems financially unsound (if they have recently implement layoffs), you may want a new job for more security. If you don't feel comfortable in your workplace, such as if you are getting bullied, it may also be time to get a new job.

How Do You Actually Quit a Job?

To leave your job, you should remain professional and respectful of your employer. Try to give at least two weeks notice. Put your resignation in writing and maintain a professional tone. Accept your employer's reaction and then continue to do your best in your position until you leave the company.

What Should I Do Before Starting a New Job?

If you've been newly hired, there are a few things you can do before starting your new job. First, you can familiarize yourself with the employee handbook. You can research your colleagues on LinkedIn to help you connect with them once you start working. And you can try to learn any software your new company uses.

The Bottom Line

Finding a new job that fits your criteria and skills set can take time, but you have several avenues to explore to find the right match, from job boards to networking. If you are transitioning to a new job, remember to leave your current workplace respectfully and try to give them notice of at least two weeks in advance.

9 Ways to Find a New Job (2024)

FAQs

What are 10 ways to find a job? ›

  • 10 Ways to Find a Job. There's more than one way to find a job. ...
  • Job boards and online vacancy sources. ...
  • Employer websites. ...
  • Making the most of your contacts. ...
  • Events, talks and workshops. ...
  • Social media. ...
  • Industry news. ...
  • Unadvertised jobs and speculative.

How can I find a new job easily? ›

How to find a new job
  1. Get organized.
  2. Set goals.
  3. Ask for advice.
  4. Write a resume.
  5. Search online.
  6. Use keywords.
  7. Maintain your social media accounts.
  8. Use your network.
Jun 28, 2024

What are the 7 steps in finding and getting a job? ›

  • Know Yourself. Ask yourself the following: What kind of positions am I seeking? ...
  • Have an Employment Objective – Know What You Want. ...
  • Create an Effective Resume and Well-Written Cover Letter. ...
  • Create a Plan of Action. ...
  • Develop Your Interview Skills. ...
  • Develop your Networking Skills.

What are the 6 steps to finding a job? ›

How to apply for a job
  • Search for jobs in your field.
  • Research hiring companies.
  • Ready your resume for submission.
  • Decide if a cover letter is right for you.
  • Submit your resume and online application.
  • Application follow-up.
May 31, 2024

What are the 10 steps to getting a job? ›

How to get a job
  1. Reflect on your career aspirations. ...
  2. Research potential industries and job roles. ...
  3. Identify your transferable skills. ...
  4. Build your social media presence. ...
  5. Conduct informational interviews. ...
  6. Tailor your resume. ...
  7. Write a customized cover letter. ...
  8. Prepare for the interview mindfully.
Nov 29, 2023

What are the methods of finding a job? ›

There are several ways to find a job: networking, working with executive recruiters (headhunters) or search firms, answering ads posted on web sites or in journals or newspapers, attending job fairs and cold calling. Try all methods, but spend your job search time on the method(s) most likely to lead to a job.

What are some job search strategies? ›

  • Be selective with your search. Focus your job search on positions you feel excited about and companies you really want to work for. ...
  • Maintain a strong digital presence. ...
  • Customize your application. ...
  • Learn a new skill. ...
  • Network regularly. ...
  • Participate in job fairs. ...
  • Visit company websites. ...
  • Leverage your current relationships.
Jun 30, 2023

How do you get a job when no one hires you? ›

Can't Find a Job? Consider These 13 Tips
  1. Take a Break. ...
  2. Go Where the Jobs Are. ...
  3. Spruce up Your Online Presence. ...
  4. Get Skilled or Schooled—or Both. ...
  5. Change Your Mindset. ...
  6. Try a Temporary Job. ...
  7. Build Your Network. ...
  8. Review Your Resume.

How can I increase my chances of getting a new job? ›

11 job application tips for landing the job
  1. Research the company you're applying to. ...
  2. Read and understand the job descriptions. ...
  3. Get your job search assets ready. ...
  4. Quantify your resume accomplishments. ...
  5. Tailor your resume to the job you're applying for. ...
  6. Customize your cover letter. ...
  7. Be thoughtful about your application answers.
May 4, 2023

What are the 9 steps in the hiring process? ›

The Nine Steps In The Employee Recruitment Process
  • Step 1: Identify Your Needs. ...
  • Step 2: Prepare The Job Description. ...
  • Step 3: Create A Recruitment Plan. ...
  • Step 4: Start Searching. ...
  • Step 5: Recruit Top-tier Talent. ...
  • Step 6: Conduct A Phone Screen. ...
  • Step 7: Interview In Person. ...
  • Step 8: Offer.
Jun 22, 2022

What are the 3 factors to consider when finding a job? ›

Factors to consider when looking for a job
  • Opportunities for growth. This is one of the most critical factors a person looks for in a job. ...
  • Salary. ...
  • Skills. ...
  • Personality fit. ...
  • Company values. ...
  • Impact on society. ...
  • Work environment. ...
  • Work-life balance.
Mar 12, 2024

What are the 8 steps to get your first job? ›

How to get your first job
  1. Set your expectations.
  2. Network with peers.
  3. Consider a job for the experience.
  4. Write a resume.
  5. Search for a job.
  6. Prepare for the interview.
  7. Dress appropriately.
  8. Follow up after the interview.
May 26, 2023

What are the 3 R's of job search? ›

How can you assure you do that? This is where the 3 R's of job hunting come in - Research, Relevance and Resilience.

What is the best first step to finding a job? ›

How to start a job search
  • Review your career goals. ...
  • Update your resume. ...
  • Revise your online profiles. ...
  • Search for companies that are hiring. ...
  • Use job boards. ...
  • Sign up for job alerts. ...
  • Search for networking opportunities.
Jun 30, 2023

How do I ensure I get the job? ›

Here are 15 tips to help you increase your chances of getting hired when applying for jobs:
  1. Start with a plan. ...
  2. Customize your resume. ...
  3. Keep your resume short. ...
  4. Customize your cover letter. ...
  5. Showcase your accomplishments. ...
  6. Build and utilize your network. ...
  7. Diversify your job search. ...
  8. Keep applying for jobs.
Jul 18, 2024

What are the 5 steps to getting a job? ›

5 Steps to Start Your Job Search
  1. Prep Your Resume. Your resume is the staple of your job hunt. ...
  2. Polish Your Profiles. In today's digital age, you can bet that one of the first things a hiring manager will do after reviewing your resume is look you up online. ...
  3. Touch Base With Your Network. ...
  4. Find Your Favorites. ...
  5. Set Some Goals.

How do you find the job? ›

How to Find a Job
  1. Consider what kind of career you want.
  2. Assess your strengths and interests.
  3. Reach out to people you know.
  4. Check out job listings.
  5. Establish a professional social presence.
  6. Speak with a recruiter.
  7. Prepare your application materials.

How are most jobs found? ›

60 percent of jobs are found through networking — not online

A majority of job postings are not available online, with 60 percent of jobs being found through networking instead. What does that mean for you as the job seeker? Simple: You need to start networking.

What can I use to find a job? ›

Use keywords or job titles to search for openings.
  • Search for jobs on CareerOneStop.
  • Search for jobs in your state's job bank.
  • Search the American Job Center database.
  • Search for jobs in your local newspaper and its website.
  • Visit a public library to get in-person help with job searches and more.
Dec 11, 2023

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