How To Find a Job Opportunity

In today's tough job market, you may think it's impossible to find a job, but opportunity awaits if you know where to find it.  If you have an open mind, a polished resume, and persistence, you will find a job.

Where to find a job opportunity:

1. General career sites.   Sites such as Monster.com, Careerbuilder.com, and Yahoo! Hot Jobs have large databases for finding a job opportunity.  These sites allow you to search by location and job field.  While these sites are great for listing a high quantity of job opportunities, you are also competing with many others looking for a job. Take advantage of these sites' advice on building a resume, and make sure to research the employer to make sure that you are prepared for an interview.
2. Online classifieds.   Whether you use Craigslist or your local online newspaper, classified ads might help you find a job opportunity that is nearby.  These sites don't offer the advice of the career websites, but they do tend to facilitate direct communication with an employer who is often looking for someone to fill a job opening quickly.
3. Specialized or professional websites.  If you have specific training in a field and you belong to professional organizations, check their website to see if they have any job opportunities listed.
4. Government jobs.   If you've ever thought about working for Uncle Sam, check for job opportunities at usajobs.gov.
5. Your daily life.  It might seem strange to look for jobs when you're shopping or running errands, but keep an eye out for the postings in the window of your neighborhood shops and businesses.  Employers often like hiring local employees, especially if those employees have also been customers who understand the business.

A few additional tips:

1. Look online or in your neighborhood everyday - perhaps even two or three times a day.  Check those websites regularly, and don't be afraid to ask around.  Job opportunities come and go quickly, so if you are hesitant or inconsistent in your search, you may find that opportunity passes you by.
2. Expand your job horizons.  If you are looking to find your last job - only with a better boss and more money - chances are, you aren't going to find it.  Your past experience is valuable, but don't let that deter you from taking an opportunity that might be different from what you once did - or what you ever imagined you might do!