Don't Forget About the Basics

After being reminded of a very basic job resource I hadn’t utilized recently, it seemed like a good idea to reiterate the basic sources of job announcements and a couple of tips for using them more effectively. It always pays to keep up with the easy targets. They all have their limitations, but it doesn’t take too long to keep up with them and every little bit helps. It’s also good for clients to understand how they work and how to use them for their own independent job searches in the future.

•Craigslist – This is by far the most widely used source of job postings in Austin now, having surpassed the local newspaper classified ads. We help clients understand the limits of responding to posts, but encourage them to monitor it on their own. Sometimes, I spot an announcement from an employer I have contacts with and have been able to call and secure some attention for qualified clients who have applied. Sometimes I can follow-up in advance when a phone number is listed. Every week, I try to respond to key postings with a general advertisement for our services so they might remember to contact us first the next time they need to hire. I haven’t been able to track any job leads to this approach, but it doesn’t take me long and it can’t hurt.

• Local workforce office – Every State has some kind of workforce support program. Many have resource centers for job seekers. In Texas, they have a very well designed and maintained online job bank. You can input a profile and it generates job leads. All of the organizations that help refugees find jobs here have established their own profile to access entry level jobs we can then share with clients.

• Web-based job search sites – There are tons of these. http://www.Indeed.com compiles announcements from many job lists and has a feature that delivers job updates based on your criteria. I get one just for dishwasher jobs. I have to follow-up to confirm that the opening really does exist, but it’s very helpful. There are also sites specific to certain industries. http://www.Ihire.com offers several, including one for optometry that I recently used to help a pair of Cuban ophthalmic surgeons in their job searches.

• Newspaper classifieds – As I mentioned previously,, this source is much less popular than Craigslist now. But, the Sunday classified often advertise job fairs or large employer casting calls that can be helpful. I have tried to establish contacts found through a classified and it sometimes results in a longer term opportunity even if the advertised position has been filled.

• Employer websites – I regularly check a short list of on-line job sites for employers that we work with or would like to target. Even our strongest partners don’t always have the time to alert us when they post an opening. I always check our hotel partners web-based job sites, as well as large retailers and a few other firms that rely on their on-line presence for hiring purposes. I can then alert Employment Specialists and refresh contact with the employer if necessary.

• Business Journals – Many cities have a newspaper targeting the business community. The Austin Business Journal publishes an annual Book of Lists that I have found very useful for identifying potential new employers. The bi-monthly newspaper has been less useful for concrete leads, but has helped me identify long term trends, new major employers or vibrant industries. Plus, sometimes it gives me talking points for networking.