Help! I desperately need to find a job! This is the plea of so many people today. People all across the US are underemployed, unemployed, or about to be unemployed. Yet, the bills don't stop coming, the family doesn't cease to need food, and the children keep growing out of their clothes. What do you do if you are facing this crisis? How do you go about the job search? Where do you look? As one who is currently in the job market, here are a few of things I have learned through my own experience and the advice of others.

Forget the Job Sites

Yes, I am speaking of Monster and CareerBuilder. I have found that I can spend hours upon hours on these sites with very little profit. I may apply to a number of jobs, but experience tells me these applications don't produce any fruit. Through my research and council, I have learned that job postings on sites such as Monster and CareerBuilder are last-ditch efforts by employers. Companies post on these sites either out of desperation or to comply with regulations regarding job posting. Many jobs posted on these sites are already filled or at least very close to being filled. Don't waste your time wading through the thousands of job postings on Monster and CareerBuilder.

Search Company Job Postings

Most of the large companies today will not accept phone calls or physical resumes. They only hire from within or through their online job postings. Even if you make contact with someone inside the company, they will require you to complete the online application before the process goes any further. Compile a list of companies you are interested in and then search their online job postings. Be sure to have a resume and cover letter ready before applying to make the process more efficient.

Build Your Network

Tell everyone you know that you are in the market for employment. You never know who your neighbor knows. Friends and family may have contacts throughout the job market, even with decision makers. The more people who are aware of your situation, the better chances you have of landing the best position for your needs and skills. Online employment applications are impersonal so having a large network will help get your foot in the door. Along these lines, create and update a LinkedIn profile. Then connect with everyone you know who has a profile.

Looking for employment is hard work. At times, it may even be harder than the job itself. One important thing to remember as you embark on this process: the resume, application, and network are only a means to get you an interview...the interview is up to you to sell your skills and ability to perform. More on the interview in upcoming posts. For now, get out there and build your network!