Job hunting is rarely easy particularly when there is an economic downturn. One of the first things to decide when job hunting is where to search for a job. In the past twenty years the number of options for job searching have widened considerably. However, no one wants to waste a lot of time searching for jobs in the wrong places.

If you’re wondering where to search for a job start out making a list of your own requirements. These should include things like, how far you’re prepared to travel, what type of job you’re looking for, estimated salary, level, training etc. There’s no right or wrong things to put on this list. It’s your list and the things that you want. You may not get them and you may find that you need to compromise but writing it down will help clarify your ideas. There’s no point in job hunting countrywide if you want to work locally and would never consider working away from home.

Once you have your list you can start thinking about where to search for a job. This very much depends on the type and level of job that you’re looking for. Listed below are different options that you could consider.

1. Internally: If you already working somewhere and are just looking for promotion – of course you will look at any posts within the organisation you are already working in.

2. Word of mouth: Don’t underestimate using word of mouth to find out about jobs. Tell friends and relatives that you’re job hunting and the type of job you’re looking for. You just never know who might give you a tip about a job they’ve heard about. Even send out a group email to friends and family and ask them to keep an eye out for you.

3. Specific companies: Even if companies are not advertising jobs, there’s still nothing wrong in ringing up an HR department and asking if any jobs are coming up or checking whether you can send in your CV for them to keep on file.

4. Specialist publications: If you’re looking for a job in a particular industry, make sure that you check out any specialist publications that are available.

5. The internet: Searching for jobs online has become more popular. The great thing about job hunting online as opposed to other ways of looking for jobs, is that it is so easy to whittle down your requirements through the different search options available. It also allows you to search not only in your own country, but also abroad. However, there are a lot of different organisations that advertise on the internet and it can be a challenge to choose where to search for a job.

6. Online networks: Professional networks such as LinkedIn are good for making contacts and searching for jobs. Facebook and Twitter can also be useful networks for contacts and job information.

7. Recruitment agencies: The advantage of using a job agencies is that it is their business to fill job vacancies for companies. If they’re good and your enthusiastic and are well prepared for the type of job you’re looking for , they will do everything to help you find the right position.

8. Newspapers: National, local, free papers all advertise different posts. The National papers tend to have types of jobs on particular days. Become familiar with which days jobs appear so you’re not wasting time.

9. Shop notice boards: Popular in some retail chains and small shops. Often used for temporary or seasonal work.

10. Job Centre Plus: Ran by the Department of Work and Pensions in the UK they tend to have jobs that are local to their area. The level of jobs available is often quite limited.

When you’ve decided where to search for a job, focus your attention on no more than one or two places to start with. If you're not happy with the jobs available, then think about expanding your options. At the same as starting to search for a job, you also want to make other preparations, so that when you start applying you are as well prepared as you can be to get your ideal job.