When you lose your job in a down economy, your first reaction may be to resign yourself to the fact, put on your pajamas and sit down to watch television until economic conditions improve. The wise thing to do is to tell everyone you know that you're out looking for a job. Touch up your resume, get your hair cut, do you nails and shine your shoes. Networking is the quickest way to find a job.
Friends, and friends of friends, learn about jobs and, provided you let your extended network know that you're out of work and actively seeking employment, you'll be the first to hear the news.
The trick for this link to jobs is to be open for a variety of employment. The new job may not be a carbon copy of your old job, but may require retraining or coursework to update your skills.
Relatives are another good source for jobs. Not that your relatives are going to hire you, but they have a vested interest in your good welfare. When they hear about jobs, create a quick-and-easy way that they can notify you immediately of job openings.
The downside to this search is that you may need to relocate to take advantage of job openings. Preplan for a temporary relocation for employment and how your family would handle the situation.
Professional organizations cost a bit of money to pay for membership, but the rewards for job seekers rest in the higher quality of the job offerings. The jobs are also in your field, if you are a member of an organization that promotes your industry.
Attend local membership meetings, or invest in attendance at a national or regional convention where you have confirmed that businesses will be interviewing job seekers.
Community networking is another way to seek out quality employment. If your town or county is large enough to have a chamber of commerce, check to see if the group offers breakfast meetings or mixers.
Dress for success for these meetups and bring quality business cards with your telephone contact number. Slip a few resumes into your portfolio, just in case you meet someone with an immediate opening.
Church activities are another way to find out about job openings. Don't be shy about the fact that you've lost your job. Your community may assume you're still working at your old company. Let folks know that you're looking and ready to start immediately. Some companies prefer to hire new associates from church or community settings.
Nice list of places to find a job.
Good tips on how to look for jobs.
Akbar finds this helpful.
These are all really good options for networking. Former co-workers is another good option.
Great list.
select one here...