6 Alternatives to Job Search Boards - CareerAlley

6 Alternatives to Job Search Boards - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. Without a doubt, job search boards are the number one tool that people use for their job search. Which is exactly why you should be looking at some of the other job search alternatives that are available to you. Lets face it, crowds of job searchers means more competition (which is not what you want when conducting a job search). Besides the competition, most job boards do not update their listings on a real time basis which means you may be applying for a job that has already been filled. Another reason to use alternatives is that some jobs posted on job search boards are not real jobs. They are jobs that are posted so that recruiters can build their list of candidates with a specific skill set (sad, but very true). That being said, where else can you look for a job (and why)? The 6 alternatives listed in this post are just the tip of the iceberg. There are many job search alternatives you can leverage. And, as discussed in The Four Legs of Job Search, the time you spend on your search should be spread across many alternatives. Recruiters Recruiters (or Headhunters) have direct relationships with hiring companies and hiring managers. Your probability of getting an interview is much higher if you were introduced by a recruiter. Some things you should consider: You are not the client Recruiters work for the hiring company and, while they would love to find a job for you (they get paid on commissions), their primary responsibility is to the hiring company. Be Proactive While you might be discovered by a recruiter, be proactive in creating a relationship and letting them know you exist. Look for recruiters who work in your industry/profession and reach out to them (more on where to find them below). Listen to Their Advice Recruiters are professional job search consultants and know what it takes to land an interview and get hired. Take their advice on interview techniques, your resume and other advice they may offer. Where to Find Them The Recruiter Network Find A Recruiter Oyas Recruiter Directory RileyGuide.com LinkedIn While LinkedIn has a built-in job search engine, the platform is much more diverse in that it is mainly a business social network. If you leverage all of the tools on LinkedIn (your profile, networking, groups and job search) it will be a broader and more rewarding experience with direct access to the hidden job market via your network and extended network. Take a look at the following: 8 LinkedIn Features You Need to Know About 5 Mistakes to Avoid on Your LinkedIn Profile LinkedIn Profiles vs. Resumes, is There a Difference? 5 Steps to a Great Resume JobsMiner.com While job search boards list job opportunities that are posted by companies and recruiters, Jobsminer aggregates job opportunities from social networks (Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn to name a few). So what makes this so special? These opportunities are harder to find, which means there should be less competition when applying. You will need to sign in using your Facebook account. Job Fairs The job fair market is quite robust, with regular events in or near most cities. Job fairs typically focus on an industry, but there are many job fairs where employers show up across many industries. Why go to a job fair? They allow one-on-one direct contact with potential employers and provides an opportunity to make a great first impression (which could lead to an interview). Where to find them: National Career Fairs This site will give a calendar of upcoming career fairs by city. Eventbrite.com This site helps you find career fairs (as well as other events). Type in Job Fair or Career Fair, you location and dates and you are set to go. Carouselexpo.com Pick your state from their homepage, and you will get a list of upcoming job fairs. Company Career Sites Go Right to the Source If you have a list of companies where you would like to work (and if you dont, make one), you can go directly to that companys career site and search for jobs. Most sites have a sign-up pagewhich allows you to get updates on jobs that match your criteria and experience. 51 Company Career Sites for Direct Links to Jobs The Quintessential Directory of Company Career Centers More Company Career Sites Social Media: Your regular social networks (Facebook, Google +, Twitter, etc.) can be leveraged for job search. Jobs are posted on all of these sites and leveraging people you know to search for a job certainly has its advantages, such as: You can let everyone you know (or groups of people know) that you are looking for a job. This is extremely useful when you are out of work (not so much if you still have a job and are searching in secret). You can develop and sell your personal brand. Helps build your social networking contacts. 4 Ways To Use Facebook To Find A Job The Beginners Guide To Finding A Job With Twitter HOW TO: Use Google+ For Your Job Search We are always eager to hear from our readers. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or suggestions regarding CareerAlley content. Good luck in your search,Joey Google+