Creative Job Search: Advertised Jobs

Many employers advertise their job openings. The newspaper, trade journals, television, radio, bulletin boards, window marquees, and the Internet are all sources of advertised jobs. The most common of these are newspaper advertisements. One limitation of advertised jobs is their over-use by many job seekers. Here are some other limitations of advertised jobs:

• The competition is much greater because they are seen by more job seekers.
• They represent only a small percentage of available jobs. Most employers prefer to use other sources for recruiting candidates.
• Many are "fake" openings. There is no real job, or the opening has already been filled. Employers may advertise to test the market, while some are required to advertise because of EEO requirements or Federal contracting.
• Some are undesirable jobs. They may pay low wages or the employer may have trouble keeping employees.

Despite this, there are many good jobs to be found through advertisements. Employers needing specialized skills and those who are mass recruiting (seeking to fill many positions) will often advertise. Also, advertisements are excellent windows into the job market; they are one measure of growth industries. Here are some tips for advertised jobs:

• Actively look for advertised jobs but do not make them your primary focus.
• Pick your sources for advertised jobs - newspapers, trade journals, the Internet, etc. - then follow them faithfully. Review new listings when they are released.
• Respond to new openings immediately.
• Keep track of listings that run continuously or are old. A good practice is to review past dvertisements to see which jobs have been listed before.
• Don't ignore "blind" ads (ads where you apply to a box number and do not know the employer's name). Many good jobs are listed as blind ads.
• Look at all the jobs listed, not just those that fit your goal. You may find a company you want to pursue although they have not listed a job in your occupation.
• Research the employer and the job before you apply.
• Direct your application to a person by name. Avoid "To whom it may concern" or "Personnel Manager."
• When you apply, attempt to meet the hiring authority. Don't just send your resume or application and wait.
• After you apply, follow up. Check with the employer often; ask for an interview; show your initiative.

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