8 Ways to Find a Job Besides Applying on Job Boards

Whether you’re a new college grad or a career professional on the hunt for something different, finding a job can sometimes seem like a tough task. While online job boards like Monster and ZipRecruiter can help, it can feel daunting to sift through the many options available to find the opportunity that is right for you. Fortunately, there are other places you can look for jobs beyond job search websites. Here are eight ideas to try.

1. Do a Basic Internet Search

Individual online job boards can be oversaturated with listings, and you don’t always know if the employer or job you desire is on the site you’re searching. One way to get around this is to do a search using whatever search engine you use — whether Google, Bing, Yahoo, or something else — for the job you desire. As an example, you might search for “nursing assistant jobs near me.”

The benefit of this approach is that you get to see job posts listed on numerous search sites, giving you a wider selection to view. You may also notice that certain sites tend to have more job posts for the employer or position you want, so you may decide to target them individually for a more in-depth search.

2. Link Up on LinkedIn

Craft a compelling resume and upload it to LinkedIn. Request connections with professionals in your desired job field (and in your local area) and begin to form relationships. You can also ask mutual connections for introductions.

Take the time to learn about your connections, their interests, skills, and areas of expertise. If they post a job opening, let them know you’re interested before applying. After you’ve had time to form a relationship, you might even ask if they’re aware of any openings for your desired role. Sometimes having this connection, even if only online, can help you find a job.

3. Ask Around in Person

The Internet is a useful resource for job seekers, but there’s nothing wrong with a little old-fashioned face-to-face human interaction. Ask your family, friends, instructors, or any other connections you may have if they have a lead for you. Let them know what you want in a job and ask them to reach out if they hear of something that could be a good fit.

Secondarily, be sure to return the favor if you can. The process of looking for a new job can be straining, and the more we can help each other find work we love, the better we become as a whole!

4. Check Out Physical Job Boards

It may seem like an outdated idea, but there are still plenty of employers who post job listings on actual, physical job boards. Head to local coffee shops and see if there are any job listings that catch your eye. Look at restaurants, print shops, and any other local businesses that have a board where employers post flyers of their job listings.

You may also find physical job boards at career centers, educational institutions, and training facilities. Call ones in your area and ask if they have a board you can come look at. If not, these organizations might still be able to give you some ideas on other places to look to find a job in your desired field.

5. Look for an Internship or Volunteer Work

When looking for a job, you might never consider an internship or volunteer position. However, both can turn into job opportunities if you perform well and the employer has an available opening.

If you’re new to the field and unsure which position might be suited to you, internships and volunteer positions are also great opportunities to find the right fit. You get a closer look at the options available and what each may look like if you were to choose that career path.

6. Use Your School’s Career Services

If you are a student or alumni of a school, consider contacting its career services department. Advisors there may be able to point you toward jobs that are in your career field. They may also have connections with employers in your local community and nationally.

For example, Ultimate Medical Academy has a Career Services team that is excited to help our healthcare learners and alumni with their job search. Need a hand with your resume? No problem. Unsure how to shine in a job interview? We can help with that, too! We also have a variety of employer partners we may be able to connect you with!

7. Take Advantage of Local Resources

Many cities have resources specifically designed to help business owners and professionals find and retain employees. Two to check out are your local Chamber of Commerce or Economic Development Corporation. Each can help you learn more about job opportunities in your area.

Not sure where your local office is? The U.S. Chamber of Commerce offers an easy-to-use online directory to help you find the Chamber in your area. The U.S. Economic Development Administration also provides an online directory with contact information for the agencies available in your state and region.

8. Start Your Own Business!

For those with an entrepreneurial spirit, there’s always the option of starting your own business. Taking this route can give you the opportunity to have complete control over your hours and income, and allow you to build something from the ground up.

To help with this, the U.S. Small Business Administration offers a comprehensive Business Guide. This guide provides information about how to plan, launch, manage, and grow your business. It also includes several downloadable resources you can use as you go.

Knowing where to look for jobs can make your job search easier by giving you several ideas of where to start. Whichever ones you choose to try, we wish you great success in your search — and your career!