When you first begin the process of looking for a new job it can feel overwhelming to know where to start. In the age of the internet there are actually a lot of options when it comes to joining the workforce, but it’s important to understand the advantages different avenues of outreach have over others. 

If you’re looking to begin the job search, here are four places you can start. Try to pick one to start with and focus your efforts there before moving to another one. If you start shooting out a million emails and messages things can begin to feel chaotic. 

If you’re looking to find a new job you can start with some of these sources:

Job Fairs

If you’re currently in school or live near a university, most job fairs are held a couple times a year and offer in person networking opportunities. These can be helpful because they are oftentimes jam packed with tables and employees ready to answer any questions you may have right then and there. Having the chance to do things like this in person gives you a chance to have face to face interactions with companies which is an opportunity many don’t have anymore with all of the online job sites. 

Job Sites 

Websites like LinkedIn and Indeed offer an endless supply of online job postings to search through. By creating a complete profile you can apply for jobs directly through these postings. These sites allow you to narrow down the job search by applying filters including your experience, the level of employment you’re looking for, and various other factors. The downside to something like this is the sheer number of people on them who are applying for the same things you are-standing out is even harder because of the lack of face to face interaction. This is where the Quiggle Assessment can help you by giving you the right verbiage to allow you to stand out both on paper and in person. These websites serve as a great starting point if you’re able to make yourself stand out or go the extra mile. With a premium subscription to certain sites you can directly reach out to other employees at a company which could potentially yield positive results as well. 

Social Media

If there is a specific job or service you believe you have to offer, social media can be helpful in reaching out to companies directly. This can be especially true for smaller companies and businesses since they are more likely to respond. This kind of approach works well for job seekers interested in design, digital media, writing, or outreach. Another benefit to utilizing social media is the ability you have to be creative in the pursuit of a position. People have gotten internships from social media campaigns or going viral-if you can figure out how to work with social media there are a lot of opportunities you can create for yourself. 

Company Website

If there is a specific job you are absolutely on fire about landing or a company you are particularly interested in, going straight to their website can be a quick way to scope out your options. Learn about their team and read the biographies of the higher ups at the company. Study the website and gain a firm grasp on not just what they do-but the culture and beliefs they hold from the top down. When you put that kind of intentionality and effort into a company, making it known to them that you deeply care about what they care about helps you stand out. Depending on the company they may have different resources available in regards to reaching out to them. Even if a specific email isn’t listed, you can use the knowledge you gain of who is on their team to reach out to individuals through one of the job websites like linked in. The company website gives you the details you need in order to aim yourself directly at the job you want. 

The most important thing about the job search is to not become discouraged or lose momentum in working for what you dream of. In the same way that you would pursue a relationship, pursue the job you want and make it known that you want it. Bring your excitement, passion, and personality to your search and let your uniqueness speak for itself. 

No matter what you decide to do, do it with everything you have. 

Lead well,