· You may want to join a professional temp
organization, which provides short-term positions to professionals.
Temping promises to become a booming area as the contingent, project-based
environment evolves. Many organizations will need highly skilled people
for a specified period of time, contrary to their former practice of
employing a long-term workforce. This may be an excellent means of
developing new skills. increasing your visibility, and subsequently
building your network of possible employers.
· Maintain or develop contacts by
joining or participating in professional organizations. These can be fun
as well as advantageous to your job search. Not only will you meet and
network with others in the areas you would like to be employed; you may
also develop a cadre of people who can promote your visibility to
others, as well as give you leads on possible positions.
· Increase your visibility by
attending professional seminars. Go to your local college and take a class
on something you really need or really want to do. Join some new
organizations. It’s the law of averages. The more people you know – and
who know that you’re looking for a position – the better your chances of
finding a new position!
· Being between jobs is an
excellent opportunity to upgrade and fine-tune some of your skills—skills
that may be necessary in your next position.
· If you can afford it financially, you may
want to volunteer or serve as an intern in the type of industry or
specific organization in which you would like to work. This may be an
excellent way to network and increase your visibility in the field.
· Most people have a much more effective
network than they think. Start by making a list of the type of industry or
the actual companies that you would like to work for. Think about
people you know who may work for those companies or in those industries.
· An important, but underutilized resource is your
alma mater Many people think that, if they have long since graduated their
alumni resource will be outdated. Contact your alumni office for a
list of graduates at various companies.
