Other than networking, what are the top ways to find a job (sample, applying)

[RearrangeMyFace]

I know that networking is the best way to find a job but what are some others. List the top five other most helpful ways to search for and find a job. Thank you

[StPaulGal]

It depends entirely on the job. If you want to ring up purchases at a mom-and-pop grocery story, walking in the door and applying in person is best. If you want a job in the US Foreign Service you have to sit for the exam and follow the recruitment process. If you want to write for a magazine, you will probably need to submit unsolicited writing samples until someone bites. Etc. etc. etc.

[jobaba]

Originally Posted by RearrangeMyFace

I know that networking is the best way to find a job but what are some others. List the top five other most helpful ways to search for and find a job. Thank you

Having useful and appropriate experience.

[Bo]

Diligently watch the job listings posted on the web at the places you want to work and apply as soon as you see an opening you want.

Note that I said "places" rather than "place." It is never a good idea to put all of your eggs in one basket.

[Hemlock140]

I have never found a job through networking. When I was looking in 2008-9 I bookmarked the websites of every place I could find that had the kinds of jobs that fit my experience within about an hour commute, and checked their websites daily. I interviewed at two, with no luck, the 3rd was the charm and I've been there over 5 years now with 2 promotions since starting. The job websites like Indeed and Monster are useless, they just got me offers for selling insurance on commission.

[move4ward]

Originally Posted by Hemlock140

I have never found a job through networking. When I was looking in 2008-9 I bookmarked the websites of every place I could find that had the kinds of jobs that fit my experience within about an hour commute, and checked their websites daily. I interviewed at two, with no luck, the 3rd was the charm and I've been there over 5 years now with 2 promotions since starting. The job websites like Indeed and Monster are useless, they just got me offers for selling insurance on commission.

I have never received a job through networking, either.

I got my jobs through CareerBuilder and Indeed.

I also set up alerts on the employer's website, once I discovered it on Indeed. Careerbuilder and Indeed are a great way to find job websites for the lesser known large employers outside the Fortune 500. By setting up the alerts on the company website, I got to apply for the job before it posted to external job search engines. I have done well with a 40-50% response rate on submitted resumes.

[Caligula1]

I got an interview set up for Thursday because I talked to a lady with a chefs jacket and a nursing homes name on it..
I talked to her, asked her if they were looking for people... We talked for a good 15 minutes..

Turns out she was a Manager and they have a few positions open..
Just talked to a total stranger in a convenience store...

[MaryleeII]

Well, sometimes it helps to change your normal routine, and hopefully meet some new people. Like the AP, who just happened to chat up a chef/manager.

My grandfather was a highly-paid mechanic at Ford's, actually, he was a Master Mechanic. However, he got laid off, during the Great Depression. To save money, he walked home that day instead of taking the streetcar. He happened upon a line stating "hiring---men 6 ft and over only" WTH---well, he gave it a try, it was a job for driving a streetcar, and they wanted men 6 ft and taller, so they could reach the wires that slipped XXX's/day. Well, he took the job, which paid 1/4 what he made at his mechanic's job, but supported his family. If he hadn't taken a different route home that day, well.....

Whatever, don't look/act desperate. That turns people off.

Good luck

[Mikelee81]

I've come to the conclusion that networking is absolutely critical. Most jobs come down to who you know not what you know.

[Serious Conversation]

Originally Posted by move4ward

I have never received a job through networking, either.

I got my jobs through CareerBuilder and Indeed.

I also set up alerts on the employer's website, once I discovered it on Indeed. Careerbuilder and Indeed are a great way to find job websites for the lesser known large employers outside the Fortune 500. By setting up the alerts on the company website, I got to apply for the job before it posted to external job search engines. I have done well with a 40-50% response rate on submitted resumes.

Same here. The only job I found through networking was my very first one and a short term contract job. I've had better success in better jobs by just applying in a standard way.