There are generally four ways to find the job you want:

• Ads for vacant positions. 
• Contacts.
• Specialized institutions and personnel agencies. 
• Approaching an employer directly.

Ads for Vacant Positions

Most people start looking for a job by looking for advertised positions in newspapers or on the Internet. It must be said that this method is not always effective. While there are often many jobs advertised, only a few of them are relevant to your qualifications and, more importantly, meet your expectations. Moreover, many positions, particularly managerial positions, are not advertised publicly for reasons of confidentiality.

Most job advertisements can be found in the following media:

• The Internet. 
• Daily newspapers.
• Regional and local print media. 
• Radio,TV and other media.

The Internet

Today Internet advertising is the most common and widely used method of advertising job openings. Looking for vacant positions via the Internet, moreover, is very simple: Specialized servers let you choose the industry, specialization, education, experience, region as well as other criteria and let you apply for the position directly.

Advertisement in Daily Newspapers

Advertising in newspapers used to be very common. Lately, however, its popularity has decreased, mainly because of the Internet. What kind of newspapers companies advertise in depends on several factors, including audience and the company’s focus.

Advertisement in Local Print

Many companies operating in a given region or a town often advertise in regional dailies or local evening newspapers. If you are looking for a job in a particular region remember that the large national newspapers are publishing regional editions too. Some dailies and evening newspapers regularly publish advertisements for jobs, while others concentrate on job offers according to a particular schedule. Job opportunities, especially those for executive or managerial positions are also advertised by some weekly magazines or industry magazines. However, when searching for a managerial and executive position, it is still more effective to use specialized personnel agencies.

Contacts

Even though you have not thought about it so far, people around you might know about vacant positions or about positions that may soon become vacant. Make a list of all your contacts and consider who might be in a position to help you.

Do not limit yourself only to people who could offer you a new job. Such a list would be very short. Many people react negatively when asked for a job directly. However, when asked for help or advice, most people react positively and warmly. Everybody is happy to be able to help, whereas nobody likes to be asked the impossible and be forced to refuse.

Be careful when formulating your requests. Do your acquaintances know somebody who could help you or give you advice? Do they know somebody that may be of influence in terms of your career? Do not forget to ask for permission to use these people as a reference when starting your enquiry. If you do use somebody’s contact, do not forget to send a note thanks for the help.

Specialized Institutions and Personnel Agencies

Monitoring job opportunities available through personnel agencies is one very effective method in searching for a job. While there are many institutions that can help you in your search, each of them has its own characteristics and can help you in a different way:

• Special government agencies or labour offices post regularly updated information about vacant positions. 
• Personnel agencies and executive search companies, which offer targeted searches for employees looking for managerial or specialized positions can offer advice as well as help orient you on the job market. They also have clients, for whom they work to fill particular positions. Enlisting the help of a personnel agency is one of the most effective methods of carrying out a job search and is highly recommended. 
• Local and regional government offices and departments for planning and development can provide you with information about companies moving into or expanding in your region.

Prepare a list of organizations to contact.

Approaching an Employer

Another important part of your job search is direct communication with potential employers. If you find a company you feel you could contribute your abilities, skills and experience to, do not hesitate to contact them. Otherwise,
they’ll never find out about you! Even if they don’t have any positions available, they could contact you in future.

This strategy is important for a variety of reasons. Even though no individual contact may be able to give you a job, they may be able to make valuable recommendations in your job search. Moreover, every contact you make will give you a better understanding of the situation on the job market.

To approach a potential employer directly, we recommend:

• Finding someone who knows key people in the company. Use the Internet in your search for recruitment managers and heads of recruitment at larger companies or directors at small- and medium-sized companies.
• Send your CV and cover letter to your chosen contact and emphasize why you would like to work for their company. 
• Be sure to follow up.
• If you do not get an answer within two weeks, politely ask how your proposal was received.