Blog Post: Applying Online is Great, But What Else are You Doing?

We can easily market the new product that our company came out with--even if no one really needs it, we can find a way to spin it. But when it comes to marketing ourselves, we get timid. Well, it's time to snap out of it.

Depending on what profession you're interested in, there are a variety of ways to market yourself to prospective employers. Some thoughts:

Professional Associations

Granted, typically the professional association meetings are not full of decision makers for potential jobs. However, don't be so short sighted. Some of those decision makers are there. Further, the other attendees definitely have pull. If you sit at a table at a health care association, and a nurse from an organization with a few openings is sitting with you, if you make a great impression, you had better believe your table-mate will be interested in getting your information to the decision makers.

Join the professional association, attend the meetings, dress for the meetings (never casual clothes), and have cards to hand-out. Remember, the latest statistic is that over 70% of jobs are filled through networking, not through postings on job boards. Sad, but true.

Chamber of Commerce

Leverage these organizations to know other business people. Not only are there geographically focused chambers, but there are also diversity-oriented chambers. Leverage these resources! Same rules apply: join the chamber, attend the meetings, dress for success...

Schools

Good students catch the eye of their instructors. Attend a class that is focused on your profession. Not only will you get access to the school's career services department, but you'll also be able to ask your instructor about any positions that are open in the field. Connected instructors know who's hiring, and they love recommending quality candidates.

This Saturday at the Tempe Chamber of Commerce building we'll be going over tips on job hunting, trends with resumes, and the current common questions for interviewing. Register for the seminar and come ready to get a bunch of ideas on improving your resume, your network, and your chances for the jobs you're looking for. www.careerdevelopmentaz.com/seminar.html

Good luck in your search!