by P. Onh

Created on: June 24, 2009

Looking for a job in Atlanta? When you unexpectedly lose your job, finding employment becomes your top priority. Meanwhile, you're overwhelmed with the stress of keeping the bills paid, and the thought of looking for a job on top of that stress is daunting. But the process can be broken into manageable chunks, and the first step is tracking down open positions. With unemployment in the United States nearing ten percent, it's getting harder and harder to find employment opportunities. How do you go about maximizing your search for job openings in Atlanta?

First and foremost, don't put all your eggs in one basket. Monster.com may be a great resource for job openings, but what if a company chooses not to pay to advertise their position on Monster? Contrary to popular belief, Monster.com doesn't list all available openings, and you may miss out on possibilities if you don't check out other paths. Employers need to fill their open headcount just as you need to find a job, so they're looking for you, too. You just need to figure out how to connect with the right employer. The trick is to know all of the resources available to employers for job listings, so you can be aware of every opportunity and figure out which ones suit you best.

Internet job listings are the most convenient way to find positions. You can gather large amounts of information is a small amount of time. Some of the Internet portals are nationwide, but can be used to find local jobs via search criteria, while other sites are specific to local jobs. Try these sites, including both local and national portals:
http://www.ajc.com/hotjobs/content/hotjobs/
http://www.atlantajobs.com/
http://metroatlantajobs.com/
http://atlanta.employmentguide.com/

http://www.monster.com
http://www.careerbuilder.net
http://www.hotjobs.yahoo.com
http://www.snagajob.com
http://www.flipdog.com
http://www.job-hunt.com

Don't forget to check the Atlanta Journal-Constitution and other local publications.

Many of these listings also advertise upcoming job fairs. Print copies of your resume, dress to impress, and hit the tables. At a career fair, ask questions about the company to show that you're interested in what they do. Be careful not to spend the entire time talking about yourself or your qualifications, unless you get lucky enough to land an interview on the spot. Even if you do, remember to express interest in the business.

And finally, don't forget to network. Make sure the people you interact with know that you're looking for work. If a friend or acquaintance notices a job opening that fits what you're looking for, the person may think of you and help put you in touch with the employer. The more you can connect with the hiring managers, the more likely you'll be to land an interview, which puts you one step closer to your new job.

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