Type “free” into Google and you get more than 7 billion (yes, BILLION) results. We all love “free”—anything. Finding a solid job doesn’t have to cost a job seeker anything if you know where to look. Yes, there will be a time commitment and some “sweat equity” involved, but how much of your time is a good job worth? Certainly more than a few hours spent in some skills-building workshops, online, and at your local public library.
When there are more job candidates than there are jobs, it’s difficult to even get a lead on a position, much less an interview. A successful job search requires not only the right skills, the right resume and the right cover letter, but at times it can also seem to require the right alignment of the planets. These Denver-area and internet resources provide job seekers with the help they need to find opportunities, present themselves to their best advantage and increase their chances of landing the job.
- Colorado Workforce Centers (www.coworkforce.com): Colorado Workforce Centers offer a litany of free resources including computer classes, job search workshops, public computers, access to career counselors, and funding for additional skills training, certifications, and degrees.
- Local Staffing Agencies and Recruitment Firms: There are hundreds to choose from in the Denver area alone, and many specialize in placing candidates in niche industries and occupations such as healthcare, finance, and high tech. Others offer an array of positions covering a wide range of industries and positions. With reputable firms (vast majority) the hiring company pays the placement fee.
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- Local Public Libraries: Not a passé option! Public libraries subscribe to many business databases such as Hoover’s, Dun and Bradstreet, and ReferenceUSA which are cost-prohibitive for most consumers. These are extremely helpful when conducting target company and employer research. Libraries also offer manufacturer’s directories and subscribe to many business periodicals including the Denver Business Journal and BizWest.
- LinkedIn.com: A must-have for any job seeker or professional in 2013. LinkedIn offers an intuitive free version which will allow users to research key decision makers within target organizations, conduct company research, connect with other professionals for networking purposes, and search for jobs. Job seekers can also be “searched” and “found” on LinkedIn by hiring managers and recruiters as a result of having a well-written, robust profile. LinkedIn acts as a job seeker’s “corporate web site” promoting their “product.”
- Volunteering in lieu of paying a registration fee for seminars and trade shows: An outstanding way to connect with key people and decision makers within target companies and industries and to build marketable skills is to attend relevant trade shows, symposiums, and seminars. In lieu of paying a registration fee, which can run into the hundreds of dollars, offer to volunteer for the event. Event planners need people to help set up, take down, work ticket windows, and act as greeters and points of contact for attendees.
Free not does have to mean sub par, defective, or cheap when it comes to employing free tools and resources for your job search. Smart job seekers are cost-conscious job seekers, so employ a cost and budget-minded approach as you search for a better job. Being resourceful is a big part of being successful!