More job searching ideas

When job hunting, remember that you are not looking for just any job vacancy. You want a position where you will have a chance to express your interests and abilities. You want a job where there will be a real opportunity to learn new skills (who says you can't teach an old dog new tricks). You want a position with an employer who has a reputation for fair treatment of his/her employees. You want a job where working conditions and fellow workers are pleasant. It is very important that you try to find out as much as possible about any available position before taking it.

When I was in sales I kept a prospect file. It consists of a small filing box (obtainable at most commercial stationery stores) and 3" x 5" or 5" x 8" cards. On these cards I wrote the names and addresses of prospects for his/her products or services. As well, I  recorded remarks about the prospect's requirements, interests, etc. When I called on a prospect, I entered the date and remarks about the interview on this card.

Use this system; develop your own prospect file. In fact, keep this same practice, once you have a job. If you find yourself out of work, or wish to change jobs later, you can use your file to help you change your job.. 

The job-hunting process is a lonely one. Research shows that the process can be tracked as follows. By using a job prospect card file you can track all your no's

NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, NO, YES 

As it is a lonely process, make a game of it, focus on getting your information out every day to a minimum number of employers, and don't get discouraged by the no's. On average in today's economy it may take 6 to 10 months to get anywhere. Be patient with yourself and get your support network  working for you.

MAJOR SOURCES OF JOB LEADS

Once you have identified your job goals, the next step involves research. Here is a list of different sources for job leads. Use all of them when looking for a job.

Printed Materials

Look in daily and weekly newspapers ads as well as newspaper business sections, trade and professional journals; business directories, and the Yellow Pages. There are publications that contain detailed description of the sources you will find useful. Consult your local Librarian for current material.

Personal Contacts

Personal contacts may help you, if you have worked in a field go back to your old contacts and the people you are interested in working with on a full time or part time basis. 

The Internet 

Start with Craigs List for your city or do a google search. suggest jobs for seniors. (If you select (highlite) the words jobs for seniors and right click on your mouse, you will be taken to a google search page with lots of great leads)

This government site has information on programs to help seniors who are looking for work

There is a jobbank for senors at this link where new jobs are added every day..