Finding a job in your area takes an array of strategies, including utilizing job search sites that focus on local jobs, researching local community boards, visiting career fairs in your city, and checking out your local alumni association or its website. Read on for more detailed tips on where to look to find jobs at companies in your area.
Tips for Finding a Job in Your Area
The best way to find employment in your town or city is to use multiple strategies at once. Read below for a list of techniques to use to find a job in your area. You may not need to use all of these strategies. Just pick the ones that are right for you.
Check out Job Search Engines
While job search engines will list jobs available nearly everywhere, you can do a search for jobs just in your local area:
Try using your favorite online job search engine or job board’s advanced search function to specify the zip code and/or mile radius from your home that you’re willing to consider. You can try a large job search engine such as Indeed or check out a niche job site that fits your specific industry.
Visit Local Job Search Sites
Some websites specifically target the local job market. Sites such as Craigslist, Geebo, and Jobing focus on jobs listed for specific geographic locations. Check them out to find listings that may not be posted on national job boards.
Check out Company Websites
If you know what company you want to work for, check out its website to see if they have any job listings in your area. Bigger companies tend to allow users to search for openings by geographic location. You can also check out job boards that focus on specific companies. For example, Getwork searches for jobs that are posted on company websites. Use the advanced search option to find jobs by company or geographic area.
Try Community Boards
If Nextdoor.com isn’t available in your neighborhood yet, it’s likely coming soon: The site has many neighborhoods online. This virtual community board allows neighbors to communicate easily with others in their vicinity. While the site’s primary goal is sharing useful information like “Can you recommend a good locksmith?” you’ll also find local residents looking for employees for their businesses.
Check State Resources
Most states have their own job banks, phone and web directories, and other resources specifically for local job seekers. At an even more local level, you can check out your local Chamber of Commerce website, which typically posts local job listings.
Visit Career Fairs
Check out career fairs in your area. Job fairs are a great way to do one-stop career shopping at a single event. Typically, the companies at a fair are based near the job fair’s location, so you are guaranteed to find local jobs.
Join an Alumni Association
Reconnect with your university’s alumni association through its website. These groups can provide significant employment resources—classes and workshops, as well as positions posted by local employers. You might also check out your university’s career services office. Most of them are willing to help students find jobs even after graduation.
Talk to Your Connections
Networking is a terrific way to find almost any job. Talk to connections you have (including friends, family, and professional contacts) at companies of interest. In particular, talk to contacts in your area who might know about other openings near you.
