How'Bout Your People Call My People? 

Dear Impress Express,

I'm hoping to change jobs within the next few months and am wondering about some of the job hunting tactics. I found my present job as a magazine advertising coordinator for a magazine through a newspaper ad, but that was several years ago. Are classified ads still a reliable way to search for a job? Have your clients found promising results through Internet sites? I've never used an employment agency or a recruiting firm, but that was recommended to me as well. What is the best route for job searching these days?

Signed, Search Party

Dear Search,

Well, unless you were one of the sixteen cast members of The Apprentice, the odds are that you will have to utilize various job search options. The key here is understanding the pros and cons of each one.

You're familiar with the newspaper classifieds section. I certainly wouldn't rule that out. Go through your Sunday paper and highlight anything that sounds interesting to you. It won't take long and it will help put your mind in 'career mode' while drinking your coffee to jump-start your day.

The job-hunting sites on the Internet are also a popular alternative. To narrow down the best prospects, type several keywords into your search engine and see how specific you can get. Remember though, that Internet sites get many more responses than classified print ads because it is so easy for job seekers to hit the "send" button and there's no postage or envelopes involved! You may see some of the same listings that you found in the newspaper. Also, keep in mind that because of this mass e-mailing technique, the personal communication goes out the door. I do have many corporate clients that have found top-notch employees this way and many career-searching clients have found wonderful jobs through the Internet. Not that it is simply a "needle-in-a-haystack" technique, but using it exclusively would probably extend your job search.

Employment Agencies and Recruiters are another strong option. Look in the Yellow Pages or the Classified Section of your newspaper to find listings for these services. It is a good idea to figure out which would be most appropriate for your particular level of experience. Try to find an agency that has a good track record of placements and expertise in your industry.

Employment Agencies do not charge you a fee; agents and recruiters make their salaries from the hiring companies when candidates are placed. The more placements recruiters make, the higher their income. The recruiter, in essence, becomes your agent and goes to bat for you. Treat your meeting with an employment agency like a professional interview: Show up on time, dress appropriately, speak clearly, and have a great attitude. If they see a wonderful candidate (You!), they will present you with more interview opportunities since their odds of closing a sale (You!) are increased.

And don't forget to tell your friends, neighbors and associates that you are looking as well.

There's really no reason not to investigate, implement, and exhaust, if necessary, every possibility.

Happy Hunting and Good Luck!