Job Hunting in Atlanta: 11 Resources You Need to Find Your Next Career Opportunity

Looking for a new job can feel like a daunting task. However, the time may have come when you decide it is time for a change. Perhaps you have been in your current position for several years, and there is no sign of potential growth at your current company. Or maybe your current company no longer fulfills your needs, and you are looking for a cultural change. Whatever the reason, if you want a change and to grow in your career, you will have to go job hunting in Atlanta. Before you start your search, develop a strategy and plan for how you will go about finding your next position. Ideally, it will be a step up in your career with more authority, responsibility, pay, and benefits. Consider using these 11 job hunting resources in Atlanta to make your next job hunt successful. 

1. General Job Search Engines

If you are unsure of where to start with your job hunt in Atlanta, looking on general job boards can be an excellent place to start. However, this comes with a word of caution. General job boards are valuable for getting an overall impression of the job market. They can help determine what to expect when job hunting. While not all job listings include salary and benefits, many will. This can help you establish a baseline for what to expect. It can also help establish standards for what to ask for when interviewing. That way, your expectations are in line with industry standards. You do not want to take yourself out of the running for a position because what you are asking for is significantly higher than everyone else. In contrast, you do not want to sell yourself short by asking for too little. 

General job boards may give you insight into what companies are actively hiring. You could then go to that company’s website to apply directly with them. Submitting your resume on a generalized search engine or job board can cause your application to get lost in a sea of hundreds or even thousands of other applications. Some companies will also collect resumes by continually posting job ads without actually having any open positions. You can avoid these pitfalls by using these boards for research that you then take further. Perhaps you reach out to employees from a particular company at the next networking event, industry association event, or on social media. 

2. Niche and Specialized Job Boards

Some industries have dedicated online job boards. These listing sites are solely devoted to serving that industry. If you work in that industry, it will be your first resource for finding solid opportunities. Many of these sites let you make an account and upload your information. That way, you can network on the site and easily apply to new job postings. Specialized job listing boards are more effective when you are already well-established within a particular industry. You may find there is less competition because the job requirements are specific for people who already have experience within the industry. You may even have to verify your credentials before being allowed to make an account and apply for jobs. 

3. Networking Events

Industry networking events tend to get a bad reputation for being ineffective. However, this is generally because people fail to take full advantage of what they have to offer. If you want to succeed at a networking event, you must take the right approach. These events are not for partying, drinking too much, or hanging out with your friends. You can have a good time, but these events are also about business. Enjoy one drink and make an effort to introduce yourself to at least three new people. Have a genuine approach where you focus on getting to know the other person. People don’t want to feel used. So, instead of asking how they can help you find a job, start by finding out what they need. If you can help them by solving a problem or making their life easier, they are more likely to want to assist you in finding a new position. Strong networking takes time. Don’t expect to walk away from one event with a new job. Instead, lay the groundwork for establishing a strong network. Follow up with contacts after the event to continue building professional relationships. In time, you will have developed a rapport that will enable you to find a new position in your field more easily. 

4. Industry Events 

Attending industry events can be beneficial when job hunting because it puts you face-to-face with other industry professionals. You already have something in common, opening the door for networking and relationship building. Many industry events have an educational aspect to them. Take this opportunity to expand your knowledge and stay current on the industry’s best practices and innovations. These learning events can give you a talking point when interviewing that can help you stand out from other applicants. Attending industry events also gives you insight into the other companies active in the industry. You may find a new or actively growing business that has more opportunities for growth. 

5. Recruiter and Headhunter 

Working with a recruiter gives you an advantage over other candidates. Many companies do not publicly post upper-level positions. You won’t find out about the position if you don’t work with a headhunter or recruiter. In addition, some companies will only work with their chosen recruiting company when hiring. In these situations, you have to go through the recruiter if you want to apply. It does not cost applicants anything to work with recruiters, so it can only bring benefits to have an expert working on their behalf to find the perfect position. 

6. Personal Network

Your personal network can be your most valuable resource when job hunting. There is an old saying, “It is not what you know but who.” Reach out to individuals that you know and have a relationship with. They do not even need to be actively working in your industry. They may know someone within their network who they can connect you with. Try speaking to friends, family members, classmates from school, religious community members, someone in your sports league, or those who participate in your hobby of choice. Do not be shy when letting these individuals know you are seeking a new position. They can be your strongest advocate because they know you personally and can honestly speak to your strongest qualities. 

7. Industry Association Membership 

If your industry has associations, joining them can create professional growth and development opportunities. Many associations offer different opportunities for networking and connecting with other industry professionals. These could be virtual or in person. There may also be additional opportunities for taking a more active role. This lets professionals develop more meaningful relationships. Through these connections, you can hear of opportunities that may not be advertised. This gives you an advantage because you can submit your resume before other applicants submit their resumes. In addition, you are applying through a personal connection. This means you come with a personal endorsement that will encourage the hiring manager to take a closer look at your application.

8. Individual Company Websites 

If you work in a niche industry or you have a short list of companies you want to work with, then go directly to the source. Visiting a company’s website lets you see what positions they have available. Many companies let you create an account and sign up for notifications of new positions posted. Visiting company websites is also an opportunity to research influential people at the company. Job seekers can then reach out to these individuals through networking events and social media. 

9. Build an Online Presence 

Instead of going to the jobs, bring the job to you. Establish an online presence by building an online portfolio or website. That way, you have complete control over how you present yourself and showcase your experience and expertise. Think of it like a digital living resume that you can update and adapt to your developing career. When networking, you can direct people to your website or online portfolio. That way, they can check it out at their leisure or easily forward your information to their hiring department. You can create a direct line of communication by including your contact information or contact form.

Include a blog where you regularly write and publish articles. You can target keywords that are relevant to your industry and the positions you have held. This is your opportunity to establish your unique voice. If done well, your website’s SEO performance will improve. This will cause your website to rank for relevant search terms. You will attract attention from other industry professionals and be approached for opportunities. 

10. Social Media

For many job hunters, social media is not at the top of their list of resources. However, social media can be a valuable place to make connections, establish industry authority, and create your own employment opportunities. Consider the platform you choose for networking and job hunting, as not all social media platforms will be as effective as others. LinkedIn is generally considered a professional networking platform. People’s companies and employment history are clearly displayed on their profiles. Connections are suggested based on professional networks. There is even a job listing board within the platform that tells you if someone you are connected with works at that company. However, LinkedIn isn’t your only option. 

Depending on the industry, Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), or another social media platform may have a strong community. Regularly post informative content and actively engage with people. Tag industry accounts, use hashtags, and use videos where appropriate. Do not depend solely on looking for job postings. Instead, create opportunities by connecting with people. When you become an influential voice, others will seek you out. A hiring manager or executive may reach out to you in hopes of bringing you into their team. 

11. Temporary and Contract Placement 

Sometimes, a company may not need a permanent employee. Instead, they need a temporary solution. You can get your foot in the door without going through the full hiring process by doing contract work. Temporary or contract work typically lasts a few weeks to several months. Sometimes, a company may extend the contract or convert it into a full-time position. This strategy is nice because it is like a live audition for you and the company. Contract work lets you meet the team, experience the culture, and make valuable industry connections. 

Taking on contract or temporary positions also lets you take on new positions where you can gain knowledge and experience. This can give you a competitive edge by developing your skill set to be more robust. If you have an area of your resume that isn’t as strong as others, you can look for opportunities that help you develop these areas. On the other hand, if you have a strong interest in a particular part of your professional career, you could focus on that. Choose positions that allow you to gain more experience and knowledge. In time, you can become a subject matter expert in the area. This can give you a competitive edge when looking for a position. Be sure to showcase the projects and accomplishments from these placements on your resume or application. You can show potential employers that you easily adapt to changing conditions, can acclimate quickly, and have the skills necessary to work with a broad range of personality types. This makes it easier for you to integrate into established teams. Companies that highly value culture will appreciate this quality. 

Use These Job Hunting Resources 

Job hunting can feel overwhelming, with the hardest part being knowing where to start. To be successful, you need to look in the right places. These 11 job hunting resources will help candidates find high-quality positions within their chosen industry. By utilizing multiple resources, candidates can maximize their potential and increase their visibility. At BOS Staffing, we work hard to connect companies with high-quality applicants. By thoroughly vetting applicants, we streamline the hiring process and ensure each placement succeeds. 

 

Contact BOS Staffing to work with a team of skilled recruiters.

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