Where The Jobs Are

I've talked about the importance of having a plan, and the kind of mindset with which you need to approach that plan – flexibility and determination – but what exactly should you do to put that plan into practise? That's the million-dollar question.

It's also not one I can give generalised answers to, because it'll depend quite a lot on your specific circumstances and goals, but there are some things everyone can do.

Firstly, be aware of your options. It sounds simple, but there are so many different jobsites out there – generalised, industry-specialised, graduate, part-time and temporary – it can take a little time and effort just to figure out where you should be sending copies of your CV. As always, though, a little prep-work can pay dividends. In general, your newspaper jobs section will have local vacancies, and a website with more of the same. In combination with some of the larger, more-general jobsites, this can be a great resource if you're more focused on getting into work and less on whatever it is exactly that you'd be doing.

However, if there's one particular industry you want to get into, research becomes even more important. Try to find resources that are just as focused as you are. Let's say you want to get into publishing. In that case, look for magazines that cater to the publishing industry – not only is that going to be where you'll find vacancies advertised, they'll also keep you informed of hot topics, perennial concerns, and all that other good-sounding stuff you can drop on an inerviewer to blow 'em away. Find blogs by industry-insiders. Keep an eye out for recruitment drives and competitions. Where possible, attend conferences and local talks.

Remember: your actions have to be as focused as your goal.

That's the face of a man who never phones it in.

Another thing worth remembering is that, just like with insurance and insurance comparers, many companies won't adertise their vacancies through public venues. You'll often find that jobs that fall under your local council or government's jurisdiction, for example, will only be advertised through their own website. If you're shopping for high-ranking positions or looking for something within a specific company or insular profession, the absolute best thing you can do is to check frequently with those companies. In this day and age it's a given those companies will have a job section on their website but, if not, there's no harm in sending a speculative email or letter.

Don't stop looking, either! Don't assume you've found all the relevant blogs or bought subscriptions to every useful magazine. If you're very dedicated to the jobhunt, very specific in what you're looking for, or unfortunate enough to be at it for a long time, sooner or later you'll feel like you've exhausted your options – and that's why it's important to keep looking for new ones. New companies, new jobs, and new jobsites are always winking in and out of existence, so the options are there – if you know where to look.

Have you found a job advertised in a particularly odd place, or taken an unusual path to employment? Any particularly good jobsites to recommend, or resources you think jobhunters should be aware of? Comment below and share! Don't forget, too, that next Tuesday there'll be another Charity Shop Book Review over at Yuppee. Follow @danecurel and you can stay informed of blog updates, book reviews, and anything else I get up to.