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Tolerate ambiguity, dwell in possibility. Job searching is not quick and easy. It takes time, energy, patience, and discipline. It also requires the ability to tolerate the ambiguity of not knowing where you will end up! The temptation here is to take the first opportunity that comes along in order to end the uncomfortable uncertainty. But doing so may limit the options you are considering. So we urge you, tolerate the ambiguity! Dwell in possibility! Give yourself ample time to research, explore, and search for the right job. Resources and strategies for finding job postings So how do I find out what positions are available out there? Below are some resources and strategies. One bit of advice: before applying to a position you are interested in, contact the organization to verify that the position is still available. Online postings and newspaper ads are often posted with an ending date that runs even after the position has been filled. Applying for a job entails a lot of effort, so be sure to use your time and resources wisely on jobs that are still available. Remember, you are your own best advocate in this process! The Internet
Don't have time to spend poring over the large amount of job banks and postings online? Let the internet work for you! Many sites let you sign up for email delivery of new jobs, email delivery of jobs that meet search criteria you set, or provide their newest posts in a "feed" format (see www.techweb.com/encyclopedia/defineterm.jhtml?term=syndicationformat for an explanation of this technology). Newspaper and periodical ads Major newspapers have tons of job postings; so many, in fact, that it can be quite difficult to sift through them to find what you are looking for. Luckily, virtually every major newspaper's classified ads are available online in a searchable database. Look up the website of the newspaper in the region or metropolitan area you are looking for employment. It is much easier than simply scanning the daily paper. Periodicals are another great resource for job listings. Try to find periodicals that are specific to the industry or issue you are looking for work in. Examples include The Chronicle of Philanthropy and The Chronicle of Higher Education. They often have specific information on job openings, as well as information on organizations that do the work you are interested in doing (see networking below). Networking "Networking" is often cited as the most successful approach to
finding a job. Some 60% of all jobs are found by networking. The
basic idea is to talk to everyone you can think of about your job search and
seek information and advice from them. Friends, family, neighbors, old
college professors, former employers, your volunteer program, former classmates (does your college or
university have an alumni association in your city?)... all may have
information and leads helpful to your job search. Find some organizations
that are involved in the work you want to do and call them. Find a
contact at the organization and see if you can meet with him or her.
Generally, people are happy to talk to others about their work. Ask each
contact you talk to if they can refer you to anyone who may have information
about the sector in which you are looking to work. The process can be fun and
very helpful in learning about the industry, and often results in good job
prospects. More
information on networking is available on the web. Always be sure to
thank those whom you contact regarding career information. The Pallotti Center Job Bank Our Job Bank consists of a starter kit containing articles, resources, and strategies for career discernment and job searching, and a weekly email of job announcements we send to interested former volunteers. You can access the starter kit and sign up for the weekly emails on our website (www.pallotticenter.org, click on "Job Bank"), by calling us at 877-VOL-LINK, or by e-mailing us at jobbank@pallotticenter.org.
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The
world is full of exciting opportunities to find a job that you will love. Half
the battle is deciding what you want to do. Once you know what you are looking
for, the search begins! Perhaps you plan to work for an
advocacy group that works to change policies that affect the people you served
as a volunteer. Maybe you want to use your gifts and Christian beliefs in the business world. Perhaps you've decided to work for the
Church. Now how are you going to find that perfect job? Here are
some thoughts and tips...
There are many excellent online resources for job searching. These resources are typically
free for job seekers and run the gamut of industries and sectors. In
addition to job listings, they offer a wealth of information on the job search
process. Follow the links below to a list of different types of resources
for job searching on the web. See our lists of 
