Job search strategies vary greatly between big city and small town locales. Rural settings have different channels of communication than their urban counterparts. The advice you receive for job hunting in a more populous area might not work in a country setting where openings aren’t as readily available.
After moving to a small town earlier this year I noticed a severe lack of web presence, something I’d taken for granted in the major metropolitan area where I lived previously. Finding movie times online is difficult enough; looking for employment is nearly impossible. Even Craigslist lacks any credible leads. If the ads aren’t outdated they are posted on every city the list has to offer.
Try these offline tactics to boost your job search success in a small town setting:
Look in the Local Paper – Nearby publications like the local paper and penny saver are vital to your small town job search. Look past simply skimming the want ads and study up on the business section to see what companies are up and coming in the area.
Hear it through the Grapevine – In towns with small populations the 6 degrees of separation can usually be cut down a few degrees. Everybody knows everybody’s business so use the grapevine to your advantage. Tell your friends, family, former co-workers, and even your dentist, that you’re seeking new employment. Someone is bound to know someone who knows someone who has work to be done.
Turn to the Government – Stop by the employment security center to search city and school job boards. It is a great resource often overlooked on the job search. Find out what companies are government contractors as well and apply there if you’re looking for something stable.
Pound some pavement – Many small town businesses advertise the cheap and old-fashioned way, with a sign in the window. Most applicants would never know there was an opening if they didn’t drive by so your competition there is slimmer.
Chamber of Commerce – Go directly to the database of local businesses to research place where you want to work. Volunteer or at least get in good with the staff and see about dropping your name when members mention any openings that arise.
Put Yourself Out There – Maybe the perfect job doesn’t even know they need you yet. Come up with some creative ways to let companies know you’re available to come aboard. Run an ad in the local paper or pay for a pizza to be delivered with a copy of your resume. Make yourself memorable so even if your skills aren’t needed now they know who to call when something opens up.
Employing an entire arsenal of online and offline tactics will be your best bet, just make sure you don’t over apply at any one place.
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