The job search environment has changed. In order to be successful, it is no longer possible to utilize only one method when it comes to looking for a job. Why? The employers, themselves, are not using all methods for listing their vacant positions. For example, many businesses no longer find it cost effective to advertise vacancies in print media. Employers reach more candidates by using the Internet. Companies are unable to afford the cost of traditional postings, so they rely upon other means of communicating their positions. Whatever method they use, you need to incorporate as many methods as possible into your search. Here are the most common methods:

Newspaper – The old tried, but no longer true. There is a sharp decrease on the number of employers who still use print, however, some still do. While you may be lucky and find a nugget during the week, the best time to look is in the Sunday paper when the job section is more robust. If the job section is your sole purpose for buying a newspaper, visit the library during the week to read it for free.

Internet – The Internet is definitely a more robust place to look for a new job. There are tons of websites, some well-known, others not so much. Print newspapers, such as the Washington Post, even have online job search tools. The trick is to stay organized with the sites you visited and notate where you read about each position you apply to. Hiring managers will ask to make sure they are targeting the right audience.

Networking – The Internet is great, but nothing beats actually looking someone in the face and talking about yourself. While you may be more comfortable working on a computer, you need to get out to meet and greet. If there are no business activities in your area, look on sites like Meetup.com and LinkedIn to find local groups where you can meet people and network.

Employment Agencies – Successful employment agencies will have the “in” on positions that will never advertise elsewhere. This is especially true if an employer is looking for hard to find, specialized skills. Unfortunately, employment agencies are the most costly for employers to use, but they are still a great source for job seekers.

The methods for looking for a job have changed. It is no longer possible to simply pick up a newspaper and find employment. A successful job search needs to incorporate as many methods as possible to find all of the available openings; even then you will not have touched on every vacant job as possible. You will, however, widen the playing field in your search for a new career.