Job and Career Expert Phil Blair: Eight Ways to Find Your Dream Job

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Mar 18, 2014, 08:30 ET

SAN DIEGO, March 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Even in difficult economic times there will always be openings for that perfect job, if you are willing to engage in a clever bend of resourcefulness and persistence, according to the author of a new book for those starting out or starting over in a career.

"Even in tough job markets, there are – and always will be – job openings," says career expert Phil Blair. "Some will be widely publicized, but most will not."

Blair is the author of "Job Won! 500,000 Hires and Counting" (Author House, 2013). For more than three decades he has co-owned Manpower San Diego, the largest Manpower franchise in the U.S. His firm is San Diego's fourth largest for-profit employer, providing approximately 2,500 jobs daily.

From his experience hiring more than 500,000 people, here are Blair's eight great ways to find the job of your dreams:

First, there's the most obvious approach: You apply direct to an employer. Look for employers whose fields interest you, whose companies you admire and would want to pursue. Don't be afraid to visit the company, well dressed and with resume in hand.

Second, use your network. Ask every friend, relative, teacher, former co-worker and casual acquaintance whether they've heard of a job opening. Tell them about your job search, this is no time to be bashful.

Third, search the Internet. There are myriad job listing sites, bulletin boards and other places on the Web that provide information and advertise positions. The converse of looking for jobs posted is to post your resume online.

Fourth, consider working for smaller companies. The commercial backbone of this country is the small business, not the giant conglomerates that dominate the news. Most new jobs are created by small, growing companies with fewer than 100 employees.

Fifth, explore temporary work. Aside from the fact that it may provide some much-needed income, temporary jobs can help you acquire experience. Temporary jobs often evolve into permanent opportunities.

Sixth, contact any professional recruiter or executive search firm that you may know that specializes in your skill set. This is a high-end, high-level option, one that's more often used if you have a specialized set of skills or advanced career experience. If a recruiter contacts you, always hear them out.

Seventh, check out newspaper classified ads, either print or online. Only 25 percent of new jobs are found these days through newspaper ads, but they still remain an important place to visit and take the pulse of the local job market.

Finally, Google yourself. What does it say about you to a potential employer? If you do not like your Google portrait, there are services that can help you get positive, professional links posted on the top of the search. Make sure you have an up-to-date LinkedIn profile with a current photo.

The real first step is to know what you have to sell before you go to market.

"Before you can sell yourself to a would-be employer, you need to know what exactly you are selling," says Blair. "Each of us is a unique combination of innate and learned skills, plus life experiences."

To help you stand out from other job applicants, Blair's book is full of tips on how applicants can confidently present their skills to the best advantage.

Information supplied by Manpower