One such monthly journal is published by the American Association of University Professors. It is titled, "The Chronicle of Higher Education." "The Chronicle" features a substantial number of ads for educational administrators, development specialists, professors, etc.
There are several strong advantages in turning to the trade or professional publications. First, the ads are job specific; that is, they tend to eliminate the generic and offer very specialized jobs calling for very specialized credentials. They also spell out the job and benefits in great detail and explain the background and experience that they want in an ideal candidate. In short, you know exactly what you are applying for and the qualifications they are looking for. Second, they are very selective in the ads that they take, and they usually screen the ads to make sure they are legitimate and related to the trade or profession. So you can trust the ads that they publish.
Unfortunately, trade and professional journals are seldom available at local newsstands, but the local public library may carry them. Also, most college or university libraries subscribe to a variety of journals.
Although the rules may vary from one location to another, most institutions of higher education will gladly allow nonstudents to use their library facilities if the individual registers at the main desk and has a legitimate reason for being there.
Networking
After all has been said and done, networking is the most effective way to get a job. Networking, quite simply, is using your professional (even your personal) contacts to find work. There are a number of ways to do this.
First, consider the social groups to which you belong. What church do you attend? What clubs do you belong to? With what informal groups do you socialize? All of these offer basic opportunities for the job seeker. If you let it be known that you are looking for a job, people may be able to direct you to an opening or even recommend you.
Second, consider your friends. Each person that you know, in turn, knows other people. When you start multiplying all of the people involved, the possibilities are surprising. Each of these individuals is a possible source for a job.
Third, nearly all professions have associations. These organizations are a tremendous source of information and opportunity for the job seeker. For instance, if you are a member of the local chapter of the American Society for Training and Development, you will be interacting with professionals in the field who will know where the jobs are. Also, if you interact with these people, they will get to know you and if they like you, they may hire you themselves or recommend you to their bosses.
A female executive that I know has found two excellent positions this way. Ten years ago, she had just graduated from college with a degree in communications, and was unemployed. Her only real previous experience was working as a waitress. Although she was not employed and had never worked in public relations, she joined the local professional association representing that field, and got to know a lot of people who apparently liked her. Within six months she was the public relations director of a local public service agency. When she left that job, she found another by networking through the same association.
If you are not a member of a professional organization, you can find one that might interest you by contacting the local Chamber of Commerce. If they can't help you, such information may be available in the public library. Even the library department of the local newspaper may be of help. Finally, you can try the library of a local college or university. As was indicated earlier, most institutions of higher education allow you to use their library resources in-house if you register at the circulation desk.
Networking may cost you some money, as most associations charge rather hefty annual dues. The process will often take a bit of time. Once you join, you will have to get to know people, and that can take months. The cost in time and money will be worth it.
