How to Use the Classifieds to Find a Job

HELP WANTED: Eight Tips to Using the Classifieds Looking for a job in the newspaper classifieds is a great way to see what's out there, but some of those job listings look like alphabet soup!!! What does "EOE" mean and what's an "ex oppty?" Finding the right job for you among hundreds of listings may seem overwhelming; so here are a few tips to help you get the most out of the Help Wanted section of your local newspaper. Tip Number One: Take a few minutes to think about just what kind of job you're after. How far can I travel? Am I willing to work at night or on weekends? It's a good idea to make these kinds of decisions before you begin job hunting. Tip Number Two: Be sure to look at a local paper - one that lists jobs you can get to. It doesn't make any sense to look at jobs across the state or across the country, unless, of course, you're willing and able to move and live somewhere else. Focus your energy on jobs you can get to by bus, subway, or car. Tip Number Three: Job classifieds are arranged on the page in alphabetical order using the first letter of the first word appearing in the ad. So, an opening for a brake specialist will be listed after air conditioning technician, and before carpenter. This allows you to find just what you're looking for, quickly. But be sure to read the entire ad because the first word - the listing word - may not describe the specific job advertised. Tip Number Four: Most new job listings appear in Sunday's edition of the paper, since that's when most folks have more time to look over the ads. So, check out the Sunday paper for the most listings and the newest listings. Tip Number Five: Practice reading the classifieds. As you read more of them, you'll start to pick up the language used to describe jobs. For example, when an ad says "ex oppty" (that's "excellent opportunity" in classified lingo), you're probably looking at an entry-level job - a starting point from which to build a career. Tip Number Six: Many classifieds clearly say the job listing is for an entry-level job - one that probably doesn't pay much, but one that'll give you the experience and knowledge needed to move up to the next level. If you don't have much work experience, chances are you're looking for an entry-level job. Here's Tip Number Seven: A classified ad should tell you all you need to know in order to decide if a job is right for you. First, the ad will tell you what job the employer is filling, with, perhaps, a short description of the work. Next, the job schedule, that is, the days and hours you'd be working, will appear somewhere in the ad. Special job requirements (for example: a diploma, certificate or degree; the ability to do heavy lifting or run a computer) will be listed in some classifieds. Some ads, but not all, list the hourly or weekly pay rate. And finally, the classified will tell you how to respond if you're interested in applying for the job - with a phone call, a resume or by showing up in person to fill out a job application. Finally, Tip Number Eight: Learn the meanings of some of the common abbreviations and terms used in Help Wanted classifieds. It'll make your job search easier, and more productive. Here's a list we put together from last Sunday's paper. The classifieds in your local paper are a great way to start your job search. You'll learn what's out there, what certain jobs pay, and a whole lot more about the world of work in your area. So check them out and you'll be earning a paycheck in no time.