Want Ads

Despite what you might have heard, people do find jobs in the classified advertisements. But, as you have probably noticed, most ads are for positions in business. Many listings for creative positions - positions as designers, artists, actors, and so on - generally do not make it to the Sunday classified section. Word about those openings is more likely to circulate through community networks of others employed in the same industry.

But at the very least, a weekly perusal of the Sunday want ads will give you an idea of the types of jobs available in or related to your field, as well as the job categories most likely to provide good leads and companies actively hiring.

Reading the want ads can also be a form of market research. Many provide basic job descriptions, all list experience requirements, and a few even mention salaries.

Even ads for positions outside your area of expertise can provide valuable clues that a company is growing, developing new lines of business, or otherwise expanding into areas that might in the future require the special talents of a person like you.

Employment agency classifieds can be useful as well. They will give you an idea of agencies that may specialize in placements in your field.

An ad is often a wish list, a depiction of the ideal candidate. So if you have equivalent or better experience but not qualifications mentioned in the ad, by all means respond, but be prepared to make a strong case for yourself in your cover letter. Stress what you have, how you match the ad's wish list. Do not mention the skills or experience you lack if you feel you are otherwise qualified for the job.

On the other hand, some employer specifications probably are not negotiable. If the ad calls for a doctorate in fine arts and 20 years' experience and you are a new grad with a minor in art history, do not bother sending a resume.

Take time to compose your cover letter, making sure you cover each of the points mentioned in the ad'preferably using the same words. Your cover letter is often your only entree, especially if the response goes to a box number, so rewrite it as often as necessary to fine-tune your sales pitch.

Do not worry about being the first applicant; you will just end up at the bottom of the heap. Job ads are often run for several days or weeks, so the later you submit your letter, the more likely your resume will rise to the top.