Finding Advertised Vacancies

J3

Employers may advertise current openings or search for candidates for specific positions in a variety of places. A list of some of those sources is offered below. Some will list application deadlines; some will not. Employers are usually interested in filling the position ASAP, so don't delay your application. Be sure to use all of the sources that are available to you. However, because 80-85% of all positions are never advertised (much fewer in some fields, like art, media and entertainment), it is critical that you use other job search methods as well. (For other methods, refer to Career Guides J4, Networking and J5, Using Directories.)

Newspapers
Most local and national newspapers have classified pages with a special employment section. Major national newspapers list positions in a variety of geographic locations, while local papers list positions primarily in that geographic area. Some will list the name of the organization; some will not. Of those that don't, some will be employment agencies trying to acquire a pool of candidates. Reed Library carries the following newspapers:

Vacancy Publications
There are two types of vacancy publications: those published by a specific organization describing the positions currently open in that organization, and those published by a third party describing positions currently open in many different organizations. The third party publications usually charge a subscription fee.

Subscriptions and other third party publications available in the CDO include:

Affirmative Action Register
ArtSEARCH
Careers/Consultants in Education
Certificated Vacancies in Los Angeles County
Current Jobs for Graduates (Liberal Arts)
Current Jobs in Art
Current Jobs in Education
Current Jobs in Management & Business
Current Jobs in Performing Arts
Current Jobs in Writing, Editing and Communications
Entertainment Employment Journal
Environmental Opportunities
Human Services and Liberal Arts Careers
The International Educator
The Job Seeker
JobTrakker Bulletin
National Educators Employment Review
New York State Government listings
U.S. Federal Career Opportunities

The Internet
Another source of the 10 - 15% of advertised vacancies is the Internet. While many of the listings are for experienced candidates, technical candidates, and sales candidates, more sites for entry-level candidates and candidates from other employment fields are appearing every day. You may want to begin by checking some of the more comprehensive sites for job listings. Click here for advertised vacancies on the WWW.

Telephone Hotlines
Some large organizations now have a telephone number that you can call to hear a recording of their current openings. Some of the numbers are 800 numbers; some are 900 numbers; and some are regular toll calls. Check Job Hotlines USA on the Job Search shelf in the CDO for a list.

Trade and Professional Association Journals and Newsletters
As part of their service to members, many professional associations publish current openings in the field. Professional's Private Sector Job Finder, Government Job Finder, and Non-Profits' Job Finder have sections listing job ads in print, some of which are professional association publications. As you talk to professionals in your field, ask what journals list entry-level positions. If you need additional addresses, consult the National Directory of Trade and Professional Associations, located on the CDO's General Career Information shelf.

Employment Agencies, Headhunters, Executive Search Firms
These third party organizations can serve either as a bridge or as a barrier between you and an employer seeking qualified candidates for a position. Their primary client is the employer who pays a finder's fee and from whom they can expect repeat business. You, the candidate, are also sometimes required to pay a fee. Use your skills as a good consumer; read and understand everything before you sign a contract and/or pay a fee. Find out if the agency specializes in entry-level positions for college graduates or specializes in positions in a particular profession of interest to you. {Note: These organizations are different from an educational cooperative or consortium to which you submit one application to a central location for all of the participating school districts in the consortium.)

CAREER GUIDES are provided by the Career Development Office,
Gregory Hall, 2nd floor, SUNY Fredonia, Fredonia, NY 14063 (716) 673-3327