How to Find a Job in a Small Town

Many jobseekers tend to focus on the basics when it comes to finding a job, regardless of the situation. They may check online job boards and other obvious places where jobs are listed. Although this may work out if everything is on an even playing field, it rarely goes that way. At times, you may even find it is difficult to find a career, simply because the choices are few and far between. This can often happen when you are trying to find a job in a small town like those in Northern California.

In any small community, there are going to be jobs available. Similar to a larger community or city, those career choices may be quite varied. If you find yourself in this position, you certainly are not alone. In fact, the 2000 census showed that 50% of the nation lived in areas with fewer than 25,000 people.

Of course, the dynamics of finding a career in a small town may be somewhat different than what you would find in a large city. Smaller communities can feel harder to break into but there are ways to get noticed and land the job you want.

Get Back To The Basics

First of all, you need to get back to the basics and make sure you have them covered properly. This would include having your resume up-to-date and prepared in a way that will bring it to the top of the stack. The interview is still an important part of any hiring process, so you need to be prepared. Finally, following up on the interview is of vital importance to help you land the job.

Network, Network, Network

Networking is also something that is very important. Admittedly, networking has its place in any community, large or small, but it is especially important in small towns. Since there are limited job opportunities available, the position may never be posted online. If you are networked properly, you will have a better chance of hearing about those employment possibilities.

You may be in a position to cut out the middleman when dealing with a small
community. More than likely, you are not going to be interviewing with large corporations but you will be speaking with independent, smaller businesses that still offer fantastic opportunities. In fact, small businesses represent more than 99% of all employers in the United States according to Entrepreneur.com. Take a personal interest in the structure of the company and find a way to strike up a rapport with the manager or even the owner.

Don’t ignore the power of getting in with the influencers within the community. This is especially important if you are just starting out in the area, as there is going to be a hierarchy that is somewhat hidden in the background. Find out who really runs the show in that town and start showing up at places they frequent. Not only can they influence the job market in the area, they can introduce you to others who have that influence.

Use An Employment Agency

Finally, it can be beneficial to use an employment agency. They are not just for temporary work but can help you find your next career. Employment agencies have access to various jobs in various industries and can easily and quickly connect you to an employer looking for your exact skill set. You’ll have better luck getting your foot in the door if you partner with a reputable agency that local employers trust.