How do I get job leads?

Finding work can be hard enough without having to worry about where it's coming from. But when you're starting out as a contractor or freelancer, there may not be much available information about who to talk to, or even where to begin looking. You might have heard that there's an easy answer - that by simply asking around, everyone will know who to connect with.

But this isn't always true! It doesn't matter if you live in New York City or rural Alaska. The trick lies in knowing where to look. Asking friends and family members for advice won't give you any useful insights into which networks to approach, or what kinds of jobs are going unfilled at which companies. And asking random strangers on the street probably isn't going to end well anyway.

So here are ten ways to find those elusive "connections" to make yourself more likely to land a new gig.

Which is the best way to search for job leads?

The job market varies widely across industries and locations, so no one method works for every person everywhere. Even within the same industry, different types of businesses employ different strategies for hiring, so you'll need to adapt accordingly. For example, tech startups often hire through online applications while big corporations prefer referrals.

If you want to try some methods before deciding which ones are right for you, let's take a quick tour of the most common options:

LinkedIn

This site has been around since 2003, but its value hasn't diminished over time. By connecting with other professionals in your field, LinkedIn gives you access to their professional connections too. If they've listed themselves as working somewhere, chances are they'd like to chat about it. This can also extend beyond your own profession: anyone who knows someone who does something similar should be able to recommend them.

Indeed

A popular alternative to LinkedIn, Indeed makes it easier than ever to stay connected with potential employers all day long. There's a dedicated mobile app, too. While both platforms offer a wealth of information, many users complain that searching for specific skills is difficult because many results don't show up unless you input the exact phrase.

Craigslist

One of the oldest websites still active today, Craigslist offers plenty of opportunities to meet others seeking work. Whether you're looking to fill a position at home improvement company, run a small business, or build apps for the world wide web, Craigslist is chock full of possibilities. Just be careful about posting personal details such as phone numbers or addresses (unless you trust the poster) and stick to things related to employment.

Facebook Marketplace

For a lot of us, Facebook is our primary social media platform. Since we already use it to keep track of our friends' lives, why not turn it into a resource for meeting people with whom we share interests? In addition to allowing you to buy and sell items directly via Messenger, Facebook Marketplace connects buyers and sellers with each other based on mutual likes. Some people call it a dating service, though it functions similarly to sites like OkCupid.

Twitter

Another great place to go hunting for job leads is Twitter. With millions of monthly users worldwide, there's bound to be someone who fits your needs. Follow them, then send them a direct message inviting them to discuss the kind of roles you're interested in filling. They could reply with an introduction to a friend who would fit the bill, or suggest a colleague whose expertise matches yours.

Instagram

Folks love sharing photos of everything they do. That includes their jobs, hobbies, travel adventures, and anything else they feel compelled to post publicly. Instagram is another good place to look for job leads: follow local influencers and see what kinds of projects they're working on. Then reach out to them privately and ask whether a connection exists between you.

Handy

As the name suggests, Handy provides services that allow homeowners to schedule tasks remotely, ranging from repairs to cleaning. Many people use the website to book appointments with licensed plumbers, electricians, carpenters, painters, landscapers, cleaners, and more. Use Handy's built-in search tool to browse by location, skill level, and price range, and check out reviews left by past customers. From there, you can contact the customer directly to arrange a date and time.

Quora

With so many questions being asked these days, Quora can provide you with answers to virtually any question you might have. Not only that, but users leave helpful tips and recommendations alongside their responses. So if you have a burning desire to learn something new, start reading the posts and conversations happening on the site now. Look for topics relevant to your niche, and read until you spot a topic that sounds interesting. When you find a user who seems knowledgeable in the area, click his/her profile picture to view his/her activity log. Read through recent comments to see if he/she mentions a company that meets your requirements.

Reddit

Ask Reddit is a community forum where users submit links, videos, images, text, questions, and memes for discussion. These discussions happen daily, sometimes hourly, so you never know exactly what you'll stumble upon. However, most threads relate to a particular subject, making it a perfect venue for finding a match. Browse through the categories until you locate a thread discussing a type of role you're particularly interested in. Start commenting on the conversation and introduce yourself using a custom URL link provided by Ask Reddit.

WhatsApp groups

Messaging apps are becoming increasingly popular, especially among younger demographics. WhatsApp has nearly 1 billion monthly users, including lots of people outside Western Europe. Groups are designed to coordinate activities among members, so it's a natural medium for coordinating meetings and scheduling interviews. To join a group you must first request permission. Once approved, you'll receive notifications whenever someone adds a member, leaves the group, sends a message, or receives a message.

What are six possible sources of job leads?

There's nothing wrong with relying on your memory to remember names and faces. After all, the goal is to expand your circle of contacts so that eventually the right ones will fall into your lap. Unfortunately, it takes persistence to accumulate a list of reliable leads. Below, we've outlined several methods for getting started.

Connecting with existing clients

It goes without saying that the easiest way to find new gigs is to continue doing what you're already doing. If you've got a steady stream of income, consider reaching out to previous clients asking if they're aware of any openings. You can also make sure to include your availability in your next contract negotiations.

Joining organizations

Most cities have trade associations or clubs focused on various fields. Join one, attend events hosted by the organization, and volunteer your talents. This may result in paid positions down the line. Or perhaps you'll meet future coworkers at parties or happy hours.

Searching for open positions

You can also use Google AdWords to find companies actively hiring employees. Search terms like "jobs," "employment," "work," and "hire" bring up ads from a variety of companies nationwide. Be warned that these advertisements aren't necessarily accurate representations of actual vacancies -- you may discover that the ad was meant for candidates living elsewhere, or that the advertiser is trying to attract applicants rather than fill a current opening. Still, it's worth checking out.

Following industry experts

Many professions have blogs or podcasts featuring expert opinions on the latest trends and news. Listen to what they say, and maybe even subscribe to their feeds. Their knowledge will serve as a valuable asset, even if you don't end up taking advantage of their insight.

Networking

Finally, you have to put in the effort. Networking requires constant maintenance, and it's important to remain patient. One bad experience can set back your efforts for months, even years. Take the initiative to meet new people, and treat every encounter as an opportunity to practice your conversational skills.

What is a source of job leads?

We've covered a number of resources you can tap into to find the right job for you. Now it's time to determine which one will actually deliver.

To find out, download our free Job Leads App (iOS | Android). Try out some of our favorite tools to uncover job opportunities and to improve your career prospects.

Finding work can be tough when you're not already in demand or have no connections. If you want to learn more about getting a new gig, check out our article detailing the best ways to land an interview. If that's still too much, here are ten tips to find a job right now.

The first thing many people think of when trying to look for employment is social media. While this might seem like a great place to start because it’s easy to see if anyone has posted anything looking for a new employee, there are several things to consider before posting something there. First off, you don't know who will read your post—you could end up talking to the wrong person, or worse yet, nothing at all. It also doesn't take long to realize that everyone has their own version of "looking" online, so unless you really know exactly what they're searching for (or are willing to pay) you may waste time and effort by sending them links to random websites.

While these tips aren't guaranteed to result in any jobs for you, they will give you a better idea of where to go next in order to maximize your chances of landing one. The following steps should be taken into consideration when trying to find a new position:

1. Networking - This means contacting as many people as possible through face-to-face meetings and phone calls, but also through email, text messages, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, etc. There is no shortage of options available, which makes it easier than ever to reach out to potential contacts. You'll never know until you try! Here are 10 places to network for job leads.

2. Job Boards - Most employers list open positions on sites such as Indeed or Monster. These boards allow you to search for specific job titles based on location and other factors. Be sure to register an account before visiting the site so that you won't miss any opportunities while browsing.

3. Local Business Directories - Search local directories for small businesses seeking employees. Some cities even offer business guides that provide contact information for small companies including contact info and locations.

4. Craigslist - Not only is Craigslist popular among those looking for quick cash, but it can often turn up interesting opportunities. Use the advanced search function to narrow down results by city or state.

5. Social Media Sites - Many of us use social media sites daily, whether we're actively using them or simply logging in once every few days. Take advantage of this fact to make yourself aware of current openings within your industry. Once you've found a company you'd like to apply to, head over to its page and browse through posts related to hiring. Keep in mind that many of these postings will likely be outdated, so keep checking back frequently.

6. Online Forums & Communities - Postings tend to stay active longer after being created compared to regular forums. Make a habit of keeping tabs on your favorite communities/forums to ensure that you haven't missed any relevant announcements. Also, remember that the quality of answers depends greatly upon the forum itself, so always make sure you're asking questions that others would answer themselves before making a request.

7. Career Fairs & Events - Companies typically host career fairs and events throughout the year. Attendance isn't mandatory, but it's worth considering since you'll meet a lot of different types of professionals, including HR representatives. Even though attending a career event won't guarantee you a job, it's usually a great chance to talk to someone working directly in a field that interests you.

8. Industry Associations - Many professional organizations hold special interest groups that cater specifically towards members in certain industries. For example, the American Medical Association hosts AMA Meetups for doctors interested in discussing various topics. Similarly, associations for engineers, architects, lawyers, teachers, and journalists all exist. By joining these groups, you gain access to exclusive benefits, including discounts on services and products offered by the organization itself.

9. Trade Shows & Conferences - Similar to trade shows, conferences are organized gatherings of experts in numerous fields of study. They are usually held during times when large amounts of people attend, allowing attendees to connect easily with professionals in their area. You can expect to spend anywhere between $50-$200 per day to cover expenses associated with conference travel.

10. Your Current Employer - One of the easiest and quickest ways to obtain a job is by asking your employer to hire you instead of applying for another role elsewhere. When approaching your boss, let him or her know that you'd love to continue working for them, but you'd prefer to remain employed rather than pursue a new position somewhere else. Asking nicely can sometimes yield positive results, whereas threatening to quit can cause problems later on. Always approach this situation with caution.

Can you name some sources of job leads?

Yes, absolutely! But it takes patience and persistence to consistently generate job leads from each source. With enough perseverance, however, you'll eventually develop skills that enable you to successfully manage multiple streams of income simultaneously.

Here are three common methods used by successful individuals to find a job:

1. Personal Referrals – Ask family, friends, colleagues, and acquaintances for recommendations. Remember, referrals are considered the number one method of sourcing candidates for both full-time and part-time positions.

2. Public Records– Lookup public records on Google and other reputable databases to determine who owns the business and to find previous addresses.

3. Newspaper Ads – Print newspaper ads and scan them for pertinent keywords. Consider adding additional criteria to your ad, such as salary requirements or preferred qualifications.

What does source of job lead mean?

When asked what type of job leads he was referring to, Mike replied “I am looking for a job, either permanent or contract. My last two were temporary. I have been unemployed for almost 18 months.” In his case, ‘source of job leads’ meant that he had done research to locate suitable positions matching his experience level, then applied accordingly. He didn’t need to call or visit prospective employers himself to inquire about vacancies. Instead, he relied solely on third parties who were familiar with the needs of local employers.

What is the most productive way to find a job?

In addition to having a well-defined plan regarding how to find a job, it helps to understand the purpose behind doing so. Are you looking to earn money immediately? Or is your goal to build a solid foundation for future success? Either way, it pays to prioritize the importance of your chosen path.

If you feel compelled to seek immediate financial support, then focus your efforts on securing short term gigs. However, if you wish to establish a sustainable income stream long term, then building a portfolio of high value freelance projects is the key. To increase your odds of obtaining meaningful work, you must demonstrate to potential clients that you possess a variety of valuable skills and abilities. Therefore, always maintain a healthy balance between your portfolio and personal project workloads.

Once you begin generating a steady flow of income, you’ll be able to invest in your dream(s), providing you with greater freedom and security. And if you happen to run across a particularly lucrative project, you may decide to sell it to fund your goals. Regardless of whether you choose to approach your job hunt in a traditional manner, by going door-to-door, or by utilizing modern technology, the important part is knowing that you’re taking action to improve your livelihood.

Networking is one of the most important methods in getting new jobs -- but it can be difficult to know where to start! Finding a good way to meet potential employers isn't as straightforward as simply putting yourself out there. It's not enough to have an impressive CV or great skillset if no-one knows about them. You need to know how to go about looking for job openings that fit your skill set.

A big part of this process is making sure you're building relationships with other professionals who may be able to refer you to their friends' jobs (or even offer you work). This means that you'll want to make use of different resources like LinkedIn, social media, forums, and email lists. But once again, these aren't always obvious and easy to spot. So here we've compiled some tips and tricks to help you figure out which networking sites will best suit your needs, and how to approach each site when asking for a job. 

How do you ask for a job lead?

When it comes to job leads, the first thing to remember is that they don't happen overnight -- so don't expect to get dozens instantly. The best advice is to keep at it consistently over time, until you build up a reputation within your community. Then, when opportunities arise, they become more likely to notice you.

So let's look at ten ways to connect with others online - you could try starting by taking our Job Leads Quizlet to see which networking options might be right for you. Once you've done that, then take a look at this article listing all the various places you should consider going to source job leads. We recommend using all of them, rather than relying too heavily on any single method. If you already belong to certain groups on Facebook or Twitter, for example, check those networks' job boards before approaching anyone else. And if you're comfortable sending emails to contacts, then give it a shot!

Once you've got a few possible avenues open to you, then it's time to pick a strategy. For instance, if you already spend lots of time working outdoors, you could join a local gardening club and send out regular newsletters offering your services. Or if you're into DIY projects, perhaps post your own YouTube videos detailing your experience. These are two examples of "passive" strategies, whereby you wait for a chance to present itself without actively seeking anything out. Alternatively, you could choose a more proactive route and build your profile on professional websites such as Indeed.com. By signing up to receive updates through its Jobs section, you can stay ahead of relevant vacancies across many industries.

The key to success with any kind of networking is consistency -- especially if you're aiming for long term results. Take advantage of everything available to you, whether that's joining multiple groups or checking out every platform you can think of. In short, don't limit yourself to only one resource! The more effort you put in now, the better off you'll end up being later down the line.

Where do job leads come from?

Many job seekers prefer passive approaches to networking because they believe they'll never hear back after submitting applications. However, the reality is quite different. As mentioned above, networking takes constant effort and persistence, so you must make sure you're doing it properly and staying active. Even if you apply to hundreds of positions per week, you'll still miss out if you're not constantly reaching out to prospective employers via email or phone calls.

There are several reasons why applying for jobs doesn't necessarily mean you'll land one. One reason is simple luck -- sometimes companies decide against hiring people based purely on personal factors. Other times, though, it has nothing to do with you personally. Instead, they often feel their current employees are suited to the role, or another candidate was found who is more qualified. Whatever the case may be, the fact remains that it's impossible to predict the future. That makes it essential to continue networking regardless.

Another common misconception among inexperienced job hunters is the idea that you shouldn't bother contacting former colleagues unless you really want to move somewhere specific. While this does hold true in some cases, it's also crucial to note that past connections don't guarantee future ones either. Some people change careers completely, while others simply grow tired of their old position and decide to seek something new elsewhere.

In addition, many businesses hire contractors for temporary roles, particularly during busy periods. They might even require you to attend interviews remotely, using video conferencing software. Of course, you'd ideally want to be invited to interview face-to-face, but if this isn't possible, having access to video chat software can make things much easier.

Finally, it's worth noting that some companies employ a policy of "recruitment by referral". This means that instead of posting an ad on company website, they contact existing staff members directly for recommendations. This works both ways -- so if you've been referred to a client by another colleague, you could potentially pass along your name to them as well.

What are 3 traditional sources of job leads?

It goes without saying that word of mouth is one of the oldest forms of advertising. People tend to trust referrals from close family and friends, so if you're trying to secure a new gig, you should definitely start thinking about whom you would turn to if you needed a recommendation. Your parents or siblings might not be willing to give you one, however -- you'd probably have to earn their respect first.

If you're looking for a new job, then you should also try searching for local newspapers, magazines, and trade publications that cover similar fields to yours. Companies love to advertise in these publications because they provide a cost effective option to reach customers in person. If you live locally, your chances of seeing local ads increase dramatically.

And finally, there's the internet! Whether you're interested in freelance work or full-time employment, web platforms like Craigslist and Monster.com allow you to search for jobs related to whatever industry you're pursuing. Be careful not to waste your time by applying for tasks you wouldn't normally undertake, but if you're genuinely skilled in a particular area, you stand a decent chance of landing a suitable job.

What are three sources of job leads?

As you can see, there are plenty of ways to obtain job leads for contractors, depending on your preferences and abilities. Depending on what stage in life you're at, you may enjoy spending hours upon hours scouring online job listings, whereas younger applicants might prefer to focus on networking events. Either way, you won't ever stop learning, so don't worry -- you're bound to stumble onto something useful eventually.

For instance, if you're a student, you could visit career fairs held by universities around the country. Many students sign up to volunteer at these events -- but they usually attract recruiters, business owners, and alumni representatives, not actual hiring managers. However, you may be lucky enough to strike gold and meet someone who could possibly direct you towards future work.

Alternatively, if you're living away from home, you could take advantage of websites like Workopolis, MyResumeClub, and TopResumes. Each offers its own unique service, but they're all designed to help users generate resumes and CVs that highlight their strengths and achievements. After completing a template, you can upload your resume and share it with a large number of companies looking for candidates. You can read more about the benefits of using a third party provider here.

Of course, the easiest way to get started is by joining Facebook groups dedicated to contractors. There are thousands of posts relating to topics including travel, housing, entertainment, health & fitness, and hobbies, meaning you can easily filter through all sorts of information. Plus, once you establish yourself as a reliable member, you can start sharing links to interesting articles and blog posts. Eventually, your contributions will begin generating interest amongst fellow group members, and you'll soon have ample opportunities to pitch your services.

You can learn more about connecting with other professionals by visiting our list of helpful contractor communities.