职场秘籍：找到工作最有效的方法

　　Ask you neighbor. Or your best friend. Or even your third-cousin-once-removed.

　　People who've waged successful job searches can be an invaluable resource when you're looking for a job. You can learn from their successes -- and mistakes -- as well as pick up a few tips and tricks along the way.

　　Relocating to Virginia from upstate New York, Jamie Chigos landed a position as a financial analyst within two weeks. How?

　　"I kept an open mind, sent resumes everywhere and went to every agency whether they were hiring or not," said Chigos.

　　In addition to applying to as many companies as possible, Chigos tried to be open to a range of opportunities.

　　"People have to be willing to be open-minded about the kinds of positions they want," said Chigos. "Instead of going for a specific job, try going to a company or an employment agency and saying 'This is what I know.' What you know can be applied to a number of different positions."

　　Three years of unemployment didn't prevent Michele (who asked us not to use her last name) from getting a job as a management consultant with a Big Four firm.

　　She landed her permanent job by accepting a temporary solution. "My thinking became short-term. [I asked myself]: How do you survive in this market?" she said.

　　Through a friend, Michele landed a contract position. It wasn't her ideal job, and she was overqualified for the position. But she was willing to work for people who had less experience than she did.

　　"If you're unemployed for a long time, you have to adjust to a new reality. I [was] grateful for the opportunity. ... I worked hard and I made myself indispensable," said Michele.

　　Michele's attitude and performance in her contract assignment paid off: She now has a permanent job that utilizes her experience and pays her well for it.

　　Answer When Opportunity Knocks