I had the bright idea of using the local yellow pages to find companies where I’d like to work. I’ve lived in this area only 4 years and worked from home during that time. So, my local contacts and knowledge of the area have been limited. What better way to get to know what’s out there than the yellow pages, right?
I started at the beginning, with the letter A, of course. The very first category was Abortion Alternatives. Not quite my cup of tea. Scanning the next few pages came up with lots of accountants and attorneys. I have no accounting or legal background, but do I really need that to answer phones, file, keep a schedule and other assorted administrative assistant duties? So, I dog-eared those pages since there were too many to bother writing on my handy dandy legal pad. I skipped anything automotive. I have no real car knowledge and zero desire to sell or fix them. On second thought, car dealers and large repair shops do need office support. Okay, going back to dog-ear those pages too.
Now I have about 30 pages dog-eared and I haven’t even started the B’s. Sigh.
Maybe this wasn’t such a hot idea after all. I mean, really, what’s my next step? Do I call each of these businesses and ask if they currently have a need for office support services? Do I mass mail my resume to them all? Do I spend the next 3 weeks personally visiting each place of business and still only getting through the A’s?
Sometimes a good idea is just that. A good idea. It should stay in the idea phase because putting it into practice is not practical.
Have any of you used the yellow pages to target your job search? I can see where it might work if you knew the type of business where you wanted to work. But what if you don’t? What if your skillset can apply to multiple industries? I’d really love to know your thoughts and experiences on this. Don’t be shy. Share!
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