Finding the Perfect Job or Embracing Self Employment

In the current employment marketplace it is harder and harder to find suitable job advertisements and due to this it is tempting to apply for anything and everything! However, it is worth stressing that this option of employment searching is both time consuming for you and the potential employer.

In most situations it is worth evaluating exactly the kind of employment your individual skills, work history and qualifications suit. Also, why not look at jobs that you actually are interested in! Who wants to do something for 40 hours a week that they don't like? Therefore, spending the time looking at job specifications can be very beneficial and you will also gain a lot more interview success.

So where do we find all these jobs in the middle of a worldwide credit crunch? Do not worry, there are jobs out there, you just need to look in the right places and be a bit smarter than the competition. Below are the top ten places to start your job hunt:

Job Search Engines on the internetNational PressLocal PressLocal advertising in shops etcWord of mouthRecruitment AgenciesJob CentresSelf Employment opportunitiesFranchise OpportunitiesSpeculative, targeted letters to HR / Businesses

In the current market place more and more people are looking at Self Employment. Why work for someone else as there seems to be very little job security at the moment so why not "go it alone." There are more and more individuals who have decided to make that brave step into self employment. What aspects do they need to take into consideration before they move forward with their ideas?

Market Place - Is there a market place for your service / product?How will you finance the business? Bank Loan / Savings / PartnershipMake sure you know what overhead costs are involved from the start and what will your profit margins be.Who are your competitors? Is there room for one more in the marketplace?Internet - most businesses nowadays need a certain level of web presence. Make sure this is built into your marketing plan and is researched fully.Make sure you get professional advice on marketing your business, but don't get carried away with 'big' marketing plans, they cost money. You just need to make sure you focus on reaching your target market.

As we all know the secrets to launching your new business is to keep your overheads nailed to the floor and maximise margins.

There are so many options now for small businesses as the marketplace has "lost" so many businesses in the last 12 - 24 months that gaps are in the market. It is still very difficult to gain funding, but not every business needs to be funded by the banks (additionally do you really trust them?). Therefore, if possible, try to fund your start up with personal cash this will mean no one else has control of your business and you will not have to answer to anyone.

All you need is the idea and the drive to make it work........