It's a Woman's World
Job search tips- looking for that right job
By BARBARA BARONTINI

If you feel like you're stuck in a rut at your current job, it might be time to make a change. Before starting a formal job search, you can take some informal steps to get a feel for the current job market. Consider these tips from CareerJournal.com before you start searching.

First, look before you leap. In other words, explore job opportunities at your current company before looking elsewhere. Even if you feel there's little room for advancement in your current job, look into job openings in other divisions or locations that interest you. Transferring in the same company makes for an easy transition, so it's a great place to begin your search.

If job opportunities at your company are scarce, it's time to make yourself visible in your industry. The Internet offers countless career and social networking opportunities that will help you connect with others in your field.

Industry associations are another excellent networking resource. If you already belong to a local business organization, take advantage of the opportunity to interact with colleagues at other companies. Be sure to let them know you're starting a job search. If you aren't affiliated with an industry association, consider attending a meeting to mingle with locals in your field. It's the perfect way to network with potential employers.

On a similar note, don't wait until the last minute to

establish your network. If you plan to start a formal job search in a few months, now is the time to establish - or re-establish - contact with the people and organizations that will serve as references and offer helpful advice.

Lastly, do some self-assessment before your job search begins. Analyze your strengths, weaknesses, likes and dislikes. From there, you can discover what you really want to do and, perhaps, establish a more satisfying career.

Write to Barbara Barontini in care of King Features Weekly Service, P.O. Box 536475, Orlando, FL32853- 6475, or send an e-mail to letters. kfws@hearstsc.com.

(c) 2006 King Features Synd., Inc.