Finding quality career opportunities in today’s economy means more than responding to classified ads on job boards and in the newspaper. You need to find ways to set yourself apart from your peers so that employers view you as an expert in your field and seek you out for your expertise. Here are some ways to make others aware of your skills and talents in your field.

Write in trade publications/ journals.
Most trade publications are really just an open forum for the exchange of ideas and information within the profession. The best way to get your work published is to write 2 to 3 articles and contact the editor of the publication directly. Another idea is to get published in non-trade journals. Once you get published somewhere you will find it much easier to get published elsewhere.

Join professional organizations.
Probably the quickest and best way to improve your stature in your field is to join and become active in the local chapter of a professional organization. Once you have established yourself as a member, work to become a member of the executive board. By becoming a major presence in these groups you will gain access to information about employment opportunities, as well.  Additionally, being viewed as an expert in your field locally means employers will come to you with opportunities.

Join civic organizations.
This idea is perhaps networking 101, but most civic organizations are comprised of mainly of business owners, executives, and community leaders. If these people aren’t hiring then they know someone who is.  By becoming active with events within these organizations, members will come to you when they hear about opportunities or have questions relating to your field.