Are you looking for a job? Are you looking for a better paying job? Why not start your search locally with these local job search tips.

Local jobs are the best jobs for a number of reasons, such as:

Easy commute

Less time spent commuting to and from work

Less money spent on traveling cost to and from work

More time to spend on leisure activities and with family and friends

Possibility of working with people you know and respect

Giving back to the community in wish you live

Paying taxes in the community in wish you live (instead of someone else’s community)

Local jobs can be easier to find sometimes, too. First, start with basics:

Begin by building a resume.

You will need a resume to help fill out your applications and to show your past experiences. On this resume, be sure to include:

Your present addresses and phone numbers (including cell)

Work experience, starting with the most recent and working your way back-wards. Have all the names of past employers, addresses and contact phone numbers.

Education and other experience such as internships, etc. Know the years in which you attended and addresses of the schools.

Any clubs which you are a member (this shows that you have community pride and you take part in the community) know the contact name and phone number of the president of the club.

References (both personal and business related) along with their current addresses and contact phone numbers. Have at least four of these.

Make a list of businesses or types of jobs you would enjoy the most.

Now begin contacting these businesses and see if they are hiring. Yes, this is a bold move. Question is should you do this in person or on phone?

Since this is a local business, it shouldn’t be too far for you to visit. Plus, personal contact is always the better method. For this reason, try to visit the business personally.

Dress appropriately in clean and neat clothes. Make sure you bring along a copy of your resume.

Be preprepared for an on the spot interview on the off chance, the company is hiring.

Visit each company or business on your list. If you have each one crossed off, and then look at the types of jobs you wrote on your list. Try to figure out what businesses you have contacted yet, would have a need for someone with these particular skills.

Begin a new list. Now begin contacting each business on your new list.

How else may you be able to find local jobs in your area?

Read your local newspaper classified ads on a regular basis.

Talk to people you know. Let them know your desire of finding a job or a new job. Tell them what positions you are wishing to have. If you think a person may have contacts, ask. Attend local job fairs.

Make acquaintances with the movers and shakers in your town. If you haven’t signed up for any of your popular community organizations, now is a good time to do so. Clubs and volunteer organizations are a great way to give back to your community and to build relationships with community leaders.

Don’t be afraid to talk to those in the know in your town. This could be some of the waitresses at the best diners, the barber who cuts your hair or the elderly couple who owns the bait store. Ask them if they know if certain businesses are hiring. You never know who may hear what.

If you know people who are working at the business you would like to work, ask them if they know if the company is hiring and ask if they could put in a good word for you.

If you are still on friendly terms with any of your past teachers, see if they could give you a reference and make sure they know you wish to work at a certain place. Sometimes teachers have some clout with area businesses.

Once you have your foot in the door as in the way of an interview, make the most of it.

Be on time. Actually, it would look good if you were a little early.

Dress appropriately.

Make sure you have your resume, driver’s license and any other pertinent documents with you.

Try to stay calm.

Practice what you are going to say before the interview. Have someone grill you with some practice interview questions such as: Why do you think you will be an asset to our company? Where do you see yourself in five years? Why did you leave your last job?

If you put out some effort and really think about what you want, you may be able to find your perfect job, locally. Just follow the above local job search tips and keep your eyes and ears open to the opportunities around you.

Jeffrey Meier of Jam727 Enterprises at http://www.Jam727.com offers information articles on a wide variety of subjects including Job searches at http://www.jam727.com/jobsearch/index.php