I can't help but notice help wanted ads and I recently returned home from a trip where I saw help wanted signs in stores, a couple of billboards on the highway that said "we're hiring" and a recruiting sign for a major employer in one of the airports.
This weekend, my newspaper (and, yes, I still read the paper the old-fashioned way) had more help wanted ads than I've seen in a long time and Saturday had as many as Sunday, which is the traditional day employers post ads.
I even received a flyer advertising seasonal job openings in with the invoice from my propane delivery company.
On the way to a party, I was reminded again about keeping your job search eyes open. I saw a sign in front of one of our community's high tech companies saying "jobs available" and another one at a local manufacturing company which said they were always hiring.
Obviously, one job doesn't fit all and these might not be the right jobs for everyone. Still, it certainly pays to pay attention. You don't need to buy the paper. Most newspapers have the helped wanted ads online and many companies, especially retailers, post help wanted signs.
For the online version of keeping your job search eyes open, check out your LinkedIn profile. Scroll down the right side a little and you'll see a list of jobs that you might be interested in. If the company is using the Apply With LinkedIn Button, you'll be able to apply direct with your LinkedIn profile. If not, you'll be directed to the company website to apply.
If you're using Facebook Apps BranchOut or BeKnown, you'll be able to check out job postings on Facebook and I don't know anyone who doesn't spend some time on Facebook every day.
Even if you're not actively job seeking, it's a good idea to pay attention to the job market. You never know when you might unexpectedly be laid-off and you never know when a job that is a perfect match for what you want to do next might come along and it doesn't take much effort to keep up with what's out there.
Related: Job Listings | Facebook Apps for Job Seekers
Copyright Getty Images Trinnett Reed