Diverse employment opportunities abound in Western Montana’s largest city. Whether you’re relocating to Missoula or are a current resident looking for a new job, there are some basics that you need to know (if you don’t already):

• The highest percentage of Missoula’s workforce is made up of people under the age of 30
• 32.8% of Missoula residents over the age of 25 hold a bachelor’s degree
• The average annual income of a Missoula resident is $32,231

What does this mean to the Missoula job seeker? To find that “perfect fit” position, you’ll need to stay focused, use your networking skills, and be persistent.  These job hunting tips might help!

Differentiate Yourself

Missoula is not immune to the evolving nature of job search. With the growing presence of free social media, it is more possible than ever to make yourself visible to hiring managers and recruiters. Take it a step further and create a brand for yourself.

• Your resume includes your phone number and email address, but does it include the web address to your public LinkedIn profile? Is that profile up to date and as rich as it could be?
• Seek out local networking events in order to establish contacts
• Print business cards with your contact information on them to exchange with fellow professionals and prospective employers
• Nothing’s stopping you from starting a blog (free) about your professional area of choice, and linking that blog to your Twitter feed (free), your Facebook page (free) and your LinkedIn profile (free again!). Publicize your knowledge of any given topic related to the type of job you are seeking.
• Take proactive measures to seek out community events that reflect your interests, both professionally and personally—you might meet a prospective employer or career contact in a softball league, on the chairlift at Snowbowl, or on the next stool at the Kettlehouse.
• Consider volunteering in order to make connections. It may pay large dividends in the long run.

Capitalize on the Smaller Missoula Economy

Despite the temptation to simply fill out applications and submit resumes, take advantage of the fact that Missoula’s relatively small size can make networking and connecting one-on-one with people easier than in large metro areas.

Differentiate yourself by getting yourself known:

• Make some phone calls or leverage social media such as LinkedIn to seek out the hiring manager for the position to which you’ve just applied and follow up with that hiring manager.
• Sign up for Missoula networking groups and events, such as the Hellgate Venture Network or Missoula Businesswomen’s Network, with an agenda to make connections related to the type of job you want. You’ll meet wonderful people, and likely helpful ones, too.

Keep in mind that job hunting is hard work – but in Missoula it can also be fun!

Enjoy the Fabled Work/Life Balance

Missoula is the rare community comprised of a large contingent of highly-educated people competing for the same jobs, which effectively drives down wages. But don’t worry, not only is the cost of living comparatively lower in Missoula than most metroplexes, but the work/life balance – mere myth in some cities – is alive and well.

Where else can you put in a full day at the office followed by four hours on world-class trout rivers or biking trails before the late summer sunset? The quality of life in Missoula provides enough value to your lifestyle to more than make up for any loss of wage.

The bottom line: Use networking to your advantage, make yourself as visible as possible, and realize that you may need to work your way up to the position of your dreams.