If you don't know someone, forget getting the job.

Unlike the few years before the recession started, getting a job as a contractor is damn near impossible if you don't have a contact on the inside. Job lists are quickly filled with workers that are mainly kinned or friends with supervisors, management, and Human Resources. Although this seems unfair(and it is), employment will mainly be obtained in this way until the economy rebounds. Not only is this hiring practice unfair to qualified workers, it should be illegal. Manning up jobs this way leads to a crew less experienced which in turn make jobsites unsafe. Companies might as well just take their job hotline numbers and e-mail addresses off websites. Over the past year, when I have completed a job and started looking for another, I am always given a number to call to get my name on a list. The thing about this is, the number goes straight to a recording that tells you to leave a name and number and we will get back to you. I have yet to get a human on the phone. Management is looking out for themselves, family, and friends for consideration on jobs and don't even bother to hire the most qualified applicants. Unfortunately, this is life and how it will continue to be for a long while. If you really want to use the internet for jobs, I suggest http://www.indeed.com/. It will search all employment sites to find the listings you are looking for, but act fast when you see a post. Jobs fill fast these days and the number of applicants looking for jobs have grown exponentially lately. The best way to find work is by calling friends and family or past coworkers. This is the law of the land right now and you have to network to find jobs. Also, don't wait around for a recruiter that promised work soon to call you back. I have one recruiter that has been saying "any day now" for a month. If you are offered a job, take it. If the recruiter finally calls you back, make your decision to leave your job or not on job duration. Being on a jobsite is your best way to meet new people that have solid job leads and to show off your skills.