4 ways to get a job in Atlanta don't include submitting an application

Besides submitting applications, there are many other ways to secure one. Here are four:

Citizens Police Academies

For those interested in a career in law enforcement, free Citizens Police Academies are offered by many counties and cities around the metro Atlanta area. Background checks and applications are required. These academies can prove especially beneficial with the large number of vacancies in law enforcement throughout metro Atlanta. Through these academies, which usually last 10 to 13 weeks, participants ages 18 and older can get to know the officers and many facets of law enforcement operations to help them decide if this kind of work would be their calling.

Gwinnett County, Henry County, Hiram, Marietta, Powder Springs and Sandy Springs host these academies.

Chambers of commerce and business associations

Throughout metro Atlanta, chambers of commerce and business associations host events that are open to nonmembers either free or slightly more than fees required of members. These meetings include networking socials - even golf tournaments. Breakfast or lunch meetings frequently include business leaders, speaking on their various areas of expertise.

A few of the many organizations are the Acworth Business Association, Alpharetta Chamber of Commerce, Atlanta Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce.

Volunteer work

Hospitals are a good place to volunteer for those who may be interested in a career in the booming healthcare industry. Volunteers can enhance their resumes while exploring various vocations that may be of interest to them.

Business expos

County and city governments, chambers of commerce and business associations also hold free business expos - another way to learn about businesses before deciding to apply. Check out the upcoming events below.

• The Small Business Market Expo and Job Fair, with free business seminars, will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. for seminars, 1-4 p.m. for exhibits on Aug. 27 at the Cobb Galleria Centre, 2 Galleria Parkway, Atlanta.
• The free Hire Atlanta Fall Career Expo by Sweet Job Spot will be 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 24 at the Hilton Garden Inn Atlanta NW/Wildwood, 3045 Windy Hill Road SE, Atlanta.
• Also, the City of Powder Springs Development Team in Cobb County is planning a Business Expo 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 15 at the Ford Center and the Cultural Arts Center, 4181 Atlanta St. behind the Powder Springs Library .