A good friend told me that my interviewing tips have been extremely helpful, but right now she’s having difficulty finding open positions. She regularly surfs the ‘Net, but the number of available job openings isn’t what it used to be. We keep hearing about a declining rate of unemployment, but where are all those vacant jobs?
You may remember that between 2008 and 2010 there was a constant debate of whether we were in a recession or depression. I like Harry Truman’s definition: “It’s a recession when your neighbor loses his job; it’s a depression when you lose yours.” One thing for sure: The way we look for jobs has changed. If you’re over 40, you might remember when newspaper want ads were “the source” to look for a new job. For many reasons that’s changed, and today it’s a much more complex process.
Richard Bolles, author of the No. 1 bestseller, “What Color Is Your Parachute? A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers,” outlined 14 ways to look for a job. At the top of his list is networking and using personal contacts; near the bottom of the list were mailing out resumes to a random list and using the Internet.
What follows are some principles that will help you develop your own personalized job search strategy.
The one principle all the experts agree on is networking and targeting employers directly. Jewel Bracy DeMaio suggests, “Shift your mindset from ‘job’ search to ‘company’ search.” Identify a few key employers and develop a network of people who can tell you when and where they have openings. Don’t sit back and expect to hear about those vacancies on a job board.
I did have an “Aha” moment in the process of doing my research. When I asked friends to rank what they believe are the most effective job search techniques, almost everyone included the Internet at the top of their list. How do we explain this contradiction between the experts and us? The experts agree that the Internet is critical to building a social network, but it’s not the best or only place to find the best job opportunities out there.
The most frequent job search strategy people tell me is: “I search the Internet everyday and I’ve mailed out a hundred resumes. So far, I’ve only had two interviews. Clearly what I’m doing isn’t working.” Finding the best jobs is a proactive strategy, not a reactive one. The experts refer to the job search process as a campaign. Yes, it’s a campaign, not a passive response to advertising.
Initiating a job search requires the same level of commitment as a comprehensive health program. If you decided to significantly improve your health your doctor would recommend you find a good personal trainer and nutritionist. If you’re looking for a better job you need to develop a network of people who can support you on your journey.
Building a network is a delicate process. Let’s be real, your first goal is to protect your status with your current employer. Fortunately, reasonable people understand making a positive career move is a business decision and they don’t take it personally. Unfortunately, not everyone is reasonable. I’ve heard employers say, “If you’re that unhappy here get out.” For that reason you need to be very careful and confidential in building your campaign.
Your goal is to develop a small circle of people who have influence in the direction you’ve decided to pursue. In the process of expressing your desire to find a better job never criticize your current employer. Too much complaining and you run the risk of being seen as someone who is unhappy and a difficult employee. Your goal is to pursue an opportunity that is a better fit and will capitalize on your strengths. You want to run to something, not from something.
Managing one’s career is serious business. It’s not as simple as sending out a hundred resumes and hoping your luck improves. The Internet is a powerful tool, but I’m pleased to tell you that people will have the greatest impact on your ability to enhance your career. Now turn off your laptop and call someone that matters.
Kaminski is president of Stone Associates Training. He is an HR consultant with 35 years of experience in the employment field, teaching managers the art of hiring great employees. He also is an adjunct instructor at Keuka College. You can contact him with your questions, suggestions and comments at bill@stoneassociatestraining.com.
