Job Search and Networking
Job Search Savvy
Varying your approach
There is no single path to finding a new job. Relying on just one approach as you begin your job search will limit the kind of opportunities you can discover, so you will need to use several different search methods.
For example, many people believe that job hunting is simply a process of finding and responding to job postings. And while it's becoming easier than ever to search for jobs online, it is commonly estimated that as much as 80 percent of available positions are never even advertised. Networking with different people can allow you to find opportunities in this hidden job market.
The way you conduct your job search, such as the job boards you visit, how you network, and where you go to uncover opportunities, will largely depend on your needs. It's important to vary your methods in order to be as effective as possible.
Review the scenario below to learn about the importance of varying your job search methods.
Using different search strategies: Ruth
After graduating from a two-year training program, Ruth began searching for a new position as a medical sonographer. She applied to several online job postings that sounded promising, but when she didn't hear anything about her applications, it was difficult not to become a little frustrated.
Rather than give up on her job search, Ruth decided to refocus and diversify her search strategies. She began volunteering for a few hours each week at a local free clinic to build experience and meet people working in the field. She started to build a network with other people in the medical community, reaching out to her old classmates and new friends she met at the clinic. And while she still kept a careful watch on several online job boards, Ruth also worked to make direct contact with offices that were hiring, often by delivering her resume in person.
After several months of hard work, a friend at the clinic told her about a job opening at a small practice across town. She stopped by the office to introduce herself, which impressed its staff. Based on the strength of her friend's recommendation and her volunteer experience at the clinic, the office was only too happy to offer Ruth a full-time position. By varying her methods and using a variety of job search strategies, Ruth's efforts finally paid off.
Using different methods
As we have seen with Ruth, it's important to use a variety of techniques when searching for a job. While the Internet can be a very valuable tool for finding job postings, you should also dedicate just as much time to making connections offline and following opportunities as they arise.
- Networking is the process of making connections and is generally considered the best way to find a job. You can network with just about anyone, both in-person and online. Consider discussing your job search with friends and family, or with people you know from religious or recreational organizations. You can also talk to people you know professionally or academically, or use social media sites like LinkedIn and Facebook to connect with others in your field.
- Making polite and persistent direct contact with the people who influence hiring may increase your chances of being considered for a job. Try stopping by a company in person to present your resume, or talking with a receptionist or administrative assistant. If you've dropped off a resume or work samples, you can send a brief follow-up email later on, or even introduce yourself to the hiring manager on a social media site.
- If you can spare even a few hours a week, offer to volunteer for an employer in your field. You'll be able to gain critical work experience and make important contacts in your industry. Idealist.org's Volunteer Resource Center offers a great introduction to volunteering for career development.
- Many career fields have professional or trade associations that you can join to make connections and learn about job openings. You can find different industry organizations by using the US Index of Trade Associations.
- The Internet can be a valuable tool for researching and finding opportunities. Use it to research what companies are big employers in your area, or to find specific people to contact in your field. You can also use the Internet to find out which trade or professional associations are most popular in your field.
- You may consider contacting a headhunter or recruiter to connect you with job openings at specific companies. Most headhunters and recruiters specialize in a specific industry like engineering or health care and are compensated by the company to find potential candidates. Always research the reputation of a headhunter or recruiter, and be wary of anyone who asks for money to find you a job.
- You may want to contact staffing and temporary agencies, which supply companies with temporary or contract workers. Temporary assignments may provide you with opportunities to make connections or gain permanent employment.
