The most popular are not always the best methods of conducting a job search.A recent study indicated the most and the least effective methods for finding jobs. Using more than one, optimally 4 of the best methods, can maximize your chances of having your resume read, securing an interview, and getting a job.
MOST EFFECTIVE METHODS (BEST)
1.Conducting a life changing job hunt (86%).
Identifying your transferable skills.
Determining the work environment in which you would thrive.
Finding names of jobs and organizations that are of interest to you in your community.
Researching names of people in those organizations who have the power to hire you.
Developing a plan to best approach that person.
Implementing your plan and making your plan work.
2.In a group with other job hunters, in a job club (84%).
Using the Yellow Pagesto find subjects and fields that are ofinterest to you in your city.
Calling or visiting those companies and askingfor the type of position you can do well.
3.Individually (69%).
Using the yellow pages to find subjects and fields that are of interest to you in your city.
Calling or visiting those companies and asking for the type of position you can do well.
4.Knock on the door of any employer that interests you (47%).
5.Ask for job leads from family, friends, community members, and local colleges (33%).
LEAST EFFECTIVE METHODS (WORST)
1.Responding to job postings on the Internet (4-10%). 2.Mailing resumes at random to employers (7%). 3.Answering ads in professional or trade journals (7%). 4.Answering ads in local newspapers (5-24%). 5.Going to private agencies or recruiting firms / headhunters (5-28%). Other tips: 1.If you send your resumeas an attachment, when possible send ahard copy, and follow up with a phone call. 2.Don’t post your resume online, it can be a waste of time and you run the risk of identify theft. 3.Use the Internet for researching jobs and companies but don’t rely on the Internet to conduct your job search.Spend no morethan 25% of your time on the Internet and the rest on more effective methods of finding a job. 4.Network by telephone, in person, by e-mail, and on business networking sites like LinkedIn.com but focus more on telephone and in person contacts.Personal contact works better than e-mails. 5.Set a goal for making 10, 15, or 20 contacts aday and when you have achieved your goal, reward yourself with something you enjoy doing. 6.Don’t be afraid to ask forhelp with your job search.People love to help others find jobs.It makes them feel good and powerful.Be willing to help others who are in need of your assistance.
7.Always send a handwritten thank you note within 24 hours after an interview – don’t rely on e-mails.Recently an employer told me she had 650 e-mails and was deleting all without reading them.
8.Continue your job search until you have a signed contract.Never assume anything.Always get it in writing.
