To recap the six main job search methods from last week, listed in order of effectiveness, from least effective to most effective:
• Attending job fairs;
• Responding to advertised job postings;
• Using job search agencies and recruiters;
• Asking for information interviews with targeted companies before jobs are open;
• Using social and professional networking Internet sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter;
• Networking.
The first three methods were covered last week. Here is more detail on the last three methods:
• Asking for information interviews with targeted companies before jobs are open. This method of job search has the advantage of letting employers get to know you, and hopefully like you, and appreciate your skills before a job opens, or at least advertised for the world to see.
Here are two tips about asking for information interviews: 1) ask for an interview to learn more about the company or industry, or to seek advice about your career; and 2) Ask for no more than 10 minutes of their time and then only take 10 minutes.
• Using social and professional networking Internet sites such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter.
This method of job search is becoming more effective every day. These sites are being used to connect socially and professionally and reconnect with a broad array of people. Because one of the goals of job search is to connect with hiring decision-makers of companies you are targeting, these connections and reconnections can be extremely valuable.
Many companies value employee referrals of qualified job candidates so highly, they give a bonus to their employees for such referrals. More so than ever before, many companies are turning to these Internet sites to locate qualified applicants because of success in the past.
Here are two tips about using social and professional networking Internet sites: 1) Create a detailed profile that includes past and current employment and education, including any special achievements or work-related recognitions or awards; and 2) Connect with people you know and trust or have had a positive professional relationship with and stay active in maintaining those connections.
• Networking. This job search method has always been the most effective and will likely remain so into the foreseeable future. The advantage of networking includes finding jobs opportunities before they are advertised and the competition becomes extensive.
Here are two tips about networking: 1) Start your networking with friends you know and trust, and expand it from there; and 2) focus your networking on finding hiring decision-makers for companies you are targeting in your job search.
All six of these methods work at varying levels of effectiveness, but networking remains the most effective. Also, companies are turning to social and professional networking Internet sites more than ever, and as a job seeker, you can use these sites as part of your networking.
A fundamental key to success in finding your next job is to use most, if not all, of the six methods of job search without focusing on just one or two.
Ron Campbell has worked extensively in the job preparation and job search industry. He can be reached at 801-386-1111 or campbellrv@gmail.com.
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