Four Proven Job Search Methods

Four Proven Job Search Methods
By Barbara Safini

There are four core methods involved in a successful job search, and I encourage candidates to use all of them. When you’re in search mode, looking for a job is your full–time job and you should plan to dedicate 35–40 hours per week to your search if you’re currently unemployed, or a smaller percentage of that if you’re searching while employed. Here’s a quick rundown of the four proven job search methods.

Job Boards

When using the boards, you need to be as strategic as possible in your approach, because there’s an enormous amount of information posted on the boards and employers receive multiple responses for each position they post. One of the best strategies for managing your presence on the job boards is to stick with niche boards that best match your professional level, industry, or job function. Spend time on a board that claims to be all things to all people, and you risk losing valuable time.

Targeting niche boards allows you to be a “big fish in a smaller pond” and may help garner more immediate recognition from a hiring authority. For example, a senior–level executive is generally better off creating a presence on a six–figure job site than on a general job board that posts jobs at all professional levels. Another way to optimize your time spent on the boards is to set up job alerts based on keywords and geographical preferences to streamline the amount of time spent on the boards, and optimize the amount of relevant leads.

Recruiters

A recruiter can be a great ally during your search, but keep in mind that recruiters are generally only going to be interested in your candidacy if your skill set matches a position in their current job requisition portfolio. In addition, executive recruiters can only expose you to the positions from the companies that are willing to pay a recruiter to manage the search process. When you partner with a recruiter, you only get to see a small percentage of the available jobs in the market. However, the job leads that you do find through your work with recruiters may be more targeted and suited to your goals and experience.

Cold Calling

Successful job seekers often find their next job by cold calling potential decision makers in companies for which they’d like to work. You may also send an unsolicited letter to these people. By creating a marketing letter that communicates your skills, accomplishments, and value–add, you can attempt to forge relationships with key people in your target companies. The goal of the letter is to build a relationship with people in companies where no relationship existed before. If you can create and nurture a relationship before there is a need to fill a position, you are much more likely to be considered as a candidate when an opportunity becomes available, because you’re now part of the inner circle of contacts within the company. This method takes work and time, but may not yield immediate results. However, if these new relationships are nurtured over time, they can grow into great opportunity.

Networking

Networking is the art of exchanging information continuously and graciously with members of your professional and social communities. People are more likely to share information with people they know and trust. Sharing information about job leads comes naturally in networking circles. Attempt to give more than you get and don’t keep tabs on your goodwill versus someone else’s and eventually you will find that you can almost always find a connection for whatever you need… whether it’s a recommendation for a great restaurant, advice on a project, or a tip on a job lead. Yes, it’s a lot of work, but it is quite rewarding to help others and receive their help in return.

Barbara Safini, owner of Career Solvers, has over twelve years of experience in career management, recruiting, executive coaching, and organizational development. Ms. Safani partners with both Fortune 100 companies and individuals to deliver targeted programs focusing on resume development, job search strategies, networking, interviewing, and salary negotiation skills.