Job Search Tip #2

The job search is largely a 'numbers game' whereby you have to apply to many jobs to get an interview and complete several interview processes (presumably) before you get an offer. It is possible that you may even get several offers before finding a suitable one. Either way, the job search stages take a pyramid form as I have illustrated below:



While I don't recommend that you analyze this diagram for exact scale, I do suggest that you focus on increasing your output on the bottom two levels to get better returns on the top two levels. In other words; search broadly for openings and apply to as many jobs as you can within the limits of your skills, experience, and career goals.

The issue lies with the amount of time you spend on each application. I can spend upwards of 90-120 minutes on some applications including researching on the company websites and/or filling in detailed proprietary application forms. It is difficult for me to make the time to maximize my number of applications, when I am also making time for work, spouse, family, networking, and of course, blogging.

So here's are some methods I have devised to compensate:

(1) Spend more time on an application to a job you really want and less time on a job application that you want less.

I am not saying that you should apply to jobs that you don't want, but some jobs are really exciting to you, and some are in your field, but are less attractive because of pay, company culture, location or for whatever reason. Spend less time on those applications, so you can complete them, rather than not doing them at all.

(2) Get 'Headhunters' on your side

Contact a few 'professional placement' firms and get yourself a telelphone chat or in-person meeting with a placement specialist. If they like you and your skills, they will do a lot of job search work for you. Generally, placement specialists will not want you to be juggling several of them at once, because they want you as an asset to themselves. Personally, I would only offer to be exclusive with a placement firm on the condition that they get me an interview.

(3) Have your contacts circulate your resume

Another way to get more exposure with less effort is to provide your resume to professional contacts and ask them to circulate it. Of course, I wouldn't ask for this straight up, but if you can solicit some help from someone in your professional network, they may also offer to circulate your resume. In layman's terms: If you have a family-friend or friend-of-friend in the industry you want to work in, ask them for advice on acquiring your next job role. If they like you, they will likely offer to show your resume to some people they know. It's a quick and easy way to get your resume seen by a wider audience.

For a more thorough review of networking, tips, strategies and more, please stay tuned.