Job-boards won’t land you a job: According to CNN 95% of jobs aren’t even listed

Most job positions are hidden to the public and aren’t even listed publically. Unfortunately, many job seekers rely heavily – if not solely – on posting their resume online and answering listings through job boards.  This is the old way of landing a job and isn’t all that effective anymore – at least not as a standalone strategy.

The new paradigm, as much as people might hate it, is rather old school in fact.  It’s all about relationships now.  Sure you can still spend time submitting resumes online through job boards but now, more than ever, it’s really pick up the phone. This includes following up to a submitted resume with a live phone call and keep trying until you reach someone. This also means simply finding target companies you want to work for and asking the people you know if they can connect you to someone who can get you closer to those companies.  It’s finding the six-degrees of separation between you and the head of the department you want to work in.  For example, if you are pursuing a job in Accounts Payable, why not try to reach the head of the Finance department – or even the CFO.  It can’t hurt and your efforts might just be seen as highly welcome and diligent.

Your personal and professional network is always critical and especially during these trying economic times.  It is much more likely that your own network will yield more viable opportunities for you than the Internet.  Start with friends and family then spread out your reach from there to LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter. And don’t just send emails asking if they know of any job openings.  Schedule a call with each and make your request for connection to them in person.  They will feel your passion and are much more likely to be enrolled in seeing you land your ideal job.

Also remember, a good job-search candidate treats his/her search as a near full-time job and puts in up to 5-6 hours a day.

You can also check out my new online career optimization program at www.job-right.com.

When following up with a job interview or contact – what is acceptable when the companys does not respond to email, voicemail etc when they left the conversation saying they would get back to you?

A question from Steve at our webinar: “Discover Your Ideal Job and How to Get It”

Steve, I’m sorry to say this, but they may not have been telling the truth.  If you’ve called and left messages for the people you interviewed with I recommmend the following:

1. Take a breather.  Have you really given them enough time to get back to you?  (Try multiplying the amount of time you think is acceptable by three before getting too antsy.)

2. Contact them once a week, not more.

3. Stay in touch – and see #2.

4. Move on at the same time.  It’s kinda like dating – be pleasantly surprised when they call, instead of waiting breathlessly by the phone.

Rooting for your success!

Michelle Randall

Job-Right.com