How People Find Jobs in All Markets

Jim...I keep sending resumes to companies but no one is calling me back. What else should I do? I really want to find a job doing what I like and I’m not getting the results I want.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:
· 5 percent of people find their next career through advertised positions – help-wanted ads, the internet, and other publications.
· 23 percent find jobs through search firms, head-hunters, and employment agencies.
· 24 percent find jobs through making a list of desired employers and contacting companies directly.
Are you ready for this?
· The remaining 48 PERCENT of all jobs are found through referrals – simple word-of-mouth networking.

But Jim...I don’t have a network. What do I do now?

Building Your Networking

If you build it, they will help. Who are “they”? “They”, are your siblings, relatives, friends, neighbors, current and former coworkers, bosses, clients, vendors, and everyone you can think of that will return your call. Make lists of all the people you know and start smiling and dialing…today!

Networking and Career networking aren’t about calling people that can hire you (although that sometimes happens). Career networking is about talking to people that are interested in you and helping you meet the right people during your career search. Career networking conversations give you an opportunity to learn opinions, experiences, insights, guidance, and perspective. Each grain of advice you collect will get you closer to the opportunity you seek.

One lesson learned while being “in transition” is that the majority people you speak with are empathetic and are more than willing to help…you just need to know how to ask.

Discovering Existing Networks

Beyond the simple ways to build your network, some of the strongest networks start with groups of people with whom you share a common bond or interest. Who are they? Here are my top three recommendations:
1. Alumni Associations – Call your high school, college, graduate alumni associations to see what programs are available for alum. Most colleges and universities have a Career Services office more than willing to help…for FREE! They can help connect you to alumni in your area.
2. LinkedIn and Twitter – Many professionals post their professional profile online. This allows you to search using different criteria to find other professionals in your field, within certain companies, or those that attended certain schools (maybe yours?). The benefit of these online sites is the majority of people have uploaded a profile because they want to meet other people.
3. Professional Organizations – There is an organization for almost every profession. Join yours. Attend meetings (please, do not just put it on your resume), get involved, volunteer, become an officer, and make a difference. Your involvement can prove to your prospective employer whether you are serious about your career, or you are just looking for another job.

Asking for Help

Step 1: Find someone.
Step 2: Pick up the phone and schedule a time to talk – DO NOT “network” on the first call.
Step 3: When you meet, make a human connection – don’t just ask the person for job leads! Find out what makes this person tick. Find out what they are working on, what challenges they face in their role, and how they are managing those challenges.
Step 4: Use positive language. Talk about your situation, what you are seeking, and the progress you are making.
Step 5: Discuss the ideal opportunity – the opportunity that you would enjoy so much you would almost do it for free.
Step 6: Have target companies in mind. Don’t just say, “I am looking for anything…PLEASE!” This sounds desperate. You are a professional with skills and value you can bring to any employer.

Final thoughts

Be persistent and never give up. The kind of job you want is something you look forward to doing every day. Something that you do well, but does not feel like it drains your energy, it energizes you. Lance Armstrong said it best. After pedaling over 1,700 miles all over France, the Alps and Pyrenees during a two week period, he called his 16th stage of the race a “no chain” day. Lance felt so strong; it seemed as if his bicycle had no chain. Make sure you don't just find a job. Find a career that makes you happy, keeps you energized, and feels like you are riding a bike on all terrain with no chain.

Good luck!


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