Why the 1-2-3 of a Typical Job Search Does Not Add Up

by Duncan Mathison

I read yet another disappointing job search advice column in a special section of this Sunday’s Union Tribune.  It was the same old tripe that gets trotted out and passed off for quality job search advice.

I call it the 1-2-3 of job search.  Which often adds up to a big zero in today’s economy.   It goes like this:

Step 1: Create a resume. There are lots  of do’s and don’ts on this one. Use key words, two pages, plenty of white space and check your spelling.  If you get with the times you should add a couple on-line profiles on social networking sites.

Step 2: Tell your people in your network. Scramble to “friend” or “Link” to as many new connections you can like an on-line social butterfly.

Step 3:  Go on-line to apply for jobs (and they are STILL talking about cover letters!)

So first, you struggle with a resume.  OK, a couple accomplishment statements – no great shakes, but it’s decent.  Tough to put years of work on two pages, isn’t it?

Second, tell your friends you are looking for a job and ask that they pass resume around.  They would like to help if they can.  But many of them are also looking for work because your industry or profession has been hammered in this downturn

Third, you go on line. Hmmm.  Not much there unless you want to sell mobile phones. You apply for what’s there.

And wait.  And wait some more.

Then what? Go back to Step 2. Ask your friends again.  Anything  new? Nope.

Go back to Step 1. Tinker with your resume. Go back to Step 2. Hey friends, here is an updated resume. (Update your profile and LinkedIn does that automatically.  Cool, you don’t even have to talk to people.)

Go back to Step 3. Apply for a job 150 miles away.  Worry about the commute later. Or maybe that sales job would be OK until things get better…

In this economy, the 1-2-3 approach can feel like a death spiral. Tough times require a new approach that recognizes that a lot of jobs – the best jobs – don’t get advertised.  These jobs make up the hidden job market and require a more thoughtful, proactive and personal approach to the market. Network your heart out but up the game to a new level. People in your network need your help in order to help you. Be specific.  They need to know the job titles and the employers you are targeting.  Most of all they need to know the job titles of your new boss.  Ask them if they know people who know about the companies and the people who hold a title that could be your next manager.  These are the people who care about your skills and your capabilities. These are the people who benefit most from your talents.  Why?  Because companies don’t hire people, people hire people.

Tags: Duncan Mathison, hidden job market, job search, networking, On-Line Jobs, resumes

This entry was posted on Monday, September 21st, 2009 at 2:42 am and is filed under Blog, Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.