Some people are still under the impression that job seeking is a straightforward endeavor.  They approach the task as a linear progression, following a path that should (in theory) lead them upward to a destination called “New Job.” To these folk, the search appears as follows:

1. find job for which I am qualified
2. apply online and hit “submit”
3. wait for screening interview
4. arrange for the “real” interview
5. ace the interview and be offered the job
6. negotiate for a better salary
7. start the job

Sorry to disappoint, but finding a job is seldom a straight path. Rather, it could be described as a juggling act that has more facets than a kaleidoscope. Many job seekers are unprepared for this multi-dimensional process that requires keeping many balls in the air at the same time—juggling, maneuvering, scouting, networking, and interviewing, not to mention sleuthing on Linkedin and other social media sites. In short, there are many stages to the job search, and, just to test your balance, cycles may be dictated by industry, company, and/or the number of positions available.

Above all, the successful job seeker must be nimble, agile, flexible, and dedicated to the search, keeping his/her eye on the ball at all times. A haphazard approach seldom yields results; but trolling job boards endlessly, for hours at a time, is not the answer, either. Time management is critical to locate where you are at each stage of the process. Don’t leave this to memory. 

However, every application made may proceed in a sort of stepwise fashion; Job Possibility A, for example, may be in the negotiation phase, while Job Possibility B is in the late-interview phase, with your résumé just arriving in the lap of Job Possibility C. Some leads move forward at a clip, while others stop short suddenly. Prospecting is continuous within the cycle, and networking is the most critical component. 

Some studies today indicate that only 5 percent of job Internet searches result in hiring  According to these same job search statistics, 80 percent of the successful hires have come through personal recommendation and referral.

Why then do so many individuals spend 80 percent of their time slogging through Web sites and so little time connecting with friends, associates, and professional colleagues?

Peter Bregman, job consultant and author of Point B: A Short Guide To Leading a Big Change, suggests that people should spend one to two hours a day, at most, on the job search. The rest of the time should be devoted to connecting with people. The reason is because  finding a job is usually based on human relationships, rather than through any number of anonymous Web sites.

Job seekers should keep things organized by creating a system to track every step of the job search process. For instance, I recommend to my clients that they purchase a three-ring binder to track jobs and applications, and then:

1. print out the job description and attach a copy of their résumé targeted for the position;
   indicate the date they applied for the job;
2. follow up a few days later to verify that their application materials were received;
3. follow up in another couple of weeks if they haven’t been invited to interview (they need to determine where the company is in the hiring process);
4. write down all contact names available for each respective company/institution;
   list networking contacts within the company;
5. if interviewed, keep track of those on the interview panel and write each one a separate thank you note or e-mail;
6. continue to research and understand salary negotiation; and, if a job is landed, inform and thank everyone who has helped you in the process.

This kind of a blueprint or time management accountability will allow job seekers to juggle a whole panoply of prospects without dropping the ball.

Need more information?
Contact me, Julie Swaner
Program Manager, Alumni Career Services
e-mail link
(801) 585-5036

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