The Job Search Process

Many highly competent, successful people are surprised to find out how difficult it can be to find a new position. Finding a job is a full-time commitment, one that requires time, discipline, organization and often, professional help. Developing a comprehensive job search plan is the best way to land a position in the shortest period of time.

Before embarking on this endeavor, several things must be in order. These include a professional career/job objective, a well-developed resume, and a target market(s). Once these have been established, you are ready to get into the job market.

It has become an accepted belief among career management professionals that effective job search skills can be learned. The person who gets the job is not necessarily the most qualified. He/she has developed the best job search campaign and has done the best job of selling themselves.

Studies have consistently shown networking to be the most effective way of finding employment. Mark S. Granovetter of Harvard University conducted a landmark investigation which has been continuously supported by others in the field. His study included professional, technical and managerial workers and concluded that personal contacts are of paramount importance in connecting people with jobs. Here' a breakdown of his findings:

How Individuals Get Jobs

74.5% - Informal (personal solicitations to potential employers - networking, mailings)

9.9% - Advertising (classified, internet)

8.9% - Agencies

6.7% - Other (civil service, union hiring)

This breakdown gives job seekers a better idea of how to spend their time. While it is important to tap all sources, the person who expends more energy on developing their personal contacts will find a position significantly faster.

Many opportunities are not advertised. We call this the "hidden" job market with approximately two thirds of all positions found here. Again, networking is the most effective way to access this market. Networking contacts come from a variety of sources - friends, colleagues, schools, doctors, etc. Be wise and try to set up as many networking meetings as possible. This is the key to finding the right job for you.