FIVE WORST AND BEST WAYS TO FIND A JOB*

(*Bolles, Richard N. (2004). What Color is Your Parachute? Berkeley: Ten Speed Press)

 

 

Five Worst Ways to Find a Job: (in order from very worst to somewhat worst!)

 

 

Using the Internet – success rate 4% out of 100% who search on Internet find jobs there.

 

Mailing out resumes to employers at random – 7% success rate

 

Answering ads in professional or trade journals – 7% success rate

 

Answering local newspaper ads – 5-24% success rate

 

Using private employment agencies or search firms – 5-28% success rate

 

 

 

Five Best Ways to Find a Job: (in order from lowest success rate to best)

 

Asking for job-leads from: family members, friends, people in the community, staff at career centers – 33% success rate

 

Knocking on the door of any employer, factory, or office that interests you, whether they are known to have a vacancy or not - 47% success rate

 

By yourself, using the phone book’s Yellow Pages to identify subjects of fields of interest to you in the town or city where you are, and then calling up the employers listed in that field, to ask if they are hiring for the type of position you can do, and do well. - 69% success rate

 

In a group with other job hunters, using the phone book’s Yellow Pages to identify subjects of fields of interest to you in the town or city where you are, and then calling up the employers listed in that field, to ask if they are hiring for the type of position you can do, and do well. 84% success rate

 

Doing a life-changing job hunt - 86% success rate (i.e., spending time assessing what you really want to do and finding people who are doing it and spending time looking for what you really want to do and will be happy doing. See “Parachute” chapters 6 – 10)

 

 

What’s Between You and Your New Job?

 

 

When you are first let go, get control over your emotions.

 

Focus and clarify your goals and make a plan for yourself.

 

Review your finances. Pick a date when you want to be re- employed.

 

Go to the library and research your areas of interest.

 

Identify three areas of industries you could get excited about.

 

Find out who the leading companies are in these fields and in your local area.

 

Write your resume to reflect your experiences, accomplishments, and benefits.

 

Contact everyone who you know, including friends, and acquaintances.

 

Contact people and network with them to increase your visibility.

 

When called for an interview, find out where, when, who, and what it is about your background that interests them.

 

On the interview, put the focus not on yourself but on the needs of the organization.

Ask “What’s important to you?” and then you’ll have some direction concerning what to talk about.

 

After asking the question, exhibit good listening skills, which are listen, probe, get affirmation.

 

Answer questions in thirty-second bites and then check in to assure yourself you’re on the right track.

 

Control communication, if possible, at all times.

 

When the interview is over, state that you are interested in the job and ask what you should do next.

 

Write a thank you note as soon as you get home.

 

Goal is to get an offer then negotiate.

 

Things to Remember About the Interviewing Process

 

You are not the focus of the interview. The need of the organization is.

 

You maximize your success with search firms by coordinating where they send your resume.

 

It is important that you coach your references by telling them what is important to the hiring person.

Do not discuss anything about salary, vacation, benefits until you get answer.

 

When asked what you were making, tell them.

 

When asked what you want to make, ask what their range is.

 

If they won’t tell you, give them a range.

 

There is an opportunity for everyone and a way to be successful.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Are Any of These Obstacles to Your Success?

 

 

 

Appearance

 

Physical limitations

 

Legal or immigration status

 

Lack of credentials

 

Lack of self-confidence

 

Lack of money

 

Lack of connections, network, supporters

 

Criminal record

 

Alcohol or drug abuse

 

Revoked license

 

Health problems

 

Emotional problems

 

Personality issues

 

Credit difficulties

 

Smoking

 

Other ________________________________________________________

 

 

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