Most people tell you to spend no more than 10-20% of your job search time online. Common advice is to spend the other 80-90% out of your pajamas and away from your computer to network with anyone and everyone you can.
I’m sure you’ve often heard that only a tiny percentage of jobs are ever posted online and that most jobs are landed through networking. Some people have always landed by networking and never applied for an advertised job.
My job search experience and advice are different. In fact, I have landed every position I ever had by responding to a job ad. In the old days, it meant responding to want ads in the newspaper by sending my resume and cover letter via snail mail.
Since then, I have landed many interviews and several job offers by responding to online job postings. More often than not, this happened without personal connections or introductions.
I know this contradicts almost everything others have told you. But, it can be done! Online applications, with superior quality resumes and cover letters do not always get lost in the black hole! Many are seen by human eyes. Think about it. Why would hundreds of thousands of jobs be posted online if nobody intended to hire this way?
Based on my job search experience, I recommend a balanced combination of three methods:
- Superior marketing materials: Resume(s), cover letters, LinkedIn profile, etc.
- Diligent online searches using key words and daily alerts: The power of doing this well is vastly underestimated.
- Networking with purpose: Contact and meet with individuals for specific reasons and with thoughtful preparation. Attend selected industry events and career transition meetings. Focus on quality vs. quantity of connections.
Now back to my online job search tips. Job boards can be a great place to shop for possibilities that will make you happy. This is especially true if you are not sure what you want to do next, or if you would like to change your career direction. Spend time at your computer browsing several job boards. I recommend searching Indeed, LinkedIn, and ZipRecruiter.
Experiment with a wide variety of key word searches based on different kinds of work you might enjoy. Don’t limit yourself to your geographic region. This is your time to explore and see what’s possible. Cast a wide net with new ideas. Later, you can narrow them down and focus your search on one or more clear directions within your target location(s).
When you find interesting jobs, capture key words and phrases from the descriptions that match what you can and might want to do in your next position. You can use these to refine your resume, LinkedIn profile, and cover letters.
If you find a job that looks like a match, go for it! The early bird catches the worm, so you could increase your chances of getting noticed by submitting your resume right after the job is posted. If you’re a strong fit and an early applicant, you might get a call or email from the employer within hours!