I saw this quote in the NY Times today: “It was just shocking. I had never seen anything so big.” STACEY ROSS, a corporate recruiter in Salt Lake City, who received 500 applicants for a single $13-an-hour job.”

It was very timely, as I had just finished an article on the best way to find a job.  It also confirmed my thesis that in light of the fact that there are too many people looking for jobs and too few of them to be had, the traditional methods are not going to cut it.  So, in light of this, I thought I’d just post what I wrote, which may be of value to a couple readers out there!

Just suppose you are one of the thousands of persons on the hunt for a new job.  Once the initial shock of finding yourself in a place not of your own choosing wears off, you realize you have to get to work.  You polish off your resume and send it to every headhunter that you know.  And you talk to friends and relatives and beg them for leads.  Lastly you consider going to a face-to-face event, and talk to as many people as possible, grabbing all the business cards you can and pleading your case to as many strangers, i.e. potential employers, as possible. 

This is a typical, but not effective strategy.  The rules of yesterday when looking for a job just do NOT apply to today’s market. For one thing, there are too many people looking and too few jobs.  The traditional channels are flooded with paper and the reality is, jobs are being secured through relationships. 

Here are some tips to help you work more effectively and be the one that gets noticed:

1)      Figure out what you want to do:  Get specific.  By saying “I can do anything in any industry” you have diluted yourself.  By getting specific about the position, industry and even company you desire, you focus your energy and make yourself a more attractive candidate.

2)      Resume:  Yes, polish it up and make it shine. Work with a professional to make sure you have key words and action verbs.  But DON’T lead with it!  Employers are consumed with paper.  You’ll need it in time – AFTER you’ve established the relationship!

3)      Use Social Networks:  LinkedIn is a fabulous free resource that will get you information on potential companies, industries, and people within them.  Take the time to understand the power of these tools and use them to navigate into the situation you desire.

4)      Get out in person!!!:  Attend as many networking functions as possible.  Approach people with an air of curiosity and ask them FIRST what they do.  Ask a lot of questions.  Find out how you can help them.  THEN allow the conversation turn to you.  People will remember those who take the time to listen to them and although they may not be a fit for your immediate job requirements, they may know someone who does.  Start by establishing the relationships!

5)      Follow up:  Nothing says “I am serious and should be taken seriously” more than a thorough and thoughtful follow-up.  Get notecards with your name on them and send a handwritten note.  Take notes on the back of collected business cards so you’ll remember what you talked about – and what you’d say you’d do.  And make sure you do what you said!

When you are looking for a job, your job is looking for one.  Make sure you approach it with the same level of enthusiasm, integrity and energy that you would apply to a new position.  Make your mission networking with a purpose and let the jobs come to you!