The heart of the matter is this: more jobs are filled by personal referral than are ever posted on job boards, classified ads or other postings. The best jobs, in fact, are never even posted publicly. The company decides to hire a new account executive, and Jim tells Susan about his former co-worker Meredith, and Meredith gets hired.
So, it is who you know rather than what you know.
When I say this in seminar or workshop settings, there's always someone with a value around fairness and meritocracy who splutters and protests. "That's not fair!" he spews. "What if I'm the most qualified person and I never even hear about the position?"
You won't hear about the position, dear, because Meredith already took it. Might as well come to terms with it and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Meritocrats and introverts love the Internet-based job search. It's so cinchy to do! Simply post your resume on four or five career-related sites and update your LinkedIn profile. You feel like you've accomplished something! You haven't had to talk with anyone or expend any interpersonal energy! It's so great! Just one click of a button and then all you have to do is sit back and wait. And wait. And wait.
Because your resume has to have the keywords employers are looking for, and if you don't have the right keywords on your resume you won't get sifted into the right pile. You might also consider that there might be a thousand applicants for any particular position - what will make your experience and skills rise to the top?
The best and easiest way to rise to the top is to have someone else vouch for you, like Jim did for Meredith. So, how do you get a Jim-type into your life?
First, build good relationships with people at work. Be easy to collaborate with. Be resourceful. Be fun. Be interesting. Bring value. If you are someone who takes no prisoners, who leaves a wake of destruction in your path, who has no "work friends" (or friends at all), you may find your career possibilities limited because you won't benefit from the power of positive word-of-mouth. Remember, it's always more productive to build than to destroy - so start building today.
Second, be a good networker. This doesn't mean you hand out your business cards like you're standing on the corner passing out flyers for discounts at the local bagel shop. No, modern networking means being of service to others. So help other people find jobs. Or fill jobs. Alert key people to interesting articles. Connect people with resources, like a web designer, accountant, lawyer or moving company. Create a strong bond with others, and you will find your Jim.
Third, flaunt your expertise. It's funny that we usually discount that which comes easiest to us, but your fluent expertise is what employers seek. Especially in the current employment climate, organizations are looking for an expert who can solve their pain. A non-profit may be in pain because their fundraising is lagging. If you have expertise in raising money, you go to the front of the line. If a company needs an agile sales team, and you've built one, then - bingo! - you're in. Identify your expertise and be comfortable talking about what you bring to the table. A job interview is not the time for self-deprecation.
Now is a great time to find a job, or grow your career, even with unemployment at high levels. Simply connect with people - by being of service - and tell them what you can do. And watch doors open. Doors you didn't even know where there.
