2 Ways to Cut Your Job Search Time in Half

The average job seeker spends about 15 hours a week looking for a job and gets fewer than two interviews. For that reason, many people are unemployed longer than they need to be. The more interviews a person gets, the more likely he or she is to get a job offer.

So, to get more interviews sooner:

1. Go after interviews BEFORE the job is open. Most jobs are filled by people the employer knows before the job is formally open. Don’t wait until a job opens before contacting an employer!

2. Redefine what counts as an interview. Most people think of interviews as being limited to situations where an employer has a job opening. Think of an interview has any face-to-face contact with someone who has the authority to hire or supervise a person with you skills – even if there is no job opening at the time.

THE TWO MOST EFFECTIVE JOB SEARCH METHODS
Employers fill most jobs with people they meet before a job is formally open. The trick is to meet people who can hire you by networking with people you know and contacting employers directly.

Job Search Method #1: Develop Your Network
Sixty percent of all job leads will come from people you already know. So don’t be shy and make lists of friends, relatives, and other groups of people with whom you share something in common. Then contact all the people on your list! Don’t just make the lists, but make sure you contact them, grab coffee and follow up! Here are some questions to ask:

Asking all three questions will almost always get the name of someone else to contact, this builds your network. Follow up with each lead you get.

Job Search Method #2: Contact Employers Directly
This method can be a little scary but so worth it! Making direct contact with employers to inquire about possible openings or set up interviews is an effective job search method. Follow these steps for making the most of those contacts:

1. Use LinkedIn to identify types of organizations that hire people with your skills. Research to see if you are connected to anyone in the organization you want to work for. Ask the person who is most likely to supervise a person with your skills and if you can grab “virtual coffee” with them.
2. Ask for an interview. If no job is open now, ask when you can come in to talk about future openings. If no openings are anticipated, ask when you can come in to simply learn more about the job. Build your network. Be persistent.  
3. Send a thank-you, even if you don’t get an interview.

Well, I hope these tips are helpful and wishing you much success in your job search.

Happy job searching and congratulations in advance on your new job!