The secret of success: Make your job search very part-time

photo credit: *clairity*

This morning I ran across this article, which argues that job seekers should focus their efforts on high value activities — primarily relationship building — and eliminate the mass mailing and other typical time-consuming job search activities.

In many situations, I agree.

Job boards are one source of job leads, but realistically these are the low-hanging fruit of the job world.  They’re almost guaranteed thousands of applications.  You’re special, but even special has to break through the clutter.

One of the greatest advantages of being “between employment” has been the opportunity to reconnect in a meaningful way with people I respect and whose company I enjoy.  Even better, I’ve branched out and found some new connections that will be great to get to know.

Situations where this may not be the best way to play it:

• When you are a sole breadwinner. If you have a family to support, you may just need to play the long odds to keep bread on the table, or to avoid dipping into retirement savings or college funds.
• If you don’t have support. Often, your job search has to be negotiated with your partner.  Although in this environment job searches may take months to come to conclusion, some equate level of effort with potential for success.  If you plan to spend your focus elsewhere than on the job boards, be up front with your family as to why and what efforts you are putting in to move your search forward.
• If the job you seek is widely available or requires little education or experience. Here the job boards may pay off a little better.  For entry level, clerical or similar roles, oftentimes the expectation is lower as to differentiating yourself.  In this case, it truly can be a numbers game — the more you apply, the more likely you are to make the cut.  Try checking the job boards daily and applying to those that are attractive to you with a resume that suits the position and a cover letter.  But eight hours a day is probably still a little much.

Just remember that oftentimes it’s those activities not related to the job search that will bring the best returns, both for your employment and your personal well-being.

Related posts:

1. The job search accountability group
2. Job search over 50: Unique challenges, unique opportunities
3. Job Boards: Minimum Attention, Maximum Payoff
4. How to get the job: Incremental choice and job search
5. Five job boards you must use for your job search

Tagged as: Career, economy, effectiveness, job boards, job change, job hunt, job search, layoff, motivation, networking, recession