How Are You Spending Your Time Job Searching?

Time allocation is critical to running a successful job search.  How are you spending your time, your money is crucial and makes a huge difference in determining how long you will be unemployed.  Several years ago, I made the several observations.  Job seekers spent a lot of time using the computer for their job search.  Prior to the age of the internet, the job market was a direct contact sport.  You'd find a job posting in the newspaper, then you'd respond via mail or you will show up and fill out an application.

I have heard stories from my older colleagues that described a time when job seekers would go the the unemployment office and be referred directly to employers that were looking to hire candidates.  Unfortunately, those times have passed as employers have sought cover online.  In spite of all the technological changes that have shaped new job market, employers still hire the old fashion way, and while some prefer not to be contacted directly, the old way of job searching should not be discounted.Where should job seekers spend their time?  Spend your time in areas that are proven to get you noticed and hired.  I have provided a breakdown of the best ways and the worse ways of finding employment.  Surprisingly, using the internet is not a very effective way of landing an interview:

BEST WAYS TO SPEND YOUR TIME

Networking                                    85%
Cold-calling Employers                 60%

WORST WAYS TO SPEND YOUR TIME

Internet                                         4-10%
Staffing Agencies/Recruiters        25%
Job Fairs                                       2-10%

"Keven, are you saying that I should only spend my time networking and cold calling employers?"  Absolutely not!  I would spend time using all of these methods; on the other hand, I will spend just a bit more time contacting employers than perusing the internet.