How to stay unemployed

Anyone can conduct a job search. The problem is that the majority of people do a bad job.

If you enjoy the cushions of your couch, start taking notes! Of course after listing what not to do, there will be some tips to help you run the opposite way.

Only post your résumé on job boards (Career Builder, Monster, Hot Jobs, Craigslist).
Many people do not realize that most candidates who post their résumé online will not get a job that way. Recruiters commonly refer to job boards as “résumé black holes”. Throwing your résumé online may make you feel better about making an effort in your search, but it is unlikely to yield many results. Do some people get hired off job boards? Yes. And some people find their spouse online too. Does it happen for most people? No. The majority of jobs (and dating partners) are found through friends, family, and other connections (networking).

Should you post your résumé online? Sure, recruiters do use job boards to locate talent. Just do not put rely on them. Think of job boards like one window to a house… on the second floor. It is one way to get in, but there are also a dozen others.

Apply to 200 employers online or mass mail your résumé
Some people think they are smarter than those who just post résumés. These people post résumés and also apply to insane numbers of positions. The logic is that “if I apply to 200 companies I am likely to find a job”. Unfortunately, this does not work well. Even if it did lead to a job, it may not be at a company or position that you fit well with. Applying to a targeted list of companies is much more effective than applying at random. If you apply to a company, be sure to speak to someone inside the organization who can actually pass your résumé to the hiring manager along with a good word. People trust their friends and they are more likely to speak with you if your résumé is given to them by a trusted colleague.

Instead of spamming employers with your generic résumé, create automatic job alerts that will email you job postings of interest. Every job board or job site search engine (What is the difference?) allows you to set-up automatic job alerts. Check out www.simplyhired.com, www.indeed.com (Indeed tutorial: Indeed Tutorial), or subscribe the RSS feeds on craigslist to get fresh jobs as they are posted. This way you apply for specific jobs instead of everything under the sun.

Apply only to large organizations
Some job-seekers focus on applying to the largest companies with the best benefits, compensation, and reputations. Sadly, often applying to these companies is like putting your résumé in the paper-shredder. Recruiters will only see your résumé if they are searching their database for specific skills. If your résumé does not list these skills, it will never even be looked at. It is a lot more likely to be viewed if passed along by a referral.

Applying to smaller companies increases the likelihood that someone will take the time to read your résumé. Larger organizations are more complex and have much more rigorous Human Resources and screening standards. In short, they have more people to filter you out of the running. Make sure that most of the companies you apply to are small to mid-size or are places in which you have a connection to pass you along.

Rely completely on your résumé to find your next job
Mom always said “don’t put all your eggs in one basket”. This applies to looking for a job. If you rely completely on your résumé to land you a job you will be immensely disappointed. If you are not prepared to go and meet people, you will not have a very successful job search and you may end up settling for job you really do not want. You should use your résumé. However, if your résumé is the only weapon in your job search arsenal, you will be severely handicapped.

Put some eggs in the résumé basket but use other avenues as well. Volunteer, talk about your goals with people, join a professional association and get involved, write a useful blog, and network and meet people.

I will take anything!
Lets face it, today there are so many people who have been affected by the economy that many would legitimately “take anything”. The problem with desperation is that human nature is often repelled by desperate pleas for help. Picture the first date where the person admits that he/she is so desperate for a partner that they will date anyone. Instant turnoff for most. Even if you would settle for a job that is not your top choice, this should never be the message that is coming across to your network and to future employers. A tough market means that there are highly talented individuals who are unemployed. For an employer, that means the luxury of being more selective and waiting on the perfect match who is enthusiastic about the position and crystal clear about what they want to do.

Is it wrong to ask for help in your job search? Of course not! That is why people hire a career coach or a career counselor. If you didn’t ask for help, you would never approach anyone in your network to explore your options. The subtle difference in asking for help is having an objective and being confident. Instead of communicating “I am desperate, I will work any job”, focus on jobs that you are qualified to perform. If other options appear that you are appealing, go for it! This turns a desperate appearance into a focused one while still keeping your options open.