How I Do My Job Search

Despite my continued unemployment, I do receive compliments from other job seekers on my job searching ability. Like most things in life, I try to be efficient, thorough and meticulous with my job search. I thought it might make sense to outline my steps, especially for those who are still stuck in this seemingly never-ending cycle.

It should be no surprise, that there are two main traits you need to have -- organization and persistence. I'm going to go through my entire process.

The key element (for me) is a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet, which is my Bible for the task. I have several columns - date (for when I first find the job), location (whether Long Island, NYC or somewhere else), company name, position title, URL/source (I just cut/paste the website address or enter in where the source originated).

Those are all the details I enter BEFORE applying to the job (I fill in more after applying - that'll appear later in this post).

Each day, I run through my gmail account and my google reader account. I'll probably get 15-30 emails a day of job searches and leads, and I'll see anywhere from 800-1200 jobs a day in google reader (again, not all are matches; when you're looking for something as ubiquitous as "communications" you do get an awful lot of jobs that really don't fit; just because they require the applicant to have good "communications" skills).

I've done several posts about using RSS feeds to speed up your job search, and -- while I won't rehash those tips here, I will show just how dramatic the effect can be. On a given week, I'll see, perhaps, 6000 jobs through google reader (and a bunch through gmail, as well). I can do my search in 30-45 minutes each morning, checking out the relevant positions and entering it into my spreadsheet.

Conversely, if I were to go to each website on my own, not relying on RSS feeds or the shortcuts I outline, how long would it take me? I probably have 400-or-so sites that I check. Even if it took me 90 seconds per site (an incredibly quick amount of time), that would still be 10 hours! To do that daily would be suicide; to do it weekly would still be nearly double the time it takes me to check my RSS reader on a daily basis. There's no comparison.

Okay, let's move on to the job-sending day. I send resumes out once a week; sometimes twice a week, depending on the number of positions. I, obviously, do one more check of gmail and google reader and then, regrettably, I have about 35-40 sites that simply offer NO feeds nor option for email alerts ... okay I'll check those sites manually.

I'll then send out follow-up emails to those companies I wish to follow-up with, from the week before. I'll explain how I get that information, in a little bit.

Off to the races - my LEAST favorite part of the job seeking cycle! I have a cover letter that I quasi-customize for each role. I have bullet points that I can alternate, depending on the position's responsibility; and I have a few key paragraphs I can either add or delete, depending on the industry; for the most part, though, the bulk of my cover letter remains static -- why wouldn't it? It's about me; and I don't change all that much. I, obviously, change the company name, the position name and where I saw the job.

I used to have multiple resumes; but I really don't any longer, since all my jobs that I apply for, basically, ask for the same skill set. Once I apply, I begin filling in the rest of my spreadsheet. I include the date that I applied for the job, how I applied (whether via email or online application), whether I want to follow-up in a week (totally contingent on two factors - my interest in the role *and* my ability to get an email address to send a follow-up letter), whether I want to follow-up indefinitely (this is more a case of -- I *really* want this job, and I'm going to hunt to find some contact information so I can reach out again), the person's name to whom I'm applying (if I have it) and his/her email/phone number.

And that's it. I do leave one column there for "outcome" - although the vast majority have nothing in it. Certainly, I get my share of rejections; but most companies simply don't even acknowledge the resume submittal. I do, however, list the status of the job -- so whether it's a phone interview, an in-person interview, etc. At any given moment, though, I can find out if I've applied to a company before, whom I spoke with, how many interviews I've had (55, between in-person and phone, although, that will be up to 59 by next week).

The system works pretty well; and -- more importantly -- if the Department of Labor was ever interested in auditing my job search, I have more information available than they usually request; all of which makes the process more worthwhile.

Does this help get a job? Obviously, I'd say "no." I have the most organized job search I know, and it doesn't help. It does help keep my mind focused and enables me, in a moment's notice, to see the status and contacts I've made (and, whether I've applied for a position already -- in some cases, the fact that it's being advertised again is hint enough that I didn't get it!) And, more importantly, it saves time -- despite being unemployed, there are a million things to do, just in terms of getting a job (let alone the things life demands of you). Any savings in time; any process efficiency is worth it.

I'm always interested in hearing suggestions/recommendations from others, so don't be shy; share!

Why Networking Matters

I’ve put off writing on my blog for a while. And, as such, this may be a little long; but it’s definitely important, which is why I’ve promoted it like crazy (via email, etc.).

Despite my last post, where I indicated that I was staying upbeat, it’s been difficult. I’ve recently started doing a little freelance work, just to supplement my unemployment, although it’s not what I’d prefer to be doing. I definitely do want/need a full-time permanent position.

Some of you have been quite helpful, and that’s great. I’m definitely appreciative of any help I receive in terms of recommendations. I’ve been fortunate enough to read some of the recommendations, and they’re humbling, to be sure.

I wanted to take the opportunity to do a few things here, though. First, if you’re not already connected with me on LinkedIn, please do that – it’s a fantastic resource, and you can access my entire history/resume. It’s also easy enough, then, to forward my resume/profile on to others.

You can access my profile on LinkedIn here: http://www.linkedin.com/in/cjpalermo, and then, just request to add me to your network.

And that’s really the crux of what I want to talk about here. Again – I’m always appreciative of any help I receive, and I’ve been fortunate to receive some good help so far.

For those that don’t know, I send out a list of all the companies I’ve applied to, and the titles of the positions, each week, to a series of social networks to which I belong. Then, people look at that list, and say, “oh, I know someone at this company” and – sometimes – they’ll reach out to that person and try to help grease the wheels for me.

And, that’s great – really, it is. There hasn’t really been a situation where it’s worked out, yet; but I have to believe, at some point, someone will reach out and it will make the difference.

But, in all honesty, that’s not networking. Networking needs to be more proactive. While reaching out after I’ve submitted a resume can be helpful, it’s far more helpful to reach out before the job is available!

It’s hard to hear, “oh, I know so-and-so at Company ABC, and I see you just put in a resume there; I’ll reach out.” It would be infinitely more valuable to have made that contact earlier.

So, for example, if you know someone at a particular company – someone high-up, a director/VP/president, etc. – it’s far more valuable to make the introduction for me ahead of time, and allow ‘me’ to become a contact of that person. Then, periodically, I can check in with that person and see about openings that might be coming up. And, of course, if a job DOES appear, I already have an inside track to someone in the company.

And, these people could be anyone – professional contacts, your neighbors, your children’s friend’s parents … there’s no limitation to where a contact could originate.

That being said, if you don’t already see my weekly list of jobs/applications, and you’d like to, let me know. In addition to posting it on social networks, I send out an email to those people who don’t have ready access to my networks, and I’d be happy to add people (in addition, I can provide a list of the positions that are “pending” right now).

A few months ago, I wondered what I should be doing – should I continue with communications? After all, I won an award for my work – but, the offers aren’t exactly banging down my door. Should I move to something less creative (where I have a pretty good set of skills; but no real experience) – like retail management, or something similar? Should I move to something fully creative and start to explore the likelihood of doing fiction writing (and, of course, suffer the wrath of my wife, along the way!)

One thing is for certain, I have experience and accomplishments in the world of communications and its ancillary tasks, like public relations, etc. Again, feel free to check out my LinkedIn profile, to get more insights as to what I do.

We’ve come to realize that moving off Long Island may be an option, and it’s one we’re looking into. For the right opportunity, anything is possible. There are definitely areas we’d prefer to head towards – Lancaster, Pa.; Washington, D.C.; upstate-ish New York; and parts of Canada (Hamilton/Toronto, etc.).

Again, though, for people interested in helping me move to those areas; there’s already one big strike against me, in that I’m not living there already (and, companies are gun-shy about candidates from out of the area). It’s far more helpful to get actual leads – contact people who have hiring responsibilities – than it is to just get job listings. Listings are good too; of course; but nothing beats leads and contacts.

Just to reiterate, three key things:
1. Please connect with me on LinkedIn, if we’re not linked already.
2. Proactive networking is far more helpful.
3. Let me know if you want to be included on my weekly email list of jobs I’ve applied to. You never know when there will be a match, and – I’m also well aware – it only takes one match to get an offer (and, I’m not greedy)!

Thanks for reading all this. As always, I’m grateful and appreciative for any help anyone can offer!