WCIYP (What To Do When Your Job Hunt Just Isn't Working)

As mentioned in my previous blog post, there are two main forms of job-hunting, which include the "Traditional Way" and "Parachute Way" of finding a position in a field of interest. Below, I will list and explain the twelve best and worst ways to look for a job, including the percentage of the time in which each way works. Additional information regarding these concepts can be found in Chapter 6 of What Color Is Your Parachute. 

Example:  Way "X" (10% Success Rate)

1.) Looking for employers' job postings on the Internet (4%)

• Common job-boards are Monster, CareerBuilder, Glassdoor, Career Bliss, US.jobs, LinkeIn, Twitter, and Facebook
• Although uncommon, it is possible to find a position from looking for a job directly from a employer's website

2.) Posting or mailing out your resume to employers (7%)

• This often results inquiries from companies, but not necessarily a job offer
• Another issue with posting a resume online is that it can never be removed, so if you fabricate information a future employer could potentially find out from a simple Google search

3.) Answering local newspaper ads (5-24%)

• Look for "Help Wanted Ads" 
• The fluctuation in success rate depends on the level of salary that is desired

4.) Going to private employment agencies or search firms for help (5-28%)

• Employment agencies do in fact place jobs across all industries, not only office positions 

5.) Answering ads in professional or trade journals, appropriate to your field (7%)

• Search for professional journals that relate to your desired profession 
• Respond to ads that interest you

6.) Job Clubs (10%)

• Actual "Job Clubs" treat finding a career as a full-time job, that is, job-hunting from 9-5 everyday until a position is found
• It is always easier to work on something with more than one person, and the same goes for job-hunting 

7.) Going to the state or federal employment office (14%)

• Visit a local federal/state unemployment office, CareerOneStop business centers, or American Job Centers to find leads or learn how to improve your job-hunting process

8.) Going to places where employers pick up workers (22%)

• This tactic works best for union workers, especially those who are involved in the trade or construction industry 

9.) Asking for job-leads (33%)

• Ask via friends, family, or colleagues (LinkedIn)

10.) Knocking on the door of any employer, office, or manufacturing plant (47%)

• This strategy works particularly well with small employers (25 or less employees)

11.) Using the Yellow Pages (65%)

• Utilize the Yellow Pages to find companies or fields on business that interest you, and then call each firm to setup an interview 

12.) The Parachute Approach (86%)

• The Parachute Approach involves putting yourself first, that is, understanding what you love to do and then finding an employer that matches your passion and beliefs