Traditional Job Search Methods Are Not Very Effective
Most job seekers don't know how ineffective some traditional job hunting techniques are.
The chart that follows shows that fewer than 14 percent of all job seekers get jobs from reading want ads and other traditional job search methods.

	Help Wanted Ads: There's a good reason why only about 14 percent of all people get their jobs through the want ads: Everyone who reads the paper knows about those job openings, so competition for advertised jobs is fierce. Still, some people do get jobs this way, so go ahead and apply. Just be sure to spend most of your time on more effective methods.
	The State Employment Service: Each state has a network of local offices that administer unemployment compensation and provide job leads and other services. These services are offered without charge to you or employers. Names vary by state, so the organization in your state may be called the Job Service, the Department of Labor, the Unemployment Office, or something else. Nationally, only about 5 percent of all job seekers find their jobs through state employment services, and these organizations typically know only 10 percent (or less) of the actual job openings in a region. Still, it is worth a weekly visit. If you ask for the same counselor each week, you might impress the person enough so that he or she remembers you and refers you for the better openings. You should also realize that some of the state employment services provide substantial help in the form of job search workshops and other resources. Look into it; the price is right—free!
	Private Employment Agencies: Recent studies have found that private agencies work reasonably well for those who use them. But there are caveats to consider. First, these agencies typically work best for those seeking entry-level positions or those with specialized skills that are in demand. Most people who use a private agency end up finding their jobs from some other source. Private agencies also charge a fee, either to you (often as high as 20 percent of your annual salary!) or to the employer. Most of them simply call employers asking if they have any openings, something you can do yourself. Unless you have skills that are in high demand, you may do better on your own—and save money. At most, you should rely on a private agency as only one of the techniques you use and not depend on it too heavily.
	Temporary Agencies: These can be sources of quick temporary jobs to bring in needed income and give you experience in a variety of settings; something that can help you land full-time jobs later. More and more employers are also using them to evaluate workers for permanent jobs. So consider using these agencies—especially if you need some income immediately—but be sure you continue an active search for a full-time job as well.
	Sending Out Resumes: One survey found that most people would have to mail out more than 500 unsolicited resumes to get one interview! A much better approach is to simply call an employer to set up an interview directly, then send a resume. If you insist on sending out unsolicited resumes, do it on weekends. Save your "primetime" for more effective job search techniques.
	Filling Out Applications: Most applications are used to screen you out. Larger organizations may require them, but remember this: Your task is to get an interview, not fill out an application. If you do complete one, make it neat and error-free, and do not include anything that could get you screened out. If necessary, leave a problematic section blank; you can always explain it after you get an interview.
	Personnel Departments: Hardly anyone gets hired by interviews in a personnel department. Their job is to screen you and refer the "best" applicants to the person who is actually hiring. You many need to cooperate with the folks in personnel, but it is often better to go directly to the person who is most likely to supervise you—even if no job opening exists at the moment. And remember that most organizations don't even have a personnel office, only the big ones!

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