Resolve to Network

According to recent research, the workforce in Mansfield doesn't have it so bad; except, that is, for the 903 among us who are unemployed. According to a recent Boston Globe report, unemployment in our town for October came in at 6.9 percent, down one-half percent from the same time a year ago. This performance tracks favorably against both the state average of 8.1 percent and the 9.6 percent national figure. In truth, our entire region does well overall, with only one of the 48 towns tracked by the Boston Globe South section, showing an increase in the number of out of work residents.

But 903 unemployed Mansfield town residents are likely in no mood to celebrate. While 93.1 percent of the employed Mansfield residents are likely are stressing over unrealistic, employer-imposed deadlines and delays, many of the 903 would gladly exchange a small body part to have the same problems. Disaffiliation from work is unfamiliar and uncomfortable territory for most. The majority of us prefer executing jobs to finding them.

My experience as a career coach has taught me that the psychology of unemployment can be more difficult to master than the search activities themselves. It is a rare job seeker that doesn't know the basics of job board use and how to find paid recruiters. Almost everyone understands that the vast majority of successful searches are the result of proactive networking as opposed to reactively applying for jobs; but networking feels weird, so many put it off.

Staffing strategy firm CareerXroads publishes a great white paper each February in which they compile the methods used by participating companies to find talent. The survey covering 2009 showed that twice as many external hires found jobs via referral (26.7 percent) than by using the job boards (13.2 percent). Surprisingly, third party recruiters were the second least used vehicle, accounting for only 2.3 percent of outside hires; faring better were walk-ins who garnered 2.5 percent of available positions.  

While the percentages may change slightly over the years, the major job search principals remain constant and highly logical. Waiting for a company to create competition decreases a candidate's odds of success. This is particularly true at senior levels where selection is often based more on reputation and relationships than it is on specific and related experience.

A well-run job search should involve a good mix of reactive and proactive approaches. No one should ignore recruiters; indeed 23 of every 1000 employed folks are glad they didn't. Similarly, it isn't advisable to cancel a Monster account and throw away the PC. But it is critical not to invest in these resources alone.  A well-rounded search must include a relationship-building component.

For most people, the thought of approaching strangers about unknown opportunities is about as enticing as sitting in traffic at the Comcast Center with a mini-van full of sugar-infused pre-schoolers. After all, job postings on the web seem so much more real…and faster. But things are not always as they seem; Crossroads' survey participants filled over 50 percent of open jobs internally or not at all.

Whether you are one of the 903, or just miserably employed, make a New Year's resolution to periodically meet someone that you don't already know. I recommend an activity level of one group or one-on-one encounter per day for full-time seekers. While face-to-face sessions with plugged in professionals are best, church and charity events, town meetings, and team sporting contests count too. Social networks like LinkedIn and Facebook are great ways to expand networks painlessly and on your own schedule. It is estimated that between 60 and 70 percent of employers use social networks to find and check out prospects—participation here is no longer optional.

Commitment to this balanced approach is critical to success, particularly among the 903; and timing could not be better. While less people get hired in December than in any other month of the year (with November coming in second), January, and the first quarter in general, are very active and a great time to get hired.