What seems like common sense is often totally wrong. This is true for clouds, and it’s true for job search.
The average fluffy, white cumulus cloud weighs 1.1 million pounds.
And if you want to get a great job as soon as possible, it helps to understand these facts:
- In a truly effective job search, most of your time may be spent talking to people who don’t have an open position to offer you.
- Applying to a wider range of jobs probably won’t get you a job any faster. It’s more likely to do the opposite.
- When you’re networking you usually shouldn’t share your resume.
- When you’re networking it’s best to avoid asking about job openings.
- Although hiring managers prefer that you not call to follow up after sending your resume, you’re probably more likely to get an interview if you do.
- You can (and should) show a current occupation on LinkedIn, even if you’re unemployed (and I’m not suggesting you deceive anyone).
- “Just being yourself” in interviews won’t make interviewers trust you more. At least, not in the way that counts. They may trust you to be honest, but not necessarily to do well on the job. To convince them of that, you’re going to need plenty of preparation.
When it comes to job search, common sense isn’t so common. Don’t do what everybody else does–do what works.