Waiting works for Cats, not job seekers

I dare you to do it.  I dare you to Google the "percentage of jobs filled through job boards".   The podcast I produced that received the most feedback was my podcast daring people to "Google it".   People were upset.  They didn't want verification of what they knew in their guts to be the truth.  A very low percentage of jobs are filled through job boards (3-8% are the averages you can find on the net with a few outliers).  So, while you are waiting and wondering if the employer is going to call you take a few minutes and validate if your time is being used properly or if waiting is a strategy that should work.  

Now, instead of this exercise being depressing for some it may be a call to action.  Now, Google the "percentage of jobs filled through networking and referral".  Oh, that's much better (you'll find figures that surpass 80% of open jobs).  The majority of open jobs are filled through networking and referral.  You would hire this way, too.  You would want to know talent, feel comfortable with them, before you pull the trigger on a sensitive job offer.  So, what are you waiting for?  Expand that network!

Instead of reaching out to your network and asking them if they know of a job, ask them if know anyone interesting for you to meet.  My former client and pal, Josh Beser (JoshBeser.com), developed a neat program called the 5 Cups of Coffee Challenge.  He challenged people to take 5 people out for coffee, 5 strangers that you want to know.  The goal was to get to know them organically, develop a friendship.  The business and job offers will come, is his contention.  He's right.  I do this every month, I reach out to people I want to know through Linkedin.com.  I tell them that I love their company, reference a mutual interest and ask them out for a coffee (it feels like dating but better...the check is lighter than a Spago's dinner).  I have been turned down before.  I have reached out and received no response.  But, I have a success rate of 40%.  Four out of ten people I want to meet want to meet me.  I have exploded my network.  I have gotten job offers (even though I am not looking for one).  If I never sent out another email or social media campaign I would have enough clients to float my business, just from this play.  Why?  Through these connections, this expansion of network, these folks know me as the guy that gets people hired.  And I never ask them to promote me.  They like me, we click, and we promote the people we know and like.  Stop waiting and start dating.  Ask someone out for coffee and see those jobs start coming to you...no waiting.  Josh, you are a genius and thank you!