Smart Resume Power :::...: Trusted Networks vs. Job Boards

Wednesday, March 01, 2006

Trusted Networks vs. Job Boards

Job boards are an "unknown network". You're submitting your resume to someone who does not know you. Think about it. If a hiring person gets a resume from someone s/he knows and receives your resume, whom do you think gets called for an interview first? If you knew someone who could introduce you to the hiring person, wouldn't that be easier.

Participating in trusted networks better positions a person for a possible resume referral. Why? I'm glad you asked that question. 85%-90% of job placements occur through personal referrals, not job boards. Developing relationships with people establishes you quicker in a "known network". People are known to you and you get to know them. People, who know you, refer you to other people.

The caveat to networking is Forget What You Want. It's about reverse WIIFM. Below are some suggested places to network on and off line. Think of this way. You already know at least one person in any of these networks. I'm registered as C. E. Reid or SirReid. It would be my pleasure to introduce you to other people. Be prepared to give, in order to get. Pick up a copy of The Virtual Handshake to really kick your job search into high gear.