Already a member?
Welcome to Brazen Careerist!
Emily Ma is using Brazen Careerist to share ideas. Join now to become a member and start networking with Emily Ma and other professionals just like you. Learn more.
Brazen careerist
Where ambitious young professionals connect and grow
Email
Print
The world has become a tangled web of tweets and status updates. While these tools are useful, I still believe there is no substitute for going out, looking someone in the eye, and telling them what you love to do. As for my job search, like a dutiful partner I went back to Monster the next morning and I continue to review my job matches daily. That said, I am pretty sure I will cheat again next week. Anyone up for a drink?
I am looking for a new job. Is anyone else?
Whether you have been laid off, are beginning to look, want to test the waters, or would rather be doing anything else than your current work, an obvious place to start a job search is on Monster.
I have taken this step. Not only is my resume posted on the site, but I also wake up each morning, open my e-mail, and, over a cup of coffee, review the job matches Monster has compiled just for me. (For those keeping score, the number of jobs Monster has sent me: well over 5,000, the number of positions that were actually a good match: five, the amount of success I have had: zero, the feeling I get on some mornings, after reviewing frustrating and nonsensical matches, that I want to throw my computer out my apartment window: priceless.)
While no promising leads have transpired, I continue to log onto the site daily. On days during which I feel as if I am making little-to-no progress, however, my frustration can reach Homeland Security orange level.
After one such day I decided to set aside my job concerns and meet some friends for a drink. And then it happened - over two glasses of sauvignon blanc I made more meaningful job connections than I had in over 5,000 Monster postings. I felt a bit like I had cheated on Monster.
Why was I so successful? Over the bustling of the crowded bar, I was able to explain why I am passionate about human motivation and performance. I was able to share my enthusiasm and describe my previous work experiences. And, I was able to enjoy a good glass of wine. Unless my memory is failing me, I do not believe Monster has ever ponied up to the bar and offered to buy the next round.
As Gen Y’ers, we have many experiences to share, many interests to describe, and many passions to reveal. These experiences, interests, and passions often do not translate well on paper.
A list of presentations and publications does not describe the feeling of accomplishment I experienced after presenting at my first major conference, or the immense pride I had when a tennis player I coached overcame her self-doubt and self-imposed limits to be successful, or the look of appreciation on the faces of those friends and colleagues I have come across who have read my blog and feel a sense of connection to my ideas.
The world has become a tangled web of tweets and status updates. While these tools are useful, I still believe there is no substitute for going out, looking someone in the eye, and telling them what you love to do.
As for my job search, like a dutiful partner I went back to Monster the next morning and I continue to review my job matches daily. That said, I am pretty sure I will cheat again next week. Anyone up for a drink?
For more timely, relevant, and engaging articles,
subscribe to Brazen Careerist.
- A New Kind of Business Mover and Shaker
- How To Find a Writing Partner Who Can Help You Achieve Your Goals and Make More Money
- Continuing Education: Extending Learning Beyond Your Campus Years
- The Anti-Stalker’s Guide for Converting Online Contact into Real World Collaboration
- Why You Might Be Better Off Without a Job After College
Comments
10.09.09
Forget the bar. Hated it when I turned 21 and still hate the atmosphere almost 4 decades later. I don't drink, I'm allergic to cigarette smoke, and I'm not all that great with crowds.
How did I get my current job as a CIO? I got alerted to the opening by a senior engineer who is in my Asperger support group.
10.09.09
JRandom, thanks for your feedback. It is lucky for me that in Boston there is a ban on smoking in bars.
I agree with your general idea, though, that it is not necessarily the bar scene that makes for a great conversation about job opportunities. It does not matter if the location is a bar, a support group, or a reading club - the important thing is to make yourself visible.
10.09.09
I Agree Lindsey- In this economey its important to think out side the box. Thanks for you story
10.09.09
The interesting thing about networking to get a job is that you really only need to meet one or two people because it's a small group of people who know where tons of jobs are. Also, you need to meet the kind of person who will really like you for who you are and want to help you because there's a connection.
So I just want to stress that it's not about meeting tons of people but finding those one or two great people. And that's why twitter, Brazen Careerist and all the other social networking tools work so well -- because you can find who might fit this description for you and then get to know them -- online or offline.
Job hunting is very scary and the best part of job hunting is that each time you do it you get more confident that you can do it again. But everyone is always scared and I hope no one feels like they are doing something wrong because it's so hard.
10.09.09
I started reading your post because this is exactly where I find myself right now... hating my full-time job and really wanting to expand my freelance copyediting business so I can do it full time. The problem? I have a hard time figuring out how to get my name out there to the right people. And in a town like Madison, the odds are very slim that I'll run into someone at a bar who works at a publishing company and is looking to hire freelancers... therefore, much of my search (and research) has to be done online.
So often in the past when I've sent in my resume and received no reply or a rejection, the first thought in my head was "If only they'd meet me they'd see how great I'd be at this job!"
I guess what I'm saying is that I agree that you need to get yourself out there, but like Penelope said, it's all about getting out there with the right people... online or off. Which is much easier said than done.
10.09.09
Laura, thanks for reading. If you have other ideas on how think outside the box in this difficult economy, please pass them along. I would love to hear!
10.09.09
Penelope, Thanks for taking the time to respond. I agree that it is quality, and not quantity, that matters when it comes to contacts. However, I do think that making a strong connection is easier, and people feel more compelled to follow through in helping, when the meeting is done in person.
I also very much agree that job hunting is difficult for a whole bunch of reasons. I continue to press on, as many of your other readers do, because I am confident that there is a spot that makes sense for me.
10.09.09
Katie, thanks for reading.
It sounds to me like you have two things going for you: 1) you have a job, and 2) you know what you really want to do. Neither of those things is a small feat, so before you let your frustration get the best of you, I would take a minute to realize you are doing pretty well for yourself.
I agree that meeting in person does create a different connection. However, if you continue to contact people virtually, you may very well get asked to a follow-up meeting in person. And, as someone who has made contacts in a number of strange ways, you can never tell who you will run into in Madison. Keep your head up and let me know how things go.
10.09.09
This is so true and I think within the next few years, it will become an increasingly important point that business schools/experts/authors will be making. While online communication is faster (some may say more efficient), all electronic text begins to look and sound the same. There is value in it, but old-fashioned face to fact communication cannot be underestimated. I think this is something that my age group (recent college grads) can easily forget.
10.10.09
Information coming out of the TX Workforce Commission indicates that 80% of successful jobseekers landed their new position through some form of networking. (<20% through applying online or at the hiring company)
Ironically, the last two jobs that I got, where I was also laid off, were nailed through face-to-face interaction. Maybe I should change my approach, to change my luck on the job.
10.10.09
Karina, Thanks for posting your comment. I think that, as Penelope mentioned, the value of online communication is that you can reach a wider audience.
However, I would also agree with you that online communication does not have the same impact as a person-to-person conversation. How, in words, can you accurately explain to a potential boss the many qualities that you bring to the table? As with most things in life, I think it is a balancing act in trying to use online communication to set up meetings in person.
And, will you please say that I was among the first to make this point a few years down the road when all the experts are saying the same thing :)
10.10.09
Jake, thanks for adding some supporting data to the conversation. Since my background is in research, I always like to have statistics to back up any points that are being made. I often see the image of my graduate school advisor shaking his head at me in disdain when I do not include statistical evidence to support my points.
As for your situation, it sounds like you make a great impression. My guess is that things other than your performance are probably responsible for your being laid off. I would stick with what works. And, if I was a gambling woman, I would definitely stick with the 80%. That said, as I mentioned above, I think a combination of in person and online communication is probably your best bet (no pun intended).
10.10.09
The statistic stating that 80% of jobs are gotten through some form of networking is especially true in this economy. Right now, the numbers are probably higher. Personally, I never got a job through an ad, online or otherwise, and the only people I know that did it got the jobs during the good economic times.
I was recently laid off myself, and was back to work in two weeks, back in a permanent position with a raise three months later. How - I reached out to my network immediately, and mostly online - through e-mail, linked-in, and even facebook. I got my last interview based on an e-mail recommendation of someone I knew without even sending in a resume. The boss that had to lay me off clinched the deal through an enthusiastic phone recommendation. I also had another offer. That is the power of network.
I don't think it matters whether you reach out to people online, in a bar or at a networking event, as long as you reach out to people who know you and believe in you. It's the personal touch that gets you in because most job ads receive hundreds of responses within hours these days, and hiring managers are likely to dump the whole pile an reach out to few people they know to "spread the word". One of the jobs I was recommended for was like that - hundreds of online applications were literally "dumped" due to their volume.
So if you want a job, I really wouldn't waste time on Monster. Reach out to people you know in any venue you can find and ask them to introduce you to other people. Join professional organizations and talk to people at networking events. Volunteer. After you talked to people in person you can maintain contact online. And you don't have to meet a ton of people but you have to make people you meet believe in you. That way, when you find a place you want to work for you can ask someone to make the call.
I do agree with you that the bottom line is in face-to-face interaction - you have to impress in your interview to actually get the job. I don't think online communication will ever replace that component.
I wish you the best of luck.
10.10.09
Difficult for me to hit the bar (Not that I wouldn't enjoy that) a this point in my life with a wife and kid (10 year old), so I'll just have to deal with the online stuff............. oh joy.....lol
10.11.09
I personal feel that the value of face to face interactions has decreased substantially and when you actually do meet someone in person you are able to leave a larger impact then your resume did online with another 500. In the last month I have had two job offerings by people whom I have meet at the bar. They were people who stumbled in there and by chance I began talking to, not bar regulars; it was happenstance that we had met at all let alone at the bar.
The big thing is just meeting someone face to face. If Monster sends out 100 job matches to one single person imagine how many an employer recieves.
10.11.09
lol, when I hit the bar, I'm looking to relax with a beer and a book. Talking to people is the last thing on my mind!
But I see your point!
10.11.09
This post is right on!
10.12.09
Morana, Thanks for the great response. First, congratulations on getting a job in such a short amount of time. I am glad to hear these opportunities are out there.
I do agree, as was stated above, that a balance between online communication (to reach the widest audience) and in-person communication (to make the strongest impact) is the best bet.
In spite of the age of technology we are in, there is no substitute for making a good first face-to-face impression.
I also think you bring up a great point when you mentioned asking those who know you from past jobs for recommendations. As we skip from job-to-job a bit more frequently, staying in touch and leaving on good terms becomes more and more important.
10.12.09
Kevin, Thanks for the laugh. While the bar may not be the best bet for you, the idea that face-to-face interaction may be helpful still holds true. Perhaps more professional outlets (e.g., networking events, professional group meetings) make sense for you.
And, everyone needs an occassional trip to the bar. Hire a babysitter and take your wife!
10.12.09
Scott, Read any good books recently? I am looking for a new one...
It really all depends on what you are looking to get out of your time at the bar. Relaxation or potential connections. There is plenty of time for both.
My use of the bar in my blog was really as a placeholder for any type of situation in which you can make face-to-face connections with people. Enjoy your relaxation at the bar and save your networking for other such occassions.
10.12.09
Bret, Thanks for your comment and for reading.
Now, go hit the bar and tell me when you get a great job :)
10.13.09
I've been rethinking this for the past few days and I agree; I do need to get out more and I completely agree that face2face in 99% or more instances would completely relegate paper resumes to the end of the line.
Being that I am currently employed, but I am looking for better opportunities with more active responsibility might make less sense to some that are not employed. I look at it from the perspective that I left a full time job of 20 years in the military with zero guarantees of job placement to go it alone, and I did it. I sure could have used a bar back then......
Anyhow, I'm thinking I need to get more involved with the folks in my own line of work - yes Lindsey, you are correct, social events would be great, and I've actually had to turn several down due to work commitments, but I'm pretty sure I can find way to make that work. More exposure=More opportunities
Thanks!
10.14.09
Kevin, I am glad to hear that you have given this some more thought. I give you credit - while it makes sense to look for new opportunities while employed, it is often difficult to carve out the time when current job responsibilities get in the way.
I think the key is being picky as to which invitations you accept. Choose get-togethers at which you will be introduced to the most beneficial group of people. That way, you use your limited time wisely.
Think of yourself as an A-lister..be picky and make sure the events are worth your while.
Please let me know how it goes. Good luck!
Got Something To Say?
Got Something To Say?
Not a Member? Brazen Careerist is a career management tool for next-generation professionals. Set up a free account today to comment on this post and start sharing your ideas. Learn more.
Login to view your networks!
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
