The Job Search

There are many ways to look for a job, but there is a big difference between the levels of "warmth" in your connection to that job.

Example - Warm Connection: you had a favorite teacher or coach in school.  You did well in that class or sport.  That person started a company and is looking to fill a job.  This is a "warm" connection because you already have a relationship with the person, and they have seen you perform.

Example - Cold Connection: you respond to a job posting via a job search website.  You don't have a relationship with the person.  You don't even know who it went to.  You are likely to be one of many applicants without anything to distinguish you.

You want warm connections!  Warm connection come from expanding your network and getting mentors.  

See below for a list of job search avenues and their rankings on both warmth and chances that a job is available.  Pursue multiple channels but understand the reality of each.

• Mentors: high warmth | random job availability*

• People You Know: medium warmth | random job availability*

• Recruiter**: medium warmth | good job availability

• Alumni of Your School: OK warmth | random job availability*

• School Job Posting: OK warmth | high job availability 

• Company Website: low warmth | high job availability

• Job Site Website (Indeed, etc.): lowest warmth | high job availability

You want to develop warm connections and pursue multiple avenues to find the right job as opposed to just any job.

*Random job availability because this is a "relationship first" as opposed to "job first" connection.  They have taken an interest in you but may or may not have a job available.

**A recruiter is someone who specializes in matching companies and job searchers.  They are typically paid by the company at a rate of 15-30% of the employees first year salary.  This does not affect the employee's salary as it is an extra cost to the company.  Recruiters are less likely to work with someone just starting their career.

How To Learn More

• Dig into my other writings on the job search process on The Search page.

  • Better understand your own skills and where you will be successful at Roles.

  • Check out my writings on various industries and departments at the Industries page.