On the Job Search, Part Two

Here are some more job search tips I've picked up:

1. Always have ten leads or searches going on at the same time, because six of them are not going to lead to anything.

2. On the flip side of number one, don't apply for just anything. The principle of throwing spaghetti and seeing what sticks to the wall does not apply in job hunting. Make sure it's something you can tolerate doing, also if you do get an interview for a job you wouldn't normally do, the interviewer can always tell. Recently, I went on a group recruitment event. You could tell who was really interested, who was faking it, and who just walked in off the street. The recruiter asked everyone the same questions "Why do you want to work for this company? What are its competitors? Why should I hire you?" One guy, who was constantly fidgeting in his chair and combing his hair, forgot the questions when it was his turn. When he was reminded, he answered "I need a job" and he couldn't think of anything to say beyond that.

3. Don't spend too much time on the Internet. It's isolating, less effective and more competitive. For every job posting on search engines like Monster.com, Indeed, Craig's List, etc., there are at least 400 applicants. You should spend 10-15 percent of your job search time in front of your laptop. Only target one job a week found on the Internet, one that you have seriously thought about, rather than blindly applying to everything (see number 2).