Networking Ranks as #1 Job Seeker Tool; Online Networking a Close 2nd
In a study released this week by outplacement services firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, personal ‘networking’ ranked as the number 1 resource that a job seeker can use to land a new gig. The firm surveyed top human resources executives earlier this month, asking them to rank the tools that potential hires are currently using to successfully get hired. Each job-search method was ranked on a score of 1 to 5, and ‘networking’ earned a 3.98 average ranking.
While 48% of respondents ranked traditional networking a perfect 5 out of 5 in the survey, 47% gave ‘online networking’ a 4 or a 5, making it a close second in the survey. Online networking, specifically via sites like LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook, received an average rating of 3.3. Online job boards were also found to be quite effective, with an average rating of 3.
Bringing up the tail-end of the survey of most useful job-seeking methods were Job Fairs and Newspaper Classified Ads, earning average scores of 1.6 and 1.7, respectively.
John Challenger, CEO of the outplacement firm, was careful to note that job seekers must rely on a variety of tools to secure a top-notch job offer:
“It is important to remember that the job search is a multifaceted process. Those who rely on just one tool, even if it is networking, will take longer to find a position. The problem with the ease and accessibility of the Internet is that many job seekers make it their primary job search tool. Overuse of the Internet also threatens to prolong the hiring process on the employer’s end, as well, by inundating employers with irrelevant resumes.”
Challenger notes that the Internet should only be used to back up traditional, in-person networking as the most effective piece of the job seeker toolkit. In a blog post earlier this month, Owen Tripp also offered several tips to supplement traditional networking with online professional networking on LinkedIn. As you network, make sure to keep an eye on your virtual resume, and to take the steps necessary to get an extra edge over the competition when you apply for your next job.
