Learn How to Play the Job Search Numbers Game in Your Favor

Fact: finding a job is a numbers game. The more contacts, friends, phone calls, emails, and face-to-face interviews you have, the more likely you are to land a reasonable position in this difficult economy.

Tony Beshara, Ph.D., creator The Job Search Solution has placed over 100,000 people in jobs with the ideology of “if you manage the process, the result (landing a great job) will take care of itself.” He REALLY knows what he is taking about!

The majority of questions I get from people reading this blog, have to do with the job search process, and how to make a stellar impression. I asked Tony to help us out, and he came up with a few of his best tips for playing the job search numbers game in your favor:

• Because no one can control how images and messages are disseminated across the Web, assume that all of your social media interactions, no matter how “private,” are for public consumption. Keep them cordial, courteous and above-board. Remember: Your future employer is watching.

• Looking for a job is a challenge. To prepare for a long haul with steep climbs, develop a thorough system that you can easily plug into at every phase of the search. This will keep the path ahead as simple to navigate as possible.

• Every interview is an opportunity to learn, so don’t turn them down, even if you know you don’t like the company or aren’t interested in the job. You might be surprised to discover that the situation is better than you thought, or that it could serve as a stepping stone to something better. At the very least, the more people you meet, the more hands you shake and the more interview questions you answer, the more prepared you’ll be when the right job does come along.

• Real-world experience matters. Don’t assume that because you don’t have business experience that you won’t get the job. Many employers value individuals who have unusual skills, life experiences, overcome challenges or traveled extensively, because you bring something new to the table. They also value exceptional grades and involvement in extra-curricular activities. Maybe you sang in your school’s jazz band, led your basketball team to the state championship, or worked at a law firm one summer. Anything that makes you stand apart from the crowd, and demonstrates that you have completed and/or excelled at something is important to share with prospective employers.

• Be patient. You will have to kiss a lot of frogs before you find the right job for you.