What are the most effective ways to generate interviews?

Your job search activity should include a variety of methods, not just one or two. However, research on how people actually get jobs indicates there are two basic methods that work better than all the others.

The two most effective job search techniques include:

  • 1. Getting leads from people you already know, and
  • 2. Direct contact with employers.

Getting leads from people you already know…

Develop a pool of names of people you can approach for potential job leads. Start with people you know. You probably know more people than you might first realize. Each one of these people, if approached properly, can be a valuable source for job leads, as well as other people who can help you.

Potential sources for job leads include:
  • Friends
  • Neighbors
  • School contacts
  • Service providers (hair stylist, insurance agent, accountant)
  • Fellow social organization members
  • Other groups
  • Relatives
  • Former co-workers
  • Fellow professional association members

Write down all of the names of people you know in each group. Expand friends to include anyone you know by name and have an amiable relationship with. Broaden school contacts to include alumni. Even if you don’t know them personally, many will be willing to help you if you only ask. Obviously, friends and relatives are often the best place to start your job search, as they are probably most willing to help.

Learn how to sell yourself...

In order to get any contact to help, you have got to present yourself well. Be clear about asking for help, and make sure you communicate what you’re looking for clearly. Creating a “summary” will help.

Your summary (e.g. your self marketing commercial), should be less than 30 seconds. It’s main purpose is to grab the listener’s attention and stimulate further interest. A good one will summarize your background as it relates to the position for which you are applying include elements regarding your education, experience, areas of expertise and/or accomplishments, and possibly your career goals.

One survey of employers found that 90% of the people they interviewed did not present the skills they had to do the job they sought. They could not answer the basic question, “Why should I hire you?

Knowing your skills is essential to do well in an interview. It is also important in deciding what type of job you will enjoy and do well. If you need assistance identifying your skills, make an appointment with a UCS Career Counselor, or pick up our “Self Assessment” handout, available in the UCS lobby.

Remember, some of your contacts may be potential employers. Others may be able to give you the names of others they know who they think may be more helpful. Your objective for each of your contacts should be to get the names of two other people to contact.

You may need to ask three questions before you get the name of a referral...

  • 1. Do you know of a job opening for a person with my skills? If not...
  • 2. Do you know of anyone else who might know of such an opening? If not...
  • 3. Do you know someone who knows lots of people?

Of course, many of your contacts won’t be employers who need someone with your skills, but some will be, and because you are being referred to them by someone they know they will be more likely to see you than otherwise.

This is what we call networking! Networking helps you tap into the “hidden” job market where 75% of jobs lie. In most cases employers won’t to have current openings but might in the future. In these cases, simply ask to visit and discuss the possibility of future openings. It may surprise you to find out how many employers are willing to talk to you when you approach them in this way.

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