Job Hunting: Should You Stop Trying So Hard?

There's no doubt that Peter Bregman knows his stuff. His latest post, "Need to Find a Job? Stop Looking So Hard" is filled with information on how to spend your time wisely and still get a gig. In the article, he suggests limiting how much time you spend applying for jobs online and instead using the things you love to network.

That means if you like to play basketball you can use it to network and find a job. Whatever you love, he says, you can use it to associate with others--so long as it's an activity that you don't do alone. Because, well, yes, sitting in your garden won't get you a gig.

But I have to say that I don't think it's time to ditch traditional job hunting methods. While his inventive approach to networking certainly can work, it's not the only method. To get the job, you still have to submit an application. Networking can simply help you warm up your leads.

That said, I wouldn't advise things like not spending a lot of time on your resume, as Bregman suggests. The truth is that many people are not very good writers, and the resume is the only thing someone sees of you until they meet you. It's your one chance to make a stunning impression, so it shouldn't be rushed.

It's nice to think that you can network by attending church. Most definitely, you can. But don't skimp out on the basics in favor of the more appealing route.

Links You'll Love

I am swamped with work and instead of writing something original, will give you the gift of link love. Here are some great articles across the Web for fabulous 20-somethings just like you.

• 10 Ways to Recession Proof Your Job Search by Heather Huhman
• Why you should misspell your last name on LinkedIn by Jill Konrath
• Why HR's Just Not that Into You by J.T. O'Donnell
• How to Write a Resume that Will Sell by Danny Iny (Check out his three-part series!)
• How to Get Your Resume Noticed by Tory Johnson

Tweet Your Way to a Job!

I did an interview with Jeff Morand, who runs the College Funding Coach radio show. What a cool guy! We touched on so many issues--one of them being how to use Twitter.com to find a job.

Is it possible, you may ask? I thought Twitter was only for gabbing to my friends in short 140-character-or-less statements...right?

Job seekers: rejoice!

These Twitter users include links to awesome job resources, and actual jobs.

Here are some fabulous resources to help you find a job and get a grasp on the job-hunting arena:

Career Talk/Job Boards on Twitter

• Indeed: Your favorite job aggregator is now on Twitter. Get info on the job-hunting scene here.
• JobHuntOrg: Another job portal is on Twitter, offering awesome articles and insight to help you get a job.
• SimplyHired: This job board is now on Twitter, too!
• Monster: Career advice, discussions and much more--tweeted here!
• CareerTips: Get tips and tricks for boosting your career!
• WorkersWork: Industry trends and articles on the workforce in general.
• InternQueen: Before you even get that job--get an internship!
• HeatherHuhman: A columnist who writes about entry-level careers--and features tons of PR internship and job links!

Industry-Specific Jobs

• SocialMediaJob: Want a job in social media? This user offers them up here!
• Joblighted: An aggregator for jobs in the tech industry.
• MarketingJobs: Get a gig in the marketing/advertising/communications field.
• MedicalJobs: Looking for a gig in the healthcare field? You can find one here.
• CoolWorks: Get a fun, adventurous jobs from the folks at CoolWorks! Be a student mentor or give bike tours--the sky is the limit!
• Journojobs: Find a gig in the copywriting, PR or journalism field. Links to jobs.
• DotOrgJobs: Philanthropic jobs abound here!
  
• FreelanceJobs: Consider a side gig--find a freelance/moonlighting job here.
• MTVJobs: Work for MTV--a totally rockin' career abounds. Links to jobs here.
• GreenerJobs: Bring a little green into your career with jobs sourced nationally.

If you know someone cool to follow on Twitter that's career-related (or just...cool) leave a link in the comments.

And if you'd like to follow me, visit http://twitter.com/kristenfischer. I write blurbs about my moods, share interesting articles and banter quite a bit!

Want a job? Follow these people on Twitter!

Most of us agree that Twitter's pretty cool--but have you used it to help you find a job? Check out Willy Franzen's list of 50 Twitter Users to Follow for Your Job Search.

Some highlights:

• Charlie O’Donnell (@ceonyc) - Charlie is the CEO of Path101, a career discovery startup, and a big player in the NY tech startup scene.
• Heather Huhman (@heatherhuhman) - Heather is working tirelessly to provide great content for entry level job seekers over at Examiner.com.
• Alison Doyle (@alisondoyle) - Alison is a true thought leader when it comes to online job search. That’s why she wrote Internet Your Way To a New Job.
• Susan Joyce (@jobhuntorg) - Susan has built one of the most trusted job search resources on the Internet at Job-Hunt.org.
• Miriam Salpeter (@Keppie_Careers) - Miriam is a resume writer and career coach who is constantly pumping out valuable content for job seekers.

What kind of job should a student have?

My husband and I had a good laugh this week at a guy who posed a question to President Obama during one of his forums. The kid said he was in his second semester of school and had worked at McDonald's for four years. He was fired up when he requested a better job from the President, saying he couldn't get a better job.

Tim and I look at each other, baffled.

I don't know if this kid was on the "I want more, me me me," train, but he seemed it.

When we discussed it, we realized this guy got a job at Mickie D's in high school. Like most high school kids have minimum wage-type jobs.

But now, while still a student in college, he wanted more.

There's nothing wrong for wanting more, in my opinion. But this kid made it seem like he deserved a professional job in the industry he was studying--without yet getting his degree.

I don't get it. When I was in college, I worked as an office assistant on work-study. I didn't expect a job in my field--nor did I have the audacity to go on national television and demand that the President get me a better one. I know not everyone is like me, but most college students are lucky enough--and grateful enough--to have a job during school to help pay the bills. I can understand if this guy was tired of flipping burgers...but most people I know would simply apply for another job. Not expect to get the job of a college graduate.

Maybe this guy should focus on getting an internship. Paying his dues. Taking the steps that all college grads have had to do to get to where they are in their entry-level jobs. No, these jobs aren't perfect, but you're on your way.

This dude--not so much! I think he'll always whine about wanting more without putting in the hard work and effort that this country was founded on.

College grads are having hard enough times getting their first jobs. They don't need to compete with dudes like that. Fortunately, they won't have to.

But he is still a shining example of how not to be, in my opinion.

The "Paying Your Dues" Thing...and Talk of Raises

I saw this story in the Wall Street Journal this morning. It talks about ways to get a raise even in the recession. And it got me thinking that I hope recent grads who just started their first jobs don't even think about raises. Even mid- to senior-level professionals are walking a tight rope when asking for a raise in the current economic situation. But new grads in their first jobs, who have been there a year or less, seeking raises?

I say, don't do it. Don't even think about it.

Why? First, you're lucky to have a job--regardless of the "recession" or not. Second, you've just started out. I hate to say it but recent grads have to pay their dues. It doesn't mean they have to be treated like crap at a job, though that's sometimes involved, but it does mean that sometimes you have to stay put for a while. I know we're all bouncy-bouncy from job to job nowadays, but sometimes a firm foundation--at least at your first gig--can be a huge benefit.

It's very rare that anyone graduates with their dream career. The most successful people have to work their way up. That's why I'm shocked at how many grads nowadays feel like they deserve senior-level treatment with entry-level skills. It takes time. Give it time.

So on the topic of raises, I say wait it out. I know you want to make the big bucks. And yes, your job may be paying lower than industry standards. Do your time, get your experience and move up. There's really no other way.