According to a recent e-mail I received from Climber.com, only 40% to 60% of jobs appear on the major job boards and only 25% of new hires come from job board postings. If you are relying exclusively on sites such as Jobing, Monster, and The Ladders, you are doing your job search a disservice. You may be missing the job you want or not even be seen because you’re up against so much competition.

So what’s the better way to find a job in today’s technologically charged world? Although there’s certainly not one “right” answer, you can really increase your chances of finding a position by having a multifaceted approach.

Networking
Most major cities have job seeker support groups. No matter where you are, you’re likely to find a group of people who are looking for jobs. Check with community colleges, churches, and temples. These groups offer not only support but often training. I have spoken at a few resource events about résumés, and they invite sales coaches, networking experts, and career counselors to provide free or low-cost training. Even if you don’t get to a group, start telling people that you’re looking – and for what. Post a status on your Facebook or Twitter. You never know who’ll be reading.

LinkedIn
Recruiters are scouring LinkedIn for quality employees. Susan Healthfield, in her article “Use LinkedIn for Recruiting Employees,” gives employers hints on how to use the networking site, and many of her hints can be reversed and used by employees. Make sure your profile is complete; your résumé serves as its basis and the site is pretty simple to use. When you connect with people, share your value proposition. Do research on the companies or positions you’re targeting. Ask for informational interviews to learn more about people and companies. Post and answer questions. If you’re active on the site, people will notice.

Recruiters
Are you working with a recruiter in your job search? They don’t charge you anything, and by putting yourself on their radars, you will know about those unadvertised positions that might be a great fit. There are many national recruiting companies, as well as a number of local specialists in a variety of arenas. (I work with a few, so if you need some names, let me know.) Although recruiters may not have the multitude of positions on their dockets they did a few years ago, they can still provide another resource – especially if you’re exactly what one of their clients needs.

The old saying “don’t put all your eggs in one basket” certainly applies to job seeking as well. Explore options and stay positive. That next great job is out there.

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Recently I had to turn away a would-be client who didn’t know what she wants to be when she grows up. I find this is a particular challenge in today’s economy – no matter if the person is 25 or 55. Where will you make money? What job will still be there in a few years? In a down economy, many people start to question their chosen career path. Is it time for you to start thinking about what you’re going to do when you grow up?

Talk to people who are doing something you admire
Does one of your friends or colleagues do something that you think sounds really cool? How about sitting down with that person over a cup of coffee and asking him / her about it? If you’re targeting a specific position, try LinkedIn. Find a person in that company or with that job title and contact him / her to chat. People love to talk about themselves! You’re not asking for a job or anything; you’re simply learning a little more about what that profession entails. This is called an informational interview.

Volunteer
Is there a way you can “try on” a new job? Most people are happy to have some free help – especially in this economy – and would welcome your gift of time. This will give you the opportunity to learn about a new profession or working with certain types of people – a bit of a test run, if you will.

Take a continuing education course
How about a class in the area you’re considering working? Community colleges now seem to be targeting non-traditional audiences and will offer classes on career-oriented topics. At about $50 per credit, it’s a pretty inexpensive option to learn more about a potential career path.

So do some research to get a sense of what you want to do next. Without a clear goal, you can’t create a fantastic résumé – general résumés just don’t cut it anymore. Then your résumé will truly market you for that position and get you ready for growing up … unless you’re living in Neverland, and there’s nothing wrong with that.

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What are the components needed in a cover letter? Wait, before we get that far, do you even NEED a cover letter? So many people have heard that hiring authorities never even read the cover letter, so they think that they needn’t bother to spend the time to write one. I beg to differ. Would you just walk up to someone and start telling them about yourself without an introduction? If you think of your cover letter as a handshake, it may make more sense to always include one.

Granted, some HR people and recruiters admit they don’t read cover letters, but I’ve heard some who don’t read the resume and only look at the letter! Cover your bases by making sure your cover letter is a great complement to your resume and gets the reader poised to learn more. While your resume really can’t be generic, a “template” for your cover letter is pretty easy and can be updated as needed. All you have to do is write three paragraphs!

First Paragraph
Cut part of this from your resume summary, which should explain why you’re a compelling candidate for the position. If you are applying for a certain job, cite what it is and how you heard of it.

Second Paragraph
Copy or reword accomplishments from your resume. I usually take three that represent a cross-section of abilities. Another great way to highlight your qualifications in this paragraph is with a table: on one side put the required skills and on the other put your attributes as they relate to them. Of course, that requires you know what they are, so that will be later in the process.

Third Paragraph
This is your call to action and thank you for considering you for the position. Many people get weak here, but the key is to stay strong and powerful, maintaining the tone and focus of the first paragraph.

Be brief, succinct, and targeted to get across the message that you are the one for the position. Who knows? Your cover letter may be THE reason you get an interview!

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