Running a Job Search in a Tough Market?

How do you job search in this tough market? The top takeaway from Harvard researchers is networking skills. Here’s proof:

• It’s not the number of applications but the number of conversations that’s important. “After a decade of interviewing and studying more than 1,000 workers – from corporate executives to Chipotle kitchen managers – Harvard researchers found that those who navigate career transitions most successfully have one key skill in common: they excel at networking.”
• Getting referred gives you a huge advantage. Consulting firm Paradigm analyzed 2M job candidates and found referred candidates were 4.5x more likely to get the job.
• In this market, knowing someone on the inside helps you determine what is a real job. “Networking has become ‘even more important’ in a labor market saturated with ghost jobs, AI-automated candidate screenings and ChatGPT-generated resumes.”
• Inside information also helps you figure out if the job is right for you. “Networking can help you better assess opportunities and avoid taking a job that proves unfulfilling.”
• People in the industry (not necessarily the target company) can be helpful. “Sometimes, conversations with individuals in a role or industry you’re curious about – regardless of the organization – can yield more honest insights,” plus weed out opportunities that aren’t a good fit.