The data behind what we all "know"
We really believe in networking. And, of course, people say that networking is the best way to get a job. We will often read that “studies show” it is the more productive job search method, but those studies are rarely identified. Here is some scientific evidence to support the claim.
Mark Granovetter is a Professor in the School of Humanities and Sciences at Stanford University. His doctoral thesis at Harvard University was turned into the 1995 book Getting a Job: A Study of Contacts and Careers. Dr. Granovetter studied hundreds of people in all sorts of white collar jobs and found the following:
Jobs Found Job Source
74.5% Networking
9.9% Advertised
8.9% Employment Agencies
6.7% Other sources
The conclusion is that networking is seven and one half times as effective at the next best source of jobs. It is also three times as effective as all the other methods of job search methods combined. Furthermore, the best jobs, those with the most prestige and highest pay were found through networking.
More evidence was gathered by the U. S. Department of Labor. In a large study named Job Seeking Methods Used By American Workers over ten million workers were surveyed to find out how they obtained their jobs. These workers were from all categories of employment, from all walks of life and socio-economic strata. The results were as follows:
Jobs Found Job Source
63.4% Networking
13.9% Advertised
12.2% Employment Agencies
10.5% Other sources
Networking remains the single most effective way to find a job. The drop in the Department of Labor study versus the Granovetter study is probably due to the population mix. Whatever the reason for the difference in outcomes, the result is crystal clear: networking is by far the most effective way for someone to find a job.
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This is all wonderful and maybe we’ll all hold hands and sing Kumbayah and make smores later.
Pardon my cynicism, but each week you’re out of work makes it harder to shake the taint. What I do know is that employed colleagues do not return calls after the first one, that is, until they have been shown the door by their employer, then they are your BFF again, picking your brain for contacts and strategies. Oh, and let’s not forget the impact a negative credit ratings has on job application…what shape should my finances be in after being out of work two years, Mr. HR genius? If that doesn’t scream “I really need this job!” I don’t know what does. And here’s a hint, just b/c my credit is not the best doesn’t mean I’m going to steal all the post it notes in the office. And, please save me from the dolt who tells me “You’re too qualified,” or “”Heh heh, you could do my job!” I don’t want to do your job, I don’ want to take long walks in the rain with you, I just want a job to pay my bills and give me a little, just a little self respect and purpose. And, forget about using a network site to initiate contact with someone you know is the point person on a job you are qualified for…if you manage to get past the dragon that guards the door (read overzealous receptionist) the calls, letters, emails, billboards and airplane with banner you’ve hired to circle the building only gets you exile into the “won’t accept” invitation” limbo and possibly a restraining order. But, I hear they are looking for people in the Department of Corrections, so I guess I’ve made some contacts.