So the unthinkable has happened – you are unemployed. Or in the case of some of us over the past 10 years or so, you are unemployed again. Where to start? Do you roll out of bed, crawl over to your computer and log on to the well-known job boards? Do you create a clever video and post it on YouTube? Do you scour the newspaper ads looking for a diamond in the midst of all those “work from home” ads? What is the most effective use of your valuable time, energy and effort?

If you were to believe the commercials on TV and the constant hype around social media and Web 2.0, you would think all you need to find a new job is an Internet connection. Not so. As important as online postings and services like Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn may be – and they are important – they may not be your best bet for finding that next opportunity. The key is to use every avenue available to you, but spend the appropriate amount of time, according to the effectiveness of each.

Online Job Postings, Search Engines, and Career Sites

Despite the plethora of information out there, this is your least effective means of job search. Statistics show that the odds of actually getting a job through this method are 4 to15%. Why? One reason is saturation coupled with competition: imagine how many people have seen and applied for the position, coupled with the fact that the job is likely posted in multiple locations. Another reason is that, unfortunately, there are scam artists out there, and that dream job posting might be a come-on to attend a time share presentation, or worse. Yep, it’s true. But there is value in using this method. By perusing these postings you can get an idea of the abundance (or lack thereof) of openings for your kind of work. You can determine if there are new requirements that didn’t exist when you were last in a job search. The job title might also have changed, so you want to be sure to use relevant key words and terminology. Definitely search these job boards and apply for every position that catches your eye – just don’t spend in inordinate amount of time doing so. The return is far too modest.

Recruiters, Job Fairs, Temp-to-Perm

Better odds here – 20 to 36%. Look for a good recruiter or temp agency and register with them. Even though they work for the employer, meaning they are paid once they make a placement, treat the relationship as if they work for you. A good recruiter – and there are many out there – wants to please you as much as the company that hired them. They know that you will be in a job search again one day and they’d like you to come back. In addition, your good experience is worth a great deal to them in referrals. If you are working with a recruiter who insists on sending you out on interviews that don’t even come close to your skill set, or if they haven’t arranged an interview for you at all in a month, move on.

Job Fairs can be another good source of leads and networking opportunities. Just remember that job fairs are part PR and part recruitment. Organizations may have a booth there simply because they want to maintain their presence in the community or they are gathering resumes for a future need. Regardless, job fairs can provide you the opportunity to meet with hiring managers or HR staff, so dress for an interview. Take copies of your resume on good paper and be prepared. Know what companies will be there and who you want to talk to. Don’t waste your time going to a job fair that has no employers from your chosen industry or profession.

It’s Still About Relationships

Your best odds at finding your next great opportunity is face-to-face – yes, networking. Now before you panic, networking doesn’t have to mean going to nameless, faceless events where everyone does the business card exchange, eats bad food and makes meaningless, trivial chit-chat. Start close to home – the truth is, those closest to us often don’t have a clue what we do for a living. Make sure your family members, your neighbors, those you interact with in your community, know what kind of work you are looking for and how they can help you. People are amazingly helpful – they just have to be given enough information to help. Everyone you talk to could be the link to that key connection that will ultimately lead to a job opening. Remember, it’s not just who you know – it’s who they know. Making those connections is viral, if you treat it as such.

Find out what professional organizations support your industry and join them. Attend the meetings regularly – when companies are hiring or recruiters are looking for talent, that’s where they go. This is an excellent way to find out what the job market looks like for your field, to gather data and make connections.

Electronic networking services, such as Linkedin and Facebook, are a great compliment to human networking. Following each networking event, send invitations to people you met and want to connect with. Make use of these relationships when researching a company or applying for positions. Ask for referrals to individuals who may be able to pass your resume through to hiring managers. Just remember, electronic networking is no substitute for the real thing.

Most important, once you land your next job, don’t let those connections fade away. The worst time to build a network is when you desperately need one. Stay in touch, form mutually beneficial relationships and always remember to pay it forward. You will find a ready, able and supportive community the next time you need one.

About the Author

Pattie Vargas, co-founder of the San Diego-based career transition services organization NextWork™, a division of The Vargas Group, utilizes her vast experience in the executive/management/team development industry to help individuals identify their personal strengths and gain clarity on how to achieve career fulfillment and effective results. She is the author of Extreme Project Manager Makeover, practical tips for technical managers. For more information, call (760) 420-8444 or visit www.nextworkservices.com.