Using A Hybrid Approach Works For Job Search, Too!

Employing both online and traditional methodologies, especially in these uncertain times, works best says online recruiter, WallStJobs.com.

With a large number of people feeling vulnerable in their jobs, it is wise to embrace all avenues available to increase your chances of finding a position. ìThere is a great deal of job insecurity in the marketplace right now,î said Robert Graber, founder of WallStJobs.com. ìAn informal, online survey of visitors to our site revealed that 36% of respondents felt ësomewhat insecureí about their continued employment.î The survey was eye-opening.

Visitors to the WallStJobs.com site were asked, ìHow secure do you feel in your current position?î

The results:

- 36% Somewhat insecure
- 27% Somewhat secure
- 18% I might be laid off tomorrow
- 9% I have total job security
- 10% Not sure

ìWhile this not scientific, it is still probably safe to say that our visitors, who are mostly financial service professionals are career-nervous,î noted Graber. The survey was online at WallStJobs.com from August 25th thru August 30th and had 490 respondents.

ìWith this level of angst out there, it makes sense to use a hybrid approach to any job search you might be thinking about,î counseled Graber. ìUse your laptop and your printer to make both three dimensional and online inquiries.î

Graber suggested that a hybrid job search include:

- Registering with online boards and making face to face contact with search firms and recruiters.

- Having access to your resume via your Blackberry or iPhone for email forwarding and having a personal business card to give to any interested party at anytime with your contact information.

- Joining trade groups online to keep up with developments in your field as well as ëwhoís in the newsí stories and attending their meetings with business cards and a few resumes.

- Emailing people in your network with news of interest to them and calling them from time to time to just chat or arrange a breakfast or lunch.

ìEven if you are currently employed, it makes good sense to keep yourself visible to your supervisors,î advised Graber. ìUse a hybrid approach here as well. For example, clip trade publications that have mentioned you and attach a ìFYIî note to it and mail it to your supervisor. Then follow it up with an email a few days later describing the response you may have gotten to the mention.î

ìUsing the efficacy of the internet coupled with the personal touch makes for a powerful career hybrid,î Graber said.