It's a numbers game. Right?

When I started my job search I followed a few different paths. One, dive into the online world and apply for jobs on Indeed, CareerBuilder, and some niche boards. Two, reconnect with folks in the alarm industry to see what opportunities were out there. And three, reach out to trusted connections in Des Moines.

So what have the results been so far? Interesting to say the least. Here is a look inside the numbers...

49 6 4 2 0

At first glance it looks like a sales funnel - almost is. But the first and last numbers tell the biggest story. I have applied online to 49 jobs. Some of the jobs I was very qualified for and some were a stretch. But 0 is the number of interviews I got from the 49 applied jobs.

ZERO.

I may not have the greatest resume of all time, but it is still very good. It is certainly more than good enough to deserve a follow-up from 10-15 of these jobs. Another blog for another day is to look at how the online job application system is broken. Companies have cast their nets too wide, get too many applicants, and end up promoting from within, or...see below...

That leaves me with 6, 4, and 2. I have had 6 initial interviews, 4 second interviews, and 2 companies have contacted me directly with offers. (I didn't call them, they called me) How did I get these interviews when I was 0 for 49 in the online game?

Connections. A personal referral beats an online application every time. (see 0 for 49 above)

Each of these referrals came in different ways too. A friend referred me to a well known recruiter who referred me to a hiring company. I went to lunch with another friend to debrief on my recent job loss, and he referred me to a company that was looking for a guy like me - and he called them to make the connection. I had been trying unsuccessfully to get into a large local insurance company. The HR person was too busy or too disinterested in me to push me through. I reached out to a friend that works there, and he walked my resume over to a VP and said, "you need to interview this guy", and they did. Twice.

It is not a numbers game. It is a connections game.

The other connections and referrals came from folks that I have worked with in the alarm industry. Nothing speaks louder than than your work. I have been blessed to lead the Iowa Alarm Association and make great friends and connections during my three years as president. When people get a chance to see you work on lead first hand, they won't ask to see your resume. They will call and ask you to join them.

Never pass up an opportunity to connect. Job search aside, connecting with people and hopefully making a difference in their day is what it is all about.