The Cold Reality About Job Searches

By Marty Nemko

For most job seekers, you know that job search is on track if and only if:

Stage 1: You've identified 200 specific positions that you would accept (including positions already held by others). 100 if it's a growing field, 300 if it's retrenching.

Stage 2: You've contacted the incumbent and/or supervisor of each of those positions.

Stage 3: You've spoken with 6-10 people who work for a target employer whom you plan to contact again.

Stage 4: You're in ongoing dialogue with 6-10 potential employers.