Main image of article The Case for Using “Old School” Techniques to Find a Job

A recent analysis confirms the frustrations that tech job seekers have been experiencing for months: Relying solely on technology and the Internet for job hunting usually fails.

In fact a LinkedIn user claimed that he “easy applied” to 656 jobs in 30 days, yet only three percent of those applications received human review. He concluded that “when you hit easy apply without any additional steps, you're essentially entering a lottery with terrible odds.”

“The reality is that your job search is going to take longer if applying online is all you’re doing,” explained Brian Young, owner of RockIt Careers.

Blending “old-school,” personal techniques with modern, technology-driven methods is the most effective way to find a job today.

Here’s a look at the most effective traditional job search methods and how to incorporate them into your search for a new position.

Summary

Chris Scherting landed a job as senior program lead for Integrity just three months after she was laid off last year. How did she manage to find a new job so quickly?

Instead of applying to online job postings randomly, she took a deliberate and strategic approach.

She developed a list of criteria, including her priorities and the factors that mattered to her in a new role and employer. Then after using the Internet and social media to research the market, she created a list of local companies that matched that criteria.

Intentionally avoiding postings for fully remote jobs with companies located outside the local area gave her an edge in the marketplace.

“Going local helped me eliminate competition right off the bat,” she said.

In fact, companies fed up with the low-quality, sometimes fraudulent submissions that flood applicant-tracking systems have returned to placing classified ads. Having local connections and a sense of community is making a comeback. Take advantage of the localism trend through community involvement, personalizing your outreach, and staying local.

After comparing your network of contacts against your preferred employers, reconnect with “friendlies” - former colleagues and classmates- with connections to your target companies.

“I went ‘old school’ by asking to catch-up in- person over coffee, or, if that wasn’t possible, by video chat,” Scherting said. “No one turned me down. Within a short time, I was averaging two to three networking meetings a day and had a constant flow of new contacts.”

Contacts of contacts or second-degree connections can be highly valuable. Scherting’s networking efforts uncovered one unadvertised job opening every week.

Being able to explain why you’re interested in a specific industry and company and connecting in person makes it easier for someone to give you an introduction or referral.

Once someone agrees to give you an introduction stay “old school” by sending them a thank you note that includes a short bio explaining who you are, your qualifications and why you’re a good match for the company.

Make it as easy as possible for someone to give you an introduction or referral by providing them with a polished bio that they can simply copy and paste.

Taking the extra step of mailing a hard copy cover letter and resume to a hiring manager at a company on your target list demonstrates attention to detail and initiative and helps you stand out.

One of the most underrated strategies in a job search is directly sending your resume and cover letter to the people who can hire you, even if they aren’t advertising open positions Young noted.

By bypassing the system and sending a custom letter to a key decision maker specifically explaining why you’re interested in their company and the value you can bring, you increase the chances that your resume will be seen. Ask for a chance to meet over coffee or advice for advancing your career, even if they don’t have an immediate opening. Face-to-face interaction is more productive and motivating than constant screen time.

Job interviews are a lot like exams. The best way to ace one is to study and prepare.

Type out your elevator pitch and the answers to the top five questions interviewers ask, using the S-T-A-R method for behavioral questions and industry-specific terms, then practice speaking them out loud to gain confidence and refine clarity.

Try using modern tools like recording devices or interview preparation software to get feedback on your delivery, tone and body language, but avoid over-rehearsing to maintain authenticity.

Finally, go “old school” yet again by preparing a brief leave behind that explains how you will approach the job and how you plan to make an impact during your first 30, 60 and 90 days in the role.

Presenting a strong 90-day plan at the end of an interview or attaching it to a thank you email is the best way to showcase your readiness, strategic thinking and ability to hit the ground running.

Going “old school” doesn’t mean abandoning technology entirely. It’s about finding a balance between traditional methods and modern tools.

Young suggests that a 50/50 split between online and "old school" methods is an approach that leverages the strengths of both.

I have seen a stalled job search turn around once a job seeker started integrating these classic strategies with their online efforts Young said. While technology can make the process more efficient, the human touch will always be more effective.

If you’re feeling stuck in your search, consider taking a step back from the screen and going back to basics. It might just be the fresh start you need to land your next opportunity.