March 1, 2009
by Keith Upchurch, The Herald-Sun

DURHAM — Even in the Internet age, face-to-face networking is by far the most effective way to land a job, according to an official with the N.C. Employment Security Commission.

"The best way even now to find employment is through networking — making connections, person to person," said James S. Korth, programs coordinator with the state jobs agency. "And not just asking people to get you a job, but doing informational interviews where you talk to people about fields, and see what they know is available. Statistics continuously show that human contact, one to one, is the best way to find a job."

Korth made his comments this week in an interview prior to a talk at Shepherd's House United Methodist Church about jobs for ex-offenders.

He said studies show that about one of every 12 "informational interviews" results in a job offer. But when only a resume is submitted, job offers drop to about one of 200 or less.

Korth said the biggest mistake job seekers make is relying solely on posted job openings.

"Most people just look on the Internet or look in the newspaper when that probably represents about 7 to 10 percent of the jobs that are out there," Korth said. "So, for every job you see advertised, there's most likely several more jobs that are open."

Another mistake job seekers make is not having a focused resume, Korth said.

"Make sure that your resume is focused for the specific job that you are applying for," he said. "Make sure that the objective statement shows what you can bring to that employer, and that you understand that his bottom line is making money and providing customer service."

Korth said a good resume should have an attention-getting statement of your goal.

"And when employers see that from an applicant," he said, "they know that he gets it, that he knows what it's all about."