This is a guest post by Sherri Wilson, market researcher and wife of CardboardResume employee Dan Wilson.
Recently the Austin American-Statesman had an article on Eric Jacobsen who has put up a billboard to advertise his job search and his website eric4hire.com
I give Jacobsen credit for his initiative. Getting the news out that you are looking for a job is an important step in getting your network involved in helping you in your job search. Jacobsen did a masterful job of public relations and I’m hopeful that he will be successful in finding a job through the billboard. The coverage from the press from his billboard has been featured in the Austin American Statesman and the Austin Business Journal and on TV news (KXAN, Fox 7, and KVUE). No doubt people who read the articles or see the stories on TV will be encouraged to visit his website.
However, I cannot believe a billboard would be more effective than a targeted networking effort using email and personal connections of people in his network about open positions at their companies or that they may know about.
Here’s why:
A billboard on a roadway is a poor idea, especially if it just has a website and a photo because that expects people who are driving to either, a) write down the website or, b) enter it into their phone. People should not be encouraged to do either one while driving a car, it is dangerous and I do not need to explain why. (Note: a billboard in a high pedestrian area or on public transportation would be safer.) c) remember the website address after they finish their drive.
Now, let’s assume that someone does remember they saw the billboard on their drive to work or on their drive home. Then they have to take the initiative to look up the website, that is, if they are not distracted at work by their boss or at home by their cat hacking up a furball. If they are not distracted, they have to take the initiative to pass on the website to someone or contact Jacobsen themselves. That is a lot of action expected of someone who does not know Jacobsen.
It’s the same story if someone reads about the billboard on statesman.com—there is too much initiative expected on the part of the reader.
Using your network gets you into the interview, using a targeted and methodical approach to your job search is a better use of your time and money than aimlessly applying for jobs online or hoping someone sees your billboard.
I would suggest that CardboardResume.com offers a better—and more affordable—approach to searching for a job. The philosophy is built on the fact that 70% to 80% of jobs are found through other people, not through job postings, PR campaigns, or billboards. People you know will find you your next job.
One more thing I want to say about Jacobsen’s story: his story of being laid off is compelling and is a perfect example of what is said in The Market for Me “a corporation hires without joy, and fires without remorse.”
