A frustrated job seeker recently wrote me asking for help. She had been writing resumes and cover letters and searching all of the online databases of jobs locally. She asked for help and assistance on her strategy and use of her time. Below is my response to her…

Frustration is part of the process. It is best to accept it, know that is going to be part of the process and focus on how you can separate yourself from the rest of the pack. This requires discipline and self-confidence - traits we often struggle with all the time.

Here are two standards used when job searching. It will take one month for each $10k in salary you want to make. Also, it will take you working a full-work week (40 hours) for 3 solid months to land the job that you want.

Studies indicate that about 80% of all jobs are NEVER advertised whether it is online, print, TV, etc. The way to uncover these jobs is through personal networking - your contacts. Additionally, although online job boards have increased in terms of effectiveness, still no more than 10% of people get jobs through online resources.

Therefore, let’s say you have 10 hours to spend each week on your job search. If you know that 80% of jobs come through networking, then it would be reasonable to spend about 8 of the 10 hours networking with people you know. There are many ways to do this - informational interviews, letting people know you are looking, volunteering for non-profit organizations, etc. If you want some suggestions read two books - Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi and Dig Your Well Before You are Thirsty by Harvey McKay.

I would spend 1 of the 10 hours online searching. In fact, the job boards now, make it so easy to search, that it really should not require a lot of time. In fact, once you register and visit it for about 5-10 minutes daily, then you should know what is out there. MyHomeTownJobs.com and Roanoke.com are good resources locally.

The more specific you can be in your job search the better. What I mean by that is if you can tell me the location, industry and specific companies you are targeting the easier it is for me and others to help you.

The other hour I would spend connecting with all employment and staffing agencies, headhunters, HR directors, etc. These people hold information on multiple positions and it is a wise use of time to build relationships with these people throughout your life.