Harvard researchers reveal the most common jobseeker mistake and provide tips on how to avoid it.

According to a new study by Harvard researchers, the number of job applications you submit is not the best indicator of progress in landing your next job. Instead, the true measure is the number of conversations you have.

Harvard researchers discovered that successful career transition navigators share a common skill: excelling at networking, after interviewing and studying over 1,000 workers, including corporate executives and Chipotle kitchen managers, for a decade.

Networking can aid in evaluating job prospects and preventing dissatisfaction, according to the authors.

"According to Michael B. Horn, one of the co-authors of the research, people often make the mistake of rushing to submit resumes on job boards without actually networking with individuals at the companies or in the roles they're applying for. While it may lead to an offer, the process of finding the "perfect job" online is not always the most effective approach, as it often does not result in the best fit."

The book "Job Moves," co-authored by Horn, Bernstein, and Moesta, presents the findings on job changes.

In a job market with an increasing number of ghost jobs, AI-automated candidate screenings, and ChatGPT-generated resumes, networking has become even more crucial, according to Horn.

"Employers are not very confident that online job postings accurately reflect a candidate's skills, experience, and suitability for a role, according to him. Instead of relying solely on online applications, they often rely on their existing network to find the right candidate."

A study by Paradigm, a diversity strategy and consulting firm, found that referred candidates were 4.5 times more likely to be hired compared to those who applied through job boards or recruiters.

How to make networking feel less 'awkward' — and be more effective

Networking can be uncomfortable and intimidating for many individuals, but the process can be simplified.

Jasmine Escalera, a career expert at MyPerfectResume, recommends the following approach: compile a list of open positions that pique your interest, then connect with the hiring manager, recruitment team, and a potential coworker via email or LinkedIn.

When you reach out, introduce yourself, mention that you've applied, explain how you connect with the organization's mission, and suggest a time to meet for coffee, either in person or virtually.

Having access to these contacts can give you valuable information about the company and the job, increasing your chances of being hired.

Networking doesn't always require direct contact with someone at an organization you're interested in. Sometimes, talking to individuals in a role or industry you're curious about can provide more honest insights, advises Bernstein.

One of the most intelligent inquiries you can pose in these discussions, according to Bernstein, is: "How would you persuade me to take on this job, and how would you dissuade me from it?"

What are the potential challenges and benefits of a role?

According to Bernstein, informational interviews should serve as an opportunity to determine if the role aligns with your interests and values, and if it fits your current life priorities.

If you have numerous networking conversations and don't discover any potential red flags, "you're not doing them well," he remarks. "You learn a lot about what you want in a job by figuring out what you don't want, too."