A survey of 15 professionals found that word of mouth was the most popular source for finding a new job, with 53% of respondents finding their job through personal or professional connections. The survey had an even distribution of respondents by experience level and location. It also found that the time taken to close on a job opportunity was evenly distributed. The survey was conducted through LinkedIn and Facebook to the author's network of around 600 people.

1. JOB SEARCH SURVEY RESULTS
SREERAM KISHORE CHAVALI
OVERVIEW
This is a quick report of survey results from a survey during April 2013 for a small set of participants to understand
popular sources for finding a new job. While SocialMedia and Portals are big influencers, this data shows that
professionals still find Word of Mouth as a key channel for finding suitable opportunities.
DETAILS OF SURVEY
I created the survey using Excel WebApp. I was curious on how this works and it was pretty simple to create the
form and distribute link to collect data.
Following was the survey used to collect data

2. RESPONSE RATE
Survey link was distributed through LinkedIn and Facebook to get responses. Response count is 15. Response rate
seems reasonable because I posted to this ~ 600 people on my network and assuming 10% of them may have
changed a job in last one year, the response rate will be ~25%.
While this sample is small compared to data you can collect by distributing to a larger audience, the data set is
reliable as this was completed by professionals in my network.
KEY TAKEAWAY
Job search by Word of Mouth is more popular irrespective of experience or location. Don't just rely on other
forums and keep your network active.
Disclaimer: This is not a broad claim and is limited to data collected using this survey.
ANALYSIS
DISTRIBUTION BY SOURCE:

3. 53% of respondents found job through Word of Mouth (Personal/Professional)
DISTRIBUTION OF TIME TO CLOSE
Time taken to close on an opportunity seems to be distributed evenly.
DISTRIBUTION OF RESPONDENTS
Distribution of people who responded to survey had even distribution of experience as well as location. So there is
no bias to data.

4. NOTES
Thanks to everyone who participated in the survey. If you want access to data collected, please contact me.