Thursday, August 23, 2012


INCREASING YOUR EFFECTIVENESS WHEN APPLYING ONLINE

Do you get frustrated from spending a lot of time applying online with little to show for results? This is quite common and happens to even the most qualified applicants. Because it is so easy and non-threatening to apply online, many people do it. Some do it indiscriminately, applying for as many jobs as they can and including those for which they are only remotely qualified. This has led to some cases in which recruiters receive hundreds of resumes for one job opening, leading to their frustration with the difficulty of identifying the top candidates.

This is the primary reason why we recommend spending no more than 30% of your job hunt time be used on applying on-line. Truly effective job hunts tend to rely more on networking, recruiter relationship management, and other time-intensive strategies. So often who you know is still very important.

However, here are a few tips that can help you to be more effective when you're applying online:

1) Target only those jobs for which your qualifications are an excellent match for the requirements. In today's job market, employers can get exactly what they are seeking. Applying for jobs outside of this guiding principle is a waste of time.

2) Try to identify an inside connection for highest-priority jobs using LinkedIn, Facebook, professional associations, your expanding network, etc.

3) Attend job fairs that feature employers to whom you have applied. Making a good in-person impression will encourage recruiters to bring up your online application and resume.

4) Be sure to customize each cover letter you send out with your resume, succinctly addressing why you are a perfect fit based on your research of the company and what you know of the job.

In summary, job hunting remains a time-intensive, complex activity. As with most things in life, the easy way is usually not the best way. Use your time wisely.

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