 Yes, you will have to submit your resume for jobs you see posted. It will fall into a terrible black hole, but you know that, so you will follow up persistently!
Here are some tips on how you can do this better:
1) Apply if you meet 50% or more of the stated requirements.
Many job seekers look at job postings and self-eliminate themselves. You have to remember that some, not all, employers really are not sure what they are looking for. They may be thinking, if we get something close to what we are looking for, it'll work. Or they may be thinking, I'll know the right candidate when I meet 'em. You do not know which requirements are most important to the employer, therefore, you don't know which they may be willing to overlook or compromise on. Of course, the closer you are to having what they want, the better. It is critical to remember that more skills/experience/talent, is not better, it is EXPENSIVE. So don't overdo how you represent yourself. Here's a question, what makes you think you would be happy performing a job that only requires 1-3 or 3-5 years experience anyway? That job is way below the skill level of the experienced professional. It is entry level. You see more of these jobs usually because the employer knows there are more candidates out there. The good jobs, 5+ years experience, are usually filled from within the company or through word of mouth The more jobs you apply to, the greater your odds are of being a candidate...it's like playing the lottery, you can't win if you don't buy a ticket!
2) Use meta-search engines and niche websites
Try www.indeed.com, www.simplyhired.com and www.jobcentral.com. These are like Google for job posting boards. Each of these websites search hundreds of job posting boards each. If you find more jobs, you can apply for more jobs. Companies have logic or maybe strategies they use to determine where they will post their openings. It might be based on the type of job they are trying to fill, it may be based on the type of candidate they hope to recruit. Also use niche job posting boards. If you are looking for a position in a college or university, try www.higheredjobs.com. There are over 40,000 job posting boards according to Peter Weddle's website. You don't know about many of them, but ask around, you will soon know more than you want to. Of course you will definitely want to regularly check target company websites too.
"Use time wisely, you should really be applying for jobs on-line early in the morning or late at night when you can't be networking or calling people at work."
- Hannah Morgan |
3) Use more than one method to apply
With a little investigation, you can find the mailing address to almost every job you apply to. Why not send them a hard copy via the good old USPS. Remember, you don't know the preferences of the people or person receiving resumes. Might it be easier for them to review hard-copy than opening and reviewing email? If you have sent your resume and cover letter both ways, you've increased your odds.
4) Blind ads are real
Just because a posting doesn't list the company's name, doesn't mean it is bogus. It just means the company doesn't want to list its name. Unless you are employed, there's no risk, danger, or problem with applying for these jobs. No, you can't follow-up, but, oh well.
5) www.craigslist.com
Several years ago, craigslist wasn’t on the radars of many people for job search. Today, many people have been hired using it. Remember, it may not have been the only way they heard about the job. It is a nice option for the employer because it is free.
Use all methods available to engage in a successful job search - Networking, Recruiters, Direct Contact. Using on-line boards is passive, feels safe, but isn't all there is. Use time wisely, you should really be applying for jobs on-line early in the morning or late at night when you can't be networking or calling people at work. Get out of your house!
About Hannah Morgan
Currently I serve as the Training Specialist at RochesterWorks! My background includes over 10 years of experience assisting professionals as they transition into new jobs. My expertise is in understanding current career management methodologies as well as the labor market. My passion is assisting professionals to proactively seek career opportunities; providing them with information about interviewing that will allow them to interview more confidently and effectively as well as guiding them in the process of writing a resume that reflects their true talents. I deliver this information in a compassionate, no-nonsense style.
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