Do you ever look at a job posting, bookmark the link, and say “I’ll get to that later?” And then when you go back, the job is gone?

It happens all the time, and I have a few thoughts… well more than a few :-). And some suggestions.

Online searches for job postings are done best when you set aside time for them. It’s not efficient (or effective), to pop on a board or a company career page just to look at postings. Instead, prepare to do this activity from start to finish. “I will spend X time looking at postings, and I will complete the application process for jobs I like in the same sitting.” This may mean that you spend an hour, and apply to 2-3 jobs, depending on how much tweaking your cover letter and resume need, and how complicated the application process is. That is way better than spending an hour reading postings; it ensures you get a few applications out, rather than having them pile up and probably losing an opportunity.

This approach is also critical to taking advantage of 3 tricks that increase the odds that your resume will get seen by a human.

  1. Be one of the first candidates to submit an application by limiting your search to the last 3 days. Recruiters report that the first applicants are most likely to get an interview because it demonstrates enthusiasm on your part.
  2. When you are organized in your search, rather than randomly hopping on a job board when you have a few free minutes, you can prepare everything, and then apply late at night or early in the morning. Recruiters check their email for applications first thing in the morning.
  3. Ask an inside connection to share your resume with the hiring manager. Assuming you are well-qualified, being one of the first applicants and getting an inside referral will almost always get you an interview.
BONUS tips:
  1. Check LinkedIn and see if you can figure out who the hiring manager is. Now that people are going back to the office, send them a hard copy of your resume and cover letter with a post-it saying, “Hi Sarah, I’ve applied for this role online, and just wanted to make sure my application doesn’t get lost in cyberspace. I’d love to chat about how I could help you in this role!” Include your phone #.
  2. Tailor your resume by putting the exact job title underneath your name, e.g.:
    SARAH BAKER ANDRUS
    Project Manager
  3. Copy the whole job posting and save it in a document with the title and company. That way you’ll be sure to have it if you get the interview!

I hope these strategies help! Remember, I’m just an email away if you have any questions, or you’d like to discuss your specific situation!

Cheers to your career!

Ever wonder how to land the job of your dreams?
Find out how with 10 Habits of Successful Job Candidates!