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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 #.
- Tailor your resume by putting the exact job title underneath your name, e.g.:
SARAH BAKER ANDRUS
Project Manager - 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!
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