Why You Can't Just Apply to Jobs Online
In today's episode, you’ll learn why you can’t just apply to jobs online if you want to have a productive job search. Hear important tips about how to invest your time wisely during a job search and more effective ways to find your next job.
Episode Highlights:
Many people think the best way to find a job is to apply to jobs online. This makes your job search harder!
Applying for jobs online feels productive, but really you're checking a box and not being strategic.
Applying to jobs on job boards can be one of the least productive things for job seekers to do.
Make sure you are investing your time wisely.
Preferably you have a list of target employers where you know you want to work. This will make it easier for you to customize your application.
Focused targeting allows you to pay closer attention to what specific companies are looking for.
Tweaking your resume will take less time when you're focusing on specific targets.
Apply with tailored materials that will fully support your candidacy for the role you're applying for.
Applications are stored in application tracking systems. If you don't use the right keywords in your resume, no one will ever see it.
Application tracking systems pre-qualify candidates.
Most of the time you'll find the right keywords in the job description itself.
The most important keywords are the job title and location.
Most employees prefer local candidates.
The higher up you get in an organization, the more likely they are to be open to relocation.
The best way to start this process is with some specific employers in mind.
Employers tend to really appreciate internal referrals.
Take a quick look at your LinkedIn network and see if anyone within your connections works there or knows someone who works there.
The "spray and pray" approach is one of the worst approaches to job searches.
There are many places where you don't have to apply for a specific job in order to post your resume.
Many job seekers think it's a numbers game, but that's not the best strategy.
Job boards can be useful for research.
Look at how many jobs your target employer posts each week and do some tracking.
You can get creative to find the information for the hiring manager.
Once you do get a name you can try sending them an email to share your enthusiasm and qualifications for the role.
If you are currently unemployed, spend an hour a day applying to jobs online. Spend the rest of your time networking.
Employers love to be followed on social media.
40% of jobs are filled by employee referrals.
Do some offensive Googling. Google your name every week. This allows you to see what employers find when they search for your name.
3 Key Points:
Applying for jobs online is much less productive than many people think.
Try to connect with a contact or an employee referral whenever you find a job that you are really interested in.
Spend most of your time networking during your job search.
Tweetable Quotes
“One of the biggest mistakes I see is spending too much time on the computer clicking that apply button.” – Sheila Boysen-Rotelli
“It is important to customize your resume and cover letter for each job application." – Sheila Boysen-Rotelli
“Having a friend or an acquaintance that works at a target employer can often be the fast track to a new job." – Sheila Boysen-Rotelli
“There's a lot of information you can collect when you look at a job board.” – Sheila Boysen-Rotelli
“Try to make a personal connection with someone outside of just applying to jobs every single day.” – Sheila Boysen-Rotelli
Resources Mentioned:
Claim your free six-step job search success workbook here