Use this typically unproductive job search strategy - Hire Imaging

Use this typically unproductive job search strategy - Hire Imaging Although many organizations place advertised openings online these days, statistics repeatedly show that about one in 10 people find jobs applying directly to those postings advertised directly on employer sites or job boards. So, why should you do it? The approach Internet postings are placed by employers on their sites or through job boards. We’ll defer discussion of online job advertisements via classified newspapers / magazines, employment agencies and search firms for another time. Then, the job seeker goes online and looks for vacancies that employers publicize there. Processes vary, but normally involve downloading or pasting a resume and cover letter, or completing an online application. The problem In good times, the odds for people finding a new position this way are 1 in 10 or 10 out of 100. Not great. In tough times, the probabilities are lower. More competition. Fewer jobs. Phishing and scam artists. You know what I mean. For those who know me or read my posts, you know that I am a broken record about spending no more than 20% of your job search using this method. Many have the unrealistic notion that sitting at their computer and applying to a vast number of advertised employer openings means they were productive. But more often than not, they hear nothing. No feedback at all. Nada. Why such a dismal success rate? Employers do not post all their openings on the Internet. They often prefer to fill vacancies in-house, or by word of mouth. They often post vacancies online because they’re having trouble finding the right candidate; or they are mandated to put it out there. What I see all the time with job seekers who use this method a lot is a growing lack of self-esteem. John searched for three months using only this method. Failing to find even one that yielded a responseâ€"let alone interviewâ€"he was very down. The potential So why should you devote some time to this approach? Many organizations include career sites that function much like online job boards. They allow you to create profiles, subscribe to alerts, and respond to job openings. Job boards go beyond the big ones like CareerBuilder or Monster. Hundreds of job boards are available that serve a wide range of industries and professionals. You can find openings with employers when the job you are looking for has a common title (like Cloud Computing Specialist). The search can also be fruitful when applying in a field needing new hires. In the past, this has included technology, applied mathematics and engineering. Employer or job-board online ads can also reveal: Which companies and industries are hiring What titles are currently in use What words to use in describing your qualifications Typical job requirements and descriptions, and sometimes salary information Don’t sweat it If you answer these ads and get no response, don’t be concerned. Because of the costs, employers often respond only to those who pass the first screening. Don’t expect an overall hit rate (invitations to interview as a percentage of applications) above the 2% to 10% range. If you consistently have a hit rate above 10%, it’s a good sign that your qualifications, paperwork and target market aligned. On the other hand, if you are responding to numerous appropriate opportunities and have a hit rate below 2%, you might want to revisit your resume and with brutal honestly, as to whether your ‘re a match for what you’ve applied to.  And even if you are and hear nothing, remember the employer perspective above. Respond to online postings that are appropriate for you. But don’t focus a disproportionate amount of energy on them. Reality is that it will probably appear there are more opportunities than there really are. It’s not personal. There are often variables not always obvious. Online job ads are not your best bet. But they’re part of the dashboard. And guess what! Not long ago, my husband was in a job search for an executive software development position. His search lasted several months. He did all the right things. He networked. He did informational interviews. He landed job interviews. But in the end, his current employer posted online. He applied. Yep, it worked. Go figure. I guess the bottom line is to use all means at our disposal! Photo: yummyporky