| We do it all the time. When we're ready for a | | | | is posting in the job. Usually, if an |
| job change we go online to search for a | | | | employer post a skill is required you can bet |
| better job. You go to your favorite job board | | | | you need that skill to be considered for the |
| or employer's site, find a job that fits you | | | | job. Make sure you are fully qualified for |
| perfectly, and submit your resume and nothing | | | | the position. |
| happens. | | | | |
| | | | • Follow the resume submission |
| Just a typical online job hunting experience | | | | instructions perfectly. If an employer asks |
| that we're all used to. You are now in the | | | | you to only apply online through the job |
| Bermuda Triangle of job hunting, sending your | | | | board or attach your resume in word format |
| resume into the unknown digital zone that | | | | then do so, don't copy and paste your resume |
| goes in and never comes back. | | | | in the body of the email. |
| | | | |
| So, what can you do to improve your odds of | | | | Step 2: Network your way into the new job and |
| receiving that next step of the employer | | | | company |
| contacting you for the job interview? First, | | | | |
| it's important to understand what's happening | | | | • Find out if any of your friends work |
| on the employer's end. Employers nowadays | | | | for the company you are applying to. You can |
| will receive hundreds to thousands of resumes | | | | do this by calling them or shooting them an |
| after posting a job in any given week. Their | | | | e-mail. |
| computers and networks are overwhelmed from | | | | |
| the entourage of resumes that are pouring | | | | • Check with your local business |
| into their email and HR application | | | | associations or professional organizations to |
| management software. | | | | see if they have a message board or forum |
| | | | where you post your questions. |
| Some employers have the technology that can | | | | |
| handle all the resumes pouring in and those | | | | • If you still come up empty handed, |
| are the ones that you will get an | | | | search for the names of people in the HR |
| auto-responder message stating that they have | | | | department on the company's website. Then try |
| received your resume and will contact you if | | | | to Google them or scour the internet to find |
| they want to schedule you for a job | | | | a way to contact them. |
| interview. Other employers don't, their Human | | | | |
| Resources departments have been downsized or | | | | • After you've networked to someone |
| their budgets have been cut so much they | | | | that works for that company, send them an |
| can't even afford a computer. | | | | email explaining your desire to work there |
| | | | and ask them if they can forward your resume |
| Does that mean you shouldn't even bother | | | | to the department hiring manager or to the HR |
| applying for the job? Of course not. There | | | | department. |
| are thousands of new jobs posted daily on job | | | | |
| boards. To help increase your chances of | | | | In today's tough economy and competition for |
| success begin the "Job Application Tango." | | | | jobs, it's hard to just get an interview. To |
| Here's how: | | | | make sure your resume doesn't get lost |
| | | | amongst the thousands of other job seeker |
| Step 1: Submit your resume properly | | | | resumes, practice the "job application |
| | | | tango." It takes a little more time and |
| • Don't apply for jobs where you don't | | | | effort, but is sure to pay off eventually. |
| meet the specific requirements the employer | | | | |