| We do it all the time. When we're ready for a job | | | | the specific requirements the employer is posting in the |
| change we go online to search for a better job. You | | | | job. Usually, if an employer post a skill is required you |
| go to your favorite job board or employer's site, find a | | | | can bet you need that skill to be considered for the |
| job that fits you perfectly, and submit your resume and | | | | job. Make sure you are fully qualified for the position. |
| nothing happens. | | | | • Follow the resume submission instructions |
| Just a typical online job hunting experience that we're | | | | perfectly. If an employer asks you to only apply online |
| all used to. You are now in the Bermuda Triangle of | | | | through the job board or attach your resume in word |
| job hunting, sending your resume into the unknown | | | | format then do so, don't copy and paste your resume |
| digital zone that 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 contacting | | | | company |
| you for the job interview? First, it's important to | | | | • Find out if any of your friends work for the |
| understand what's happening on the employer's end. | | | | company you are applying to. You can do this by |
| Employers nowadays will receive hundreds to | | | | calling them or shooting them an e-mail. |
| thousands of resumes after posting a job in any given | | | | • Check with your local business associations |
| week. Their computers and networks are | | | | or professional organizations to see if they have a |
| overwhelmed from the entourage of resumes that are | | | | message board or forum where you post your |
| pouring into their email and HR application management | | | | questions. |
| software. | | | | • If you still come up empty handed, search |
| Some employers have the technology that can handle | | | | for the names of people in the HR department on the |
| all the resumes pouring in and those are the ones that | | | | company's website. Then try to Google them or scour |
| you will get an auto-responder message stating that | | | | the internet to find a way to contact them. |
| they have received your resume and will contact you | | | | • After you've networked to someone that |
| if they want to schedule you for a job interview. Other | | | | works for that company, send them an email |
| employers don't, their Human Resources departments | | | | explaining your desire to work there and ask them if |
| have been downsized or their budgets have been cut | | | | they can forward your resume to the department |
| so much they can't even afford a computer. | | | | hiring manager or to the HR department. |
| Does that mean you shouldn't even bother applying for | | | | In today's tough economy and competition for jobs, it's |
| the job? Of course not. There are thousands of new | | | | hard to just get an interview. To make sure your |
| jobs posted daily on job boards. To help increase your | | | | resume doesn't get lost amongst the thousands of |
| chances of success begin the "Job Application Tango." | | | | other job seeker resumes, practice the "job application |
| Here's how: | | | | tango." It takes a little more time and effort, but is sure |
| Step 1: Submit your resume properly | | | | to pay off eventually. |
| • Don't apply for jobs where you don't meet | | | | |