USING THE INTERNET IN YOUR JOB SEARCH
The internet is a powerful tool, chock full of useful information but you must understand what you can expect from it. Sitting home in your pajamas applying to jobs on-line is not likely to yield the results you want. Studies indicate that approximately 4-6% of new hires come from job boards. The percentage is higher for company websites, but it is still under 25%. If you dedicate 90% of your time to an effort with such a low rate of return, you will be missing opportunities. While the internet is a great tool, you must use it in conjunction with every other resource available to you in order to be effective.
To help you assess which websites are the best ones to use to meet your specific objectives, consider:
- the number and kinds of jobs posted on the site;
- the primary salary levels of the posted jobs;
- the cost of using the site;
- the availability of other job search information, such as interview preparation, negotiating tips, etc;
- how easy the site is to navigate, how well it is maintained and how often it is updated.
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If you see a job in which you have an interest, follow the application instructions. But don’t stop there. Is it possible that you know someone who knows someone who works at the organization to which you have applied? Is there someone in your network that may be able to help? Do not assume that because you discussed your career goals with them earlier they will automatically think of you. Use this as an opportunity to reconnect with your contact and remind them you are actively looking. Contact that person and say something like:
“John, I wanted to let you know that I applied for a position at XYZ corporation advertised on hotjobs. I remembered that they were a client of yours. Could I ask you to mention my name to your contact?” Or “Do you know anyone at XYZ that I could follow up with?”
Let’s assume you do not know anyone with a connection to the employer. Call the organization’s general number and ask for the proper spelling of the head of human resources department or the general counsel. Do not ask to speak with that person. It will be obvious that it is a solicitation of some sort. Make two phone calls. That way, when you call back later in the day and ask for Mary Jones, your call will be less suspect and you will have a greater chance of getting through. Follow up directly with that person to ensure that your resume has been received and ask if there is any additional information you can supply. Always take the “how can I be helpful to you” approach rather than the “why haven’t you called me in for an interview yet?” approach. |
TIP: If you choose to post your resume in a searchable database, make sure there is a confidentiality feature so that your contact information will not be distributed until you agree to release it to a specific employer. Also, make sure those resumes are dated so you can confirm a resume is the most current version. |
