Old habits die hard.
Over the past 15, many of us have subscribed to the notion that the way to get noticed by employers is to post our résumé on the big job boards and wait for that phone to ring.
Often during group talks I'll ask for a show of hands of how people have historically landed jobs. Was it through networking or via the Web where the employer didn't know you?
The great majority of jobs that they, I and probably you have had have come through knowing someone.
If that's the case, why do job hunters invest so much time and faith in a system that doesn't pay off? I think I know why.
Job boards create the sense we're spending time where jobs exist. And, because it's online, we don't face the possibility of a live rejection. So we mistake activity for productivity. Don't fall into that trap.
Let's dispel a myth. Seeing a job posting on Monster, CareerBuilder or HotJobs doesn't mean a job actually exists. Companies and recruiting firms pay for a block of job postings to be utilized within a specific timeframe. Use them or lose them.
So, a search firm might run a job posting to create inventory for anticipated searches. An employer might do the same. Ever wonder why, sometimes, you apply for a job and suddenly get a call six months later? Or you are perfectly qualified and don't hear back, only to see the same ad run again? In those cases there is typically no opening.
Job boards make money mostly through postings and companies purchasing access to its résumé database. I know. For years I'd purchased access to those résumés. I'd systematically perform keyword searches to identify likely prospects for my workshops. Employers and recruiters also search by keywords to identify talent.
This means that when responding to an opening, you should tailor your résumé to match the keywords contained within the job description. But don't just dump those keywords at the top of your 'qualifications.' Instead, weave them into the body of your résumé. Most software is sophisticated enough to screen you out for simply inserting keywords in an opening paragraph.
You also need to create search agents and apply to positions which interest you. Understand you'll get plenty of insurance and other job offers by publicly posting your résumé, but that's the price of doing business.
Instead of putting your online eggs in the major job board basket, why not consider focusing your online time in three other areas?
LinkedIn is an emerging force in the job-search arena. Join groups and gain access to job postings in your geographic territory or your chosen field.
Industry-specific job boards are often a better way to go. Find those that pertain to your job function and industry.
Consider professional organizations. Members can often search their organization's online job banks.
If you're looking for a 'generic' job board, consider Indeed.com. It scrapes jobs from many sites and dumps them into one bucket for you to sift through.
Craigslist.com is another where some people have found success. Beware, though. There's a lot spam and otherwise wasteful content there.
Remember, job boards ought to be only one component of your search. Networking needs to be your primary emphasis.
Don't sink the majority of your time into the 'black hole' of major online job boards.
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