In addition to submitting a resume online, there are several different avenues a prospective employee should incorporate into the job search mix.
There are several avenues prospective employees can take to find their “perfect” job. However, many still choose to rely solely on submitting resumes online, which is a mistake. Any recruiter or HR manager will tell you they don’t get to the majority of applications, due to automated processes such as applicant tracking systems and the sheer volume of resumes received. While submitting online is often a requirement, prospective employees need to think about their job search in layers. In addition to submitting a resume online, there are several different avenues a prospective employee should incorporate into the job search mix. Below are some you should pursue as you look for your ideal job:
There is no time like face time
Attending events to network and meet different contacts is an important aspect to any successful job search and one prospective employees should take seriously. Further, if you are interested in a particular company, you should make the extra effort to seek out events that are important to the company’s employee base and try to engage with those individuals that may be able to potentially serve as references for you.
College connectionsWhile fall is often the time of year people place an extra emphasis on their college ties through homecoming events and reunions, do not lose sight of the importance of those connections year round. In addition, as you hone in on a particular company, be sure to research where the executive team and/or your prospective manager went to college. A common college bond can go a long way in fostering a job-winning connection.
The company you keep
Hopefully, since you first started in the workforce, you have been building a referral base. If you haven’t, you need to. While you may not have referrals within your target company, external referrals go a long way in helping to validate your fit within a role. Depending on the position you are seeking, the types of referrals may vary — and they do not need to be from a previous manager. They can be focused on your management style (from someone who has supported you); client relations skills (from a former client) or general character/team player attributes (someone who has worked with you).