Applying for a Job

While networking is still the most effective job search technique, many job seekers will apply to jobs they see listed on company websites or on job boards. For folks who have applied online, many will say it is a frustrating experience as you never know if anyone ever looked at your resume. And for most people, the answer is no. So how can you avoid your resume from ending up in the online application black hole? A personal touch is needed.

1. Call Human Resources: Call the main information line and ask to speak with the recruiter who is in charge of your posting. Most likely you will get a voicemail – so use it to your advantage and get the name of the recruiter. Hang up and call back in 15 minutes but ask for the recruiter by name as if he/she should be expecting your call.
2. Use a Personal Touch: Nothing is worse than seeing a cover letter addressed to “To Whom it May Concern:”, with that beginning on a letter, not too many people are going to be concerned about you. Why not write your correspondence to the director of the department in which you are applying. This information is often found on a website, through networking contacts, or calling the company’s main phone number and asking, “Who is the Director of the Small Cap Investment Division? And how do I spell that? Thank you!” Many recruiters will look over applications that include the boss’ name just in case that applicant really has a connection to the boss.
3. Use your Contacts: After applying to a job on a company website and trying the above methods, I recommend asking your contacts for help.
   “I just applied for the sales manager position with Tidbits, Inc. and was hoping to speak with someone who works there in order to get a better feel for the position and company. Can of recommend someone who works, or used to work, for Tidbits who I could contact?”
4. Make a New Friend: Still no luck in finding an “in” with a company, why not look at the alumni directory or the directory of your professional association to find someone working at your target company. Use a standard networking letter to show your connection to the person, state your purpose for contacting him/her, and propose a follow-up action. You can learn quite a bit about the company (good for interviewing) and who knows, maybe the contact will put in a good word for you with the boss!

The basic idea is that applying online or mailing in your resume is not good enough in this economy. There are too many applicants and you need to develop an inside connection to set yourself apart from the others and insure that you do not get tossed into a resume database black hole.