Have you been applying for jobs and have not been hearing back? I recently read something about the percentage of employers who are not replying back to job applicants…If anyone is familiar with a post along these lines, please share it, as I cannot put my hands on it now. Suffice to say that many, many job seekers never hear a word in reply to their applications.
The question is – can you apply for jobs in such a way that you don’t wind up in this predicament? Of course, there is no perfect approach, but I want to suggest something to consider – ONLY APPLY FOR JOBS YOU ARE CLEARLY QUALIFIED TO DO!
Doesn’t sound like rocket science, does it? Take a hard look at jobs you are applying for…Are there clear links between what they want and what you offer? Go through the job description. What do you offer the employer? Do you have the skills needed to solve their problems? Are there direct connections between what you have and what they want? If there are – make sure these are clearly stated in your resume. Do not expect hiring managers to decipher and interpret your resume. No one has time for that.
I was sharing this philosophy with a client who has hired many people in her career. She heartily agreed and commented, “Yes – if you are a chef and want a sales job, it’s important to convince me that you can sell!”
So, back to our topic – how to apply for jobs. First things first – only apply for jobs that you can qualify yourself to do. Don’t waste your time zapping resumes here or there, just because you can. If your application might make someone scratch his head and/or would have no chance of passing an initial computer screen, you are wasting your time and the organization’s time.
Would it be NICE to receive a “no thank you” note from every organization in reply to all applications? Of course. However, the fact that so many people are applying, apparently randomly, for jobs, makes it more difficult for that to become reality.
Read THIS POST about what one guy did when he never heard back from HR. I laughed out loud, but wouldn’t suggest this tactic to my clients. (Thanks to @heatherhuhman for sharing this link via Twitter!)
Does this mean that a chef should never apply for a sales job? Not at all…The key is to SHOW HOW you are qualified. Stay tuned for some ideas if the job of choice is a bit of a reach.
Do you need help showing that you are qualified? You need a great resume? Tips to use social networking? Interview coaching?  If you need help mobilizing your networks and your job search plans, learn more about how I can help you! While you’re at it, don’t forget those social networks! Be sure to become a fan of Keppie Careers on Facebook…I’d be thrilled to have you as part of the community! Since we’re on the subject of doing something new…Are you on Twitter? Jump on and touch base with me @keppie_careers.