What’s the problem with this “apply only” strategy (also known as spray and pray)? It puts too much power into other people’s hands. Job seekers who seize control of their searches have a much better chance of landing opportunities than those who spend all of their time looking for open opportunities and applying.

Lisa Rangel is managing director of Chameleon Resumes, contributor to Michelle A. Riklan and David Riklan’s, 101 Great Ways to Enhance Your Career, and author of the ebook, The Do-It-Yourself Branded Resume Kit. As a search firm recruitment leader for over 13 years who partnered with Fortune 500 and boutique firms to source top talent, she sat on the proverbial other side of the desk, hiring people to fill client’s positions. She advises job seekers to take steps to ensure it is easy to find them for the jobs they want. Posting an ad to recruit for an open position is one of the last tactics a recruiter wants to use, Rangel says. Once a position is available online, many recruiters receive a plethora of ill-qualified applicants.

Rangel advises candidates to distinguish themselves from the rest of the applicant pool using these techniques:

Update your LinkedIn headline.

Stay active and update your status via social media sites.

Think about search terms employers will use to find you.

The more friends, the better.

Go where people in your field are.

Be generous; give to get.

Read all the details and “how to do its” at my U.S. News & World Report article.

photo by Marie A.-C.

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