by Marilyn Albert
We have talked about a lot about resources for the job seeker. Today, we are going to talk about how to actually conduct and online job search. Based on years of creating and managing online systems as well as consulting with employers that use online systems, here are the key elements of how they work. There are four factors in an online job search: The Players, the Hidden Rules, The Dark Hole; and, Human Management.
The Players
For every online system there are three separate players—each hoping for find each other.
1) The database managers of the system who make sure “real” jobs are being posted by “real” employers
2) The employers who follow-through with their postings
3) Candidates that hit the mark each time they submit their applications
The Hidden Rules
A successful online job search is not which database you use, but understanding how to conduct an online search. For the most part, people believe once they have entered their information, they are one click away from a job. The promise of an easy online job search is a huge myth. For an online job search to work keep your eye on the prize.
1) Focus: Highlight precise words and phrases for each job you apply for
2) Connect: Make sure those words and phrases appear on your resume
3) Restructure: Match your experience and keywords for each position you are applying for on your resume
The Dark Hole
1) Employers constantly scan their websites for resumes with keywords
2) Recruiters physically read resumes and refer only a few to hiring managers
3) Electronically scanned resume receive a percentage score (93% or 85% of a match). The more “matches” the higher the score.
Human Management
Make your electronic information work for you. The online system is there to store your data not get you the job. To make sure the system is working for you each time you apply for a job, do the following:
1) Take your cue from job descriptions. If resumes are being electronically screened then only words that appear in both the job description and resume garner results. If resumes are being read by a person, the person screening the resumes may not be a part of the decision-making team so may not read between the lines--they will only look for specific words.
2) Match your profile with each job you apply for online. Rewrite portions of your resume to match job descriptions. Use full words, not abbreviations. The computer scans will only read full words. A screener may not know what an abbreviation means.
3) Create a “header” of Interest Fields or Competencies. This section can be the most flexible and easiest to change per job description, rather than rewriting an entire resume. Some electronic systems will only screen the “interest” area.
4) Print hardcopies. An active and productive job search needs to be tracked carefully. Print all application materials and resumes for each job you apply for easy reference. Keep them in a table top file next to your computer. Print out all jobs you are interested in applying for, place them at the front of your file. As you apply attach application materials and file alphabetically. Customize your job search system so you can find things and keep track of any contacts or hits you get.
We have talked about a lot about resources for the job seeker. Today, we are going to talk about how to actually conduct and online job search. Based on years of creating and managing online systems as well as consulting with employers that use online systems, here are the key elements of how they work. There are four factors in an online job search: The Players, the Hidden Rules, The Dark Hole; and, Human Management.
The Players
For every online system there are three separate players—each hoping for find each other.
1) The database managers of the system who make sure “real” jobs are being posted by “real” employers
2) The employers who follow-through with their postings
3) Candidates that hit the mark each time they submit their applications
The Hidden Rules
A successful online job search is not which database you use, but understanding how to conduct an online search. For the most part, people believe once they have entered their information, they are one click away from a job. The promise of an easy online job search is a huge myth. For an online job search to work keep your eye on the prize.
1) Focus: Highlight precise words and phrases for each job you apply for
2) Connect: Make sure those words and phrases appear on your resume
3) Restructure: Match your experience and keywords for each position you are applying for on your resume
The Dark Hole
1) Employers constantly scan their websites for resumes with keywords
2) Recruiters physically read resumes and refer only a few to hiring managers
3) Electronically scanned resume receive a percentage score (93% or 85% of a match). The more “matches” the higher the score.
Human Management
Make your electronic information work for you. The online system is there to store your data not get you the job. To make sure the system is working for you each time you apply for a job, do the following:
1) Take your cue from job descriptions. If resumes are being electronically screened then only words that appear in both the job description and resume garner results. If resumes are being read by a person, the person screening the resumes may not be a part of the decision-making team so may not read between the lines--they will only look for specific words.
2) Match your profile with each job you apply for online. Rewrite portions of your resume to match job descriptions. Use full words, not abbreviations. The computer scans will only read full words. A screener may not know what an abbreviation means.
3) Create a “header” of Interest Fields or Competencies. This section can be the most flexible and easiest to change per job description, rather than rewriting an entire resume. Some electronic systems will only screen the “interest” area.
4) Print hardcopies. An active and productive job search needs to be tracked carefully. Print all application materials and resumes for each job you apply for easy reference. Keep them in a table top file next to your computer. Print out all jobs you are interested in applying for, place them at the front of your file. As you apply attach application materials and file alphabetically. Customize your job search system so you can find things and keep track of any contacts or hits you get.
