Job Search I Applied to Hundreds of Positions...Now What - Hallie Crawford

Job Search I Applied to Hundreds of Positions...Now What During a job search, have you ever thought or said these words, “I applied to hundreds of positions… now what?” Applying to positions online can be an endless, busy task, which can give the illusion that you are accomplishing a lot, when in reality, you’re not! An online job search should be just one small part of your search process. When applying online, your resume goes into cyberspace, in essence a black hole, and you have no idea what’s going on at the other end (that is, if your resume has reached one.) To prevent losing yourself and your resume to the black hole, you need to take charge of your job search by adding these key components :  Apply keywords to your resume Before applying, make sure your resume includes keywords and phrases for the position. Check out the job description, the skills and experience they are looking for is right there. When a company uses their ATS (Applicant Tracking System) to identify potential candidates, they search their database for those same keywords and phrases. Make sure they are included in yours so your resume is flagged as an applicant.  Keep it simple Don’t get too fancy with your resume. Graphics, pictures, tables, and text boxes actually hinder rather than help as most ATS systems are unable to read them. Instead, keep your resume simple, don’t get caught up in creating something that’s too fancy.  Research Do your research! Information is available about many companies through an internet search, LinkedIn, press releases, business news, and more. The knowledge you gain by doing some research can be the ticket that gives you that added edge in the interview, or includes some key information you can use when applying, or can maybe help you understand that company’s application process. There is a wealth of information out there, so use it to your advantage.  Network, use your connections We live in a world of connections, networks, and relationships. So leveraging your connections, those you know, and the people who know those people can help close that gap to a your new job sooner rather than later. Most people want to help, so don’t be afraid to reach out to your network to uncover those “hidden” opportunities. Some communities host networking opportunities, or utilizing tools such as LinkedIn can provide a wealth of information. Keep in mind that every time you meet someone, speak with someone, since it can be used as a networking opportunity.  Gather feedback Once you have completed your resume, it’s a good idea to gather feedback. Share your resume with those you trust. If you know someone in a hiring role, or manager, even better. Those people view resumes every day, so they know what can work, and know what to look for. Use those resources to give you feedback and help fine tune your resume.  Follow up with an active approach Lastly, don’t forget to follow up. Following up on your resume shows an active approach to your job search. It signifies you are able to follow through, that you are proactive, a go getter, determined, and driven. Making this impression together with a great resume will reduce your job search and most importantly, will help you close the loop between applying and knowing where you stand in the process. Thank you to our resume expert, Jasmine Marchong, for this article and the resume tips.  Want more Job Search Tips? Watch these helpful videos Hallie has created by clicking here. Schedule a free consult with HallieCrawford.com today