Techniques for Job Searching That Don’t Work
When you’ve made a major blunder in your job application, you’ll usually be able to tell. You forget to include your curriculum vitae. You’ve sent the wrong version. You address the resume cover letter to Mr. Chris Smith, only to discover that Chris might be a girl. However, there are times when you have no idea that you may believe you are doing everything correctly. Actually, there are a few tried-and-true job search techniques that applicants use repeatedly because they believe they work. In fact, these very approaches could be impeding your ability to land that great interview. Here are four common blunders to avoid and much more successful methods to try instead to ensure you have the best chances of landing your dream job.
1. Filling out as many job applications as possible.
People frequently believe that finding a job is a numbers game. Isn’t it true that the more resumes you send out, the more likely it is that someone will contact you? Actually, no. Because applying for hundreds of jobs requires so much time, you’re probably not taking the time to thoroughly research the company and position, customize each request appropriately, and follow up with recent employees who may be able to provide you with insider information.
Similarly, applicants may believe that applying to a large number of positions at the same company increases their chances of being called back for one of these positions. In fact, this sends one of three messages: that you’re not sure what you want, that you’re desperate and will take anything, or that you don’t have a firm grasp on what each job requires. In any case, this isn’t a good thing.
What can be done about it? Rather than quantity, focus on quality. Rather than applying to every semi-important job within a 70-mile radius, start your search by compiling a short list of potential employers and learning everything you can about them. When they have openings that match your skill set, take the time to carefully craft your application, modifying your CV bullets to show how your experience aligns, writing a tailored cover letter, and asking your new connections for advice on how to stand out. Yes, this strategy requires more time and effort than repeatedly submitting the same CV, but your chances of landing a job interview will be significantly higher.
2. Submitting an application as soon as possible.
So you’ve narrowed down your list of companies, and one of them has just posted a position that matches your skill set perfectly. Amazing, so you churn out everything as quickly as possible and hit send, hoping to be the first request the hiring manager sees. Not only will you show how enthusiastic you are about the job, but the team will most likely like your application so much that they will not need to interview anyone else. Breaking news: This almost never works in your favor.
What can be done about it? Give it a few days.
9 times out of 10, managers must discard applications received within the first hour of posting a position because they are incomplete. When you’re focused on speed above all else, it’s easy to lose track of details like getting names right, counting additional components, and so on. It’s much better to give yourself a day or two to compose, edit, and change your elements, double-check that you’ve covered everything, and have someone else review them. Also, if you get advice from a recent employee, you’ll get a total reward. Every time, a fantastic application will be far superior to one that isn’t quite there but is timely.
3. Sending Your CV to People Who Haven’t Requested It
Let’s go back to all of the people who work at your dream companies for a moment. Meeting them and getting on their radar: excellent. Inquiring about their suggestions for doing the job there: This is also fantastic. Unsolicitedly sending them your CV with a note that says, Here’s my CV, please let me know if you know of anything I’d be a good fit for! This is a terrible idea! Sure, you might get hired in a few cases, but that’s usually only if the company is hiring for a position that matches your exact skills. However, this move could also be interpreted as you asking your good new contact, who has previously been helpful in speaking with you about the organization, to do the legwork for you by reviewing your CV, checking to see if any open positions are a good fit, and forwarding your information along.
How do you fix this? Apply normally, then notify your contact.
Yes, you can and should seek advice from your contact before applying. Then, if he or she offers to pass your resume or a recommendation along as part of the action, that’s fantastic. However, do not make this assumption. Consider the suggestions you’ve uncovered, and then put in the hard work, just like any other applicant. Examine a company’s job postings, find your ideal position, and then submit an application that includes all of the required components.