Applying to Job Postings: Small changes that can have a huge impact on your results

Have you been looking for work but haven’t received the interest that you were hoping for? The reason behind this lack of successful engagement could have nothing do with your resume or qualifications. It could be that your lack of engagement is more a reflection of how you apply to open positions. The following recommendations are based on personal observations made over the past 10 years working in the recruiting industry.

Applying to ads:

For best results you should apply to positions on a weekly basis and should apply on Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday.

• When I arrive at work on Monday I have 100 + emails. If you send your resume to an ad over the weekend you are likely to blend in with the crowd. For this reason, you should begin applying to openings mid-week. Having your resume show up as one of only a few emails will certainly improve your chances of standing out.

Explore several job boards and re-post your resume every 30 days. A few job boards worth mentioning include ZipRecruiter, Indeed, CareerBuilder, and TheLadders.

• Posting your resume regularly puts you at the top of a recruiters search results
• Having your resume on one recruiting site is not nearly enough. Give yourself more exposure by posting your resume to multiple sites.

Check your email regularly.

• Emails that mention details from your resume may have been tailored for you by an actual recruiter. It’s worth the effort of reading and replying to this type of email as there may be a real position that fits your wants/needs.
• Ignore emails that mention irrelevant positions positions like "Insurance Salesperson" when you're actually a Mechanic. These type of emails are automated and are basically SPAM.

In General:

2019 is shaping up to be a candidate’s market.

• Unemployment rates continue to be at record lows and employers are eager to find qualified employees. Always remember that prospective employers need qualified people just as much as you need a great opportunity.

Ask for what you need and be firm. 

• This goes for both financial needs and work/life balance. If you don’t ask for what you want, you will never receive it!

Don't Settle.

• Continue to search for a new opportunity until find one that fits your needs.

Give these tips a try and see if they have an impact on your results.