The black hole of the resume

I think everyone has experienced the dreaded resume black hole at one time or another. This is when you send dozens of apps and hear absolutely nothing. It’s like your resume goes into the same vortex as mismatched socks and groovy one-hit bands. This is extremely frustrating, so how can you prevent this from happening?

Large job boards don’t work well

The reason big job boards don’t work very well is because you and a thousand other people are applying for the same job. A lot of those people aren’t even qualified for the job, they just apply anyway using the shotgun approach.

Because we’re dealing with such large numbers, the chances of the hiring manager finding your resume in a pile that size are pretty slim, especially if your resume isn’t top-notch.

However, if you search for openings on smaller, local, or niche job boards, your resume may only compete with 50-100 applicants. So you could be 10 TIMES more likely to get an interview simply because the applicant pool is shrinking.

Get on LinkedIn and get going

80% of jobs are filled through networking. Let me say it again. Of all open positions, even those seen on the big job boards, 80% are filled through networking. What does that mean? It means you need to start meeting people, talking to people you know about the company they work for. Then go to the websites of the companies that employ your friends and search for job openings. Don’t call your friend and ask for a reference. Just call and mention conversationally that you saw a position at the company he works for and ask for his opinion on working there. Showing interest and asking questions creates an open dialogue because most people don’t mind talking about their work at all. Only after some friendly banter should you offer a reference. Just be aware that they will have to risk their reputation to do this for you, so be nice if they are hesitant because they may reconsider.

You’re probably wondering “so all the jobs posted on the big job boards are just a waste of time?”. Not exactly, here’s how it usually works: You see a job posting on a big job board, you say “hey, my friend Dave works for that company”. She applies for the job, but she also calls his friend Dave of his and he’ll alert the hiring manager to get her resume, and viola! This is how 80% of jobs are filled through networking. The function of the job board is, above all, to advertise the job. The rest is up to you!

If looking for a job is a battle, then your resume is your sword. Don’t go into battle with a boring, rusty old resume. Consider having your resume professionally written to help you stand out from the crowd.