Job Board Strategy

Traditional job search strategies will keep you in the job hunt for months and maybe even more than a year. If you need to get out of the employment line and back to work, than you must commit yourself to your job search. It takes time to navigate the hiring process in most decent organizations. If you feel powerless, take action! Don’t get stuck in your job search. I wrote about job boards in a recent post.  EmploymentBranding.com is the website I wrote about that will help you take action in your job search. This website will link you to more than 1500 job boards and will give you one stop shopping for your current job search. Jason Monastra from Lambentpath.com left this comment:

"Something like this is a quick glimpse into the endless possibilities and resources in which to learn of new opportunities. I think one of the things that we should discuss in addition to this that will help readers is the process of applying through a job board to ensure that you get success vs. being lost in the black hole of companies’ resume databases."

Jason wrote about the process of applying through a job board to ensure your success. Take a look at some highlights from his post, Job Board Application Process:

1. Look through several of the general job boards, determine which companies are hiring. Stay away from recruiting companies as they are looking for different reasons than you are.

This is excellent advice. By virtue of reviewing multiple job boards, you will have the opportunity to get beyond just looking for a potential job opportunity. You will have a pulse on who is hiring. That is invaluable knowledge for you as a job seeker.

2. When a list of companies has been determined, apply to those companies through the job board. Ensure that applications have cover letters specific to the positions themselves, as well as take down all contact information that is present on the advertisement.

3. Go to the companies website and apply through their career section.

These two recommendations by Jason are my favorite. I never thought about telling a client to apply for job opportunities through more than one channel – or access point. The Job Board becomes a tool you use to lead you to specific organizations who you know are hiring. Apply on the job board and then go and apply on the company website. If you have never considered this option, I say go for it. It is unique and creative advice.

4. Call the company directly, ask for the director or VP that oversees the particular department. Most of the time, you can determine that via the web in small and medium companies. Large companies you will need to call and ask. DO NOT call and ask who is hiring for a certain role, you will always be directed to HR.

5. Once located the manager, briefly introduce yourself and let them know your interest. Find out their direct contact info and send your resume to them as well along with the cover letter.

Again, this is a unique recommendation. Getting to what I call the "economic buyer" is critical to getting your foot in the door. Thinking outside of the box and using creative methods for getting past "gatekeepers" to decision makers is a great way to get an interview with the hiring manager.

6. Design a follow up schedule allowing for frequent yet not pestering reconnection with the manager. Determine interest, sell yourself, and move on.

This is absolutely a critical piece in your job search. If you need a tool for follow up in the midst of your job search, let me recommend another Jason in my life. Jason Alba at JibberJobber.com. JibberJobber is a personal career management tool that will help you keep your job search organized. Go check out JibberJobber. It will be well worth your investment of time.

7. Never place all your eggs in one basket, as the percentages are not in your favor to get a job even if you have an interview. Keep yourself out there and applying using the above method, getting your name and person in front of decision makers within your industry.

Stay in the game! If you get a "no" from one organization, turn around and keep looking for the open door that is waiting for you. Don’t allow yourself to quit or be discouraged. Check out my 7 Survival Skills for Jobseekers. Invest some time evaluating your strengths and your opportunities for growth. Sharpen your skills, assess, network and keep pushing yourself until you get the right job offer.

Powered by Qumana