• 2-minute read •
Oftentimes you'll read a job advertisement that contains the sentence, "Due to the large volume of responses, only qualified candidates will be contacted." If you're applying for your dream job, reading this may provoke feelings of dread.
If there are hundreds of people pursuing the same position as you, how can you ensure that your resume isn't lost in the shuffle? Read on for tips to make sure your application isn't on a road to nowhere.
Tailoring Is Everything
When reading through a job listing, make a list of the pertinent requirements contained in it. If it states that Photoshop experience is a must (and you do, in fact, have Photoshop experience), make certain that is on your resume. Ditto any other requirements that the ad lists that you possess. Don't trust your cover letter to convey such details. Your resume may never make it through the 'bots if it doesn't contain the proper keywords.
Lauren Milligan, founder of ResuMayDay, a resume-writing and career services firm, advises applicants to look beyond the ad as well. "You could be dealing with a brief, generic job listing," she says. "In that case, do your research or work with a professional resume writer to make sure your resume contains keywords crucial to the position," she says.
Follow Instructions
Employers are getting more and more particular about how applicants apply for work. Heed their requests and do exactly as you're directed in an ad or on a company's Web site. If they ask for a cover letter, provide one. If they say, "No PDFs," don't send one. And if it states that you must include your salary requirements, do so.
"People make such a big deal about revealing salary history, but employers just want to see if there is an initial meeting of the minds around money," Milligan says. If you're apprehensive about possibly lowballing yourself, throw out a range and note that it's based on what the rest of the compensation package would include and the particulars of the position.
Explore Leads Elsewhere
When you're applying for a job and are nervous you'll get lost in the shuffle, apply -- but then see if you can find a back door in as well. Look for listings in niche publications or in postings on professional association Web sites that may list a manager's name or title. Also, scan trade magazines for listings about people accepting new positions; this may provide you with the name of someone at the company and maybe even in the department at which you wish to work. Also, this is a great way to uncover other leads as the people who are moving on are usually leaving behind vacancies at their former companies.
"Every city or region has its own business news," says Milligan, whose practice is based in the Chicago area. "Here we've got Crain's and The Business Ledger. Read your local version to discover who's who and which companies are showing growth and movement."
Look for an In Via Online Networking
If you wish to better your chances after applying for a job, scan your network — online and off — for folks who may have an in at the company in which you're interested. If you can't unearth a connection immediately, search on a professional networking site.
"I get requests for introductions at least once a week, and, for the most part, I don't mind passing on information," Milligan says. Try to find someone who works (or has worked) at the company who is connected to a member of your network. Ask your friend to reach out to this person on your behalf. Set up a call with this contact to learn what working there is like. If you have a fruitful conversation and make a good connection, she may be more than willing to put in a word for you.
"Finding a connection in the company — someone who can keep these things alive internally for you — that is the best way," Milligan says.
Pass this advice to your friends. Share with them.
Oftentimes you'll read a job advertisement that contains the sentence, "Due to the large volume of responses, only qualified candidates will be contacted." If you're applying for your dream job, reading this may provoke feelings of dread.
Tailoring Is Everything
When reading through a job listing, make a list of the pertinent requirements contained in it. If it states that Photoshop experience is a must (and you do, in fact, have Photoshop experience), make certain that is on your resume. Ditto any other requirements that the ad lists that you possess. Don't trust your cover letter to convey such details. Your resume may never make it through the 'bots if it doesn't contain the proper keywords.
Lauren Milligan, founder of ResuMayDay, a resume-writing and career services firm, advises applicants to look beyond the ad as well. "You could be dealing with a brief, generic job listing," she says. "In that case, do your research or work with a professional resume writer to make sure your resume contains keywords crucial to the position," she says.
Follow Instructions
Employers are getting more and more particular about how applicants apply for work. Heed their requests and do exactly as you're directed in an ad or on a company's Web site. If they ask for a cover letter, provide one. If they say, "No PDFs," don't send one. And if it states that you must include your salary requirements, do so.
"People make such a big deal about revealing salary history, but employers just want to see if there is an initial meeting of the minds around money," Milligan says. If you're apprehensive about possibly lowballing yourself, throw out a range and note that it's based on what the rest of the compensation package would include and the particulars of the position.
Explore Leads Elsewhere
When you're applying for a job and are nervous you'll get lost in the shuffle, apply -- but then see if you can find a back door in as well. Look for listings in niche publications or in postings on professional association Web sites that may list a manager's name or title. Also, scan trade magazines for listings about people accepting new positions; this may provide you with the name of someone at the company and maybe even in the department at which you wish to work. Also, this is a great way to uncover other leads as the people who are moving on are usually leaving behind vacancies at their former companies.
"Every city or region has its own business news," says Milligan, whose practice is based in the Chicago area. "Here we've got Crain's and The Business Ledger. Read your local version to discover who's who and which companies are showing growth and movement."
Look for an In Via Online Networking
If you wish to better your chances after applying for a job, scan your network — online and off — for folks who may have an in at the company in which you're interested. If you can't unearth a connection immediately, search on a professional networking site.
"I get requests for introductions at least once a week, and, for the most part, I don't mind passing on information," Milligan says. Try to find someone who works (or has worked) at the company who is connected to a member of your network. Ask your friend to reach out to this person on your behalf. Set up a call with this contact to learn what working there is like. If you have a fruitful conversation and make a good connection, she may be more than willing to put in a word for you.
"Finding a connection in the company — someone who can keep these things alive internally for you — that is the best way," Milligan says.
Pass this advice to your friends. Share with them.
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