When you apply for jobs online, your resume is put through the ATS (Applicant Tracking System). Unless your resume has exactly what they are looking for, you may never get an interview. Here are 5 ways to make sure you get a better response.
1) Answer the ad within 24 hours of its posting. If you wait any longer, you are way down on the list.
2) Send your resume and cover letter before 10 AM in the morning, otherwise you will go to the end of the line.
3) Use the exact key words, skills, and phrases that appear in the job description. If you are not an 85%-90% match, your resume will be kicked out.
4) Write directly to the hiring manager. You need to do some research to find out who the head of the department is, and their contact information. Generally, the ad does not include this info because they don’t want the hiring manager to be flooded with emails.
5) Network your way into the company. Use your network to find someone who knows someone in the company who can get you to the hiring manager, or who can recommend you.
Remember: Fewer than 10% of job seekers actually get a job by answering ads online. So spend most of your time networking and writing direclty to hiring managers.
(c) Amy Geffen All rights reserved