Technology Makes It Easier To Apply To Jobs But Harder To Land One
At minimum, human-resource coordinator Lara Makinen, gets 100 applications on any given job posting, with some listings reaching up to 1,000.
Recruiters cite that resumes will only get about 30 to 45 seconds of review.
Talk about competition.
Today, technology has allowed us to apply to jobs worldwide. Within minutes, you could apply to 15 jobs, easily. With the current economy and unemployment numbers people are applying for jobs they never thought they would. The need for creativity in job seekers is necessary.
Kathleen Winsor-Games, an executive coach with the Winsor Group in Denver and past president of the Colorado Human Resources Association says, “people are flailing and applying for anything.” Technology has aided (for better or worse) in the widespread application for all jobs.
The Conference Board, Bureau of Labor Statistics from The Denver Post says, the number of online job ads in Colorado exceeded the number of unemployed for most of 2007. Since last fall, openings have sharply declined while unemployment increased leaving “more seekers than openings.”
How do we use technology to aid in the job application process while also letting your resume pop and stand out? Those searching for jobs should “spend only a fraction rather than most of their time searching for jobs online.” The alternative? Network.
If a friend of mine talks about how they can’t find a job I always ask, “Where and how are you looking?” If I hear Monster.com, I groan out loud. Sign up and create a profile on Brazen Careerist instead.
As featured in Ask The Headhunter, CareerXRoads, publisher of the directory that reviews online job sites took a look at hiring bottom lines. They asked employers what percentage of their new hires came from the four leading online career sites and the numbers don’t lie: Monster.com 1.4%, HotJobs .39%, CareerBuilder .29% and Headhunter.net .27% (Note the decimal points).
The Denver Post featured a fantastic list on “Keeping Your Application On Top of the Pile.” I featured my favorites:
- Go To The Source: As much as possible, apply for a position through an employer’s website rather than through a job board. Also, study the position offered and the employer offering it. Be strategic and informed.
- Manage Your Career: Many talented people have found themselves unemployed for far longer than they imagined possible. Develop multiple skills, build your network and don’t get comfortable, no matter how safe or secure your job may seem now.
- Stay Positive: Don’t take the lack of response or a rejection personally. In a soft economy, a lot of qualified candidates are pursuing a limited number of positions. Stay positive and engaged.
In the end, I don’t think that technology hinders landing the job itself. We can do phone and video interviews, create websites dedicated to being hired by one company, and easily get in touch with the right people through a simple e-mail.
It’s more the idea that technology has made job applications limitless and readily available to anyone. Differentiating is more important and submitting an application (cold) online, holds very little weight. Creativity and your network are more important than ever.
What’s your experience in applying for jobs online versus through a referral or someone in your network? Do you have success from online career sites?
