Job-hunting 101: Don’t send out a blitz of resumes

Jul 13 2011

Job-hunting 101: Don’t send out a blitz of resumes

Does this advice sound familiar? “Approach your job search just as you would approach a job – set up a routine, get up every morning, and complete those tasks.”

Uh, not exactly.

While it is true that job-searches take time, effort and planning, sometimes it is necessary to stop and take a look at what is working – and what isn’t. The ineffective tasks need to be dropped from your routine.

A classic mistake job seekers make is to waste countless hours on job-search methods that do not work and have not worked for many years. Besides the obvious problem with this strategy – you won’t land a job this way – it adds a layer of stress to an already difficult time. Just like a hamster in a cage, the ineffective job seeker will end up spinning his or her wheels, using up a lot of energy – and going nowhere.

What works, and what is a waste of time? That may differ for each person. However, there are a few methods that are clearly not worth the effort:

The résumé blitz

“I worked hard on my job search this week. I sent out my résumé over 100 times and filled out 100 online applications” is a common refrain.

The Blitz is a time-honored tradition, and the logic has always been that a job seeker who sends out that high a volume of applications is bound to get at least one hit.

Wrong.

In today’s environment, simply applying to numerous openings is a wasted effort. Your application will likely be added to the enormous pile of paper from the hundreds of people who did nothing to distinguish themselves from the crowd.

Modern-day job searches should be specific and targeted. Focus on smaller goals, and work on them diligently by learning about the companies; making periodic, non-stalking contacts (in other words, do not call every day and do not call “just to check on things”) by phone or email. These contacts should be with the real decision maker – who may not be the human resources person.

Help-wanted ads

Although there are genuine openings in the classified section – and you shouldn’t stop checking them – never assume that every opening is advertised. A great many companies with job openings do not advertise them in the newspaper or online, because they do not have to. There are enough qualified people applying directly that companies no longer need to go to costly lengths to find candidates.

A better strategy is to find a company that interests you, and then target any opportunities it has. For the unemployed, it may even be worth applying for temporary work, internships, labor or anything the desired company has to offer. Remember: It’s all about setting yourself apart from the (huge) crowd when there is a real opening.

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