What do you do if online job applications are hindering your chances of getting hired?

The best time to start networking is either now or 10 years ago. You can start by paying a little extra attention to the people you work with, and the people around you everywhere you go.

If online job applications are limiting your chances of getting hired, consider expanding your job search approach. Network with professionals in your desired industry through platforms like LinkedIn. Attend industry events and job fairs to make in-person connections. Tailor your resume and cover letter to each application to stand out to employers. Additionally, consider reaching out directly to companies you're interested in to inquire about potential opportunities. Remember, diversifying your job search methods can increase your chances of success.

Répondre à une offre d'emploi en ligne vous met en concurrence avec des dizaines de candidats potentiels. Lancez une stratégie de réseau performante pour vous faire recruter avant qu' une offre soit publiée. Trois étapes importantes à respecter : 1/ faire le bilan de vos connaissances professionnelles et sélectionner celles qui vous paraissent intéressantes 2/ Echangez directement avec elles en leur demandant des nouvelles et en les informant de votre recherche d'emploi. N'ayez pas peur de contacter une personne perdue de vue depuis des années. 3/ Demandez leur de vous suggérer des noms que vous pouvez contacter de leur part. Remerciez les et tenez les au courant de vos démarches régulièrement.

Outside of personal connections, your resume content is your most vital asset. Use the skills mentioned in job descriptions to alert you about key information you may have missed in your resume. However, refrain from trimming the value out of your resume. I have candidates being rejected every day because they omitted skills or did not document in their work history where they were used. However, NEVER in 20+ years of recruiting have I had a resume rejected because it is more than 2, 3, 4, or even 5 pages. We have one corporate client that asks us to limit resumes to 6 pages or less. This does not mean write a long resume. It means put quality in! Check my articles if you want to know what that means.

This is a strategy I stress with my clients. When you speak to an employer without a suitable job posted for you, you become a candidate pool of 1. The employer is assessing you based on your fit with the organization and potential to add value, rather than how you measure up against a laundry list of qualifications in a job posting. It's a more long-view approach, to be sure, but you have essentially eliminated (or at least significantly limited) your competition.

When you look at a company website and related information, keep looking until you identify at least 3 things that you like about the company. If you look at the LinkedIn profiles of people who work at the company, it may give you some insight into the work environment.

Your resume is still the number one thing to get right. Most recruiters won't look at your other information until they see value in your resume.

If you take this approach, remember that you must market it. Promote what you are doing because just creating these showcases will not drive traffic to them. Your target employers won't know about them unless you tell them. So, do them if you have the time and money, but don't forget the marketing piece to be sure the employers you want can find your showcase.

Relying only on online applications is an incomplete effort at best. 70% or more of *unadvertised* positions are found through networking. Get to networking. As you learn of people's or companies' needs, create opportunities. Design your ideal job and start talking it up, offering that to people who need it. In person and social media, talk about what you do using your personal brand---what's unique or special about you and how it has helped others. Again, no single method of job search is as effective as multiple methods. You don't  eat the same food for every meal, every day and expect to have complete nutrition. Combine all job search methods into your search campaign (action plan) and make that plan your current job, your priority.

Community and political organizations can be great places to meet business and community leaders. This provides opportunities to practice your relationship skills in a relaxed setting, which will help you in interviews. You can develop connections that put you directly in touch with hiring managers.

Don't forget to Target. You are only extending your search by applying to anything and everything. Target industry, title, and location. With no target, maybe you hit something; maybe you don't. You are perceived as trying to force employers to figure out what to do with you. Not their job. Nor do they have time for that. Having a target is like setting specific, written goals. If they don't specify goals, write them, and tell others, 92% fail. The likelihood of hitting a specific target increases 50% if you use an action plan. With an accountability partner that likelihood becomes 95%! Set your target. Specify it, write it, tell others, plan, and regularly report progress to someone. Remember, with no target, there's nothing to hit!

Relying on online applications for your job search is the road to disaster. This approach leaves people on the market for a long time, only to settle for a position they do not like or is below their value. It does not have to be this way! Work with a professional to revamp your strategy. The tried and true job search strategy relies on applications 20% of the time, the most! That 20% is only for VERY targeted positions and companies, preceded by other actions taken to ensure your resume is looked at when it does get sent. The other 80% is focused real needle-moving action that get you off the job market quickly, in your desired role and commanding high-market value.

Strategize to prepare to Stand Out and Succeed! Begin by reviewing educational job descriptions. Identify your call and the essential skills needed. Actively fill skill gaps and credentials through coursework, workshops, certification testing, self-learning experiences, and real-world practice. Prioritize developing public speaking, emotional intelligence, and time management. Gain a deep understanding of learning and teaching processes. Master lesson planning, curriculum design, setting learning objectives, classroom management, technology integration, cultural competency, authentic feedback, and special needs. Explore the legal framework of education in your state. Seek networking and mentoring opportunities. Become a lifelong learner!