Getting Out of the Online Application Rut

When I ask most exasperated job hunters about the job search strategies that they are using, they feel like they are doing everything. Yet, they are not getting interviews or sometimes even responses acknowledging the receipt of their job application materials.

Oftentimes, their job strategies are almost completely focused on online searches. This strategy makes sense when a person begins to search for a few reasons:

- It allows you see what positions are out there and what qualifications and experience are needed;
- It makes it easier to feel a sense of accomplishment in that you can apply to a large number of positions in a short period of time;
- You can do it any time of day or night.

However, the Department of Labor reports that this strategy is successful for job seekers about 5% of the time! This is not surprising for most career counselors because this is what we typically hear -- large amounts of job applications and a very low response rate from the employers.

Breaking the online application habit can be hard. It often feels like a security blanket. It easy, has the feeling of anonymity and you tend to feel a sense of accomplishment after sending off an application. But for the majority of job seekers, IT DOES NOT WORK.

The most successful techniques include:
1) Networking
2) Career Centers, Search Firms
3) Letter of Inquiry Writing Campaigns

These techniques, though, often push job hunters out of their comfort zone, which can be especially hard when you are feeling down on yourself because you are unemployed. These other job search techniques work better and often produce concrete results for your hard work and risk taking.

How do you get started breaking from your online job search habit?

First, start to limit your time online searching and applying. The time spent should be proportional to its success rate. For example, if 5% of job hunters find a position through online searches, then if you are spending 20 hours a week in your search, you should spend about 1 hour a week (5% of your 20 hour search time).

Second, try a new job search technique and try one that you may have some fear or concern about, but is not the technique that causes the most fear. Set up steps to approach this new technique and have some way of monitoring your progress (e.g., a career counselor or trusted friend who you report in to and will give you honest feedback). After you feel like you have gotten the hang of it, try another technique.

The best way to job search is to utilize a variety of methods and to spend more time on the methods that have a proven track record of working.

The tough aspect of other methods is that they usually require face-to-face, phone or email contact with individuals on a regular basis. Developing relationships with other people is the critical method for obtaining a job largely because human relationships and other's ability to know your skills sets, values and have a vested interest in you will put you in touch with the "hIdden job market" where many of the jobs are. People want to work with individuals they can trust and rely on and a recommendation from a trusted source is often where they find this. You have to be able to tap into this market, which means getting to know in a sincere way others.

Gearing Up for Post-Summer Hiring

With the good news about the decline in unemployment numbers and the end of summer (i.e., vacations, skeletal schedules, and hiring slow downs), it brings about some exciting prospects for the job search this Fall. This means that for job searchers, you need to prepared to take advantage of the opportunities that may come up starting in a few short weeks.

For seniors and recent colleges graduates, you should be in regular contact with your career center. The staff should become your new best friends. You should:
1) take advantage of special programs geared to seniors and recent grads;
2) see what opportunities are available through On-Campus Recruiting;
3) connect with a counselor to make sure all application materials have been reviewed and are ready to go.

For all job hunters, reach out to your networking contacts, see how their summers were and let them know what you have been doing and what your plans are for the Fall.

Make sure that there are things going on in your life besides the job search (e.g., volunteering). If there isn't, begin to get involved! Check out http://www.idealist.org or American Red Cross. If you want to offer your professional services to non-profit organization, get involved with the Taproot Foundation. You need to have a few years of experience, but it will allow to contribute, develop your skills and meet new professionals. It's also important to volunteer even when you have your new position. Giving back is crucial to creating the kind of world we want to live in.

Also, start to attend networking functions which will be picking up again that are related to your professional interests and organizations. Look out for Fall Job Fairs. It also might be a great time to get started on letter of interest campaign. Think about what new strategies you want to apply this Fall and get to it.

Take advantage of the summer reinvigoration and make the most of your Fall. If you don't feel that reinvigoration yet, then take the next few weeks to recharge so that you show a new positive, fresh energy this Fall.