Has internet blind-sided candidates when it comes to searching for new roles?

With the rise of job boards such as Seek, My Career, CareerOne and social media sites such as Facebook and LinkedIn, there has a been a fall off in candidates using traditional means of finding a new role. In this situation we are largely talking about people with professional qualifications or who work in areas where there is accumulated specialist knowledge.

There was a time when people made extensive use of their networks; for example membership of professional associations or who maintained a relationship with a recruitment firm or key members of their industry, to find their next role. But this type of activity has declined as it has become easier to search and apply for roles on the internet.

This change has created opportunities for the switched on candidate who would like to take a more personal approach to the task of finding a new role. Using the personal approach sure beats the process of listing yourself onto impersonal media such as Job Boards or LinkedIn who are increasingly vacuuming up candidates in an attempt to become giant candidate databases. Additionally, not all of us want our careers and qualifications up and available for perusal by who knows who - 24/7.

So what is the alternative? It can be as simple as talking to people in your own social circle and explaining that you are looking for a new role. In a more structured way, it can involve networking in your professional organisation, going to industry meetings and seminars. Or calling up recruiters who work in your chosen field and asking them for a few moments to explain your situation, or contacting key people who work in your market sector and asking them for career advice. You will most likely be pleasantly surprised that the majority of people can be genuinely helpful when approached in a professional, polite and personal manner.

Moreover taking charge of your future by proactively contacting other people in your job search is more satisfying than passively seeking a role and expecting a piece of electronic software to do the job for you. Some may call this process as a Luddite one, but why abandon all your aspirations for the future, to what are at their core, are money making enterprises. Albeit providing a service for a great many people.

Done properly you can then regard job boards and the like as adjuncts to your search and not your sole means. The old adage about "eggs in one basket" is never truer.

How to enhance your chances of landing a job interview?

Most job advertisements list attributes that advertisers wish their applicants to possess. For example: 

·  Must possess a degree in Science with a major in Horticulture
·  At least six years experience as a supervisor in an orchard
·  At least two years experience in project management
·  Desirable to have experience in Rose floriculture and so on...

It is these attributes that can be the key to having your resume plucked out of the pile and shortlisted for an interview. 

Many candidates responding to a job advertisement will just send off a resume. Other slightly more conscientious applicants will send a cover letter announcing their candidature. Still others will write some information explaining why they should be selected. However these type of responses force the employer or recruitment agent to go hunting through the candidate's resume in a search of the expected attributes. 

Why not make it easy for the advertiser by addressing these attributes in your cover letter, thus focussing the attention of the reader immediately. This works well when you meet the criteria/attributes and even when you don't exactly meet the attributes, it at least lets you put forward your case. 

For example in the case of the above attributes, you might respond in your cover letter: 

Dear Sir, 

I would like to apply for your vacant role as Manager – Horticulture. I believe I am well qualified for the role because I meet the following criteria as per your advertisement. 

·  Must possess a degree in Science with a major in Horticulture
I have a degree in Horticultural Science and an MSc in Plant Pathology. 

·  At least six years experience as a supervisor in an orchard
I worked for JW Orchards Pty Ltd for the past 7 years as their shift supervisor. During this time, I had 5 direct reports. 

·  At least two years experience in project management
Whilst at JW Orchards I gained extensive experience in project management as a result of my membership of the Orchard rejuvenation team. 

·  Desirable to have experience in Rose floriculture
Although I do not have experience in Roses, I do have some two years working on Tulips which like roses have a similar market in the cut flower industry.
 
Thus in 20-30 seconds your cover letter has clearly established you as a viable candidate and increased the chance that your resume will go to the shortlisting pile. 

It is likely that this approach will make the reader look more objectively at your application, because it proves you have interest in the role and that you have taken the time to have properly read the advertisement.