Question:
Does using Monster, CareerBuilder, etc., actually work any more?
Answer:
Kind of...sort of... You can't ignore them, but unless you know how to make use of them, you may be wasting your time.
One of the things I've loved to do for years is ask people how they got their job. Try it. It's VERY interesting (and a great way to get to know someone)!
Most of the time, the answer is a variation on "My [fill in the blank - friend, sister, college roommate, former boss, guy I used to work with] already worked there and took my resume to the hiring manager..."
Success!
Until this past week... At a MediaBistro gathering, I met not one, but THREE women who found their jobs online. Two women writers each landed their "dream job" as an editor for a specialized publication by finding and applying for the job through Monster. And, the third person landed a Web developer job by responding to a posting on the Boston Craig's List.
Since, in 5 years of asking, this is the first time I've gotten those answers, my assumption is that it has something to do with the fact that the jobs were media-related jobs, because:
- These three women were very Internet savvy. They understood the process and how to leverage the technology.
- People who work "in media" are more aware of the techniques for standing out from the crowd. It's called "marketing" when applied to a product or service for sale.
- Two of the three are writers, and, perhaps, as writers, they are much more accustomed to writing FOR an audience, like a potential employer, and in presenting their qualifications and demonstrating their writing skills.
So, how do you emulate their success?
First, focus on the jobs you really, REALLY want. Use the same amount of time you are using now, but reduce the number of applications you make so that you can make fewer applications - more effectively.
Secondly, differentiate yourself from the people who apparently apply for any job they see, without paying any attention to what they are doing. Slap-dash, half-a**ed applications make recruiters and employers really question the job seekers' levels of interest and/or intelligence - neither of which will help you land the job.
Bottom Line
Hundreds of people apply for every job posted. That's a deluge, and it is overwhelming and mind-numbing to be on the receiving end of that deluge. Remember that when you apply for any job online - lots of competition, but really not "tough" competition most of the time. If you are careful, you can stand out, just using your common sense.
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