Online Job Applications Consistently Labeled as Time-Wasting Endeavors; Expert Proposes Four-Step Alternative Approach
Navigating the job application process can feel like a never-ending rat race, with companies often ghosting you after your application or sending an automated rejection. This frustrating experience is particularly unwelcome during a job hunt, especially when you're desperate for a change. But fear not! Job searching expert Anna Papalia, an author who specializes in helping job seekers nail their interviews, has some clever tips to help you skip the mundane online applications and connect with the real decision-makers.
Skip the Painful Online Applications: Here's How
Connect with the Influential Players
Papalia cautions against scrolling through job vacancies on LinkedIn or Indeed; instead, she encourages thorough research on Google to discover potential employers in your desired location. Aim for approximately 20 companies in your chosen location. Ronda Suder, a TopResume career expert, points out that a list will help you find opportunities that may not be listed online, as there are probably many companies hiring that don't have active applications available online.
Reach Out to Key Contacts
Once you've identified potential employers, it's time to find the decision-makers within these companies. Papalia suggests using the company website or LinkedIn to discover individuals who work there and hold roles similar to the ones you're targeting. Send them a request to connect on LinkedIn. You may even find that your existing network has connections at these companies; in this case, reach out to them rather than cold-emailing a stranger.
Career coach Dr. Kyle Elliott, MPA, CHES, explains that recruiters often have preselected candidates for a particular role, even before the job is officially advertised online. Networking, therefore, becomes crucial because it relies on connections you've already established.
Craft the Perfect Cold Email
Once connected with these influencers, Papalia recommends going back to Google to find their email addresses. Send them a cold email to introduce yourself, paying attention to brevity, professionalism, and focus on the job you're pursuing. Attach your resume, and ask your new connection to refer you to the right person in their company. Job searching expert Justine Figueroa advises to keep the email concise and avoid discussing unnecessary details to save the recipient's valuable time.
Leverage Your Network
If reaching out directly feels intimidating, try utilizing LinkedIn to find out if someone you already know works at the companies you're interested in. Reach out to them for a referral, and follow the same steps outlined above for connecting with decision-makers.
Dr. Elliott notes that networking can be nerve-wracking, but it's even more so when it involves strangers. Networking with people you already know can be less intimidating, which is one reason why you should tap into your existing network when possible.
Anna Papalia emphasizes that "80% of hiring managers want to hire people that are referred into their organization." By employing these networking strategies, you can increase your chances of standing out, securing a referral, and ultimately landing job interviews. So, in today's competitive job market, every tool in your arsenal is essential to improving your odds.
- In job search, instead of relying on job listings on LinkedIn or Indeed, research approximately 20 potential employers in your desired location using Google.
- After identifying potential employers, locate the decision-makers within these companies via their LinkedIn profiles or company websites, and send them connection requests.
- Once connected with these decision-makers, use Google again to find their email addresses, write a concise and professional cold email introducing yourself, explaining your interest in the job you're pursuing, and attaching your resume, asking for a referral to the appropriate person in their company.
