Some people say they are being "shut out of the hiring process". Is that you?
Applying online is NOT your only avenue to a job search.
You may be competing against 250 candidates (but today, it could be in the thousands). Set yourself apart from the pack by developing a strong network.
The Hiring Process
The reality with the hiring process of applying online is:
Once you are selected by the applicant tracking system as a possible match for a job description, arecruiter spends a mere 6 seconds on your resume, on average.
Yet, only 2% of all applicants may be selected for a phone screen with a recruiter---and...
They are responsible for deciding whether to pass you on to the hiring manager/ decision maker.
Enact Your Own Job Search Strategy and Get Directly to
the Decision Maker
You have an opportunity to meet with hiring managers when you develop your professional network, become resources for each other, and getting referrals.
The hiring managers in my network all agree that they would much rather hire a candidate that was referred than one that came through the application process.
Here's the take from a Harvard Business Review article on recruiting practices: "Census data shows, for example, that the majority of people who took a new job last year weren’t searching for one: Somebody came and got them."
When you develop solid business relationships,
your network can help you.
Go beyond a "perfect resume" and reach out to your network for conversations. Be prepared to be helpful to them and make it an exchange (not one way)---this is the mindset of winning professionals.
Those that are uncomfortable having conversations go in with the mindset that they are going to be asking for help rather than also being a resource.
By engaging with the intention of being mutual resources, that business relationship will serve both of you for years to come.
Watch how it can work: 75 candidates that applied from an ad lost their opportunity to a career seeker that took actions within her network and got the job.
