Not Qualified for the Job? Then don’t submit your resume!

We frequently hear complaints from employers that they have far more resumes to review than positions to fill-typically at least 500 resumes submitted per open position!  Imagine the frustration of the recruiter when over half of the submitted resumes do not meet even the mininum qualifications. For example, if they ask for 10 years of management experience, and you do not have even 1 year of management experience, then you should not apply for the job.

While the “cast a wide net” strategy may seem like a good idea, we have found that for most it is not a fruitful strategy. A targeted job search strategy is one in which you decide what occupations are the best fit for your experience, skills, and interest, and then you pursue those types of positions. Included in your job search strategy should be the seleciton of industries and companies that are a match for the type of culture you wish to work in and as well as for your personal values. By focusing on the companies that you want to work at, rather than just randomly applying at whatever becomes available, your put yourself in control of your job search. In addition, your time will be better spent looking for networking opportunities into the companies you want to work at instead of taking the time to apply to any and every job on the job boards!

Got a Job, but still not Happy..

Recent survey findings indicate workers are unhappier than ever at work. Some of the top reasons include:

-People perceive their jobs are uninteresting.

-Pay has not kept up with inflation.

-Soaring healthcare costs.

-Having to do more work with less people.

What are your reasons for being unhappy at work?

Want to be a great networker?? Be a great employee!

A client recently got a job without interviewing based only on the recommendations of people who had worked with him previously. How did he accomplish this feat? He has always been a top performer, as well as someone who stays in touch with people he has worked with in the past.  Too often job seekers start working on building their network when it’s too late-when they need to find another job!   Being a good networker starts much sooner-it starts in  your job right now.  By striving to exceed expectations in your current role, you are building a reputation as a good employee that others want to work with.    By helping out that co-worker when they need help, you are developing a relationship that may help you out later.   Being an employee like this is the kind of person others want to work with again, and they will remember you when a job opens up at their company in the future!  This is how the hidden job market gets tapped into-when you find out about the openings before they are truly open!

So while you are toiling away at your current job struggling to find the motivation to get the job done,  think of your current job and the connections you make as the springboard to the next opportunity. Go help that co-worker or see if your boss needs help with a project. It might just pay off for you down the road!