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Topic: Best way for applying to job postings online?
| Author | Message |
| Keith | Posted – 2/25/2008 5:39:11 PM | show profile Since graduating in May 2007, I 've only been applying to jobs posted on mediabistro.com or other journalism job boards. I would place a cover letter in the body or an e-mail and then attach my resume to the e-mail whenever a job posting ask for both cover letter and resume. The only method I know for applying to jobs in general is through online job postings. But I never get a call back for an interview. For the past 8 months this is what I've been doing with no responses. What am I doing wrong? I know you have to include keywords in your resume to improve the chances of someone from HR actually reading your resume. But how do I know what are keywords and where to place them in my resume? Should I also place keywords in my cover letter? What is the best way to apply to online job postings? |
| Unemployed-gal | Posted – 2/25/2008 8:03:32 PM | show profile The key to job hunting is networking, networking, networking. I hate to be brutal, but applying online alone won't do the trick. Media jobs are very, very competitive; hundreds of people respond to just one posting for an entry-level position. So it's best to get out there and talk to as many people as possible. Even if they don't have any jobs available, or know of any that are, they may know people who do. That's the way I've uncovered most of the opportunities I've come across. People are much more likely to hire someone they know, or someone a friend knows. One reason you might not be getting any calls back might be that you don't have the kind of experience that employers are looking for--or, you don't have any direct experience. Don't get worried until you're like me: two years out of school and interviewing over and over again, with no result. From personal experience, in terms of the technical stuff in applying online, you're doing the right thing in pasting your cover letter in the body of the e-mail and sending the resume as an attachment. There's no quicker way to not have your resume read than to attach the cover letter. And make sure your resume is attached as a .doc./ .pdf. ALWAYS include a cover letter, no matter what the job. And ALWAYS follow all the directions given. |
| foodlit | Posted – 2/25/2008 9:18:07 PM | show profile | email poster Michelle, Here's a little tip that might help. For every job you apply for online, follow up two days later with a phone call, leave a short, sweet voice message saying you wanted to follow up to your resume that you send on monday at 3 by email. Then add another sentence about how you're qualified...I just graduated with a degree in xxxx and have experience from xxxx. Please give me a call to discuss. If you don't hear back, try again two days later, if you don't hear again, move on. The message is so effective IF you are truly qualified for the job or close to it. Leave a short, upbeat message and the time is so important because it helps the recruiter find your resume. If there's anything unique about your background, say they want someone who speaks polish for instance and you do..mention that in the email..anything that gives you an edge and will make them look for your resume asap. If there's no contact name given, call the main number and ask for the name of the recruiter handling the x position. Just say you want to follow up. Good luck! I have a handout on interviewing/networking/resumes that might be helpful (I'm in hr)....shoot me an email and I'll send the doc to you. Pam |
| Keith | Posted – 2/26/2008 3:08:56 PM | show profile | email poster Thanks Pam! Hi Pam, I've sent you and e-mail. Hoped you recieved it. If you didn't, it basically said I really like for you would send me those interviewing/networking/resume handouts that you mentioned above. I want to find a job before I'm a grandmother :D. If you would like for me to send you a resume or something, please let me know by e-mail. -Michelle R. |
