It’s time to fire-up your computer, grab an energy drink or two, and start filling out those online job applications. Why the energy drink? Because for most of you this process is going to feel like a full-time job and if you are a procrastinator you might end up pulling some all-nighters.
The most frustrating part about applying is that you will be filling out an application which will be asking for information that is already on the resume that you will be submitting. It doesn’t make a lot of sense to have to provide all of that information again, but that is how the process works. Some of the applications might take well over a half-an-hour to complete. Multiply that by the dozens of jobs, possibly hundreds, that you will likely be applying for and you can see how much of your time will be spent just going through that process.
You might be thinking there is no way that you’re going to have to apply to a dozen jobs, let alone a hundred. Some of you won’t, but for many others, you are going to have a big-time wake-up call once you start the process. For those of you that do end up applying for over a hundred jobs you still might not obtain one related to your degree.
The job market is very competitive. We’ve had human resource personnel tell us that they receive hundreds of resumes when they post an entry-level position. You will be competing, not just against recent grads, but grads from last year who didn’t find a job, as well as candidates with one to two years of industry experience.
After you apply, most companies will send you a standard email thanking you for your application. It may also include information letting you know if you are in consideration for the position or not. However, there will be times when you won’t hear back from a company. That could happen for numerous reasons, but below are a few of the most likely ones:
· They are no longer taking applications because they have already selected candidates to interview
· The position has been filled (the posting just wasn’t removed from the site yet)
· You applied to a job you weren’t qualified for (see more on “Hyper-Appliers” below)
A Hyper-Applier goes to a company’s website and applies to everything; whether they are qualified for a position or not. The only thing they accomplish by doing that is frustrating the person in human resources in charge of screening the resumes. Don’t be that person! They will remember your name and might decide not to contact you when you actually do apply to something you are qualified for.
By now you might be wondering if there is any way to avoid the application process. One way to do that is to work with VERUM Staffing. If you work with us you won’t have to fill out an application until you go in for an interview. Also, we always get permission from you before submitting your resume and won’t send it in if you aren’t qualified or wouldn’t be a good fit for the position.
Another benefit is that we have access to the hiring managers so your resume goes directly to the decision maker. This alone will save you a lot of time and give you a big advantage over your competition.
If this sounds like a much better option than spending hours filling out online applications then please go to the following site (www.verumstaffing.com) and submit your resume. A recruiter will follow up with you to schedule a time to discuss your job search.
Stay tuned for our next article on 09/25/14 when we’ll discuss practicing for job interviews. Until then, feel free to catch up on our previous articles, and be sure to check out our pages on Linked In, Twitter, Facebook, and Google+ for the latest news and opportunities available through Verum Staffing!