Mistake #1 – Relying on Job Boards

From “Avoiding the 10 Biggest Job Search Mistakes”

Mistake #1 – Relying on Job Boards

Almost everyone begins their search by going to the job boards – CareerBuilder, HotJobs, Monster, etc... What you probably don’t know is that only approximately 6% of people ever find their job through these boards! Here is why they are massively inefficient in getting you connected with the job you want:

1) How many times have you called about a position you see on the web only to find out it has been filled or put on hold? Many of the jobs are not real. The postings are often outdated having been pulled directly from company websites or ATS (Applicant Tracking Systems – internal databases companies use to track anyone who applies to a position). These systems are notorious for not being updated with current position status or information. There is also the technique of putting multiple jobs on the web to “harvest” resumes. This is a very cost-effective way for companies to build out their ATS/database to save on paying search firm fees. But, it leaves you chasing a position that doesn’t exist.

2) How many times have you applied for a position knowing you were a perfect fit and still never received an email or call about it? Too often, your information goes into one of these ATS/databases and sits along with the hundreds of other resumes. The internal recruiter, to no fault of his/her own, has hundreds – sometimes thousands – of resumes presented against the position. On top of that, the recruiter is handling an average of 30-40 openings They then rely on the ATS/database to sort the matches of all those who applied against the position. It is a roll of the dice as to whether or not your information will ever even be looked at!

There are ways to work around this. After years in the executive search business, I am taking what I know about the inner workings of corporations to work one-on-one with people looking to find the job they want and build the career they deserve.

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Kevin is the Managing Partner of Hammer Consulting and CEO of Kevin Kermes Inc., a company devoted to empowering professionals with the vital tools and information necessary to find the job they want and build the successful career they deserve. Sign up for his free e-zine – Build the Career You Deserve – for insider tips on how to do just that!