Outdated Job-Search Techniques - Part 1

Searching for a job can be done in many different ways, quite a few of which are considered "normal" or tried and true, and so they continue to be used. However, in an ever changing job market, many job-search methods are considered "old school" and may actually harm you more than help. Let's take a look at a few of these ways that job market professionals have shared.

1. Applying Online - yes, this is the "new" way of doing things, and in some positions, is the required way. However, relying on this as the only preferred way when given an option, is a mistake. When applying online you become just another application in the stack, probably amidst hundreds of other identical looking applications. In order to stand out, you need to go the extra mile. Contact the company, seek out the hiring manager, and drop them a resume directly to their name - and make sure it is one that is going to stand above the rest.

2. Apply to Posted Jobs - while many companies post their open positions in various places, the truth is, sometimes by the time it hits the public eye, there have already been many applications submitted by those who know someone or from word of mouth. Relying simply on public posted positions is a bad idea, so start now, if you haven't already, to establish a network of contacts within all of the local related companies, and get involved with keeping an ear to the ground listening for open or soon to open positions. If there are certain companies you would desire to work for, then make an effort to get to know the hiring agents and seek to be one of the ones who knows someone on the inside before the positions hit the public posts.

3. Assume No Posted Job Means No Job Openings - never assume that just because there is no position posted as in need, that there is no job openings. It never hurts to contact companies asking if you can speak to the hiring manager, and begin making contact as mentioned before, and ask if it would be okay to submit a resume for them to have on file for any future openings. Begin opening the door of communication for the target companies, and without becoming obnoxious, stay in touch and keep your name in their mind.

4. Send Out Large Amounts of Unsolicited Resumes - this is not a good way to go about a job search, and is not what is meant by being proactive like discussed in point three. Just blasting all local companies with a mass of resumes is often a waste of time and your money. More often than not, your resume gets tossed in the garbage by frustrated hiring agents. This is also true of just pumping out multiple emails. It is a much better approach to make some initial contact and ask permission to send along a resume as mentioned in point three.

In the next part, we'll look at additional techniques that are frowned upon. Until then, if you have experienced a negative job-search techniques, please share for others to learn from.

Jeff McCormack resides in Virginia Beach, VA. where he works as a web designer by day. In his off time he is a husband, father, mail order book store manager, and musician. Aside from being a freelance writer for this Utilities Jobsite blog, he also seeks to assist in career choices and information by contributing to other Nexxt blog sites.