THINK SUBMITTING YOUR RESUME IS ENOUGH FOR YOUR JOB SEARCH?

Think again because it is not. The application process involves multiple steps. It can be frustrating because you might feel like, "I've been doing this for so long, yet nothing has happened." Let's say you have been 'applying' for months on end after deciding to change careers or after being laid off.

It's easy to feel like you have done your job by sending in a resume like you always did in the past. You wait and wait and wait, and still, nothing. Clicking the 'apply' button just is not enough. That worked years ago, but things have drastically changed.

Today's job market is competitive, so below are steps you should be taking to get noticed by hiring managers if you've ever felt frustrated by a lack of responses or getting ghosted despite applying to countless jobs.

Avoid the 'Spraying & Praying' Method

Whenever potential clients tell me they sent hundreds of resumes in a short amount of time and

have not received a reply or have been ghosted, I immediately know the problem. You might think that applying to tons of jobs in a week is a good thing and that you are putting yourself out there, so, yay. In theory, that makes sense, but guess what, no one is reading them.

Employers can spot generic resumes. If you're not aware, applicant tracking systems (ATS) filter out resumes that don't match the job description.

'Spraying and praying' can be demoralizing because it has taken you so much time, and in turn, makes you feel you'll never land a job. However, that is not necessarily the case.

Take an Active Approach

Passive job seekers wait for replies. Suppose you're not tailoring your resume, researching the company, writing a compelling cover letter, and reaching out to people in the organization. In that case, you're missing essential ways to improve your chances of getting noticed. Hiring managers are looking for candidates who are genuinely interested in their company and specific role.

Being passive in your job search also means you're not adapting to the changing job market. Hiring trends shift. Roles evolve. If you're relying on a single resume template from years ago, that is a problem.

Also, many believe that cover letters are insufficient and that employers often overlook them. Yes, that might be true for some. However, if you write a tailored, compelling resume to 'talk' to the hiring manager, that can make a difference and show you are truly interested in the role. Let's face it, only half of the applicants will do that. Remember, if you do not use A.I. to compose the letter, your own voice will come through, so it will be like 'talking' to the person.

What is Your Intention?

Your job search is a targeted marketing campaign, and you are the product, even though you might not want to think that way. The employer is your audience. Would any company launch a product without researching its market, understanding customer needs, and tailoring its messaging? Absolutely not. The same goes for your job search.

• Before applying, read the job description carefully. Identify the skills and experiences that are emphasized. If you meet at least 80-85% of the required skills, then it's fine to apply.

  
  

• Always research the company. Understand its culture, values, and mission. Assess whether you are a good fit and consider whether this position fits your goals, ethos, and skill set.

  
  

• Customize your application. Make your application distinctive. Emphasize the accomplishments and experiences that you believe are most applicable to the given role.

  
  

Being selective doesn't mean applying to fewer jobs; it means applying smarter. When you apply to fewer jobs that you're an excellent fit for with customized resumes, your chances are higher than if you applied to 300+ jobs with a generic resume.

Tailoring Your Resume is the Secret

Your resume should not just include your current and past job descriptions. Of course, your experience is your experience. Still, in many cases, you do not have to list minute details that are not relevant to the posting. Yes, this may be what you are proud of, but ask yourself, 'Do they care?' Many recruiters don't. Also, you will not have to change your entire resume for every job application. It just means emphasizing different aspects of your experience to meet their needs.

Use Keywords from the Job Description 

Since many companies use the Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to review resumes, the software looks for specific keywords that match the job description. Use the same language as the employer.

• Highlight Relevant Achievements 

If the job requires project management experience, make sure your resume leads with examples of you managing projects, even if it wasn't your primary job title.

• Adjust Your Professional Summary 

Your 'executive statement' should change based on what the company is looking seeking. This is your chance to tell them you're exactly who they need. You should also list the job title from the description as a heading rather than the term' summary.'

• Reorder Bullet Points 

Put the most relevant achievements and responsibilities at the top of each job experience.

• Cut What's Irrelevant Details

Do not include outdated or unrelated experiences to fill space. Every line on your resume should earn its place. Do NOT use A.I. to create your resume. Sure, it can be annoying to know A.I. is writing many job descriptions; however, your resume will be thrown out by software. These resumes are easy to spot by human eyes, and recruiters dislike them because they lack authenticity.

Network, Network, Network

As we now know, submitting a resume is just one part of the application puzzle. I know few people who look forward to networking. But if you're not doing this, you're missing one of the most powerful strategies. Only 15-20% of jobs are on job listing sites. Often, the best opportunities never even get posted publicly. They exist in the hidden job market, accessible only through personal connections and internal referrals.

For example, someone might know the company is creating a new position.

• Reach out to former or current employees on LinkedIn to obtain 'advice,' about finding a job, particularly if it is in a new sector. Do not ask if there is a job available. You want to begin a genuine conversation.

  
  

• Join industry groups and communities either in-person or online. LinkedIn has professional groups for every industry.

  
  

• Attend virtual or in-person events and job fairs.

  
  

• Stay active on platforms like LinkedIn. Comment, like, share articles, and show thought leadership. By the way, you don't need to use the 'open to work' green banner if you are currently employed. Nor does updating a LinkedIn profile signal you are looking for a job.

  
  

Think Like a Hiring Manager

Try to put yourself on the other side of the desk and think like the recruiter. Imagine you have a hundred resumes to review, and only a few seconds (6-10 seconds is the statistic) per candidate. Which resumes stand out? The ones that clearly say, "I understand what this job requires and I'm the right person for it."

Generic resumes scream, "I'm applying to everything." Tailored resumes say, "I want this job, and here's why I'm the best fit." Hiring managers are humans too. They appreciate effort. When you demonstrate that you've taken the time to understand the role and show how you can add value, you make their job easier. Then you're more likely to be given an interview. In addition, it is always helpful to contact the hiring manager to ask if they need any additional information. Few applicants will do this. It also shows that an artificial intelligence bot didn't submit your resume.

Avoiding Frustration and Burnout

One of the most significant emotional tolls of the job search comes from a lack of response. When you're applying to job after job with no feedback, it can feel demoralizing. But often, the issue isn't you, it's the approach.

Being strategic in your applications gives you more control over the process. You will begin to see patterns in job descriptions, learn what employers are looking for, and get better at positioning yourself as the ideal candidate. This approach ideally changes the job search from a numbers game into a targeted effort with measurable improvements.

Be Proactive, Not Passive

• Be selective about where you apply. Read reviews of the company and stay up to date with what is happening in the industry.

  
  

• Be intentional in how you present yourself by aligning your background with their needs.

  
  

• Be proactive in tailoring your materials. LinkedIn does not have to be tailored to a specific role, but it shows you are capable of being successful in a given industry.

  
  

• Be engaged through networking and follow up after speaking with people who have taken the time to meet with you. 

  
  

A successful job search is not built on mass applications and wishful thinking. They're built on intentional, targeted efforts and strategic moves.

So next time you're tempted to submit the same resume to another 250 job postings, ask yourself: Am I giving myself the best shot? Because when it comes to job searching, activity beats passivity every time.

Contact me if you would like to schedule a free phone consultation.

#jobsearching #resumes #jobapplications