Applying Online Is (Still) Dead
One of my favorite parts about resume writing and editing is seeing the elation people have when I deliver the final product. Only with a resume can one PDF represent so much promise. That PDF is the golden ticket to more money, more interesting work or more opportunity.
But then, I deliver my words of caution: The resume is just the first step. People have you see your fabulous experience for you to get an interview. “Of course, I am going to apply right now!” is the typical response that I get. Then I shiver - I have an allergic reaction to hearing people say they plan to apply online for their dream job. Applying online for a job is an almost sure fire way not to get an interview.
Why is this? Why would companies provide a way to apply online then not look at resumes that come in via the online portal?
Because of the most finite resource — time. Companies do not have infinite numbers of recruiters. Well-paying jobs at companies that provide good opportunities for growth are in high demand and attract a lot of attention. Recruiters have to fill these roles while still also protecting their own sanity and work-life balance. So they look for the most efficient means to that end.
This shortcut often ends up being referrals from current employees. From a recruiter’s perspective, employees at the company are a great source of quality leads for open roles. These employees meet the company’s quality bar (as evident by having been hired), understand what it takes to succeed at the company and can mine their own often high-caliber backgrounds of previous schools and companies to provide high-caliber candidates.
All of this obviously opens up a lot of room for bias, which leads to a high potential for a less-diverse workforce. But diversity is a second priority for most recruiters. They are hired to fill roles. So fill roles they will.
Putting aside the moral arguments about the issues with the way that all of these facts coagulate, this is the reality. To play in this reality, you need to do everything in your power to submit your resume via an internal referral.
How? There are two options:
Leverage your existing network. The chances that you know someone at the company where you want to apply is higher than you think. Do a search of the company on LinkedIn. Look at your connections who work there. People are often hesitant to reach out to connections who they have not talked to in years, but you should not be. People often like to help, and at many companies, employees receive referral bonuses if someone they recommend is hired. This creates a perfect alignment of incentives. Send your old friend a note on LinkedIn asking to connect for 15 minutes to discuss their experience. Make it easy for them and make yourself flexible based on their schedule. During the call, express genuine interest in the company and their experience. At the end of the call, ask for the referral (if you work with me, we will work together on how to make this ask in a non-awkward way). If they agree, follow up with a link to the job you are interested in and your resume.
Build a network at the places where you want a referral. If you don’t know anyone at the company you are eyeing, it’s time to get to work. One quick path to this is leveraging professional organizations. One example of this is professional organizations, like the American Marketing Association (AMA). Membership to the AMA gives you access to a robust schedule of events that can lead to meeting people from a wide variety of organizations. If we work together, we’ll work together to target 2-3 specific groups that you can join and how you can leverage your membership to reach your referral goal.
If you hire us for Job Application Strategy services, we will work with you to build a detailed strategy on how to pursue the option that makes most sense for you. Click here to book an introductory call.
