Hey CollegeCFO Readers!
We found this interesting article in the NYTimes this week that we wanted to share! Called ‘Your Resume vs. Oblivion’, it discusses submitting resumes online and watching them disappear into the abyss. The reason for this disappearing act is usually HR computer programs that use keywords to weed out unqualified applicants. How can they be sure who’s really unqualified? That’s the problem.
The need for these computer programs is clear: Today, up to 50% of applicants are basically unqualified for the jobs they apply for. And while the number of jobs has declined, the number of applicants has increased. To compound the problem, when the recession hit, most companies responded by drastically cutting their HR departments. These computer programs save costs, but put the burden on applicants to know what keywords to pepper their resumes with.
So what can you do to get around the resume black hole? Network, network, network.
My best networking tip is to spend lots of time on LinkedIn. Connect with everyone you know. (A good rule of thumb if you feel uncomfortable connecting with someone is asking yourself if you’d feel comfortable asking them for an introduction.) If you’ve identified a company that you’re interested in, search your network on LinkedIn to see who can give you an introduction to someone in the company. I find that asking for informational interviews from employees in the department I am applying for is a great way to get my foot in the door.
What’s your best networking tip? Let us know in the comments!
And for more on this topic, check out ‘Your Resume vs. Oblivion’ on NYTimes.com!
Laura
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