by John Chase

Gone are the days of simply mailing your resume, receiving a call, shaking hands at the interview, and agreeing on a start date for that new job. The Internet has taken over the recruiting landscape, and everyone is required to submit a resume online. While that brings greater efficiency to the process for employers, it can be awfully maddening for job seekers.

But it doesn’t have to be that way if you know how to navigate the system. (And by all means, if you haven’t already done so – file for unemployment).

Consider these tips before pressing “submit” to send your resume:

• Search job boards and the websites of employers that appeal to you.
• Print out the job postings that you’re interested in pursuing before you apply.
• Use a highlighter to mark the keywords and industry language used to describe the requirements and responsibilities.
• Compare those words and phrases to the language that appears in your current resume.
• Figure out how and where to add the most relevant keywords to your resume, assuming you have the specific knowledge, skills, and experience.
• Applicant tracking systems will search for keyword matches — the more matches, the better, which often determines if a recruiter opts to view your resume.
• Once you’re confident that your resume reflects a strong match, go ahead and submit that targeted resume online.
• If the system requests a cover letter, write a short one that expresses why you’re a strong match and why you’d like to join the organization. This is a chance to tout your research on the role.
• Never submit a generic, one-size-fits-all resume or cover letter. If you really want the position, you’ll customize all documents for each job.

Once you apply, get to work to find an internal referral to make a personal introduction. Here’s how:

• Attend job fairs to meet face-to-face with employers and other professionals.
• Create a free profile and become active on LinkedIn or Facebook, which boast a combined 60 million users. Surely you can find someone who knows someone to make that connection.
• Join an association in your field and network with like-minded peers.-
• Connect with your high school and college alumni groups. Old pals could be new connectors.
• Follow up with a call or email to the recruiter responsible for filling the position. Never say, “Did you get my resume?” Instead be ready to reiterate your strong qualifications and interest in the role. You’ll have just a brief moment to sell yourself, so rehearse before making the call or sending the email.
• Don’t know the name of the right person? Cold-call the company and ask an operator to put you through. If that doesn’t work, do a Web search on the term “recruiter” or “HR director” along with the name of your employer of choice. The results may reveal the name you’re trying to find. LinkedIn is another resource to find the correct name.
• Stay top of mind. Every recruiter is different, which makes this a challenge. Some say you’re welcome to follow up weekly. Others say every other week is enough. And then there are some who’ll tell you to never call. Find the right balance so you’re politely persistent without crossing over to a pest.
• Ask them directly for advice on how and when to follow up. A simple question, “What’s the best way to keep in touch?” will give you the details you need to stay ahead of the pack.

These resume tips should help you in your job search. And if you haven’t already done so – file for unemployment.

About the Author

John is a DJ and radio producer by trade who has performed in the U.S., Russia, Germany, Turkey, Macedonia, Serbia, Kosovo and India. Through a strange twist of fate he found himself working in the debt consolidation and debt settlement field in Chicago. John has a great interest in charity work as well.

His other interests include fitness, science & technology, modern medicine, politics, world events and pop culture.

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