Looking for work can be a daunting task, you may apply for hundreds of positions and receive a handful of responses that may or may not lead to an interview. Nowadays the systematic, formulaic approach to hiring makes it an uphill battle to get recognized in a sea of other applicants. While this may sound hopeless, letting this discourage you will only worsen your chances, and your best bet to get notice is turning the system on its head and making it work for you.
What Are Employers & Recruiters Looking For?
Many recruiters utilize sites like Indeed and LinkedIn for recruiting as it gives them access to a massive pool of applicants and a wide array of talents/specializations. Generally employers bring a recruiter a position that needs to be filled and a description specifying qualifications with some of these ranging from loose requirements and preferences to deal breakers. They will either search manually through these pools to find and meet these requirements or if they are a larger firm utilize AI algorithms and search queries to search directly for the exact specifications.
The issue for those new to the workforce is over the years the lines between the soft preferences and the requirements have blurred considerably. This has led to modern employers in most cases specifically asking for their exact specifications to be met, significantly narrowing the scope, and raising barriers to entry. Even in entry level positions, seem to have experience requirements far and above what would be considered “entry level” even a few years ago.
So, you may ask: “How do I work within these constraints?”
Research, Research, Research
When applying for a specific position look at multiple job postings and gather information on the field you are interested in, look into the requirements for each position and find common themes. If there are certifications that multiple employers are looking for, possibly consider getting certified or familiarizing yourself with it, so you may detail your fluency on your resume, even if you are unable to obtain the certification itself due to finances or other barriers.
In fact, most colleges and universities offer the ability to “audit” or take classes without payment, which while you will receive no course credits, you will gain valuable knowledge and resources. If all else fails, the internet is a powerful tool with sites such as LinkedIn Learning (previously lynda.com) providing affordable courses in multiple fields, even simply utilizing free resources on YouTube and Reddit can net incredible results when it comes to expanding your knowledge base.
If you don’t have the required years of experience, do a deep dive into work you’ve done in the past and see if it can be applied to the experience required. You may also consider searching for volunteer opportunities on the side which will help you meet these requirements and grow your resume. Most will have no barriers to entry and can also offer unique networking opportunities.
Search for positions that offer training as an entry level employee, as most of these positions will not expect a lengthy job history at least within that specific field. Such employers may also be more likely to hire or instruct recruiters to hire more leniently when it comes to background knowledge and qualifications.
Reach Out to Employers
Never simply send in your resume, cover letter, etc. and hope for the best. That is a surefire way to end up with a polite, but automated email detailing the employer’s “difficult” decision to look elsewhere. In hockey, 90 percent of the shots don’t reach the back of the net on the first try, and if a team simply took a shot, then turned tail and ran, they’d be lucky to get a single goal. Sustained pressure in a zone, looking for rebounds, moving the puck, that is what scores goals, and if you want to be recognized by an employer it’s that same sustained pressure you will need in following up, asking questions, and demonstrating consistent effort while doing so. Make yourself as available as possible, be prepared to give your full undivided attention.
Send Applications Directly and on Recruiting Sites
In general, battles are seldom won if you don’t attack at different angles. This holds true for the warzone that is job hunting as well. Most companies will offer both the ability to apply on separate recruiting sites such as Indeed as well as directly on the company site, it is important not to simply apply to one exclusively. This for many reasons, but at the very least it will ensure a display of determination, tenacity, and persistence. The employer or recruiter may also receive a smaller pool of applicants from their website, meaning more opportunities for you to stand out in both lists.
Contact Recruiters Directly (The Corporate Whisperers)
Recruiters speak the language of the executives and upper management, and contacting them directly to help find a position in your field can help shuffle your application to the top of the pile. They can help explain the intangible benefits you can bring to the company in a way that the hiring managers will understand. Oftentimes contacting recruiters can help you leap the barriers to entry or at least provide you a boost to help employers take a chance on you and make a bet on your future success within the organization.
The Interview
The only thing standing between you and your dream job. The last hurdle you have to leap. Don’t overthink, don’t let anything throw you off. Oftentimes modern interview philosophy has shifted to the point where trick, abstract and seemingly unrelated questions are the norm. Roll with the punches, if you are caught off guard, simply answer with your gut, and give the best that you can because that is all the other applicants will do anyway.
Nobody knows exactly how many windows are in New York City, and no two answers will be alike. Approach each of these questions knowing that it doesn’t matter what you answer, it matters to demonstrate your reasoning in reaching one.
Conclusion
So yes, in the case of the modern day job market, the house is rigged against you. That won’t come as a surprise to many, but if you watch closely, follow basic strategy, and count a few cards, you may be able to turn those odds in your favor.
Recruit With Castle Interactive
Castle Interactive utilizes a hybrid approach of machine learning, search queries and human overview to recruit skilled applicants and find those diamonds the rough. We handle recruitment and staffing for a wide range of fields including but not limited to IT, medical, security, and digital media production. Let us help you expand your workforce and build for the future.
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