Are you still searching for a job using online job boards and postings? That’s the way it’s done, right? Employers need a job filled, so they post a job opening. You apply and hope to get hired.

So you apply for dozens (dare I say hundreds?!) of jobs online, because they have a batch submit function that makes it easy to apply for tons of jobs at once. Gosh, it’s just so darn…easy!

And then you wait. And wait. Then, in your mind, you’re thinking: “Why haven’t I gotten a call back for an interview yet? What is taking so long? I mean, I applied to hundreds of jobs!”

Tough love time. The reason you’re not getting a call back is because you’re making three major mistakes.

Here’s Mistake #1: Online job boards aren’t the easy button that gets you hired.

You’re trying to hit the easy button and thus not getting the results you want in the form of that great paying new gig with awesome benefits. Well, hold onto your socks for this shocking stat: only about 15% of jobs are filled through online postings.

WHAT?!

It’s shocking. And true. One recent article from Fastcompany.com suggests that number can even be lower! So, how are the other 85% or more landing jobs? More on that in mistake #3. Do keep reading!

So if only 15% or so of jobs are filled through online postings, why are so many employers herding applicants like cattle through their process? Because there are thousands of applicants doing just what you did, batch submitting their resume to hundreds of employers.

No recruiter has the time to sift through that many resumes. So, they use the help of the online systems to whittle down the applicant pool.

Which leads to Mistake #2: You need a target that will help you outsmart the online job boards.

Your resume is too vague. You haven’t narrowed your message with a resume that paints a clear picture that you’re the perfect fit for this specific job. When your resume is too general, you won’t win over the applicant tracking systems, much less the humans you’re hoping will invite you to interview. How do I know this? Crafting specific and targeted resumes and campaigns has worked for my resume and career coaching clients for over 12 years now. 

It feels counter-intuitive to most of my new clients when I first ask for a specific target. They’ve been applying to so many different industries and varied positions with the idea of casting a wide net to ‘see what happens’. “Can’t you just write me a general resume?” they ask?

But that’s the mistake. You’ll do better to narrow your focus to get hired. Get in touch with what work you really want to be doing, maybe even with a specific short list of employers. Whether I’m career coaching or writing a resume and cover letter, I help my clients narrow their focus – because it’s quite challenging for most!

And then once you know what’s important to those types of roles and employers, craft a resume specifically targeted to them. You’re more likely to snag an interview with your targeted resume because you’ll have positioned yourself as the solution to their problem.

And on to Mistake #3…Don’t Let the online system decide if you’re the right candidate.

You’re letting the recruiting process and algorithm determine if you’re the right candidate for an interview. That applicant tracking system can’t properly highlight the caliber of your historical work results. It will look for keywords, not gauge how well you do them.

The online system can’t feel your work ethic or ability to execute, nor can you build a rapport with it so that it keeps you in mind when that perfect position opens up.

It’s all about relationships. Remember that stat above where only up to 15% of jobs are filled through online postings? Humans are the answer. You need to be reaching out to your people, networking (even online networking works!), and building relationships with others in your industry.

When your resume and personal brand reflect clearly what you do, you’ll find people not only connect you to your next awesome job, but are happy to do it.

In summary? Don’t spend all your time on the job boards. Go ahead and apply to your specific targets there. But spend your time creating a targeted resume, activating a networking strategy, and building relationships so you can be in the 85% category of people getting jobs outside of those limited online job boards.

I’ve helped thousands get their next jobs, even in a down economy! Click here to learn more about how I can help you with your resume, connector/relationship strategy, or career coaching.