Most resumes submitted in this manner either receive a standard letter acknowleding receipt, or nothing at at. Granted, recruiters are being bombarded with resumes these days, so job hunters need to know how to be squeaky wheels and “get the grease.” In today’s market, the so-called traditional (eg online) methods are ineffective and require a radical mindset overhaul — for both recruiters and job hunters.

My advice to job hunters is to avoid the boards and hone up on your Google skills. You’d be amazed at the job and contact information you’ll find outside of the job boards.

I’m beginning to think we have created a generation of fools who have peter-principled themselves into all the seats of power, these sons and daughters of the “greatest generation”.

The people that are the good recruiters, who don’t see your resume on line, who want to develop a relationship with you now in the event at some point in the future there may be a great opportunity you want to hear about — don’t surf the boards looking for people.

The great recruiters are few and far between and it’s as difficult for them to find you as it is for you to find them. My advice is to do some research in your area of expertise, and locate 3-5 recruiters and interview them.
Long term, it can boost your career potential, help you land the job you do want, and give you an experience working with professionals.

I’m always on the look out for talent – and finding the great people when my customers are seeking them is difficult. As is, finding a great job. If you’re spending time on the boards, you’ll get the same poor quality with most everyone you’re in contact with.

If you bust out of the easy way out, you’ll find great people to network with that will land you that next great job – and in some cases, that network will include a recruiter!

For job hunters, sending out 100s of resumes believing that, “I only need 1% to get me interviews and I’ll be fine,” thinking.

For employers, receiving 100s of resumes believing that, “There will be some quality candidates here,” thinking.

What kind of magic are each side really thinking here? I’m often thinking that both sides are trying to do the minimal amount of work to get what they want without realizing that it likely works much better if care is taken at the beginning of the process and oh yeah it may be hard work to find a good job as opposed to just any job. That somehow computers will provide people from lying or embellishing either job descriptions or resumes? Seriously? Even I knew better 15 years ago when there wasn’t much interest in the world wide web as Netscape was just getting off the ground.