Don't Fall for the Fallacy of Online Job Search

Since its advent in the '90s, the Internet has been touted as the greatest advance in mass communication since the written word. Yes, that's an exaggeration, but its's no less true if you aren't online you're as outdated as if you prefer 8-track or cassette tapes to CDs.

There is one area, however, where spending a lot of time online can be more of a hindrance. When searching for a new job, browsing through cyberspace can cause you to become as lost as a grain of sand in the middle of the Sahara Desert. Even people who aren't web savvy are nonetheless aware of various job sites, such as CareerBuilder, HotJobs and Monster. The proliferation of countless copycat sites has led to an inevitable muddling of the already troubled waters of the job search market.

You have to resist the notion that simply posting your resumé online will ensure success in your job hunt. It's natural to assume that this is the easiest and quickest way to secure new employment. No doubt it has worked for many people, but because of the sheer volume of posted resumés, you'll likely be prolonging your quest by months.

The major downside to online job sites is that your resumé has as much chance of getting noticed as a drop of water in the ocean. Monster alone can claim that at least 15 million resumés are stored on its site at any given time. Can you imagine how many resumés appear when an employer conducts a search, despite narrow parameters? Even someone of the strongest intestinal fortitude would blanch at the prospect of wading through that much data.

Aside from the fact that the extreme number of work profiles put online works against you, further consideration must be given to the fierce competition for web job postings. Unless you are a rainmakers of biblical proportions, you're more likely to fall into the midrange for any position you apply for online. And don't neglect the idea that it is a typical practice that your resumé will be viewed not by key decision-makers, but rather an underling. Don't leave your job search fate to chance.

Studies have shown that employers in today's marketplace are more interested in recruiting people who they believe will be in line with the goals and needs of their company. Resumés only tell part of your story and tend to be rather impersonal. Knowing what makes you tick is of far greater importance than just poring over your work history and experience.

Rather than just mass snail or e-mailing your curriculum vitae, it is far better to compose a list of companies that interest you and then proceed to identify the people who make hiring decisions with those firms. While doing that, it helps to also research possible employers, familiarizing yourself with their history, services and products they offer. Using both new methods such as Google, as well as old world options like Who's Who in America and the Thomas Register, you should take note of the principal executives of these companies, as one of these people may be your future boss.

Once you accomplish that, then and only then should you e-mail your resumé through the web site of the organizations you've compiled. More often than not there will be an e-mail link where you can upload your resumé, cover letter and even a portfolio if available.
By realigning your sights using these techniques, you may achieve greater and faster results in your job search. As shown here, if you use online job sites as a crutch in your pursuit of new employment, then you truly will cripple your efforts. Throw away that crutch and take a stand!