Applying and getting no response is one of the most frustrating parts of job searching. You put together what you think is a winning application, send it out, and never hear back. This cycle of searching, applying and hearing nothing eventually leads to frustration, which ultimately affects focus and attention to detail — two necessary components of job searching.
Fortunately, there are some hacks to find unlisted job opportunities and get noticed.
1. Review your resume and portfolio
One reason applicants are experiencing frustration is that we are in a completely new market. Technology — especially as a result of COVID — has advanced beyond what we could imagine. Companies are utilizing software, applications and artificial intelligence to aid in the often overwhelming recruitment and hiring processes. As a result, a candidate looking for a new opportunity after five years at a company is going to have a different experience than they’ve had in the past.
Take a moment to think about the last time you properly reviewed your resume and portfolio. Not just a scan. We’re talking a real, in-depth analysis.
As you review your resume, here are a few key factors to consider:
Is your resume ATS-proof?
An applicant tracking system (ATS) is software that assists companies in the hiring process. With dozens of potential candidates, the software optimizes hiring by utilizing artificial intelligence to filter only the applications that fit the top requirements. Out of the 75% of recruiters and hiring managers utilizing applicant-tracking systems, 95% say the software has improved their hiring process.
The challenge for job seekers is understanding how to get their applications past applicant-tracking systems. A candidate could be qualified for the role but have formatting or language that gets their application rejected from the system.
To optimize your resume for applicant tracking systems, take these steps:
- Keep formatting simple.
Special graphics, photos and formatting will likely result in rejection. - Incorporate keywords into your application.
Review the job description and responsibilities, and organically incorporate the most important words into the application. Note: Adding a ‘skills’ section to your resume is a great way to highlight these keywords. - Apply to jobs you qualify for.
If your resume does not match the job description or responsibilities, it will likely be rejected. - Submit the right kind of file.
When in doubt, default to saving your resume as a PDF.
Peruse our hub of successful resume examples and templates to see what the above steps look like in action.
Have you gotten outsider feedback?
Sometimes, you need to get out of your head and utilize the resources available to you. Is there a mentor or someone you admire who can look over your resume?
No mentor? No problem.
As the internet has evolved, more resources have become available to job seekers. There are simple ways to view eye-catching resume examples, access ready-made templates, put your resume through optimization software or have one custom-made for you.
Teal’s AI Resume Builder is one of those options. You can tailor your resume to each application and customize it based on your core skills and experience. Additionally, Teal’s work experience extension is a convenient way to swap skills and experience based on the opportunity you're applying for. When applying for multiple jobs, you'll likely need multiple resumes.
2. Use a variety of online tools
In addition to Teal, there are many other tools available for job seekers.
Browse niche platforms
LinkedIn, Indeed and Monster have revolutionized job searching. With 70% of job searchers using Google and 53% using job-search websites to aid their search, it’s time to get creative online.
As a result of this saturation, niche platforms have popped up to help job seekers narrow their search. One example of this is Side Hustle Stack, which introduces job searchers to platforms based on skills and categories, cutting down on searching time.
For people who only want remote opportunities, FlexJobs was created for that reason. In the creative space? WorkingNotWorking is specifically tailored for creatives.
Other niche platforms include:
Utilize all of social media’s capabilities
Social media has transformed how people network and look for jobs. It’s also where recruiters hang out. A whopping 71% of recruiters say social media has helped to reduce time for non-management, salaried positions. If you’re not active on social media, it’s time to start.
Below are two efficient ways to use social media during the job search.
Search Facebook groups
Facebook groups provide a way for people with common interests to gather, share ideas or ask questions. A positive outcome of Facebook groups is the ability to find job opportunities before they hit job boards. The best way to discover these groups is to put your field or skill into search, followed by the word ‘jobs.’ Below are a few examples of Facebook Groups that explicitly promote job opportunities.
Publish content to LinkedIn and optimize your profile
LinkedIn’s whole existence is to help people elevate their careers. The platform offers multiple ways for users to get noticed. One of the best LinkedIn features is its Google SEO integration, which helps LinkedIn posts, articles and profiles show up in Google search results.
Get noticed by writing LinkedIn articles with topics related to your skills and expertise. Craft individual posts that are engaging, get people to think and utilize two-to-three hashtags for discovery. Putting yourself out there is part of the job-search battle, and LinkedIn makes it easy for professionals to get their content discovered.
3. Get creative with networking
Networking is essential to growing your career and discovering the next opportunity. Networking can also be intimidating for those who aren’t used to doing it, which is why these two suggestions are great for anyone wading into networking territory.
Engage in a Twitter chat
Twitter chats are regular events where Twitter users congregate and discuss a shared topic. People from all over the nation—even the world—share ideas, answer questions and get to know one another. After a few weeks, you will start to notice regular attendees and build a network that can support you in your career growth.
One useful chat is the #JobHuntChat, which takes place every Monday at 9 p.m. EST and is centered on a better job-searching experience. Another way to search for Twitter chats is to use TweetReports, which lists more than 1,000 Twitter chats you can browse by topic, day, time and more.
Ask someone to coffee
Now you’re ready for the next move: in-person networking. A good way to start is to ask someone you admire out to coffee or to have a virtual chat. When crafting your outreach, include why you admire them and their career. If you are not able to meet in person, send over a $5-$10 gift card to their favorite coffee shop as a thank you. These gestures are noticed and will go a long way.
Come prepared with questions that will help you better understand both their career trajectory and also how you might incorporate some of the steps they took into your own career. After the meeting, send a card or email thanking them for their time.
Job searching can be complicated, but it doesn’t have to be. Incorporate these tips to help keep that job searching frustration at bay.
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