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The Top 10 Mistakes: Using Job Boards
Top 10 Mistakes: Using Job Boards
One of my Linkedin friends, Bill Holland, has written a great set of Top 10 Mistakes articles on Ready, Set, Hired, and I thought this one on using job boards was great. Next week I'll post my Top 10 Mistakes for employers using job boards. Both will be must-reads for job seekers and employers alike.
- Relying exclusively on them. Competition is steep on job boards, with thousands of people applying to the same jobs. Don't rule them out completely, but be sure to spend time networking for leads.
- Not focusing your resume on keywords. Don't simply post your regular resume. Online resumes are searched and ranked based on nouns and keywords. Modify your resume accordingly so you don't needlessly disqualify yourself.
- Limiting your reach. Don't limit yourself to the popular job boards. Explore niche and regional job boards for opportunities. Also determine which companies you would like to work for and check out their corporate career sites.
- Applying to everything. Don't apply to jobs just because they sound "great". If you're clearly not qualified for a job, don't waste anyone's time - including yours. You may lose credibility when an appropriate opportunity arises.
- Not checking them regularly. Don't spend all your time on job boards, but be sure to schedule regular check-ins so you don't miss any suitable opportunities. If a job is newly posted, apply early to beat the rush of resumes that will flow in as the deadline approaches.
- Failing to follow instructions. Due to the volume of applicants, there is generally a strict process that you must follow when applying to jobs online. Don't ruin your chances by circumventing the process.
- Not using them as a research tool. There is much information to be gleaned from job boards. You can identify market trends as well as find out which companies are hiring and which recruiters are active in your area of interest.
- Having an outdated profile. You never know when a potential employer might be searching online for someone with your qualifications. Keep your information accurate and up to date so they don't pass you over.
- Being inflexible. Be open to considering opportunities slightly outside of your criteria. You don't want to broaden your search too much, but keep in mind that postings contain limited information, so don't discount a job prematurely.
- Not having an objective or experience profile on your resume. If you've submitted a cover letter, it may not be read. Therefore, be sure to clearly and succinctly state your objective and/ or include an experience profile in your resume.
- Margie
So login now at WineAndHospitalityJobs.com to get started!? Need assistance? Call me at 707-933-0687 or email me!
1 comment
Hi Margie!
Had to reply to this one as we just went through our summer hiring process. We used 2 local job boards to post a housekeeping job. One of our old housekeepers saw the post and emailed. So, a word of advice- if you think you want your old job back, call immediately, don't wait for the job to be posted!
But, that's not the best one. We received a call about the job and the caller was either presently employed in childcare or was trying to get away from her own kids, who were screaming in the background. Still, we sent her an application and a job description- via snail mail as she does not have a computer. Still ok, the job doesn't require any computer skills at all.
The kicker was when the application came back folded up in quarters and stuffed into a greeting card envelope with a single stamp. Because the envelope was too thick according to postal regs, we had to pay 63 cents to the post office to get the application. On which the applicant stated she could not work weekends. (A housekeeping job in lodging in the summer absolutely requires weekends and that was clearly stated in the job description.)
So, time and money wasted mailing the application, time and money wasted getting the application back, time wasted reading the application and then shredding it.
I think your friend covered that in numbers 4, 6 & 9!
Love the newsletter!
Thank you,
Monica & Rock
Innkeepers
White Cedar Inn
178 Main Street
Freeport, ME 04032
207.865.9099/800.853.1269
www.whitecedarinn.com
Celebrating 22 years of providing cozy accommodations, scrumptious breakfasts and thought-provoking conversation for our guests. Since 1987.
Freeport's first B&B to be awarded the Green Certificate in Lodging by the State of Maine.
You may view our availability calendar and book online at your convenience.
As seen in Down East and Everyday with Rachael Ray.
Had to reply to this one as we just went through our summer hiring process. We used 2 local job boards to post a housekeeping job. One of our old housekeepers saw the post and emailed. So, a word of advice- if you think you want your old job back, call immediately, don't wait for the job to be posted!
But, that's not the best one. We received a call about the job and the caller was either presently employed in childcare or was trying to get away from her own kids, who were screaming in the background. Still, we sent her an application and a job description- via snail mail as she does not have a computer. Still ok, the job doesn't require any computer skills at all.
The kicker was when the application came back folded up in quarters and stuffed into a greeting card envelope with a single stamp. Because the envelope was too thick according to postal regs, we had to pay 63 cents to the post office to get the application. On which the applicant stated she could not work weekends. (A housekeeping job in lodging in the summer absolutely requires weekends and that was clearly stated in the job description.)
So, time and money wasted mailing the application, time and money wasted getting the application back, time wasted reading the application and then shredding it.
I think your friend covered that in numbers 4, 6 & 9!
Love the newsletter!
Thank you,
Monica & Rock
Innkeepers
White Cedar Inn
178 Main Street
Freeport, ME 04032
207.865.9099/800.853.1269
www.whitecedarinn.com
Celebrating 22 years of providing cozy accommodations, scrumptious breakfasts and thought-provoking conversation for our guests. Since 1987.
Freeport's first B&B to be awarded the Green Certificate in Lodging by the State of Maine.
You may view our availability calendar and book online at your convenience.
As seen in Down East and Everyday with Rachael Ray.
06/21/10 @ 11:46
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