| Topic Name: |
Resume Data Base Systems |
| Message Name: |
Just Want To Keep This in Top 15 |
| Date Posted: |
03/14/2002 |
| In Reply To: |
in a so-called "high volume" recruiting environment.
Given that a submitting a cold resume is only going to do so much for your job search - here's some advice on getting around the resume databases and getting your resume handled with more personal attention.
I have a love/hate relationship with resume database systems, but I have recruited for companies that had to use these because of the unimaginable volume of resumes they receive. I learned to use the technology as just one of the devices necessary to finding the rigth candidates. Mostly, I like them for resume storage and easy retrieval. I know when I put a resume in there I'm going to be able to find it later when I need it.
Here's how you can navigate around them.
1. Send a hard copy of your resume on really nice, expensive paper directly to the recruiter (find out who it is by doing research)via snail mail. They have to physically handle it to put it into the scanner or bundle to overnight it to the database company. That nice, stiff, good quality paper stands out. The recruiter or recruiter's assistant may recognize it's a great resume and put it at the top of the pile to look at immediately. It happens - all the time - trust me on this.
2. Repeat above, but send it to the hiring manager, then follow-up with a phone call.
3. Do some calling around and see if you can possibly find any kind of a personal connection anywhere inside the company - it could be anybody who works there. Even if they don't know you, they will probably get a bonus if you are hired. They have nothing to lose. If they can personally vouch for you, even better, but not necessary. Repeat above - send via snail mail to the employee on good paper. Also, ask if you can send one to their company e-mail address. This way it gets forwarded electronically into the right people's personal e-mail boxes.
4. Repeat above, send to CEO with a note saying how much you admire them, their leadership style and their vision for the company. They will pass it on to the recruiting dept. with their personalized routing slip/notepaper. This gets everybody's attention, and we don't know how serious your connection to the CEO is. All we know is it got routed with his/her personal notepaper. It won't get you the job if you are not qualified, but it is a sure-fire way to get it reviewed.
5. Alter your name on your electronically submitted resume to the database. Post your resume on the job boards that make sense for your industry and submit an electronic resume to the database with a slightly altered name - like just put your first and middle initial and your last name instead of your full name. It will create a second resume in the database instead of replacing one already there. (companies hate this because it costs them extra - tough). Don't skimp on resume length for these - the more info the better chance you will pop up in a search.
7. Don't rely on resume submission in any form to do the job for you. You still have to network, build relationships with people within your industry and keep in touch with your mentors/former managers.
8. If this does not get you an interview - MOVE ON and keep networking. |
| Message: |
This is good information - don't miss it.
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