5 Reasons Why Applying for Jobs Online Doesnt Work (+ Best Alternatives) - ZipJob

5 Reasons Why Applying for Jobs Online Doesnt Work (+ Best Alternatives) - ZipJob Are you currently in the market for a new job, and still trying to figure out the best way to facilitate your job search? If you’re like many job, seekers these days, you’re probably planning to use the internet to your advantage. You have probably heard about all the great success people have had finding jobs without ever leaving the comfort of their own home. Dig a little deeper, though, and you’ll soon discover that those success stories are not as common as you might think. So, is applying for jobs online a waste of time? Well, it’s complicated. The reality is that some people do find employment by applying for jobs online. For most people, though, it’s a hit-or-miss proposition. In fact, you can typically find a job faster using other, more traditional job search options. That’s not to suggest that online applications shouldn’t be a part of your strategy; they just shouldn’t be the be-all and end-all of that plan. Let’s examine four of the main reasons why the internet may not be your best option for locating a job, and look at four tips that can help you to find a job faster. Why Applying for Jobs Online Is a Waste of Time Its Tedious and Time Consuming Many online job applications look like they were created in a laboratory by mad scientists. They can take hours to complete, and often ask questions that applicants may not feel comfortable answering. When you couple that with the low odds you have of being called for an interview, it’s easy to see how your time could be better spent pursuing a different strategy. So, while online applications and resume submissions may not be a complete waste of time, they are certainly not the best use of your limited time resources. It Can Extinguish Your Enthusiasm We’ve seen it so often that it’s practically routine: job-seekers lose enthusiasm as their search drags on over weeks and weeks. That phenomenon is natural, so it’s important to avoid strategies that exacerbate the frustration. Online job applications can quickly erode enthusiasm, as the impersonal nature of the process takes its inevitable toll. Just consider the facts: Many online applications are so generic that they prevent you from effectively showcasing your unique qualifications.The lack of human contact can be extremely discouraging.You may not hear from anyone at the company for weeks after you apply â€" if you hear from them at all.Far too many applications are designed haphazardly. Others are on websites that don’t work properly. You can easily lose enthusiasm dealing with those broken systems. The Process is Slow If you choose to rely on the internet as your primary application outlet, be prepared for lengthy delays. This type of hiring process often results in weeks of wondering whether anyone’s even seen your application and resume. Sadly, there’s always a strong likelihood that your application simply falls to the wayside, since many companies rely on automated systems to sift through candidate submissions. Unfortunately, many of those companies have no process in place to let you know if you’re been rejected â€" which can leave you in limbo for weeks. That’s simply not a productive way to spend your job-seeking time. Low Success Rate Of course, the best reason why you might want to consider other options is also the simplest: online applications just aren’t that effective. Estimates for online job search success can range from as low as 2% to as high as 5% and that higher estimate is charitable in the extreme. The fact is that most applicants are forced to submit scores of applications online just to get a single interview. That can translate into months of job-seeking before you ever land a job. Four Job-Seeking Options That Are Superior to Applying for Jobs Online Keep in mind that no one is suggesting that you shouldn’t include internet applications as part of your broader strategy for locating a job. Just don’t rely on it as your primary job-search option. Instead, incorporate other job-seeking options in your strategy. Here are some of the better options that you can use to increase your chances of success: Make full use of your network All those networking contacts you’ve been making throughout your life can come in handy during a job search. Ask them to notify you of job openingsas they become aware of them. If there’s a position open at a contact’s company, ask for a referral or recommendation. This type of job-search effort can be one of the most productive and fastest ways to ensure that you get your foot in the door for that great job you need. Polish your resume and optimize for the ATS Focus on your resume. Since you’re going to be submitting it anywhere you apply, make sure that everything is as great as it can be. Revise it as needed to really sell your skill set and make proper use of keywords to ensure that it gets past the applicant tracking systems. Remember, your resume is your single greatest tool when it comes to getting yourself in front of an interviewer. You can see how your resume does in an actual ATS scan with our free resume review. Reach out to hiring managers in a more direct way Reaching out directly to hiring managers could be really effective. Most hiring managers still appreciate a candidate who’s ambitious and driven enough to hit the pavement and directly ask for that job. Dont be afraid to get creativeto get your foot in that door! Make a list of a few companies you want to work for and try to find the hiring manager in charge. When you do shoot them an email with your resume and ask if they have any open positions. Use LinkedIn Remember how we told you that the internet has its place within any job-search strategy? LinkedIn is a perfect example of that truth. As social media goes, LinkedIn is one platform that’s worth its weight in digital gold. Update your profile and use it to flesh out your professional persona. And, of course, your LinkedIn network can be a valuable resource for learning about new job opportunities. Over 90% of hiring managers and recruiters utilize LinkedIn when searching for candidates so make sure your profile is up to date and get active! Closing Thoughts The world has changed in many ways over the last several decades, but we’re not quite at the point where we can all land a job by staring at a computer screen. Applying for jobs online can be useful at times, but you will probably want to focus on other options as well. That more comprehensive strategy should help you to shorten your job-search effort and land that great job you deserve.