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Advice for Job Seekers

Make no mistake about it, we're in a tight job market. There may be some occupational exceptions, but for the most part companies are hiring reluctantly, if at all. For job seekers, this changes everything.

For starters, the spam approach is unacceptable. It's difficult to make a mass mailing/e-mailing look like anything but what it is: a lazy way to get an employer's attention. Never mind that the employer in question may be responsible for junk mail or spam that you get; the Golden Rule does not apply to employers, at least not during a tight job market.

Sending out resumes without cover letters is another no-no. Employers sometimes claim not to read cover letters, but for the most part what they really mean is that the person in charge of hiring wants to see those letters addressed to them personally, or at least reference someone in their company by name. When jobs are scarce, more people apply for each job opening, and screening applicants based on their knowledge of the company makes it easier to cut through a mountain of applications.

Regarding both the resume and cover letter, a tight job market rewards customization. There's no reason with the widespread availability of computers and laser printers not to make your summary or objective identify the exact job you're applying for. Rework the resume to better reflect the skills the employer is looking for. Identify who in the company you would be working for and cc: them a copy of your resume and letter. This cc: tells Human Resources that you may know the supervisor or department head who made the hiring request. HR is staffed by bureaucrats and they survive by not offending others within the organization. Given the slightest opportunity a good cc: can land you in the smaller stack and grease your chances of a personal interview.

Once you're in the door, all your previous research will pay off in abundance. Even among those job seekers who make the cut, many simply refuse to do any research to help their cause. Interviewing is not just about answering questions; interviewing is your chance to demonstrate your ability to do whatever it is the employer needs to have done. When interviewing, try to make the process be about hiring you, not ranking you against your competitor(s). Demonstrate your awareness of their needs by reinforcing their perception of your relevant abilities and you'll make the final cut. Then it's up to you and how well you respond to them.

Remember, it's all about the employer, and the right answer to any question is always the one that works for them.