As a former HR manager used to reviewing scores of applications the old-fashioned way, I rarely failed to at least acknowledge an application with a “got your resume and we’ll get back to you” email. Once the decision was made, I emailed the losing applicants and let them know we chose someone else.

Now, with the widespread use of applicant tracking systems, I’m lucky if I even get a rejection email from 5% of my applications. In the ATS black hole, no one can hear you scream.

Many employers using ATS are missing out on the best talent, because highly qualified individuals aren’t going to play that game. It says a lot about a company if they don’t choose to take a more active role in evaluating talent, and don’t treat applicants with respect. The best candidates will network themselves into a better company.

Perhaps someday lazy organizations will realize that hiring decisions are the most critical choices a company makes.

Last month, after a few frustrating months trying to find a job with no response, I hired a career coach to help me update my resume, cover letter and my focus. So far, this month, based on selectively choosing jobs and companies that appeal to me, and tailoring my letter, resume and approach to suit each one, I am getting a 100% response rate with phone calls, interest AND interviews…. Last month I had zero. I am still waiting on an offer, and it is possible that at least 1, if not 3 offers may come my way this week…it’s certainly helped my confidence and optimism, and hopefully, soon my ideal job will land… it’s just a matter of days now.
Good luck.

As a hiring manager at a small business, if it isn’t clear that you read the want ad from your cover letter, you are automatically out of the running. You must say something distinctly related to the company, our business, and the want ad.

I apply for about 1000 jobs every week using one standard resume and cover letter. Once in a while – for a position closely matching my background – I may add a couple of lines in the cover letter pointing out relevant qualifications.

I am already spending far more than 40 hours per week applying for jobs. There is no way I can justify the time necessary to rewrite my resume in language conforming to each specific job description.

Mark Zellenrath
Reputations Corporate Communications

Great story< Andrew

I see a world of opportunity out there – even in these fire-the-old-peole first and hire-only-under-40 environment. New business ventures beckon. Many careers don’t care how old you are. Some artists didn’t start painting until they were in their eighties.

On one of my trips to Albuquerque, I looked up my old boss from the Farmington Daily Times. I didn’t realize it at the time. I was just starting out. But, my boss gave me a lot of rein, only once pulling me into her office to tell me the reservation beat reporter had thin skin and was nervous about me (Native American on both sides of my family) hunting stories on the reservation. I had plenty of opportunities to write stories on Indian matters without venturing onto the reservation. Other than that one request, I was allowed to meander far and wide in search of stories that were fun to cover. I chased balloons, visited archaeological digs and even had the opportunity to ride a narrow gauge railroad during the dead of winter. I also covered a lot of the entertainment offerings for the tiny burg in the corner of New Mexico.

I was so focused on my career that I wouldn’t realize for at least a decade that I had a great job. Because Farmington is so remote, I wouldn’t have a lot of competition for my job. It all turned out well. There were serious stories I covered, too. You don’t get opportunities like that often.

My career in writing has been a rich and abundantly rewarding experience.

What was my first choice?

I was a fine arts major. These days, I am pursuing art and writing.

This really help me in my interview tommorow..

I must share this to my friends..

TWO THUMPS UP!!