You Applied On-Line Over Two Weeks Ago.... Now What?

Most companies list their jobs on their own "Careers with Company X" website and require applicants to apply online. But submitting an application online can feel like sending your resume into a black hole where it vanishes amidst a universe of applications. There are, however, ways to avoid getting lost in space.

Many employers admit that online applications are not their preferred method of sourcing qualified candidates. There are too many resumes in their online databases from unqualified candidates, and they don't have time to review each and every one to see if there is a fit somewhere in the company. Many companies use keyword searches of the resume database to see if they get any hits. Others have HR staff glance at the new resumes for a few seconds to see if any seem to fit current openings. So, if your resume doesn't make it through one of these initial screening methods, you're not going to be invited to interview.

Bring your application into the light
To get noticed after submitting your resume online, follow up with a phone call (or two or more if necessary). If the website clearly states "don't call us, we'll call you" then respect that and follow up with an email instead. It's rare to find a contact name and phone number on a company's career website, so you need to be persistent and resourceful in getting through to a person. Try these techniques:

• Call the main phone number and navigate through their phone system. When you get a person on the phone ask for the Human Resources representative in charge of recruiting university students.
• Ask people in your existing network of friends, family, acquaintances, professors, classmates, and co-workers if they know anyone who works for that organization. You'll be surprised what a small world it is. Even if the person identified does not work in HR or the department you are targeting, they may be willing to refer you to the correct person to contact if your acquaintance makes an introduction.

Persistence can pay off
Do not be afraid to follow up a job application with a phone call. Few people are annoyed by this, and if you express yourself effectively on the phone, it will actually make you look like a resourceful, enthusiastic candidate. Be prepared to speak in a professional manner on the phone. In fact, you may want to rehearse what you will say if you get a person on the phone, or what you will say if you need to leave a voice mail message. Following up on your applications in a professional manner by contacting people directly will increase your chances of getting job interviews.