3 Reasons Why Job Boards Could Hinder Your Search

Popular 3 Reasons Why Job Boards Could Hinder Your Search Don GoodmanAaron SanbornJenna ArcandFebruary 07, 2024 Bigstock {"adCodes": [{"desktop": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "display": true, "mobile": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 0, "tablet": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"}, {"desktop": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "display": true, "mobile": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 1, "tablet": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"}, {"desktop": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "display": true, "mobile": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e", "new_amp": "\u003camp-ad width=336 height=280\n type=\"doubleclick\"\n data-slot=\"/22278042776,22664312254/wit/wit_content\"\n data-multi-size=\"300x250\"\u003e\n\u003c/amp-ad\u003e", "order": 2, "tablet": "\u003cdiv class=\u0027rblad-wit_content\u0027\u003e\u003c/div\u003e"}], "adsOrder": [2]}

At one time, job boards were the way to go for job seekers. It's where you can post your resume for employers and recruiters to view and apply for job openings. But today, it's a different story.

The modern-day job search has changed, and finding your dream job (or just a good job) is about personal branding and leveraging your professional network.

Imagine you are a hiring manager. Would you be more likely to take time to interview a candidate you don't know except for what's been given on a submitted cover letter and resume or someone who's been referred to you? A referral has much less risk, and that's why networking has a higher success rate than job boards when it comes to securing a position.

This doesn't mean that job boards are dead because there are plenty of niche job boards worth going to as a job seeker. But you can't build an effective job search strategy around applying for jobs on job boards.

Here are a few other things about the limitations of using job boards when you're a job seeker.

1. Recruiters May Never See Your Cover Letter And Resume

Just because you apply for a job on a job board doesn't mean an actual person will ever look at your cover letter and resume.

More than 85% of companies are now using applicant tracking systems (ATS) to review and rank resumes according to skills, experience, and keywords. The simple fact is that companies use internal algorithms, so ensuring a strong ranking is extremely difficult. A recent HR manager told me that they get an average of 400 resumes for each position and only look at the top 10-20—meaning 380 resumes are not even reviewed.

In many instances, before a job posting goes up on the job board, it's already been shared around internally at the employer and by trusted sources. So, it's likely hundreds applied before the posting even made it to the job board.

2. Many Job Openings Don't Get Posted On Job Boards

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Big job boards can be overwhelming with job postings (both relevant and irrelevant to you). This is a similar perspective for the employer when they get an overwhelming number of applicants for the job opening posted on a job board.

It's also the reason why some may prefer to work solely with recruiters or find other means to source the right talent. If you're not networking with the right contacts, you're missing out on opportunities that will never be found on job boards.

3. Recruiters Have More Resources To Find Talent

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Recruiters and hiring managers have professional networks too! Whether it's a professional acquaintance or reaching out to their own workforce, they can put together a list of potential candidates before even posting a job.

In addition, many recruiters also use LinkedIn to find talent.

Resumes that get posted to job boards are still viewed, but there's a good chance the information is outdated, which is one reason why hiring managers and recruiters are relying more on LinkedIn where information is generally more current.

Networking is the answer!

The best way to get a job is to put together a bucket list of companies that you want to work for and network your way onto that company's radar before they even post a job opening.

However, if you do want to apply for a job that you come across on a job board, make sure you go the extra mile to get past the ATS. Instead of applying to the link on the job board, do some research, find out who the hiring manager is, and take steps to get your updated cover letter and resume in front of them.

Need more help with your job search?

Become a member to learn how to land a job and UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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Everyone has heard of New Year's resolutions. You know, those promises we make to ourselves about things we'll do better in the year ahead. Sometimes these resolutions work, while other times we end up with gym memberships we never use! But have you ever heard of a career resolution? It's actually the same thing as a New Year's resolution, only career-focused.

However, with something as important as a career, you don't want to break these resolutions. That's why it's important to keep these goals manageable.

Here are four simple career resolutions that are easy to stick to and achieve.

Be Self-Aware Of Where You Stand In Your Career Bigstock

Being honest and self-aware of where you are in your career is the most important step in making strong career resolutions. If your career is going nowhere and you're unhappy, then it may be time to consider a career change, which will take you down a different path entirely.

But if you're happy and in good standing with your career, it's a lot easier to set goals for the year and build out a long-term career plan.

Find A Way To Grow Your Career Bigstock

Career growth is a very broad spectrum that means something different to everyone. It could be something as simple as improving on a weakness or building on a strength. It could also be learning a new skill or taking on additional responsibilities at work.

On a larger level, it could be seeking a promotion or moving into a leadership role.

Whatever the goal is, make sure it includes growing professionally. The worst thing you can do is stay the same! If you're not growing your career, you're dying—and becoming a lot less valuable to your employer. There are always ways to upskill!

Better Serve Your Professional Network

With current colleagues, former colleagues, and other professional acquaintances, you've probably built a solid professional network through the years. A strong professional network can come in handy if you lose your job or are looking to make a career change. However, you shouldn't just rely on your network when you're in need!

It's important to find ways to offer value to your network. This could include checking in with members of your network from time to time. Exchange messages on LinkedIn to see how they're doing or share relevant content of interest. If you can help someone in your network going through a career challenge, you should!

Maintaining a strong professional network is like an investment. If you want it to pay off, you have to put some time into it and be consistent.

Take Care Of Yourself

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Working on your career is hard work! It's okay to be selfish sometimes. Whether you're working to grow your career or looking for a new job, it's important to find balance.

Your family and health always come first, so make sure your career goals don't interfere with that. If you want to set aside time during the week to work on your career that's fine, but don't miss important family events or milestones.

Don't let your career goals get in the way of your health goals. Go to the gym, take a walk, or go for a jog. Balance is key to maintaining healthy career and life goals. Sometimes you just need to adjust that balance as you go.

Need help sticking to your career resolutions?

Become a member to learn how to UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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