The Number One Reason Why You Are Not Getting Job Interviews

Anyone who is searching for a job these days knows how frustrating it can be. The real difficulty lies in making sure your voice is heard among the thousands of others who are in the same boat as you, searching for gainful employment. With that said, it is tempting to blame a saturated job market for the frustration you feel and the lack of interviews coming your way. Well, it may be closer to the truth to say that the problem is YOU. Yes, that may sound a little harsh, but let's talk about why that may be so, and how to go about turning the tide in your favor.

A Word About Internet Job Boards



Someone once said that the true definition of insanity is doing the same thing repeatedly, but expecting different results. Yet, most of us continue to use the same outdated, ineffective strategies when searching for a job. The primary approach seems to be to post your resume on every job board on the internet, and then to wait for a response. After all, it worked in 2005 when you scored your old job, right?

Well, I have news for you. It will not work in 2011. The truth is that simply posting your resume on an internet job board is no longer effective. Additionally, you are opening yourself up to receiving copious amounts of spam mail from con artists trying to capitalize on your desperation.

Keep in mind that when hiring managers are looking to fill a position, searching a job board is the equivalent of looking for a needle in a haystack. Imagine yourself in Miss Hiring Manager's shoes, having to review possibly hundreds of resumes for the same job posting. Unless yours just happens to be on the top of her pile, it may never even be read.

Therefore, it is essential these days to take a more proactive approach to searching for a job. Crafting a targeted and aesthetically pleasing resume is the first step. However, it will take some effort and creativity on your part to actually get it in front of the decision makers.

How to Increase Your Visibility

I realize that the word "networking" has become slightly overused in the last few years, but it's important. In order to increase the likelihood of getting requests for interviews, it is imperative that you actually get out there beyond your computer screen and circulate, or network. Why, you ask? Because contrary to popular belief, opportunities do not usually show up at your door. Sometimes, you have to create them.

You never know when you may meet someone who can put you in direct contact with the decision makers instead of just hoping your resume will get noticed among a sea of others. Attend seminars, workshops and mixers in your area that are relevant to the career you seek. If you're taking college classes, chat up your professors about possible prospects. Even your local coffee shop or gym could be a great source for contacts. Stay prepared by having a few copies of your resume and/or your business cards with you.

Some of you simply don't feel comfortable striking up a conversation with total strangers. That's certainly understandable, but not an excuse! Personally, I have found that the best way to overcome that fear is to just do it. I can guarantee you that it's not nearly as scary as you think it is. What do you have to lose? No one ever got anything meaningful done by staying in their comfort zone.

Final Words

Even with the fierce competition for jobs, you'd be amazed at where opportunities are hiding. It's up to you to get out there and find them. Sure, it's okay to post your resume on internet job boards, but don't rely on this as your primary means of looking for a job. It is important now more than ever to also take your search offline, and to become an active participant in your job search in order to get the interviews. What are you waiting for? Your future could be just around the corner.

Marsha owns and operates Key Image Resumes in Phoenix, AZ, a professional resume and curriculum vitae writing service. She brings five years of expertise to the table, and believes in the importance of using the ever-evolving talent acquisition trends to better position you for success. She specializes in individuals who have been downsized and who wish to leverage their skills in order to make a transition into a new career. Key Image crafts targeted resumes to help market your skills and accomplishments successfully. Marsha's creativity and desire to help connect people with fulfilling careers helps her stand out from the rest.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6502198