You know, applying for the full-time gigs on the LinkedIns really is a bit of a game. I guess it's really not that different than how it used to be, whenever that used to be, was. Truthfully though, even after well over a year, I'm not convinced there is an appropriate way to conduct a search here; playing a game while the rules are being written, a worthwhile challenge none-the-less.
I've tried four approaches which can be divided into two categories… The thoughtful, contextually relevant approach which can be subdivided into the "laboriously personal" and "insertionally relational" hardcore cover letter tactics; AND then, scatter-shot approach which takes on two easy-breezy forms… blasting out the not so cleverly crafted formulaic cover-note and the, eh, what the heck, you get NO note at all click, click send methods.
Now… Always know your market.
I do know that 90% of the applications I submit are headed directly to the assistant to the the intern whose job it is to sort through all this before passing them along to the person responsible for making sure the hiring manager has the time they need to do their job today… The HR person or… (hey there HR person, thought I'd take this moment to say, I love you; oh and you there, hiring manager, been there, I know your pain) ...I am well aware of the insta-vetting tactics required to sort through the pulp, rind and CV bombs tossed so freely by the CV tossers (such as myself). But, this is after all... social (content) and really, I make no excuses. AND… here's why.
Belabouring over a cover letter, speaking to each and every salient point in order as they appear on your three page job posting has indeed netted me some coveted traction; I've spent whole days crafting a response to describe how I understand the needs as expressed, have the experience and skill-set to contribute AND… allude to that extra special something that may be of value and up for further discussion.
Results: 3% success, 97%... in the can they go!
(obviously these results are skewed by my inability to spell and my lack of understanding of basic english grammar; two requirements they always forget to post on these damned job postings.)
Now, firing out 10, 20, 30 (I think my record is 50) one, two, three liners + my oh so cleverly canned intro to myself, in a day. You know... this gets results as well, honestly way more than 3% when the intended result is simply… a response.
And… it is this response we're after after all… response is engagement, engagement is traction and you're a lot easier to catch up to when you're sliding away from me on a sand-papered floor.
Now, I'm not talking about those responses that include "given the number of applicants we will likely…" (be pitching your application into an armageddon sized bucket of flaming red hot burning coals). I'm talking about, they "hey there now, you sound kinda interesting tell us a bit more about yourself" style responses... The response that get the preverbal foot in the door. The opportunity to reply further and seek that next response ...the opportunity to meet.
Really, all joking aside (for at least a split second). It's a tough game out here. There are thousands upon thousands of great things to be done for good people on behalf of great clients in search of good customers. There is a non-equal, over-in-abundance pile of bright and brilliantly talented folks to fill these thousand upon thousands of… jobs. So, that just makes this tough for everyone along the food chain… eh, I guess it's called work for a reason.
So I'll continue to fling my facts out in every and each of the ways I've described above; Trust me, I only apply for jobs I could envision myself doing, jobs for companies in which I could see myself contributing to in a positive fashion, but really… that I've sat and thought it through enough to spend an afternoon writing volumes proves no more or less my interest in the position I've submitted with a mere flick of the "send' button.
…and you'll never know how much I'd like to be there for you if you don't give me "traction" Furthermore, trust me, I know this traction is a precious possession, in short supply and, will you look what time it's become. TY
I've tried four approaches which can be divided into two categories… The thoughtful, contextually relevant approach which can be subdivided into the "laboriously personal" and "insertionally relational" hardcore cover letter tactics; AND then, scatter-shot approach which takes on two easy-breezy forms… blasting out the not so cleverly crafted formulaic cover-note and the, eh, what the heck, you get NO note at all click, click send methods.
Now… Always know your market.
I do know that 90% of the applications I submit are headed directly to the assistant to the the intern whose job it is to sort through all this before passing them along to the person responsible for making sure the hiring manager has the time they need to do their job today… The HR person or… (hey there HR person, thought I'd take this moment to say, I love you; oh and you there, hiring manager, been there, I know your pain) ...I am well aware of the insta-vetting tactics required to sort through the pulp, rind and CV bombs tossed so freely by the CV tossers (such as myself). But, this is after all... social (content) and really, I make no excuses. AND… here's why.
Belabouring over a cover letter, speaking to each and every salient point in order as they appear on your three page job posting has indeed netted me some coveted traction; I've spent whole days crafting a response to describe how I understand the needs as expressed, have the experience and skill-set to contribute AND… allude to that extra special something that may be of value and up for further discussion.
Results: 3% success, 97%... in the can they go!
(obviously these results are skewed by my inability to spell and my lack of understanding of basic english grammar; two requirements they always forget to post on these damned job postings.)
Now, firing out 10, 20, 30 (I think my record is 50) one, two, three liners + my oh so cleverly canned intro to myself, in a day. You know... this gets results as well, honestly way more than 3% when the intended result is simply… a response.
And… it is this response we're after after all… response is engagement, engagement is traction and you're a lot easier to catch up to when you're sliding away from me on a sand-papered floor.
Now, I'm not talking about those responses that include "given the number of applicants we will likely…" (be pitching your application into an armageddon sized bucket of flaming red hot burning coals). I'm talking about, they "hey there now, you sound kinda interesting tell us a bit more about yourself" style responses... The response that get the preverbal foot in the door. The opportunity to reply further and seek that next response ...the opportunity to meet.
Really, all joking aside (for at least a split second). It's a tough game out here. There are thousands upon thousands of great things to be done for good people on behalf of great clients in search of good customers. There is a non-equal, over-in-abundance pile of bright and brilliantly talented folks to fill these thousand upon thousands of… jobs. So, that just makes this tough for everyone along the food chain… eh, I guess it's called work for a reason.
So I'll continue to fling my facts out in every and each of the ways I've described above; Trust me, I only apply for jobs I could envision myself doing, jobs for companies in which I could see myself contributing to in a positive fashion, but really… that I've sat and thought it through enough to spend an afternoon writing volumes proves no more or less my interest in the position I've submitted with a mere flick of the "send' button.
…and you'll never know how much I'd like to be there for you if you don't give me "traction" Furthermore, trust me, I know this traction is a precious possession, in short supply and, will you look what time it's become. TY
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