Modern Job App Protocol

I have usually found jobs by using headhunters, but I am sick of those people (no offense to those of ya'll that are in recruitment). I am working from home,now, but want to get back into the office once tax season winds down.

Most of the jobs I have found through websites (like Monster) require that you upload your resume. This seems weird in that I have no cover letter attached. Should I also fax a copy of my resume WITH a cover letter, or are cover letters a thing of the past?? AUGGH- this didn't exist when I was in college, so I am out of the loop when it comes to this stuff.

The way I've found jobs most successfully is by informational interviewing and cold-contacting. I've used my alumni network to do the informational intervewing and cold-contacting I just contact companies whether or not they have jobs posted and send my application materials.

I have applied to jobs through monster and craig's list, but have had no luck with either (though I have gotten some interviews--just no offers). With CL I email my cover letter and resume. With monster I've never uploaded my resume--just emailed both.

Overall, I think networking is the #1 way to get jobs.

What kind of jobs are you looking for?

[SuzySunshine]

It has been a couple of years since I used Monster or CareerBuilder but when I did they allowed you to upload a resume as well as cover letters. Then you could choose which cover letter you wanted to use when you applied to a specific job. I had general ones and then if I felt necessary I'd write a new one for specific jobs.

Talking to friends that are in HR your resume is really the most important thing they look at these days. Cover letters might make a difference once in a while but they don't seem to as much anymore.

[Stella]

It has been a couple of years since I used Monster or CareerBuilder but when I did they allowed you to upload a resume as well as cover letters. Then you could choose which cover letter you wanted to use when you applied to a specific job. I had general ones and then if I felt necessary I'd write a new one for specific jobs.

Talking to friends that are in HR your resume is really the most important thing they look at these days. Cover letters might make a difference once in a while but they don't seem to as much anymore.

Those options do exist on Monster and CareerBuilder. However, I was in recruiting for about 5 years and I never ONCE read a cover letter. :huh: I have lots of friends in HR and they don't read them either. There are too many applicants and not enough time to read all that. Also, I can't believe you fax your resume still. (No offense, seriously.) But I'd start emailing. If you send through Monster and it's a job you really want, look up the company and CALL THEM. Recruiters at companies get a million replies to those ads and sometimes people get overlooked or just don't get called. Follow up. A lot. Also, post your resume online. You'll get calls for jobs that aren't even posted. From an employer viewpoint, it's a lot cheaper to buy the resume search functions. Posting a job on Monster is about $150 - PER JOB! It's so expensive! Membership of any kind is thousands for employers! So take advantage of what they are paying for that makes it free for YOU! And...

[poky]

I just got a job last month through a Craiglist ad; I emailed my resume, and used the body of the email as a kind of quasi-cover letter.

I agree, though, that various networking techniques are more likely to get results. LinkedIn is your friend!

[ides]

I think it really depends on where you live. When I was in TN the only way to find jobs was thru networking with people you knew. The jobs in the papers were mostly listed just because they had to have it listed, but already had someone they knew chosen.

Now, we are back in nyc and I've used Craigslist and Monster. I've found nothing with Monster and Craigslist has been the best in number of jobs listed and calls I've recieved. I still look at other boards, but Craigslist is where I've found everything so far. Before Craigslist the ny times was the best resouce for nyc. I'm currently looking for new work too.

In terms of sending resumes, like poky, I send an email and include the cover letter in the body of the email.

with your hunting!

[Vishenka69]

LinkedIn is your friend!

I second this. A great way to network in the 21st century. Also agree with Stella that you should post on Monster. I got my current job from a recruiter who saw my resume on Monster and called me.