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Efficient Ways To Answer Job Advertisements

  The classic job search technique is, of course, locating employment advertisements in various publications, primarily newspapers.  Because it is the most obvious search method, it is by far the most crowded and competitive segment of the job market.

  Some estimates indicate that a well-compensated corporate management assignment advertised in a major Sunday newspaper could draw up to 5,000 responses.  That should raise some serious questions in your mind about the effectiveness of this avenue.  However, these are real jobs waiting to be filled so it is hard to ignore it just because the odds are formidable. 

The key question then becomes: 

How to answer these ads in a manner that will increase  your chances of being interviewed... 

Over the years, we have gathered some efficient tips:

1.  Scan ALL area newspapers and publications.  Sometimes, to save costs, companies only advertise in the most local paper.  If you are covering just the major newspapers; you could miss the perfect job. 
   
2. Avoid self-elimination.  In other words, if you lack one credential for the position, try anyway.  Perhaps that credential is not absolutely critical.  Or maybe few applicants will possess it.  By choosing not to answer based on one requirement, you may lose out on a good opportunity. 
   
3. Delay response.  Everyone answers ads immediately, which is a little silly.  Can you imagine a company that hires based on the first response letter that comes in?  In fact, they brutally screen the first wave feeling the “perfect” candidate will still be found.  Later (1-2 weeks), they may be more
   realistic and be open to a less than perfect profile.  Watch out, however, for submission deadlines.
    
4. Customize your materials, especially the cover letter.  Lift text from the ad and merge it into your cover letter so you appear to fit the profile well.  Alter the objective on your resume to the title of the advertised position. 
   
5. Follow-Up.  Yes, we know most ads say “Do not call” or something to that effect.  But, if you haven’t heard anything in two weeks, a well-managed follow-up call or letter may revive your candidacy and lead to an interview.  If nothing else, it shows you are interested and that may count for something. 

Following these steps will quickly make you a wise and effective player in the advertised job market...