Where Else to Look for Job Openings

Q. Hi Sir Ruben. I always read your articles. I graduated last October, and since then I am already looking for a job. I have sent about a hundred resumes online, but I was not even called for interview. Where else can I look for job openings? I need your advice. (Thessa, Novaliches)

In this world of widespread internet use, many job seekers depend solely on websites to look for jobs. With a few clicks in the comfort of your home, office, or internet cafe, you can send your resume to dozens of companies. However, if you look at the Sunday classifieds section; you can see that hundreds of companies, both large and small, still use newspapers to look for employees.

Although, job hunting in the internet is very useful, job seekers must not abandon newspapers because the printed ad offers several advantages that may be your key to getting your dream job. From my experience and research I have come up with compelling reasons for you to use newspapers too:

• Not every desirable company advertises on the internet. Many companies do not advertise on the internet. Those who are already over flowing with applicants may not see a need to look for more people to interview. Limiting yourself only to those who do use the internet will reduce your chances of getting your desired job.

• You have less control of your interview schedule. The major job websites have a function that enables the employer to schedule your appointment to the last minute. This is a major inconvenience to the job seeker for several reasons. First is that you may have several appointment at the same time and date. Second, unlike in newspaper ads where you can come in at any time during a set time period, with cyber ads, you are limited to an exact time. Coming in at 9:30 am when your schedule is at 9:00 may give the impression that you are regularly tardy. While it is possible to request a different schedule, the employer may ignore your request if there are already hundreds willing to come at the set time.

• You have a better feel on how established the company is. Large newspaper advertisements are very expensive, often ten or more times so than placing a wanted ad online. If you are the type of applicant who only wants to get hired by big corporations, it is easier to guess from the size of their newspaper ads. On a website, a small company’s ad may look as grand as that from a large firm.

• You may get eliminated too soon. If you apply online, you send your resume with the option of attaching your picture. Employers may opt to select a more photogenic and similarly qualified applicant. Unfortunately, not sending a picture may lead employers to assume that indeed you are not a pleasant sight! You may have talents that can be expressed only in a face to face interview. For example, if you have great verbal skills then you may lose your chance to present this ability since only your resume will be considered online.

• Dishonest people may have the edge in online screening tests. Frequently, there is an online test in the major jobs websites to assess your skills. However, since nobody is watching, some applicants get more capable people to answer the questions for them.

• You may be competing with thousands of applicants. The same convenience that enables you to apply to dozens of companies online also makes it possible for the employer to have thousands of applicants for the posted position. If your resume is not truly outstanding, you may not even make it to the short list.

Where there are millions of unemployed people chasing a limited number of jobs, be thorough in your search. Do not be lazy; use both the internet and newspapers to maximize your chances. You have nothing to lose, and a better chance of getting your ideal job.

*Originally published by the Manila Bulletin. Written by Ruben Anlacan, Jr. (President, BusinessCoach, Inc.) All rights reserved. May not be reproduced or copied without express written permission of the copyright holders.

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