I worked in full-cycle recruiting and something I noticed is if they have an option to, I’d highly recommend doing a cover letter.
Yes, it seems dumb and a waste of time but I basically keep my formatting the same except the last two paragraphs, where I go in and pull out as many keywords as I can find from the actual job description. It’s also a very easy screening tool (100 applications, 30 with cover letters so prioritizing those) and helps the ATS system pick up anything your resume doesn’t have.
Also, if you have a portfolio, any medium articles, features in the news, etc. ABSOLUTELY put this in your featured section on LinkedIn. Make it as easy as possible for someone to find you/your work - people are lazy so keep it simple. If you don’t have descriptions of your current role or past roles on LinkedIn, add in the details you couldn’t fit on your resume & the kinds of software you’ve worked with in each (if applicable). You’re more easily searchable that way and it ups your chance a recruiter/headhunter contacts you out of the blue.
According to LI, I’m a superstar. I show up in so many searches weekly but they don’t convert to anything. I’ve actually had interviews which didn’t pan out to anything. I’m on a special visa which might be a deterrent but that visa also says ‘extraordinary ability’ in its name. So if that title is anything to go by they’ll be getting someone decent if not killer. LI is a smoke and mirrors tool mostly. You have to use it like Instagram but for your profession. You have to create a personal voice and brand an shop it hard however authentic / inauthentic that maybe. It’s the perception that matters too.
One thing to remember (and I know it is hard when it feels like you are applying to the perfect position) is that it is a difficult time for all companies right now. Most individuals looking through those resumes already have a million other things that they are responsible for before worrying about filling a position that they probably are worried about getting the exact right candidate to present to their boss. I would follow up after a week, then follow up The second week and if you don’t hear anything back keep looking. Stay strong, keep the faith you will land the interview eventually. GOOD LUCK!
Besides LinkedIn, reach out to hiring managers directly through their personal LinkedIn or work Email. Apply on the company’s website and network through LinkedIn or FB groups. Also reach out to company executives directly, whoever would be in charge of your title, hit as many different ways as possible.
All very good points noted here… best of luck. Never hurts to try and directly connect with the recruiter/talent acquisition rep at an agency of interest by sending a LinkedIn invite or inmail if you have a premium account.
The market is really tricky, so even with a perfect combo (resume, portfolio,cover letter (I personally do fine without the last one) you can get easily overlooked if you’re going the application-only route.
Not every company has LinkedIn one-click apply. Some take you to the company’s careers site to do the application. If it does, make sure you complete the actual application. I had a guy come at me pretty sternly recently demanding an answer as to why he hasn’t received a response to his “hundreds” of applications. I looked in the ATS and there wasn’t a single application for him because he didn’t follow the directions to complete an actual app and thought all he had to do was hit the button.
It’s possible there is a mismatch in industry or some other qualification. Companies also reject candidates for reasons other than qualifications (eg typo on resume). Also some resumes on LinkedIn go into a black hole and never actually reach the employer - try applying directly on the company site
I worked in full-cycle recruiting and something I noticed is if they have an option to, I’d highly recommend doing a cover letter.
Yes, it seems dumb and a waste of time but I basically keep my formatting the same except the last two paragraphs, where I go in and pull out as many keywords as I can find from the actual job description. It’s also a very easy screening tool (100 applications, 30 with cover letters so prioritizing those) and helps the ATS system pick up anything your resume doesn’t have.
Also, if you have a portfolio, any medium articles, features in the news, etc. ABSOLUTELY put this in your featured section on LinkedIn. Make it as easy as possible for someone to find you/your work - people are lazy so keep it simple. If you don’t have descriptions of your current role or past roles on LinkedIn, add in the details you couldn’t fit on your resume & the kinds of software you’ve worked with in each (if applicable). You’re more easily searchable that way and it ups your chance a recruiter/headhunter contacts you out of the blue.
According to LI, I’m a superstar. I show up in so many searches weekly but they don’t convert to anything. I’ve actually had interviews which didn’t pan out to anything. I’m on a special visa which might be a deterrent but that visa also says ‘extraordinary ability’ in its name. So if that title is anything to go by they’ll be getting someone decent if not killer. LI is a smoke and mirrors tool mostly. You have to use it like Instagram but for your profession. You have to create a personal voice and brand an shop it hard however authentic / inauthentic that maybe. It’s the perception that matters too.
One thing to remember (and I know it is hard when it feels like you are applying to the perfect position) is that it is a difficult time for all companies right now. Most individuals looking through those resumes already have a million other things that they are responsible for before worrying about filling a position that they probably are worried about getting the exact right candidate to present to their boss. I would follow up after a week, then follow up
The second week and if you don’t hear anything back keep looking. Stay strong, keep the faith you will land the interview eventually. GOOD LUCK!
Thanks. I appreciate your kind words 🙏🏻
Besides LinkedIn, reach out to hiring managers directly through their personal LinkedIn or work Email. Apply on the company’s website and network through LinkedIn or FB groups. Also reach out to company executives directly, whoever would be in charge of your title, hit as many different ways as possible.
All very good points noted here… best of luck.
Never hurts to try and directly connect with the recruiter/talent acquisition rep at an agency of interest by sending a LinkedIn invite or inmail if you have a premium account.
The market is really tricky, so even with a perfect combo (resume, portfolio,cover letter (I personally do fine without the last one) you can get easily overlooked if you’re going the application-only route.
Not every company has LinkedIn one-click apply. Some take you to the company’s careers site to do the application. If it does, make sure you complete the actual application. I had a guy come at me pretty sternly recently demanding an answer as to why he hasn’t received a response to his “hundreds” of applications. I looked in the ATS and there wasn’t a single application for him because he didn’t follow the directions to complete an actual app and thought all he had to do was hit the button.
I’d happily hop on a call!
It’s possible there is a mismatch in industry or some other qualification. Companies also reject candidates for reasons other than qualifications (eg typo on resume). Also some resumes on LinkedIn go into a black hole and never actually reach the employer - try applying directly on the company site
Bowl Leader
Try having someone review your portfolio who will give you direct and HONEST feedback.