Surf.Atlantic.Net!

"Your resumé has been entered into our company database for future reference. We will notify you when the right opportunity comes up."

I wish e-mail companies would come up with a special filter to block messages like these! Since I climbed onto the job search bandwagon, my inbox has been exceeding its storage limit thanks to such corporate form letters. Am I quitting? No, I simply bought more storage space. What was that about no gain without pain? I'm a believer.

So, although my resumé can be spotted by potential employers scouring tried-and-tested job sites like Monster and Hotjobs, I really don't trust that they'll do the legwork to get to me. To make things easier for them, I also apply individually to their job listings posted there.

Now, it's taken me awhile to figure out that not every recruiting manager enlists in a job-site. Am I quitting? No, I've simply started attacking company sites directly. Most corporate Web sites have a career section that accepts applications for current openings. Response rates are marginally better, though I still would appreciate that mail filter.

On lazy days, I let jobsearchengine do the searching for me. Better still, I've signed up for the service offered by career sites that e-mails me about new jobs in my field. A real time-saver that! Nothing, though, can beat a one-on-one with a potential employer. Thanks to Brassring, I've just registered myself for the upcoming career fair in my area.

You may still choose the traditional snail mail to company personnel managers. I sincerely hope you get your postage's worth there. As for me ... I'm clicking my way off to journalismjobs.com. It's a long journey.

Written by Lalita Aloor

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