subject: Next Steps After Submitting Online Applications For Executive Jobs [print this page] So you responded to job postings for executive jobs listed online with your resume and, most likely, with an application that you were required to fill out in order to be considered. Maybe you also submitted cover letters. Online job submissions for $100K jobs may have been sent to and received by recruiters or they may go directly to the companies that posted the job announcements.
After you submit, you might believe things are beyond your control at this point, but there are further steps you can take to improve your odds of getting an interview.
Keep Track of Your Online Job Applications
To improve your chances of landing an interview, keep track of the jobs you applied for online. Sometimes, job hunters apply to as many job postings as possible and neglect to keep a record of where they applied. If you do not keep a record of your online job applications, there are several scenarios that could be troublesome.
You may want to review your application to make sure your resume addresses the key qualifications listed in the job posting. You should complete the application; you could be disqualified for not filling in all required fields. You also want to record your user name and password if you were required to login to apply.
If a recruiter or someone at the company follows up by phone, you may be caught completely off guard if you don't even remember applying for the position. And if you amended your resume specifically for this job but don't remember what you emphasized, this call can be very awkward unless you kept track of the resume version you submitted. You want to be prepared to discuss the position, industry, and company when they call.
Also, if you keep no record of your job applications, there is no way to follow up with a call or e-mail. Note the company's contact information (including phone and e-mail) and note their Web site.
Focus Your Job Postings and Online Submissions
Check if your resume addresses each qualification listed. Because the recruiter may use software to weed through hundreds of applications, you can improve your chances if you use the same phrasing and keywords listed in the job posting. You may also want to revise your resume summary to make your application as good a fit for that particular company as possible.
Follow Up With Applications To $100K Jobs
In online job postings, companies or recruiters may be purposefully vague about contact information so they will not be inundated by hundreds of phone calls and e-mails from applicants who are not qualified. If you kept a record of company Web sites, you can do some digging and detective work to see if they list contact information for the department responsible for the position for which you applied or you may find contact information for the human resources department.
Wait about a week before following up. Then ask how things are going, check to see if they received your application, and emphasize that you remain very interested in the position. Also, make it clear that you would love to work for their company so you are open to considering any other executive jobs for which you qualify.
