Cashing in at Job Banks
Posted: 11.30.2015
An Article By, Carmen Chai, TORONTO STAR (Advice from TorontoJobs.ca)
Depositing right information helps recruiters notice you when they look at your resume.
There are over 500 job postings every day on local Toronto Job Banks, but all Hamzah Moin wants is one.
Since his graduation from Mc-Master University in April 2008, he’s been scanning Workopolis, Monster and TorontoJobs.ca Job Banks for his chance to enter the workforce.
Moin spends an hour everyday scanning postings, applying, then crossing his fingers. But there are at least 200,000 others like him searching the same Job Banks, said Rachel Burns, Marketing Coordinator at TorontoJobs.ca.
“The City of Toronto is massive in terms of population, and the economy is constantly shifting with so many layoffs. If you’re unemployed, it’s like a full time job looking for work”, she said.
Burns discusses what job seekers should be doing to get themselves noticed amongst the heap of online applications.
Andrew Stockton, managing partner at Gilmore Partners, said, “We know the industry, the client and we get to know you, so we can make a good fit.” His company helps candidates find permanent open positions, and his sister company “Temps4U” caters to short term stints.
Depositing right information helps recruiters notice you when they look at your resume.
There are over 500 job postings every day on local Toronto Job Banks, but all Hamzah Moin wants is one.
Since his graduation from Mc-Master University in April 2008, he’s been scanning Workopolis, Monster and TorontoJobs.ca Job Banks for his chance to enter the workforce.
Moin spends an hour everyday scanning postings, applying, then crossing his fingers. But there are at least 200,000 others like him searching the same Job Banks, said Rachel Burns, Marketing Coordinator at TorontoJobs.ca.
“The City of Toronto is massive in terms of population, and the economy is constantly shifting with so many layoffs. If you’re unemployed, it’s like a full time job looking for work”, she said.
Burns discusses what job seekers should be doing to get themselves noticed amongst the heap of online applications.
- Make sure your resume has a detailed title. Most job seekers upload their resumes onto databases that potential employers have access to, so what you name your resume counts. “Most titles, like ‘Rachel’s Resume’ are not enticing. When a recruiter has limited time to see 50,000 resumes, they’ll just pass through.” Try including your most relevant work experience and the length of your employment there in the title.
- Follow up. Burns said practically no one follows up after applying to a job board posting even though there is contact information included. “If you pick up the phone it’s 100 percent more effective.”
- Create a new cover letter for each position you apply for. Study the job posting and research the company before writing each cover letter. Burns said employers search for specific key-words, so match your qualifications to the specific qualities the job posting is asking for. “Recruiters determine if they want to keep reading after 10 seconds. Give them a reason to keep reading. “Know what you’re talking about.” She said job seekers should spend at least 4 hours a day working on applications.
- Don’t apply to everything Burns said recruiters loathe job seekers who apply to postings they aren’t qualified for. Recruiters also dislike those who reapply for the same job constantly. “If we don’t call you the first or second time, you should get the message.” To avoid these situations, create a profile and ask for job posting email notifications relevant to your experience. And if you need further assistance, schedule an appointment at a recruitment agency.
Andrew Stockton, managing partner at Gilmore Partners, said, “We know the industry, the client and we get to know you, so we can make a good fit.” His company helps candidates find permanent open positions, and his sister company “Temps4U” caters to short term stints.
