Why Networking is Better

HR Guy lays out why networking beats applying for a job. Actually, he says you should do both, but for me his post outlines exactly why you should spend very little time applying for open positions using applicant tracking systems.

Back when I worked in HR, I was just like HR Guy. I used an online applicant tracking system in order to streamline my almost impossible workload and I did not appreciate it when people tried to get around my systems by sending in resumes by email, or even worse, mailing me paper resumes in Fed-Ex envelopes.

But that's because I was in HR and the systems I implemented were my systems. If I'm honest, I made a lot of hired because the applicant got his or her resume into the hands of the hiring manager, who then came to me excited and wanting to interview said candidate. Or just went and did it without even involving me.

And my HR department was pretty well-liked and pretty well-respected. There are some companies where HR doesn't find out a position has been filled until the new employee shows up for new hire orientation training!

So, I recommend networking with HR people or hiring managers and I strongly recommend contacting hiring managers directly with your resume. And if there's any time left, you can apply to one of the online tracking systems. You never know - you might get lucky!