Responding to a classified ad in the paper isn't the most
efficient way to land a job. Generally, only 15 percent of all
job openings ever appear in the classifieds. And a single ad
might bring well over 1,000 responses. To increase your odds of
getting a good job lead, you need to know how to read the
classifieds. As simple as it may seem, looking for a job through
the classifieds is tricky.
Some tips to help you
navigate
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Scan all the ads. For at least the first
week, anyway. You'll probably find positions matching the job
you are seeking listed under more than one category and with
different job titles. |
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Keep your eye on disappearing ads. Watch for
ads that disappear and then reappear a week or so later. This
may mean that either the employer didn't fill the position
during the initial ad run or that the person hired didn't
work out. Either way, the employer is probably willing to
compromise at this point, which is good news for you. |
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Track everything. Hold onto each day's (or
issue's) classified section.
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OK, so you found a few ads that look interesting. What to do?
Increase your odds of surviving the screening process by
following these tips when you respond:
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Do research on the company. Visit their web
site. You may find information that will help you tailor your
resume or cover letter to the position and give you an
edge. |
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Send a cover letter. Keep it brief — don't
give them any reason to screen you out. Refer to the keywords
and requirements listed in the ad and describe how you meet
or exceed them. |
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Mention the publication where you saw the
ad. This will help the employer know which ads are "pulling."
It also gives you a record of this information (because
you'll keep a copy of the letter). |
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Follow up in a week. But don't make a pest
of yourself. If no decision has been made yet, tell the
person that you're still very interested and then end the
call. If the ad states, "no phone calls," honor that
request.
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