Contact Hiring Manager Before Applying

Through listening to hundreds of job seekers it is clear that it takes people anywhere from 2 - 4 hours to complete one online job application for a company (to include resume customization). One gentleman I worked with recently needed 14 hours to apply for a federal job. Whew! That's a lot of time for just one application and a scarier time multiplier emerges when you consider that people may need to apply to upwards of 50 companies to land that perfect job.

~ 200 hours just for applying to jobs?

As a job seeker you will have to at some point weave your way through an Applicant Tracking System, which is about as much fun as standing in an airport security line with no cell phone diversion. Those diabolical electronic beasts will suck the very life force out of your morning before it has even begun.

Before you take the time to apply...try to find the hiring manager FIRST!

I'm hopeful that through your networking activities you can increase your chances for success. First of all, when you find a job of interest make a commitment to spend at least 15 minutes trying to identify a decision maker or hiring manager through Linkedin queries or through your network. Second, leverage your 1st or 2nd level connections to contact them directly. Third, once you're on the phone with this manager share your professional value-add stories and get them interested in your potential! You might be directed back to the company website or to their corporate recruiter, but you are now a "known" candidate and if you impressed this person they will ensure you're a part of their candidate interviewing pool.

Good hunting!

 Thank you for your comments & suggestions - Chip Browndyke