I always enjoy reading interviewChatter and specifically this morning, there was a post discussing a new site which aggregated job boards allowing for easier access, thus reducing the job application time for applicants. Read the full article that was posted. In reading this, I began to think about the importance of this, and more importantly was this site truly offering the job seeker hope or false hope in the quantity of what was being presented to them. With so many job boards, and thus so many jobs...there must be something there for me. Is that right?

Well the answer might not be that simple or is it? Personally, I think job boards serve one purpose alone and that is an easy and quick way to see what companies are hiring. It is a simple view into how companies view the value of their own jobs, and with some basic techniques, one can determine which companies are most aggressive in their hiring as well.

A critical component that people fail to realize is the purpose of the job board from the perspective of the people that created them, as well as the people posting the position. Look at the people that created the boards - their purpose was simple which was to create a simple and easy forum for companies to tell people they were hiring, and then people to tell companies that they were interested in applying. Now the companies that are hiring are looking to expand their network and cast a net wide enough to come across the person that just might fit their need. So what does this all mean for the person applying? Little unless you take into consideration the above. So how do we make this work for us, the applicant?

Lets analyze the process from the other side. I have had the opportunity to sit inside some of the largest companies evaluating their recruiting processes, specifically their application process flow. Which in layman's terms is the way a company handles a resume once the application is processed. What most people will be amazed at is that most of these processes are doomed for failure as the companies' hiring have poor application processes therefore never being able to get the resume of the applicant into the hands of the right person. Therefore the job goes un-filled, or simply under filled as the hiring manager becomes dejected with the lack of proper candidates, subjecting him/herself to someone of lesser qualifications as they believe that the perfect person does not exist.

To offset this problem, we need to address the process at its core and then use the job boards for what they are good for. These are some common steps to consider that will immediately place you atop the list of applicants when considering the job board process.

1. Look through several of the general job boards, determine which companies are hiring. Stay away from recruiting companies as they are looking for different reasons than you are.

2. When a list of companies has been determined, apply to those companies through the job board. Ensure that applications have cover letters specific to the positions themselves, as well as take down all contact information that is present on the advertisement.

3. Go to the companies website and apply through their career section.

4. Call the company directly, ask for the director or VP that oversees the particular department. Most of the time, you can determine that via the web in small and medium companies. Large companies you will need to call and ask. DO NOT call and ask who is hiring for a certain role, you will always be directed to HR.

5. Once located the manager, briefly introduce yourself and let them know your interest. Find out their direct contact info and send your resume to them as well along with the cover letter.

6. Design a follow up schedule allowing for frequent yet not pestering reconnection with the manager. Determine interest, sell yourself, and move on.

7. Never place all your eggs in one basket, as the percentages are not in your favor to get a job even if you have an interview. Keep yourself out there and applying using the above method, getting your name and person in front of decision makers within your industry.

I know that to some that the process appears aggressive. I have spoken and advised people on these tactics for years. Know this, no one has ever come back and told me that they wished they would have applied for a role online and waited for a response instead of doing the process. It works.