Cinderella Candidates

I've received a great many emails from people frustrated by the fact they're not receiving replies of any kind to job applications let alone invitations to interview.

However, on reading the whole story outlined in these emails, the writers confess that they do not have what is being asked for in the job ad.

These are Cinderella Candidates because they hope the person reading their resume will see their many attributes and act as their Fairy Godmother and find them a job. Not the job advertised but some other job within that particular organisation.

This is not how it works. Resumes are scanned in about 30 seconds. The person scanning (not "reading") the resume is on the hunt for keywords representing the specific experience, qualifications and skill set required to do the job being advertised. The chances of candidates being "discovered" this way are low.

Yes, in this tight labour market some managers will pass an impressive resume to a colleague after realising the candidate is not right for their team. However, as a job-hunting method, it's not very effective. It also has a serious down side for the candidate in that it increases their feelings of frustration and hopelessness.

The advertised job market is largely transactional. Organisations want people to fill a particular role. Candidates with a particular skill set are looking for a new role to fill. Organisations also look for a particular type of person - someone who will fit into their culture but candidates must have the right skills set to begin with.

• Don't set yourself up for rejection by applying for jobs you are not qualified for.
  
  
• Have a plan based on good research a must for career starters and career switchers.
  
  
• Look at job ads and read trade publications to suss out demand for the role you hope to fill and the qualifications and experience required.
  
  
• Be proactive and phone industry and professional associations to ask about traineeships and entry-level roles as well as government organisations such as the New Apprenticeship Centre.
  
  
• If you are thinking about doing a course, make sure you quiz the course providers before slapping down your money. A great many people write to me AFTER they've completed a course wondering how to break into the industry of their dreams. These readers have just spent weeks and weeks with a lecturer who is supposed to know what the industry is about. My advice is BEFORE you outlay any money, quiz course providers as to their industry contacts, career advice services and whether employers contact them when looking for new people.
  
  
• Also, for those changing careers, think about how this will impact your lifestyle. I've received emails from people who tell me how they want to change careers without dropping salary. Be realistic. You have valuable experience and a proven track record in your current role and that is worth a certain amount of money. When you cross over, you'll be a novice again and priced accordingly. Plan for the drop in income and if you can't afford the move, don't make it.
  
  
• Work your network. This includes friends, family, the people you know through clubs and community organisations. Use your contacts to generate employment leads and to find people you can talk to in the industries you wish to join.

 
By Kate Southam, Editor of careerone.com.au

For more useful tips read the other stories in the Job hunting advice section as well as Ask Kate Archives , Kate's Blog and Kate's Resource Library.