Has anyone found a job by applying online?

[Herman Munster]

I have a job so I'm probably more fortunate than a lot of people, although the people I work with suck so I am looking for something better. I've been applying to many different companies online for a while now and all I get is the deafening sounds of silence. Nada. Nothing. Zippo. I'm assuming they are all going into some resumix automated HR software blackhole and not one human being has looked at them.

[Mythsaje]

1. It's actually becoming more and more common...

It's more feasible for the companies to do it this way, since it's not nearly as labor intensive as the traditional methods.

At least, that's what they said at the Unenjoyment office last time I was collecting it.

[mduffy31]

2. Both of my nursing jobs I got by applying online

The Hospital that I work at has that feature you put your resume and application online and you then can attach it to different openings that come up.

[3waygeek]

3. I found my current job through Monster.com

almost 4 years ago. I started a job search about a month ago and have had a couple of phone interviews -- resulting from a posting on Craigslist, but nothing more than that yet.

You're more likely to get into smaller companies through online -- fewer layers of bureaucracy between the web & the person doing the hiring. If you're trying to get into a larger company, you need someone on the inside or a good recruiter in your corner.

[lurky]

4. Yes.

I have gotten one great job, as well as several offers and interviews over the years. Believe it or not, I have had pretty good luck with Craig's List. I haven't had as much luck with those automated forms on corporate websites, but who knows. I have never, ever been contacted as a result of posting my resume on one of those job sites like monster. I think that's pretty much a waste. Anyway, that's my experience FWIW.

[Dave From Canada]

5. Yes to what everyone else has said. I don't think I could go back to the old way.

Make sure you always include a cover-letter. Always. Although you probably do. I've also heard that a general rule to go by when looking for a job is that for every ten dollars it usually takes about one month to find something. Unfortunately it can take a bit of time.

[treestar]

15. What's the big deal about the cover letter?

I have never understood it. Your resume shows your qualifications. What is the big deal about the B.S. one puts in a cover letter?

[geek_sabre]

17. the cover letter

is much more important than the resume. Its your opportunity to stand out from a pile of otherwise equally (or more) qualified applicants. Your qualifications are important, yes, but the cover letter is needed to showcase those skills and relevant experiences that can't be quantified on the resume, or at the very least, emphasize the qualities and skills that the company is looking for in the position. Its also an opportunity for you to show the employer that you're serious, and have done your research about the company, rather than just copying and pasting their name and contact info into a template.

While my resume and experience alone is rather mediocre compared to, perhaps, ivy league applicants, its always been my cover letter that has gotten me the interview. And from what I've heard and read, the vast majority of employers will throw out applications if the cover letter is absent, or poor in quality, without even looking at the resume.

[Labors of Hercules]

21. This is very true...

Even though the people I hire apply through the state so they all must be interviewed, I sort out those who I will interview over the phone as opposed to in-person by reading their cover letters. Those that make the cut are concise, well-written and specifically tie the job criteria to the skills or employment they have.

So my advise, proof your cover letter twice as carefully as you do your resume and don't use form letters, even if you modify them to suit the particular job, because they can be spotted a mile away.

Cheers! ~LoH

[DiverDave]

6. The programs look for keywords

in your resume.
If you don't have one of the keywords they are looking for, they dont look at it...ever.

[trumad]

7. My recent position I found on Monster.Com

My resume hit the recruiter and she contacted me. It worked.

[nolabels]

8. The best job i ever found (seven years ago even)

I wasn't even trying either. I thought it was just kind of a place to look for leads for places to apply, so the posting of my resume online at Monster was just an after thought
I still can't believe i am still working there either. Before that no employer ever lasted over three years with me

[KG]

9. only every job i gotten in the last 5 years.

which is several (long story). sometimes directly to the employer (present job) or thru placement agencies.

online works, esp. for technical jobs.

[TZ]

10. almost everyone I know in biotech...

has gotten either a job or interview through the internet in the last few years..

[Breeze54]

11. Yes. I've been hired by companies that saw my resume' online

and I've even had the local state employment office send me e-mails about job openings.

[Sedona]

12. Monster.com!

My husband found his "dream job" as a technical adviser for a major flooring manufacturer on Monster.com. He's about to celebrate his third anniversary with them this summer. We tripled our income because I was able to quit the Mom and Pop contracting company we ran and get a good job in the hospitality industry in the tourist town I live in.

[Not Me]

13. I found by current job online, but applied in conventional manner.

It was local, and it gave me the chance to get my face in front of the managers that would be making the decision.
Since I have been there (almost three years,) I have found that for many positions, there are 300-400 applications that come in during the two week posting period that jobs are listed on the boards. You need to stand out to get called in for an interview.

Good luck.

[MyNameGoesHere]

14. my last 3 have been online through online

When i am looking for a new job i use 2 job finders online and pump out at least 50 applications a day to each. My theory is blast away until someone calls. One tip for these sites is to change your resume title a little everyday. this puts you at the top when companies search for candidates.

[sendero]

16. Yes...

.. I'm working there now.

[Nikia]

18. My current job I got after emailing in response to an online ad

Previously, I had several interviews from online ads and responses.
I also previously got a temp job from applying on Monster.com.

[kid a]

19. Back in 2001 Monster directed about 2 calls a week to me

Some were good offers, but i had already moved on and wasn't available.
So, I'd have to say monster.com worked for me.
=)
GOOD LUCK

[Nikia]

20. Questinon: Are you applying in general or to a specific position?

You are unlikely to get a response if you send a resume or fill out a form that is not in response to a specific job listing unless they are desperate for people or you have skills that stand out muchmore than anyone else applying. If you are interested in other jobs with the company besides the position(s) that have an ad, apply to the job that most fits your skills and interests and include in your cover letter, the skills and interest for the other potential position as well.

[graywarrior]

22. Craigslist.

I got my editing job there.

[NewWaveChick1981]

23. I got the job I had prior to my current one by submitting application materials online.

I had to do it on the company's website. I submitted the application materials for my current job by email, and I got the information from a national professional website. I guess that counts.

[undeterred]

24. Yes

Sometimes if the application is too overwhelming I skip it and look for the recruiters email address and just send a nice cover letter email with my resume as an attachment. That seems to work better.

[XemaSab]

25. I applied to my current job online

But what I'd recommend is getting a personal contact at each place, like if you have a friend who works there, or your friend has a friend, they can make sure your resume lands on the right desk, ya know?