Get help.
That’s the No. 1 piece of advice those in the employment field suggest for anyone looking for work.
“The world has drastically changed, especially in the last 20 to 30 years,” explains Avery Konda, Barrie-area manager of talent solutions, manufacturing and logistics for the recruiting and staffing firm Randstad Canada. “What we’re seeing now … is AI-powered tools that allow you to apply to multiple jobs through one application.
"Because of that, competitiveness is also becoming tighter and tighter," he added. “For a job seeker, specifically, in this type of world that we live in now, it’s becoming familiar with those types of formats.”
Easier application systems mean more applications are being generated, so sifting through everything can become cumbersome for recruiters, who are relying more on artificial intelligence (AI) for various parts of the process and sometimes all of it.
AI is now also being used for the interview process as well. The intent is to streamline the process to better match the job with the people based on their skills.
So while that first step of applying is easier, the next step – getting the application to the top of the pile – can be complicated by the sheer volume of applications now being generated.
That’s not necessarily an easy task when the whole application process requires skills that may have nothing to do with the job that is being sought, says employment services consultant Cynthia Gordon, who is with the Georgian College Career and Employment Community Services.
That’s where the suggestion of getting help comes in.
Barrie’s employment centre on Collier Street, where Gordon works, offers free assistance. There are also professional services, such as Ranstad where Konda is employed.
Those wanting to go at it on their own might refer to resources available online or even at the public library.
But Gordon suggests seekers not to rush through the application, whether the employer is using the traditional drop-your-resume-off approach or using more advanced tools online to solicit employees.
Just because a computer allows you to complete the process more quickly, that doesn’t mean you have to rush through it, she says.
Clearly include in your letter or resume the responses to the requested skills and experience listed in the job ad by using the same specific wording. If the employer is looking for five years of experience, explicitly state that you have those five years or more of experience.
“The computer won't be able to gather that information from your resume and put it together,” Gordon said. “The tracking system doesn’t do that for you and might screen you out. You have to spell it out so the application tracking system can pull it out.”
Adding a cover letter is often no longer necessary and the resume should be concise and tight, says Konda, who suggests keeping everything to one page if possible.
Elements he suggests be included: having a skill set at the top of the page, concise contact information and clear language on job experience with three bullet points each.
The job of the job seeker now, says Konda, is to become familiar with those processes to better help recruiters match an individual with a job.
But the old-school approaches still apply, too.
He suggests practising interview skills, projecting a professional demeanour and dress, smiling, making eye contact and answering questions concisely. And be prepared. Learn about the company as well as the position they are seeking to fill.
A positive attitude doesn’t hurt, either.
He points to a recent college graduate who sought his help looking for a job. Konda found what appeared to be a good match, but another candidate won out.
Undeterred, the seeker kept looking and regularly circled back to Konda.
When another position surfaced, which seemed like a good fit, Konda quickly thought about the seeker. When it came time to the interview, the job seeker was prepared, knew about the company and even the names of some of his future colleagues.
“It’s just being prepared and taking time and not losing that hope,” said Konda.
