My clients frequently share their frustration when they apply for a job they think they’re perfect for on an internet job board and then they don’t hear anything back (“But I have everything they are looking for!” they tell me).  

When applying for jobs online, it may be helpful to know you are essentially dealing with a numbers game.  What I mean is hundreds, if not thousands, of other candidates may have applied for the same job.  With that kind of response rate, there’s a very good chance that despite your interests, qualifications and experience, there may be 10 or 25 other applicants who are even more qualified than you are.  While that may sound discouraging, people do find jobs on internet job boards so don’t give up on them entirely.  

If the employer is identified in the job posting, this is where networking can come in handy.  In addition to submitting your application online, try finding someone inside the organization who will forward your resume directly to the hiring manager.  As this usually prevents your resume from being electronically screened out, you stand a much greater chance of being considered for the job.  Networking sites such as LinkedIn, Facebook and ZoomInfo are great places to search for insiders in virtually any company.  Another approach is to simply call the employer and ask for the department head for the posted position.  While you may get a “gatekeeper” instead (e.g., receptionist, administrative assistant, etc.), ask them for the name and contact information of the hiring manager and try reaching the person directly either before or after regular working hours when there’s less chance someone else will intercept your call.