I read an interesting article today in The Wall Street Journal about job seekers who hire firms to "blast" their resumes to hundreds or thousands of job postings.

The premise is simple, firms like MyJobHunter.com, JobConcierge.com and JobSerf.com either use computer software, or staff (typically based in India), to submit a candidate's resume to jobs that match certain keywords.

My take?  I think this is a waste of money.  The numbers don't lie.  Ask any corporate recruiter how many candidates he/she hires from online postings and I bet the number is about 10%. 

There are no short cuts in a job search.  And volume IS important.  But it is more strategic to have 50 informational conversations than blast your resume to 500 job postings.

I've been having a lot of informational interviews recently with folks looking to switch industries, and possibly join a PR Agency.  I've spoken with journalists, news producers, marketing/sales people...  

Most of them have applied to positions at various agencies with little luck.

The reason?  Most companies are seeking "round peg, round hole" applicants for their openings.  Hiring managers want to mitigate risk and hire someone "safe."

I ask each of these candidates "How would you react to MY resume if I sent it into your department for a job opening?"  Most of them say "I never thought of it that way... yes I probably wouldn't consider it very seriously."

This does NOT mean that job seekers should give up.  You just need to understand the playing field.

So if you're a "transferable skill" candidate looking to switch industries, here's what I'd recommend:

1)    Do NOT apply to job postings
2)    Make a target list of companies you'd like to work for
3)    Identify people at these companies you can reach out to for informational interviews (college alumni, people who have already made the switch you're seeking to make... anyone you'd be able to build rapport with quickly)
4)    Go on lots of informational interviews, ask well-researched questions, take notes
5)    Use this information to sharpen your focus and determine your value proposition
6)    Keep networking until people start calling you back with opportunities

(Hi everyone, sorry for the radio silence for several months.  As many of you know, I moved to Boston a couple months ago and I have been consumed with my move and getting settled.  Looking forward to re-connecting with you!)

I have received two "mass emails" from job seekers during the past week that served as a catalyst for this post. 

These emails were not tailored to me, my company, or any current positions posted on our Web site.  They were 500-word commercials for the candidates. 

Buy me!  New and Improved!  You'll save 15% if you switch!

These "messages" can work in mass advertising because those companies are trying to sell you a bar of soap or a box of cereal.    But it's different in the job marketplace.

We ignore these mass emails.  They reek of desperation and laziness.

The job search isn't easy.  If you want to find a great job at an awesome company you're going to have to work for it.  So stop sending mass emails now.  Instead, do some research and send a short, personalized note seeking some insight on the company.