Monster black hole
Does anyone feel like they are sending resumes into a black hole using Monster, CareerBuilder, etc... Does anyone EVER hear anything back?
Black hole is right. People no longer seem to feel that they have to reply to resumes. But recruiters are inundated with resumes, so I guess it's how things are. Solicited resumes should be responded to, and I think usually are.
Living in Miami Beach has sure gave me a rude awakening, employers here use Backpage.com and craigslist.org the most to post "jobs". Jobs that have been filled up to 3 weeks to 2 months prior to it actually appearing on either web site. Just last Wednesday I received and email for a job position I applied for at a very prestigious hotel here on Miami Beach, back last October, 2008. The hotel actually had the nerve to state the the position was no longer available, I thought gee that's nice 8 months after applying I get a denial letter.
Other tricks being used out there on job boards are when employers post fake ads to make it look to the higher ups in larger company's that there is a demand to fill positions, when there is no positions at all. Other business here locally have an ad constantly running which should be a "RED FLAG" to anyone to stay away from those type of employers, as they are employee jumping (kinda like the job jumpers employers don't want), another big factor these days here locally is for employers to want you to send a recent picture of yourself, another "RED FLAG", when employers are more concerned about how or what you look like versus your ability to perform a job, stay away from these employers, there's more then your "job position" they are seeking from you.
If you are focusing on Monster, CareerBuilder, HotJobs, etc., be prepared for hearing a whole lot of nothing in reply. In today's market, most employers can fill all their jobs with pro-active job seekers who knock on their door, long before they have to resort to posting on the big internet boards. Those that do post to the big boards get swamped with HUNDREDS of applicants, and are too busy trying to dig out from under to actually reply to anybody, except the very few they want to interview.
In other words, get away from the computer and network more. Real humans don't act like black holes.
Job Coach Jeff
I agree that in-person networking is key. But are there ANY online job boards left out there that are good for anything? I am surprised companies are even posting on them if they get their candidates through referrals.
The scariest part of being out of work is after you've been trying and trying, and you feel that you are running out of options.
That's why I think your JoblessJoe slogan is so good.