With the 2012 job search season well underway, candidates should begin to focus on making sure their skills match specific job requirements while expanding their search. Recruiting expert Chris Russell said that since it's still a "buyer's market" in most industries, employers are looking for an "exact DNA match" to fill open positions. Russell said that job seekers need to also be aware of that a " resume black hole" still exists, so even if a candidate submits his or her application into an applicant tracking system (ATS), it's always a good idea for them to try to find a way to get their resume in front of a hiring manager. Job seekers should also not be too concerned about the job date when searching online. Russell said that if a posting is a few weeks old, there is still a good chance the position is open and the company is continuing to conduct interviews. Candidates can tap the hidden job market by looking for businesses that are growing and perhaps taking a lower-level position just to get their foot in the door. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were approximately 3.3 million job openings in the U.S. as of November 2011. |