Question:

I am looking for a teller job with a bank. I've visited several financial / banking job boards and signed up to receive emails that alert me when a job is posted that matches my interests. I receive two to three of these per week. I then apply for those jobs by following the instructions at the job boards. After doing so, I receive emails telling me that my application has been received and reviewed. Only once have I received additional emails, and that was to tell me that I did not have the skills for the position for which I applied. Should I continue to apply for jobs this way or should I apply the old fashioned way? I'm frustrated that I don't hear anything back after being told that my application has been received and will be reviewed, so is there a way for me to find out whether my application actually has been received and reviewed?

First Answer:

Sure. You can continue to use job-search agents, as the job-board tool you describe is called. Just don't rely on this approach as your ONLY job-search technique.

The key to any successful job search is mixing up your job-search techniques so you do not rely on any one method, whether it is using a job-search agent, posting resumes on the Internet, answering ads, networking, making targeted contacts, or cold-calling. Statistics vary on the percentage of job-seekers who find jobs through the Internet, but most studies suggest figures in the single digits. The largest percentage of job-seekers succeed in landing jobs through networking. Therefore, job-hunting time should be invested in proportion to the methods that are likely to be most fruitful. You will likely find it more effective, for example, to spend four hours networking with colleagues at the meeting of a professional organization in your field than to use those same four hours posting your resume on Internet job boards or answering ads you've received from the job-search agent.

Finally, virtually every job-search method requires follow-up. After submitting your resume and cover letter in response to Internet job postings sent to you by the job-search agent, follow-up, though difficult (because you may not know the name of the person or even the company to which you've submitted your materials), is also advisable. Send an e-mail or call (if you have the contact information needed to call) the employer 10 days or two weeks after you sent your application materials to inquire if the employer received your submission and to reiterate your interest in the position.

-- Katharine Hansen, former speechwriter and college instructor who provides content for the Web site, Quintessential Careers, edits QuintZine, an electronic newsletter for jobseekers, and prepares job-search correspondence as chief writer for Quintessential Resumes and Cover Letters

Second Answer:

After applying online, you are getting emails from an autoresponder, which in no way guarantees that a human being ever sees your application.

Improve the odds of having your application reach human consciouness by applying every way you can, including online, by mail, by fax, and best of all, live and in person. Then follow up the old fashioned way, by phone, in person, and by email. Remember that computers don't hire people, people do. And people hire people they more often than they hire the person with the person with the best resume.

-- Tracy Laswell Williams, certified job and career transition coach, accredited resume writer and founder of CAREER-Magic.com

Third Answer:

Job hunting is time consuming and tiring! Today's job market demands that we use every avenue at our disposal when looking for employment. I would continue what I am doing and use all other job search methods possible -- ie. apply directly to banks in your area, inform everyone you know that you are in the job market and looking for a specific type of job, applying at temporary agencies that cater to the banking industry etc.

I would also suggest that you review your resume and compare it to the qualifications these jobs are asking for. Many times job seekers will have the qualifications needed to do the job -- but their resume does not do a good job of "selling" those skills to an employer. If you find you do not have the skills that employers are asking for to do this job, then consider trying to find a "short term" training program in that area. (Many community colleges and vocational technical schools will have mini course in things like customer service, ten-key, etc.)

There is no way to guarantee that you will hear from an employer once you submit an application or resume. If you applied directly to a financial insitution you can call to see if the position is open or if they have any positions currently. Unfortunately it is often not possible to follow up when applying on line.

-- Linda Wyatt, Career Center Director, Kansas City Kansas Community College

Fourth Answer:

The economy is tough and entry-level positions are met with many applicants, however, my first question is: have you assessed your skills and related experiences to make sure you meet the required qualifications of the bank teller position? If so, have you done your research on the financial institution for which you are applying? Next, have you have written your resume and cover letter to reflect the skills and qualifications for the position you have applied? Lastly, have you had someone review it to ensure it is error free? Many recruiters will reject an applicant because of simple errors on the resume such as, spelling errors, typos or lack of evidence of the minimum skills etc.

Bank Teller positions are the entry-level positions which lead to other positions such as, Lead Teller I and Personal Banker. Customer Service experience will be one of the top items a recruiter will be interested in seeing on your resume. In addition to customer service skills, good interpersonal skills and preferably previous cash handling experience, you will need to show you have strong organizational abilities and attention to detail skills. Show you are interested in working with people through your positive and friendly manner. These should all be listed under the requisite experience on your resume to show you are qualified for the position.

Lastly, if you are not receiving responses from your web based search and have done all of the above the next step is to print your resume on nice paper and deliver the error free crisp document to the financial institution of the advertised position to ask to see the manager or hiring authority of the branch. Dress appropriately; this may turn out to be your interview. Most banks prefer a professional clean image for their frontline teller positions as this is often the first interaction a customer has to form their opinion regarding the bank. If this person is unavailable then have a matching envelope with you to slip your resume and cover letter into and ask for the appropriate name to address the envelope and hand it to the person with whom you are speaking to deliver for you. Keep this name in your memory bank as you will want to follow up with a phone within a few days to ensure the individual received it. If this step is too bold for you then send it via the mail but make sure to follow up with a phone call.

Appropriate and respectful persistence can pay off.

-- Terese Corey Blanck, Principal, College to Career

Fifth Answer:

The source of your frustration is now being examined and recommendations for improvements being developed. Gerry Crispin of CareerXroads is now speaking to HR managers across the country about the lack of responsiveness of the online job application experience. At a Los Angeles presentation on August 13, he made one critical recommendation: If you're going to have it on your Careers page, make it functional.

Gerry also spoke of his study where he had 25 volunteer HR pros apply for accounting jobs within all of the Fortune 500 companies. All of the pros used the fictitious profile of Vinnie B in order to ensure uniformity of reporting information. Many of the pros received the same types of results that you report in your question.

I, too, have been conducting research into the job seeker's experience (see "View from the Job-Seeking Trenches" for the first installment of my findings). I, too, have come up with the same findings as yours and Gerry's, although I did not use a fictitious profile. I, too, received the same types of responses (or lack of responses) as you did except for one. When the form handler would not accept my information, I searched the company's website and called for assistance in sending the application by email to the right person. That resulted in a reply from the President asking if I was certain I wanted a job at $28K given that I am extremely (and obviously) over-qualified.

You asked two questions:

1. Should I continue to apply online? Yes, you should. According to Gerry, the likely thing that happens with these online resumes and applications is that they are reviewed very briefly and then dumped at the end of 30 days, never to be seen again. But during the process of combing the resumes, you have the opportunity to be seen by the system computer and perhaps coughed up to a human. As companies proceed to take heed of Gerry's and my findings and recommendations, changes will happen and the system will be made more effective for both parties.

   Meanwhile, you've had an opportunity to learn more about the company and whether this is the environment in which you want to be.

2. Should I resort to the old-fashioned way of applying? If you stopped using it, reincorporate it back into your job search strategy along with several other strategems.

   Go online and research the companies in which you are interested. Also use your networking skills to find out where the opportunities are. Two to three times a week (or at least once), make certain you are putting yourself into a venue of people in the industry, social or economic level where you want to be or at the professional level at which you are accustomed. Interact with these people. Stay in touch with them and get involved in meaningful, purposeful activities with them or their group. As you talk with them, you'll learn of the opportunities and sometimes will actually meet the person you want to work for -- or with -- who is about to have a position open or is getting just as frustrated as you are that they can't find a person just like you.

   Pick up the phone and call people to arrange for and attend meaningful informational interviews. Ask for referrals to other people with additional information. Check the other related positions open with the same company you're considering. Check the bulletin board in the volunteer lounge. Let people know that you're in transition. They may know of places that are hiring or even doing pre-application testing or have the name (and phone number or email address) of a person to contact. Consider companies and research them even if the recommendation was for a position well below what you want. It was at least a lead about a company that is not downsizing or in a hiring freeze.

Keep all of your options and avenues open. Good job seeking. Good career building. May all of your entrances be through the doors of success!

-- Yvonne LaRose, career and professional development coach, Career and Executive Recruiting Advice

Sixth Answer:

While the advent of recruiting technologies has streamlined some aspects of the job search, I often find that it eliminates a good deal of direct contact in the job search. The replies you have been receiving are automated, meaning if 1000 people apply for a position, 1000 people get an automated reply. This allows the organization to only have to directly contact the individuals they are interested in pursuing.

While I don't know what you mean by "the old-fashioned way," I will recommend you get out from behind your computer! If your goal is to become a teller, call local branches of several banks during off hours (i.e., not lunchtime). Ask to speak to the bank manager and see if you can set up some time to meet with the manager or a teller.

Use this time as informational. While you should dress professionally, don't think of it as a job interview, but as a chance to get feedback on how to break into the profession, the best methods of application and advice on how to position/revise your resume to best meet the needs of the industry. Have specific questions ready to ask, and be respectful of the indiviudal's time. Do this with as many banks as possible! Send a copy of your revised resume and a thank-you note after the meeting. Reiterate your interest in working at that particular bank, and indicate your gratitude for any help the individual can provide.

Remember, many companies still require that you submit your resume and application on line regardless of any in-person contact you make. Be sure to follow their instructions and complete the application and send your resume as requested.

In tandem, be sure to follow-up with individuals you have met and spoken to every few weeks. Keep a running list (spreadsheet) of the contacts you make and use them wisely.

-- Susan Strayer, Assistant Director, Career Services, School of Professional Studies in Business and Education at the Johns Hopkins University and founder and President of University and Career Decisions

Seventh Answer:

To answer the question, one first needs to understand the flow of a resume within a staffing organization. Here's a very short primer: Assuming the company has a well-defined Applicant Tracking System (ATS), your resume will become part of a database that the staffing department will tap into when conducting a search. The "received and reviewed" confirmation does not really mean that your resume has been reviewed - I won't editorialize about companies that do this; I only know that my staff and me reviewed every resume that came through our doors. I personally read every resume that touches my hands ...it's a matter of professional pride.

Once in the system, the recruiter will search the database using functional keywords - hopefully your resume was chock full of buzzwords! It's true what is said about resumes - the best ones get noticed regardless of the skill of the individual. Lesson 1: Include industry buzzwords, acronyms, etc. that are well known within your function - don't dumb down a resume for HR!

Let's say your resume actually made it into the hands of a recruiter...Chances are this person is handling anywhere between 5 and 20 open positions - or more - at any time. I'd say that the person receives anywhere between 25 and 100+ resumes for each position from the company website or ATS - even more if the jobs are posted on popular job boards. The hiring manager is breathing on the back of the neck of the recruiter asking when interviews can be conducted, the great recruiters are cold calling people or contacting internal referrals (I always review and call internal referrals first), etc. Most recruiters say they really, really read all resumes but the fact is that most resumes are quickly scanned - as much as I hate to say it, the recruiting profession needs major lessons in customer service and appreciation. Resumes that are read are always the ones that immediately catch the eye. Lesson 2: See Lesson 1.

So the recruiter has received resumes from the company's ATS, the company's website, and from employee referrals. They also received snail mail and faxed resumes. The scenario is even worse if the recruiter and company do not have a technology based system for categorizing resumes. In all cases, the amount of work is huge! Nonetheless, the great recruiters will read all resumes, take notes, compare candidates, then reduce the hundreds of resume down to a manageable number, say 20. They will also send emails - personalized as much as possible - to those who didn't make the cute. Some will even let the turned-down candidates where skills were lacking with the offer to review the resume again if additional supportive evidence is offered. My personal opinion is that everyone deserves a reply and feedback.

As for those letters that that told you that you did not have the skills for the position for which you applied, did you ever respond back? Did you offer any evidence to the contrary? Persistence is critical in job search - I know of many recruiters crushed under a staggering workload who miss details and need reminders - help them out.

One more thing - have you paid any visits to these banks and talked to a few tellers? Perhaps asked for the names of their bosses? Perhaps even asked for an impromptu interview at a bank branch? Perhaps brought a resume to one of these branches and asked for feedback from a teller or branch manager? If I knew that the Internet accounted for only 4% of jobs filled in a given year, I'd pursue routes that accounted for the other 96%...

-- Steve Levy, Principal of outside-the-box Consulting

Eighth Answer:

Only 10-12% of jobs are filled through job postings and only 4-5% online, but since that's been your method, let's look at that first. A job that matches your interests may not be a job that matches your qualifications. When you see a posting, first look at the specifications: # of years of experience, education, how closely your experience matches the new job, computer skills, interpersonal skills, languages. Apply only to those jobs for which you meet 80% of the qualifications; that should reduce the rejections for not meeting requirements. If you don't have experience as a teller, look for ads that say "will train" and discuss in your cover letter what skills and traits make you a good candidate for this kind of job (A's in math, great interpersonal skills demonstrated in your summer jobs, great work habits). Meantime, volunteer to keep the books and manage petty cash for a local nonprofit organization, or take a job as a cashier, so you can show you are doing similar work.

Don't allow yourself to be frustrated by the lack of response; employers are receiving 400-1000 resumes for almost any job they post on the web, and trying to figure out how to winnow down the list to read (every 5th resume; looking only for candidates with the same first name as their friends-these defy logic, but recruiters are overwhelmed); most organizations have stopped spending the postage or even the labor to call or email candidates not selected for an interview. You can call to politely ask the status of their search and when interviews will be conducted, but that doesn't mean all firms will let you get past voice mail or welcome your call. Tenacity pays off up to a point; don't leave more than two voice mail messages.

If by "the old fashioned way" you mean answering ads in the paper, or showing up in person to fill out an employment application, your success rate may not increase greatly. 70-80% of jobs are, and have been for some time, filled by making contacts through networking, getting inside an organization, so ask everyone you know if they know anyone who works in a commercial bank, and try to get an introduction so that you can call or better yet meet people who could help steer you to a teller's job; many companies offer "referral bonuses" for employees who bring them good candidates. For that matter, go to your own bank and if you don't have a relationship with a teller, try to develop one.

Recruiters and hiring managers are looking for candidates who distinguish themselves in some way from the competition, so try some of the methods in 300 Off-the-Wall Ways to Get a Job, apparently out of print but it may be in your library.

-- Carol Anderson, Career Development and Placement Office, Robert J. Milano Graduate School of Management and Urban Policy at New School University in New York City

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