A crowded field

One thing I hear from many job seekers, even from some in their early twenties, is that it used to be easy to walk into places, apply for jobs, and get hired at one of the first places they tried.

A common complaint is that they try to be proactive and visit employers but find they aren't able to talk to any managers and are directed to apply online. While hitting the streets to submit applications a few weeks ago, a job seeker and I were even stopped at the gates of one employer and given the "apply online" statement.

While employers have benefited from the online application process by saving time they used to spend answering inquiries at the store, office, or factory, and by being able to quickly scan for keywords and minimum qualifications, the ease by which job seekers can send a resume is beginning to overload human resources staff.

With affordable internet access at home, and near universal access at libraries, schools, and onestops, most job seekers are submitting online applications. It doesn't take much motivation to copy and paste, or attach, a resume multiple times. Someone who wouldn't make the effort to drive across town or buy a stamp to apply for a position will be willing to spend a few minutes on an email. The more lines in the water, the more fish I'll catch, they might think.

The problem is that there are fewer fish to catch today, and the person in the next boat is throwing out their lines as well. Even worse, anglers who used to chase salmon or tuna are now content to catch mullet.

CNN Money's Jessica Dickler writes about the rise in applications for entry-level and "less desirable" jobs. The flood of applications muddies the water for qualified job seekers and frustrates HR departments.

As an Employment Specialist, think about:
1. How will my customers stand out?
2. Where are my customers applying?
3. How can I get through to a real person for job development?
4. How can my customers get through to a real person?