My first piece of advice is: Keep your resume short – one page- and easy to read! Recruiters look at:
• Previous experience – What was your position and how long were you there (Be specific on dates of employment!)
• Specific skills – what have you learned in past positions, what can you do for us?
• Education and training
• References – have you offered names of previous supervisors?
Cover letters are fine, but no more than one to two paragraphs about what you are looking for and why you are interested in the job. I highly recommend that you email your resume if you are able.

Second: Don’t apply for a position that does not match your qualifications. If you are obviously over- or under-qualified, your resume will be set aside. As employers in this market we have the opportunity and the responsibility to find candidates who are both appropriately qualified and the best match for the position and company culture. It is a disservice to both the candidate and the existing team to place someone in a position that does not use their talents wisely. One thing I am very careful of these days is watching for those who are highly overqualified – desperate to take anything. While they may be capable to perform the job, they may not be a right fit for the job, which is equally important.

Third: Do make the effort to contact a recruiter if you have applied for a position that you feel qualified for. Attempt to get a phone number and an email, and leave a message. Even if they don’t get back to you right away, they are surely still keeping track of messages. Know that when a job is posted, sometimes it can be weeks before actual interviews are conducted, so be patient and keep in touch. Once a week contact is acceptable, until you get an interview or hear the job is filled or you are not being considered.

The competition is incredible in the job market today. Job seekers need to follow the applicant protocol of the company they are interested in, stay positive, and keep trying to connect with recruiters without getting discouraged. Networking is a powerful tool in any job-search strategy, both in person and online. It is not enough to just send your resume anymore; you have to be a promoter these days, of yourself!