"fewer quality applications will reap better rewards than lots of poor quality ones!"
Job alerts can be incredibly useful, but if you don’t use them wisely, you could end up with negative rather than positive feedback to your applications. Here are some tips on getting the best out of them. Don't just set up alerts with the same job title you currently have or a more senior version of it. Do some research on what other job titles might apply and then as you work out which ones are working and which aren't, just update your list.
Don’t rush to get an application in the minute you see the ad. It’s likely the role has only recently been advertised, so there’s usually no need to rush. Do take a look at the company or recruiter's website to see when it was posted, whether it's been posted previously and if it has a closing date.
Don’t just look at the job title and apply immediately. The job title may be the same, but responsibilities and scope can vary from company to company, so never assume the advertised role will suit.
Don’t just scan the ad for the skills and experience required and then apply. Do read it thoroughly for information on the company, responsibilities, culture, possible career progression, benefits etc before making a decision. Also ask yourself whether it's a job you're interested in and whether you'll be a strong candidate amongst other applicants. You can read more about interpreting job ads here.
Don’t send off your CV or Resume if it hasn’t been adapted to the advert requirements. Recruiters will tell you that one of the worst things a candidate can do is submit an application where they’ve clearly not done this. Find out how you should adapt your CV or Resume here.
Don’t forget to write a cover letter that sets out why you’re applying and what you’d bring to the role & company. Do make sure your cover letter is well-written, addressed to the correct person and company and isn’t just an abbreviated version of your CV or Resume. You can get more info on how to compose a cover letter here.
To sum up, if you follow the suggestions above, you should hopefully see an increase in positive responses to your applications. You may need to manage your alerts regularly to add/remove as you find out what's working and what's not, it's always good to remember that:
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