How to get ahead of the job-search 'cattle call'
Career experts suggest that job seekers should focus on building professional relationships and networking before positions are officially posted to avoid the competitive 'cattle call' of online applications. By connecting with insiders early, candidates can bypass standard HR filters and increase their chances of being considered for roles.
Why it matters
With the average job posting receiving hundreds of applications, traditional application methods are becoming increasingly ineffective for job seekers.
It can be helpful to connect with people inside a company you're targeting, so that you're ready when an opening appears. Jovanmandic/Getty Images If you're looking for a job, having contacts at an employer can help you be ready when a role opens . Building a relationship can help you avoid the application cattle call, one career coach said. A warm introduction can be "worth its weight in gold" during a crowded job search, a recruiter said. The best way to beat the line for a job is to get there before it forms. Talking with an employer before the company ever posts a job — and not after — could help you land a role there, said veteran career coach Laura Labovich.
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