Having run corporate recruiting teams in a major systems integrator for years, I would like to offer some insight into the corporate recruiting process.

As a career transition consultant I constantly help clients deal with the frustration of submitting resumes to websites, either job boards or corporate employment sites, and seeing no response.

Once you understand the process used by corporate recruiters and placement firms you will understand the lack of responses.

Most resume management systems post resumes and assign specific recruiters to review the responses to specific openings. A recruiter may have many, many openings. For the most part, recruiters will do a "key word" search on the resumes submitted for a specific opening. Often, only those resumes listing the "key words" will be selected for review and potential contact with the candidate for a screening call. In order to assure that your resume is reviewed, you will have to include one or more of those key words or phrases in your resume.

In order to optimize your selection during this first phase of the process, look hard at the job posting. What specific skills, tools, experience, etc. is the employer looking for in a selected candidate? You may have these attributes and should note them in exactly the same format as the posting. If you don't have the exact skill/experience - indicate a skill or experience you have that is close to or related to the one listed on the posting. For instance, if the posting lists "Project Management" as a required skill, list things you have done that include managing aspects of a project and mention "project management".

Another technique that increases your chance of making the first cut is to have a section at the end of your resume titled "Key Words" where you can list key words that would be of interest to the employer, but you find awkward to use in the resume narrative. Don't worry, the recruiter will know exactly what you are trying to convey. Remember not to include this section of your resume on hard copies used for other than electronic submission, i.e. at interview.

Finally, if you are really excited about an opening, there are techniques that will greatly increase your visibility over and above the majority of other candidates. If you receive no response to your submitted resume, look at the organization's website and identify former military members on the organization's current leadership team, or Board of Directors. Get their name and address correct, and send them a hard copy letter (with resume attached), indicating you have applied online, and asking for their support in securing an interview.

It works !