My key issue with the “stop and wait” approach is that it jumps to quick to the tactics and does not address the strategy driven by a defined need. Secondly it does not consider the industry, geography nor the hiring manager.

Although not new, your approach is in many ways sound, providing one first understands their goals and objectives and develops an appropriate strategy. As I pointed out, there are many reasons to need/want a position. This understanding is the first step. The second step is to fully understand the target industry. Then and only then comes the tactics.

Companies such as Intel, Dell, IBM, GE and etc. have very sophisticated processes. Understanding them and having the ability to work within their processes are critical to success. There can be several layers between the applicant and the hiring manager. Cutting through these layers are consider bad taste and can easily backfire. Networking is the only acceptable way to bypass this process, although one will have to go back and complete the process in most cases before an offer can be extended.

Smaller companies as I pointed out have a different process and your suggestions would work well in these cases. But then again you would have had to follow steps 1 and 2 .

Those of us in larger industries often take acceptation to the flattery that comes across our disk, I personally consider it no more than trying to blow smoke up my skirt. We have busy schedules and appreciate the process (which you refer to as ‘black wholes’) which is designed to support objectivity. Some of us want, and often are required, to have all applications pre-screened before they are presented for consideration.

I always keep two poles in the water. Currently I have two resumes that are floating around on job boards, and although I am not actively pursuing a position, I get regular inquires form many Fortune 500 companies. Why? Because I’ve targeted each resume to a specific profession and business (one in hi-tech, the other in SMB) and have learned to use key works effectively.

Everyone agrees looking for a position is really a marketing function. An effective and successful marketer does not have the time or resources to understand and research each and every customers across town, let alone across the country or world. Yet, they can craft a message or image as though they are speaking directly to the consumer. Although this is not a simple task, it is much easier when one completes steps one and two.

Most employers really are looking for the same thing, highlighting these in your communication will help you get beyond the masses.

1. Can you do the job with limited supervision
2. What impact do you have on the bottom line
3. What are liabilities/risks will you bring
4. Are you likeable

Know your fish, bate the hook, and get as many poles in the water as you can. Once you get something on your line be prepared for a 1:1 conversation.

It would be great to get an ROI measurement between our two approaches.

Sure, if you already have a job and are looking to advance or move into another industry then take your time, shop around, rework your resume. But if you are looking for a survival job, you have to play by the numbers.

It's an employer’s market, there are millions of people out of work. Advocating a 'stop' and wait, is just what will be happing. The employers will have stopped looking at resume #25 and you will still be waiting for an interview because your resume is #973.

Stop wasting your time researching companies that will never call you for an interview. Companies will send you an email of their intent and will most often want to do a phone interview first. With the phone interview in place, do your due diligence. It will be fresh in your mind for the interview.

If you are in a heavily populated geography, set up two or three different resumes that highlight your top three skills and shot them out. Make sure you add key words at the bottom of your resume and make as many views as possible.

If you are in a small town or your job function is specialized, your best jobs are not online anyway. You would do better to network to get an early advantage.

Sure take your time if you want to be at the end of the bread line!

/she