From the sound of things, my guess is that you are probably spending too much time looking in the newspaper for that next job. I think it is your overall job seeking approach that is way off, although I am not saying that there are not decent jobs postings in the paper. However, let's face reality, you CANNNOT just rely on the newspaper for a job. Just a few years ago, the overall consensus was that less than 10% of professional jobs were filled through a newspaper ad. My guess is that as the major Internet job boards have taken over, that percentage is even less.

As the old saying goes, it usually isn't what you know, but whom you know. It all gets back to that overused term, "networking." You must expand and broaden your job search process beyond the newspaper and job boards. Attend trade shows and business expos (especially if you are in sales), job fairs, chamber of commerce functions, volunteer (if you are looking for a position in the non-profit sector), join a trade affiliation group or association, etc. Also, tell everyone you know that you are IN THE JOB MARKET. You never know who might have heard of something recently.

As far as companies that only list a fax number, I definitely wouldn’t put them on my priority list. If the company does not disclose who they are or what they do, then that should raise a red flag. Before investing much time in pursuit of the position, do a bit of detective work:

• What is the company’s main product and customer-base?
• Where is the position based? If not geographically desirable, why waste your time and theirs?
• What is the size of the company? Large or small?
• Exactly what skills is the organization seeking?

Knowing this critical information allows you to CUSTOMIZE the resume to the job you are seeking. Without this information, it makes this task very hard to do. When submitting a resume, you must clearly tell your reader how your background specifically matches the requirements of the position. Do your homework; research and apply your background to the new position. Search the Internet and even make calls to find out about the company's product and expertise.

Just because you don't see a job opening in the newspaper, on a major job board, or on the company’s website, does NOT mean an opportunity does not exist. Don't be afraid to pick up the phone and call. Be aggressive. Make an initial informational gathering call to find out who would be the hiring manager and/or your boss if you were to be employed there. Once you have a name, it is much more difficult for a prospective employer to say "no" to you verbally then to simply dismiss your resume. NOTE – even if the company does not have an opening right now, offer to send your resume anyway so when something comes up you are on the top of their list. Lastly, don't hesitate to ask if your contact might have a lead somewhere else; you never know what might turn up. Armed with the name of your initial contact, the second call is much less awkward because you were now "referred" by someone.

Best of Luck,

The ResumeDoctor