Technology Vs. Tradition

According to the Denver Post, a Lowe’s store here in Denver will be closing its doors and once again, putting a mass of individuals in the dreaded “unemployment” category. Lowe’s will be closing various stores throughout the United States, and one Denver store on Zuni, has fallen victim. Ironically, Lowe’s still estimates opening a large variety of stores following 2012, even though numerous are falling apart now.

For those approximate 90 employees who may be in the market for something new, ironically, Home Depots throughout Denver, have a variety of positions available. Easiest way to apply? Online. This at least allows you to choose your location and scan the possible opportunities. However, given the current market and the hundreds of thousands of people seeking employment, finding a way to stand above the competition is more than half the battle.

Given the age of technology, applying online is the fastest and likely, most convenient method to getting your application in the mix. Unfortunately, there are many people who take on this route, essentially meaning you are now a file and name sitting somewhere in a computer hard drive. I spend almost each and every day working with those individuals who are seeking employment. I shall tell all of you what I tell each of them…technology is great, but right now…traditional may be better.

Looking back on applying for jobs when I was younger, hearing stories from relatives and their employment searches and talking to employers who are actually sifting through the stacks of applications, there is one common denominator. Human interaction.  Sadly, the downfall to technology, is that it has made us robotic, relying less on face to face contact and more on gadgets and electronics.

Every employer out there receives hundreds and thousands of resumes/applications for the positions for which they are hiring. The primary objective for job seekers (outside of getting the job), is to find a way to stand out from those others applying. Try applying in person, try requesting to speak with someone in charge of hiring, try following up on your application/interview numerous times. Show that you are interested in the position or company. Learn about the job and the company that is hiring BEFORE the interview. These small steps can set you apart from the many others in the same position as you.

When I applied for my current job, I called so many times following my interview, that I truly felt like a “pest.” After I was offered the position, my supervisor told me that part of the reason I was hired, is because I drove her crazy during the interview process and it told her that I wanted the position and would likely work hard once I had it. That was almost five years ago. And as much as I hated calling and checking in so frequently, I now know that I set myself apart from the other applicants. Human interaction and perseverance got me that job. Not technology. Not the internet. For me, traditional won.