3 Steps To Ensure Your Resume is Seen by an Actual Human

The Basics: How to Respond to a Job Post on LinkedIn or on an Online Job Board

Search for job posts with keywords of interest via LinkedIn, AngelList, or other online job board
Read job posts and evaluate your interest level and appropriateness
Prepare an original cover letter for each position and tweak your resume to fit the specific
position [see our post on effective cover letters for detailed instructions on how to do this]
Submit via the portal (usually the link will take you to the company’s website)
You all know that, of course, but did you know...

There are three additional steps that are almost always overlooked by job-hunters:

Most people just leave it at that. They click submit and wait. However, there are three additional steps you can take to ensure your resume is actually seen by a living, breathing human:

Research department head [see our post on Job Search Methods section here for details on how to do this]
Submit your cover letter and resume directly to the department head in addition to the
application via the main portal [see The Double Tap Cover Letter section on effective cover letters]
Network like crazy (e.g., LinkedIn, friends, family, friends of friends, etc.) to get connected
with anyone who works at the company of interest to put in a good word for you, talk with you about the company on the phone, etc. [see our post on Networking for details]

Note: Many companies offer their current employees significant financial incentives for successful referrals of new employees. With that in mind, remember that you are also doing your contacts a favor by giving them a chance at receiving a big referral bonus.