This just happens to be my first time doing this but I am doing in hopes of searching for success.  I have recently relocated to another state and am searching for employment.  I have almost 20 years of banking experience and am searching for banking jobs within my area.  However I have came across this stumbling block.  All jobs must be applied for over the internet, which is okay.  However, How can a recruiter determine if you are the right candidate for the position if all they do are so called phone interviews which are so impersonal or only see your resume.

Good question! I feel the same way. I have sent resumes to more than 150 suggested opportunities with only or so actual responses even acknowledging that they received my app.

Do they know me by a resume? No. but it seems that is all they want to see. They don't want to "waste" money on bringing us into the office for a face to face interview. Locally, this really doesn't cost them a dime, but if travel etc is required, they should cover the costs of bringing us in.

My suggestion, unless the company just won't let you, go to the possible job and ask to meet with the HR manager.

Maybe a phone call to ask if you can come in.

Some will and some won't.

In the Southeast, the banking industry is hiring. Look to the major banks and look to the corporate headquarter locations. Some of the banks use contracting companies to hire candidates for them. So at times, you are not seen at all by the real employer, I know this for a fact. Some temporary agencies have the banks as their client and with that you are able to get in and see if the conditions are what you want to have a long term arrangement with. You then have employment and options to see if you can deal with the politics of the company. Just a suggestion..check the temp companies!

Post your resume on Monster.com. Check the phone book for local recruiting agenies that specialize in your field. In other words - take the bull by the horns. Don't just sent out a bunch of resumes and hope that someone calls you. Recruiters are the way to go!