Lebanon, NH (December 13, 2011) – Trying to give job seekers a leg-up on 2012 job searches, StartWire™, a game-changing Internet job search organizer, is sharing its first annual Best-Kept Job Search Tips for 2012. Seeking to radically improve the job search process, StartWire closes the “résumé black hole” by providing job seekers with automatic application status updates from thousands of employers.

            “Typically, this is the time of year when job seekers reflect on their current job search and re-ignite their efforts to land a position in the new year,” said Chris Forman, CEO & Co-Founder of StartWire. “The problem is that job seekers have no real insight into the progress of previously submitted job applications. StartWire’s mission is to change this black hole mentality by providing updates on job searches and now also deliver proven job search recommendations to increase their chances for success.”

            StartWire’s 2012 Best-Kept Job Search Tips include:

1. Early bird gets the job – Applying first to just-posted positions will dramatically increase your chance of getting hired. StartWire’s recent study of more than 6,600 hires across 10 industries shows that nearly 50% of company hires were applicants who applied within the first week and approximately 75% of all hired candidates applied within three weeks of the job posting.

2. Read the business section – Thousands of resumes pour in from the help wanted/employment ads and job boards. If you really want to be considered for a job, take a look at the local newspaper’s business section or the regional business magazine to find unearthed opportunities. Positive corporate announcements, such as receiving funding or landing new clients, often mean new jobs. Get ahead of the game and contact recruiters before jobs are posted.

3. Understand a company’s hiring approach – All companies recruit differently. Depending on the recruiting department’s philosophy, the company may hire exclusively through employee referrals or via corporate events. Take the time to find out what their hiring approach is and tailor your efforts to be noticed so that your resume will have a greater chance of making it to the top of the pile.

4. Find local connections to industry jobs – Local connections are paramount in a successful job search. In addition to local business organizations, almost every industry has a professional association with local chapters. Send an introductory email to the local chapter leaders and attend some of the relevant events. It can open doors to future job positions. 

5. Use Social Media to get inside– Actively following and engaging with potential employers’ social media networks may help increase your chances for an interview or a second look by hiring managers. This shows you are interested in the company and are actively following its efforts. Plus, social media circles often yield inside networking opportunities. Research shows that 1 in 10 candidates whose resumes come through a referral are hired, compared to 1 in 100 general applicants.