Don't apply for that job online, go to a 'job mixer' instead | Business

If you know someone looking for a job, caution them against applying online, as they could be wasting their time.

Those job hunters need to know that the game has changed.

"Eddie Bauer got 55 resumes in early 2008 about a reception position, and in 2009, they got 900 resumes for that same job," says Paul Anderson, who once worked for companies like Expedia, and knows what they look for when hiring.

Anderson, who's with Redmond-based ProLango Consulting, says only 15 percent of resumes and applications filed online are translating into real jobs these days. The other 85 percent, he says, are coming from a different kind of introduction.

"Unless you're getting noticed by these employers," Anderson says, "you're not going to have a chance at getting hired today."

In other words, it's once again all about whom you know. To that extent, Anderson's company will sponsor a different kind of job event in Bellevue on April 5th. He calls it a "Job Mixer."

"It's not a job fair," he cautions, "so leave your resumes and business cards at home."

At the job mixer, potential employees meet face-to-face with prospective employers. Those hiring get to know you personally, and that, says Anders, leads to a much better chance for a second meeting, or even a job interview. He says it's about building relationships in a casual environment.

"Let me get to know you and see who you are as a person," Anderson said.

Anderson says this is how you land jobs in 2010.

"We've seen resumes end up in the trash can that evening, but we've never seen relationships not turn into second and third meetings, and into job interviews," Anderson says.

To register for the Bellevue event April 5th, go to ProLango's Web site.