I have been unemployed for a year now, and I have submitted my résumé to at least three companies each week. Rarely do I get phone calls or responses regarding the status of the positions for which I’ve applied.

I apply to jobs for which my education and experience match the requirements. Also, many large chains with online applications won’t accept an application without a person’s social security number on it. I’ve read numerous articles that say you should never provide that information unless offered a position. What is your opinion?

YOU are not going to receive status postcards because companies receive hundreds, even thousands, of résumés, which is why online applications are “shots in the dark”.

It takes more time, but research the companies and your network of friends, family and past co-workers to get inside information into job openings. Connections are the only way to go in this market, especially if the job is not a typical minimum wage one. Social security numbers should be kept confidential, but given how common identity theft is, that confidentiality obviously does not always work.

– Creators News Service