In a world where all it takes is a click to apply for a position, it should be no surprise that recruiters are bombarded with resumes for their current openings. Here are a few tips to help your resume STANDOUT from the crowd--

1)      Create a Resume Title. Instead of jumping from personal contact information to your professional summary, make room to include the job title or position you are intent on pursuing. This will ensure that the recruiter reviewing your resume knows exactly what job you are seeking and/or are qualified for.

2)      Include a Powerful Professional Summary. Highlight your professional strengths by outlining your top professional accomplishments as they pertain to the job or job family for which you are applying to.

3)      Include Key Words. Make sure your resume includes 8-10 key words or phrases that accurately reflect the job you want. Research job descriptions that contain this information so that you can put together a list of relevant, current key words that are job specific.

4)      Go in Reverse Chronological Order. Recruiters need to know what essential job functions you’ve performed most recently—especially with regard to high tech positions and/or positions in heavily regulated industries where skills become quickly out-of-date.

5)      Quantify your Accomplishments. Under each job title, you should list in bullet format each accomplishment you’ve made as it relates to your resume title or the job description. Provide details that are associated with the quantifiable impact you’ve made on company profits, revenue goals, process improvement, etc.  Be strategic—tailor the details of your success as they pertain to the job you want, not the just the jobs you’ve held.

6)      List your education, professional affiliations, and speaking engagements at the end of your resume so it serves to supplement your work experience. Your objective should be to highlight those things outside the workplace that round out your experience and emphasize the dedication you have to your profession.

When in doubt, defer to the old sales adage WIFFM—What’s In It For Me. This is what recruiters will be looking to identify when they review your resume. More specifically, how readily you’ll be able to positively impact the business they represent. How effective you are in communicating this message through your resume will determine how likely you’ll receive a call back.

Meghan

Job hunting can be stressful. However, you can do far more to ensure a positive outcome than just adapting an “expect the unexpected” attitude. Maximize the effectiveness of your job search by making sure you incorporate at least one of the following tips into your search strategy:

• Check your credentials—are they current?  Take time to update your resume, your social networking profiles (Linkedin, Facebook, etc.), cover letters, and thank you letters.
• Is it time for a makeover? Make sure your email address, voicemail message, and on-line profiles are PROFESSIONAL. Run an on-line search of your name, what do you pull up? If you can see it, a potential employer can too!
• Network! Network! Network! Use all the resources available to you—former colleagues, friends, family, user groups, social media, etc.
• References. Identify colleagues from your current (or most recent) employer who are willing to provide a professional reference for you.  Offer your references an updated resume and a brief written statement about your career goals; this will help them help you when the time comes.
• Plan B. If you don’t have one already, you should devise a contingency plan.  What will you do if your job search runs longer than anticipated? Would you seek employment in a different sector (government, non-profit, etc.), return to school, volunteer?  It’s empowering to know you have options, what those options are, and when it’s time to exercise them.
• Consider compromise. It’s important to know what things you’d be willing to compromise on for the right opportunity—starting pay? industry? location?  Come offer time, you’ve got to know when to hold’em or fold’em.
• Be persistent. Uncovering  job leads is critical, but only if you follow up on them!
• Be prepared. Study potential employers—go beyond reviewing a prospective employer’s website by reviewing news articles about the company and industry.
• Practice interviewing. Interviews are real-time and you have limited control with regard to the venue, who participates, and the nature of the questions you’ll be asked. Mock interviews give you an opportunity to plan the unexpected.

Good luck in your job search!

Meghan

Employers frequently leverage technology to gain access to larger talent pools and successfully recruit candidates during today’s “war for talent.” Although logistics may seem secondary to a growing number of employees, it still plays a critical role in candidate selection.

Candidates would be wise to recognize (and prepare for) the unique challenges posed by interviewing for long-distance job opportunities.

For example, employers tend to place greater emphasis on phone interviews when engaging a long-distance candidate. The impression candidates make during this initial contact will determine whether the employer is willing to ultimately incur the cost/time associated with bringing them in for a face-to-face interview.

Here are a few things to keep in mind when interviewing via phone for a long-distance opportunity:

Plan ahead. Secure a land line (so connectivity is not an issue.)You’ll also need to interview in a quiet space; somewhere you will not be interrupted or distracted from the interview. Strong communication skills are imperative to a successful phone interview—you will need to listen carefully, respond clearly, and build rapport with the individual conducting the interview.

Offer specifics about your move. A potential employer will likely inquire about your motivation or desire to move—hiring a new employee is a substantial investment for an employer so it’s important to clearly articulate your reasons for moving and reassure them that hiring you would be a sound, long-term decision. Give your prospective employer specific dates you plan to be in the area and available to meet them or better yet, just how quickly you’ll be able to start a position if offered the opportunity. Make sure the person interviewing you knows you have a plan!

Ask about next steps. What are the next steps in the interview process? Ask the person that’s just interviewed you how well you qualify for the opportunity you’ve just discussed. Address any potential concerns that surface. If you are not offered concrete next steps, then take initiative…ask them when you’d be able to come in to meet with them in-person.

By taking just a little extra time to prepare, you can make your phone interview go the distance! Best of luck!

Meghan