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Who you are and why they need you Who you are and why they need you
Some see job hunting akin to playing the lottery. They send the same resume to various employers, close their eyes, and hope luck will tap them on the shoulder with an interview invitation. Career counselors agree shrewd applicants send their resumes routinely, understanding results are dependent on efforts.
In the words of Elbert Hubbard, “There is no failure except in no longer trying.” Even so, there a few strategies job seekers can employ to increase their chances of receiving a response from a prospective employer.
Appropriate resume format
Most are familiar with a chronological resume, which provides a snapshot of a candidate’s professional and academic experience in reverse chronological order. This traditional format is ideal for those applying for jobs in conservative industries. In addition, the format highlights the progress of an applicant with steady work experience and an increase in responsibility. On the other hand, it may not be ideal for an elementary education graduate student working as a school bus driver while earning his or her teaching certification. Instead, a skills resume allows the candidate to list relevant experiences from classes and jobs at the top of the resume under one heading. Qualifications may include managing behavior, developing lesson plans, administering first aid, and building rapport with youngsters. List accomplishments in quantifiable terms Think of how often the general phrases “exceptional people skills” or “commitment to quality” are used in cover letters, advertisements, and sales presentations. According to public relations practitioner and author Fraser Seitel, facts are more effective persuaders. Consider listing awards received, number of customers retained, dollars saved, communities served, or other achievements expressible in quantifiable terms. Customize the resume and cover letter Using a mass mailing approach of sending generic letters and resumes appears to save time and money. In addition, it works well for direct mail marketers offering trial subscriptions, fast food coupons, and personalized stationery. On the other hand, employers are investing in a more expensive and sophisticated product - a person. Thus, a resume packaged tailored to the employer’s needs is required. Research the company and study the employment ad before developing a professional portfolio. Highlight transferable skills New college graduates seeking employment for the first time and parents re-entering the workforce often scratch their heads with a look of befuddlement after reading a job ad listing a host of required skills. A position may require experience with making decisions under pressure, communicating well with others, meeting deadlines, or working with specific computer programs. A student juggling research papers, team projects, and extracurricular activities has applicable experience. A parent preparing youngsters for school, attending conferences, coaching teams, and managing household budgets is the home office manager, handling myriad tasks. Life experiences provide a candidate with transferable workplace skills. Proof, proof, proof During my fledgling years as a town newspaper correspondent without an academic background in English or communications, I replied to a local company’s ad for a marketing communications coordinator. I misspelled the recipient’s street address. Hmm. I never received a request for an interview. A human resource director once told me a first impression is a first impression. He said resumes and cover letters represent what an employer can expect from candidates in the future. Proof your documents, read them aloud, and ask another person to act as an editor.