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Taking time with your resume could pay off with an offer

A few years ago, it seemed there were more jobs than people to fill them. Now, as the job market has tightened, job hunters must be more creative and focused when seeking a new career. Some simple search and resume tips can help secure that elusive job.

Register with a staffing agency: Staffing services have all sorts of contacts and requests for employees that might not be widely published. Additionally, going through a staffing service allows you to “try before you buy,” ensuring the company is one you want to work for.

Brush up on your computer skills: When clients call requesting an administrative assistant, it is assumed that they will need, at minimum, an intermediate understanding of Microsoft Word and Excel, so say most staffing center managers I’ve talked to. Most staffing services provide some training programs for computer applications.

Pick up the phone: Rather than limit your job search to online sources, try an old-fashioned approach — the entire company. Start as high in the organization as possible. Start at the top and they’ll tell you who to talk to.

Know what you are looking for: Don’t apply for every job. Employers are inundated with resumes — many of which are from candidates unqualified for the position. Don’t waste your time or theirs on positions for which you don’t have either the skills or the inclination.

Spend time on your resume: It sounds elementary, but a huge stumbling block for many job seekers is a poorly prepared resume. I’d recommend sending your resume to at least three friends, family members or work contacts for feedback. Get it right before you get it to the street. A resume with errors will eliminate you from any consideration.

Focus on your references: Make sure your references are professional and not personal. A trend in submitting references is putting together a “reference press kit” that is distributed to your references, to make it easier for them to sing your praises.

Don’t forget a cover letter: A recent study of 290 hiring managers across the nation showed that two-thirds prefer an appropriate cover letter with the resume. Make sure you match your skills and accomplishments with the job requirements.

Network: It might sound cliche, but networking is still a great way to find work. Between 75 percent and 95 percent of jobs are never advertised, so the only way to find them is through networking. Having contacts who know you are job hunting will help assure that you receive notice when a position is posted internally.

Customize your resume: You should use a customized resume when applying for a job. A recent study found that 71 percent of surveyed hiring managers preferred a resume appropriate to the open position.

Elaborate, but don’t fabricate: According to global human resources consulting firm DBM, it’s a good idea to explain how your experiences are the best match for an open position. However, be honest about your experience, because companies are conducting more background and reference checks than they did just a few years ago.

Paying attention to your resume, in addition to some creative job hunting techniques, can be the key you need to open the door to a new career.