Putting your best foot forward

Job searching can be stressful but there is light at the end of the tunnel!

STOP! Before starting your the application process, there are many things to consider having together before you jump in with both feet.

• Resume

  • You should tailor your resume directly toward the job description that you are applying to. Is it more work? Yes. But, creating a resume designed specifically for the position has a significant payoff.

  • Not only are applicant tracking systems (ATS) excellent evaluators of the relevancy of your content but, there are resources available that will literally compare your resume to the job description and give it a % based score. Sometimes, this process is completed by the software prior to a human being giving you any consideration. It can significantly weed out those resumes that are under a predetermined threshold and prevent you from moving forward. If you neglect this then you may be likely to receive an automated rejection email.

  • Start by outlining all of your experience, achievements, education, extra curricular activity and volunteer experience. What makes you stand out? Do you have anything in common with the mission of the company you are considering?

  • Take the time, in advance, to polish your resume. There are certain formalities in crafting a resume that a recruiter can appreciate. Be meticulously detailed in your formatting. This can result in an increased credibility for the job seeker that can translate into further review or even a phone call. If you are not well versed in word processing software then maybe consider using a credible or certified resume writer to assist you. These services can be fairly inexpensive when compared to the frustration of an uneducated resume writer or, at the very least, helping you capitalized on the benefits of understanding the nuances involved. Most resume writers are working in the field and can offer significant insight that can increase your exposure to hiring managers in your perspective field.

• Cover Letter

  • Your cover letter should also be specifically crafted toward the job your are applying to. In most online applications, you are given an opportunity to upload other relevant documents. When given the opportunity, you should always include a cover letter to give the reader a quick summary into your professional background, goals and experience. The cover letter should include, at a minimum, the following paragraphs.

  • Paragraph One: Expressing interest in the position. State the reason you are writing. Attract the employer's attention by pitching the letter to his or her needs or interests, rather than to your career goals.

  • Second Paragraph: Explain how your abilities, background, and qualifications will enable you to contribute to the organization. Describe how your specific skills, strengths, or personal attributes are relevant to the position. You may emphasize one or two items from your resume, but try not to be redundant. The cover letter supplements your resume, highlighting your special qualities in which might help persuade an employer to contact you. KEEP IT ORIENTED TO THE EMPLOYER'S NEEDS!

  • Third Paragraph: Reiterate your interest and ask for an interview at the employer's convenience. You may provide a date when you will contact him/her to set up an appointment. Thank the employer for his/her time and consideration.

    Include your contact information in the signature and sign the Cover Letter in blue or black pen!

• LinkedIn

  • LinkedIn is the most popular tool that Recruiter use today to search for and to screen candidates on the internet. 95% of recruiters are using the site and spend a majority of their day on the site running keyword searches for qualified candidates. I have heard it said that 3 out of 4 employers have admitted that, if a candidate cannot be found on social media they are less likely to reach out. What should be included in the profile? How should it be used? These ideas only scratch the surface with respect to how useful the tool is or how you should present yourself but consider the following information.

  • Profile Picture: According to some statistics, LinkedIn profiles with photos get 21x more views and 36x more messages. Also, it is an incredible opportunity to market your professionalism and wonderful smile! A picture is worth 1000 words, use them to your advantage. Like with anything else in the job searching process, do not settle for less than your best. In the recruiter/hiring manager’s mind, you have had all of this time up until now to make the best profile possible. When you apply for the job and the recruiter is evaluating your profile, you want to be at your best! The picture can be as simple as one where you are well-groomed, professionally dressed and up against a plain background (with no distractions) and smiling!

  • Make it a mirror image: The LinkedIn interface is very user friendly. It prompts you to complete all necessary sections of your profile in order to achieve an All-Star Status. Obtaining the All Star status has been shown to increase your ability to receive opportunities by 40%. This includes a Profile Picture, Experience, Skills, Summary, Industry & Location, Education and Connections. When including your experience, just copy and paste from your resume (unless there is an opportunity to include more detail on the profile that you were unable to fit on the resume).

  • Make your profile keyword heavy: The headline of your LinkedIn profile is the #1 indexed location that attempts to match up with recruiters search strings. Utilize industry specific keywords in your headline, summary, experience, skills and endorsements, and any other area possible. This is not the only thing built into LinkedIn’s algorithm, but it certainly can help to increase your ranking in search results.

  • Join Groups, Get Connected, Share your Professional Insight and Network! with others!

• Know where to look for jobs online and get organized!

  • I have been, at times, perplexed by the notion that someone is using Craigslist to find credible job opportunities. I am not saying that it is impossible, but to use this resource as your primary source of job opportunities does not make sense. Get familiar with Indeed, CareerBuilder, Monster, LinkedIn, ZipRecruiter and more!

  • Create a specific, professional email to manage all of your applications and communications with the employer.

  • Create a spreadsheet outlining the different benchmarks in your job searching process. (Company, Job Title, Job ID Number, Submitted resume? (Y/N), Interviewed? (Y/N), Sent Thank You Letter (Y/N), Followed Up (Y/N) ). This way, you will have an organized and quick go-to reference when that employers randomly calls in regards to your application. You don’t want to be caught off guard with the details!

In conclusion, just make a plan and have some sort of job searching strategy. Make sure you have excellent content on social media and job searching sites. Look at the “what ifs” of the process and iron them out!

If all else fails, hire a Resume Writer/Coach to guide you through the process and to advise you every step of the way.

Visit redlineresume.com/services to find out more! Or schedule a free consultation now!