Timeless job search tactics
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As much as time and technology has influenced how job search is conducted, aspects of the job search remain the same. This blog briefly touches on what has remained the same when it comes to writing an effective resume and cover letter, and also reminds the job seeker of the importance of human connection.
RESUME TIPS that have withstood the test of time.
Resumes are often very personal and a reflection of an individual’s career journey. They are carefully crafted by the job seekers, and often with the help from a Career Coach. In today’s world the job seekers can engage with a variety of AI tools to create a resume that will reflect their competencies and get past the Applicant Tracking System (ATS). These enhancements to job search allow the job seeker to save time and build confidence in regards to how the resume is structured.
Below lists three tips that have remained important to include when creating your resume.
Tip #1: Consider adding a category called: Summary Statement. The Summary Statement allows you to express to the reader your skills, abilities and personal attributes. It is also an opportunity to reveal specific experiences that may help highlight at a glance your value to the employer.
Tip #2: Highlight your accomplishments - In simple terms, stay away from creating a list of tasks performed under your job titles, talk about how you performed the tasks.
Tip #3: Make sure your resume is formatted well, with proper punctuation and spelling and is an honest reflection of who you are.
THE COVER LETTER, still a vital tool in the tool box.
The Cover Letter over the last decade or so has been thought of as an “optional” document when responding to online job postings; however, it remains an important document to create.
Although Hiring Managers may not require a Cover Letter, in the hands of a Hiring Manager that places value on receiving a Cover Letter - it may make a difference in landing the interview or getting overlooked.
A well-written Cover Letter can be a powerful tool when it connects in a succinct manner your skills, work experience, volunteer experience and/or internships directly to the employer’s needs. When you outline your value to the employer – you provide a reason for the employer to explore further your credentials. A well-written Cover Letter can also provide insights into your personality. This may also prove to be selling point.
When writing a Cover Letter, follow this 3-paragraph rule to write a perfect cover letter.
Paragraph 1: State why you are writing, for example, you can say something like: "I am writing in response to your advertisement for a sales representative". The second sentence in the first paragraph can be a statement about why this particular job posting caught your attention. Saying something about the company, or the product, or the mission of the company is recommended for this second sentence.
Paragraph 2: Connect your skills, abilities and personal attributes to the employer's job posting. However, try to avoid the overuse of the "I am" or the "I have" statements when writing this paragraph. Lean more towards action words.
Paragraph 3: Close with a call to action. Invite the reader to reach out to you for an interview, or if you have the employer’s contact info, invite yourself to reach out to the employer within a week’s time. Should you make contact with the employer at this time, confirm receipt of your documents, inquire about the status of your application, and restate your interest. Keep this call brief!
NETWORKING remains the most powerful tool in job search.
In our world of technological advances, so much of the job search has been automated that days could go by and the job seeker may have limited contact with humans. Time spent on the computer answering on-line job postings may feel productive, but research has shown that it is through networking (human contact) that brings the job seekers closer to a job opportunity.
Making connections through LinkedIN - attending professional association meeting - engaging in Job Search Work Teams – and simply sharing with others your journey of job search in a positive and focused manor, increase your chances for making connections that more than likely will lead you to a job opportunity. Through effective networking you are guaranteed to grow your professional sphere.
The following provides a brief outline on how to engage in networking.
1 – Create a target list of companies that you are interested in. These companies do not have to be hiring to be included on your list.
2 – When delivering your “pitch” or “elevator speech”, select from your target list a handful of names of companies and include them in your pitch. Tell the person across from you that you are looking to get introduced to individuals that work in these companies so that you may get information, ideas, suggestions and/or advice regarding your career. Stay away from asking directly about a job given that many people may be generous with sharing information and advice, but many may not know of a job opening. Therefore, more willing to provide a referral or be a resource themselves.
3 – When you get a name of a person (a referral), ask to be introduced to the person in advance of your outreach. This introduction could be through email or LinkedIn. This small gesture creates more of a connection to the referral. And,
4 – Follow-up with the referral and schedule an Exploratory Conversation (otherwise known as an Informational Interview).
80% of work opportunities continue to be driven by referrals created through networking. The power of human connection cannot be overlooked.
Wishing all a productive job search!