It’s the little things that make a big difference
Happy Holidays! Just wanted to mention a few things that might seem like common sense, but as I’ve heard someone say recently: common sense ain’t that common!
If you’re looking for a new job, or at least open to hearing about new opportunities that might be better than the one you’re in, have you made sure to cover the following bases?
Is your voicemail still set to “YO! It’s the T-dawg, leave it!”
[tip: You’re not going to leave a good impression when a recruiter hears that after being interested in your resume.]
Is your resume error-free? Have you had an objective set of eyes thoroughly read through the whole thing?
[tip: You’re not going to be regarded highly for a writing or editing position if your resume has typos and formatting errors, or words that spellcheck won’t pick up, like “there/their/they’re”]
Do you have a professional email address?
[tip: If you’re not in college any more, then you shouldn’t use a .edu address. If you’re not in a gang, you shouldn’t use “T_dawg@juno.com” E-mail addresses are free, so you should really have one that uses your name.]
Is your resume in a Word or PDF format, and saved with an identifying filename? [tip:”resume.doc” increases your risk of your document getting lost on someone’s desktop, and it’s tough for some companies to open documents saved in formats or programs they don’t have in their system.]
Does your email cover letter clearly state what job you’re applying for? [tip: Many hiring managers are working to fill more than one position, so if you’re not clearly stating your objective, you’re making me work too hard.]
Remember, the goal of the job search is to get a job, right? The goal of the hiring process is to get someone hired? You will have much more success on either side of the process if you make it easier for your target.
Companies should have an easy-to-navigate application process, or a quick response time to make it easier for candidates and job seekers. And job seekers NEED to make the process easier for the hiring manager, the one reading and sorting through the resumes.
Technorati Tags: Job Search Tips, Resume errors, hiring process, job seekers
February 6th, 2008 at 11:51 am
[…] 1. Be sure to tailor your search to jobs you are qualified for and that interest you. 2. Video resumes are not prudent unless you’re looking for an acting (or broadcast media) job. 3. Always start out using “mr.” and “ms.” in an interview and in email communications, until you’re corrected otherwise. 4. Keep your social networking sites private–pictures can be found and be detrimental to your consideration for professional opportunities. 5. Make sure you research the company and the position to the best of your ability before an interview! 6. Dress professionally and appropriately when interviewing; it’s better to show up overdressed than be dismissed from consideration because you “weren’t quite sure what to wear.” 7. Don’t be a “Yes Man”. This means, don’t talk too much during your job interview, be concise with your answers, and always back up responses with concrete and relevant examples. And if you have an answer you don’t think they want to hear (a “no” instead of a “yes”) be sure to back it up with a well-crafted response. Take time to think about what you want to say, they’ll wait, and it will make it worth the wait! 8. Have a professional email address! 9. Keep your resume short and to the point: relevant experience only! It’s hard to keep work experience like “supported myself through college while working at Hooters” but the truth is, unless you just graduated, your professional experience is going to override this piece of information, and it will actually hurt you. 10. Get to know a lot of people: your success will come from who you know! 11. Ask for help during your job search. From friends, mentors, relatives. 12. ALWAYS follow up with an email or a hand written note after an interview!! Even phone interviews! 13. NEVER talk negatively about a past employer, no matter how comfortable the interviewer makes you feel. 14. Ask good questions to show you’re interested in learning about the company. […]