| It's no secret our economy is in a major slump and | | | | 6. Do not be annoying! |
| hiring companies are scarce. Getting the attention of | | | | There are ways to totally turn off reviewers, and |
| the hiring manager and getting that all important | | | | everybody has different pet peeves. Mine is when |
| interview is more important now than ever. | | | | someone demands I get them this job. (Last I |
| Here are some smart tips for getting your foot in | | | | checked, the employer is paying me to find the best |
| the door: | | | | available person-maybe it's not you. Now, we can |
| 1. Apply for jobs you are qualified to do! | | | | discuss what my fee would be for personal |
| This may seem like a no brainer, but in my business | | | | representation.) Other people hate it when someone |
| as an Executive Recruiter, probably a full 50% of the | | | | marks their email "high priority" or acts like they're |
| resumes I get do not remotely qualify for the | | | | too good to answer questions that are asked. Keep |
| position advertised. Don't think that someone will | | | | in mind, these people are doing their job the way |
| save your resume and call you when they get your | | | | their boss wants them to. So be patient. |
| perfect job. More likely, they'll think you aren't so | | | | 7. Your attitude is everything! |
| smart, and toss you in the round file. (If your | | | | Be sure that every single interaction you have with |
| intention is just to get your resume in their hands in | | | | an employer is positive and upbeat, including emails |
| case something else comes along, make that known | | | | and phone conversations. It is true that you can hear |
| to them.) | | | | a smile in someone's voice over the phone, and |
| 2. Make your accomplishments stand out on your | | | | people like to speak with and be around other happy, |
| resume! | | | | smiling people. Make sure they hear your smile! |
| The old format of Objective, Experience, Education | | | | 8. Tell them WIIFM! |
| doesn't work well in today's fast-paced world. Most | | | | WIIFM means what's in it for me. In other words, |
| recruiters will scan a resume for ten seconds at | | | | what can you do to make their life, and job, easier? |
| most-- that's how long you have to grab their | | | | What can you do to help the company make, or |
| attention. So skip the objective, and put a list of | | | | save money? Address this in your email cover letter, |
| accomplishments at the top, right below your name | | | | and again when you talk with them by phone. |
| and phone number! This is not the time to be | | | | 9. Get their attention, in a good way! |
| modest. Think of your resume as a sales flyer, and | | | | I've seen lots of crazy ideas , (sending a pizza with |
| YOU are the product you're selling! | | | | your resume taped to the top, sticking a post-it on it |
| 3. Make sure your resume can get past the "robot" | | | | that gives you the thumbs up) that might get the |
| screeners! | | | | hiring manager's attention, but....maybe not the right |
| Many companies today use automated screeners- | | | | type. But do be proactive. Ask people you know for |
| computer programs that look for specific keywords | | | | a personal reference-send those along with your |
| from the job description. Go through the job | | | | resume and cover letter. If you know people at the |
| description thoroughly, and be certain that you use | | | | company, ask them to personally recommend your |
| the exact words they do for experience that you | | | | work. Another trick is to leave a message on |
| have, and the computer will "match" you positively. | | | | voicemail during the evening, so as not to disturb |
| 4. Make sure your resume is polished! | | | | them during the day. Make it your "elevator pitch" |
| No matter if it's an entry level job or an executive | | | | about YOU, how you can benefit the company, and |
| position, people will think poorly of you if your | | | | how interested you are in hearing from them to |
| resume contains errors. Proper grammar and spelling | | | | discuss the job. |
| are of utmost importance. Use your word processing | | | | 10. Follow up! |
| software's grammar and spell check, and also have | | | | Do not just send your resume in and hope for the |
| someone else read it over. | | | | best. Follow up with the employer a few days after |
| 5. Personalize your application! | | | | sending your resume. If you have their number, call |
| Do a little sleuthing, and find out who the hiring | | | | them and ask if they need any further information or |
| authority for the position is, and a little about the | | | | clarification from you, otherwise, send an email with |
| company and what they do. Address your email | | | | the same request. |
| personally, and focus your email cover letter on how | | | | Follow up enthusiastically and be persistent! After all, |
| you fit the company's culture or vision for the future. | | | | these are two good traits most employers want. |
| Speak to your interest in the job and the company! | | | | |