Once you read these lines you are either already member with Jobeedo.com, use other social networking and job sites or are just simply interested in the subject of how to optimize your CV and successfully obtain an interview appointment.
Recruitment practices have undergone significant changes in the past few years, and much of the application process has shifted to the internet, requiring job seekers to submit resumes online or per e-mail. Newest developments even show a trend towards video applications, but this topic shall be discussed in one of our next newsletters.
Here are some useful tips on how to enhance your chances to get a first interview and ultimately land your desired job:
Getting the language right.
When looking for new job opportunities there will most likely be a number of similar job advertisements appealing to you, posted by different employers and recruitment firms. I suggest collecting some of these job advertisements interesting for you, then print them out. Go through the texts, especially the description of responsibilities, requirements and desired background, look for keywords, expressions and phrases specific to the job function and industry, and then mark these words.
In a next step have a close look at your current resume. Have you used any of these obviously relevant keywords and phrases in your CV? You definitely should. At least if you are positive that you are a suitable candidate for the job you wish to apply for. Of course statements and information need be in line with your actual expertise, know-how and experience.
Why should you use these keywords and expressions? Two simple reasons: Most recruitment professionals will not take more than just a few seconds (!!) to initially screen your profile, and a high match factor of your language used with the expressions found in their postings will enhance your chance to be piled in the “A stack” for further review.
Modern processes even go a step further. Many companies use applicant tracking systems, which means that your resume will first be screened by software – for applicable keywords. Only after having passed this hurdle a recruiter or hiring manager will peruse your resume.
Design and structure.
One can write 100 pages on the suitable design and layout of modern resumes. However there are some key rules you should follow.
Keep it simple and “clean”, do not challenge the reader with unnecessary graphics, multiple lines, different font types and too many font sizes. Limit your CV to 2-4 pages maximum! You should be clear that you want to convey a message: “I am your candidate, hire me!” Therefore your resume style, content and structure must attract the reader, to lean back in his chair and take more than just a minute to read your profile, without being annoyed by small letters or a structure that makes no sense. A recruiter should be able to read your resume in one flow front to back without needing to return to the first page for reconfirmation of detail or unnecessary cross references.
Convey your message – your resume is your marketing tool.
Resume styles have changed over time. I suggest putting limited personal information on top and then state your message, why the recruiter shall read on and consider you as a candidate. Market your potential and what you can bring to their organization. Sell your benefit rather than just reflect on your past achievements. Paint a real picture of a good match with the position you apply for.
A short and impressive executive summary (either in a few sentences or bullet points) should clearly outline your strengths, applicable expertise, your predominant management and leadership skills. Here again, consider the keywords! And be their solution.
Then your work experience including key achievements and education/ credentials should follow, putting other detail as software or language skills towards the end (in case you are not an IT specialist or translator!).
Short cover letter. Customized.
Yes, keep it short. And make a clear reference to why you deem yourself a strong match, why you are interested in this particular job and in the company. I suggest to not just copy and paste a generic cover letter to accompany each and every application. Recruiters may put your entry aside, if the cover letter does not closely refer to the advertised job. The same applies to your resume; however it is a critical HR subject whether multiple resumes can actually reflect the same person…
Note: For help with your resume please contact us – we at Jobeedo.com can help you finding a professional resume writer.
Prepare (for) your references.
Many recruiters and hiring companies ask for and actually check on your professional references. For very good reasons – discussing these in detail would fill some more pages here!
You do not have to state your references in your resume, but being prepared to provide references is essential. Do not underestimate this point! I have come across candidates who stated references who actually ruled them out for the position applied for – or for any employment! – by stating different or new facts which disqualified the candidate. Most candidates have some skeletons in the closet, nobody is perfect. If they are significant, do not lie about them, it will come out in the end. And reputation is something you can hardly rebuild after you lost it. But back to the point, references… You should talk to at least five colleagues, ex-colleagues, ex-superiors, business partners or mentors whom you trust and who can make professional statements in favor of you. They should be prepared to answer some questions on your personality, strengths, (irrelevant) weaknesses and achievements when a recruiter calls them to make a reference check. Providing the recruiter with a list of 2-3 adequate contacts on the spot will already put you in a good picture and create trust.
Your follow-up on your application.
A good way to follow up on your application is to contact the recruiter after a short while – but not after two days! By e-mail or by telephone. Be professional and not just state that you submitted your resume and “want to know the status”. Always repeat your unique selling proposition, your interest and suitability for the specific job in question. However, try to be positive and receptive, do not annoy your counterpart if you have the feeling that the feedback is somewhere in the grey zone. You need to find a certain balance, depending on the personality of your recruitment contact.
If you do not have a direct contact with regard to your application, you can cold-call the company or recruitment firm. As for direct employers, in most cases the human resources department will be responsible for handling your application. Some names can be found on the internet – search the company on Google, Yahoo or in open networks. Look for the recruiter or HR manager.
Be inventive. Build and utilize other side channels.
No matter what the outcome of your contacting with the HR department or recruiter is, you should try to open up and find more channels to support you in your application for the desired job.
Tap into your social and business network (if appropriate) and ask for someone who knows someone at the company you have applied with. Sometimes important side-connections are just around the corner. It may be someone at your gym, parents of your children’s friends, ex-colleagues, your spouse’s colleague’s friend et cetera. I could just recently help someone get a new senior appointment with an excellent package, because he could make use of my connection into an overseas entity of his future employer.
Hiring managers want to feel secure and reassured in their decision. Sharing the same connections builds trust in the first place.
Visit trade fairs or a conference relevant to the industry and establish connections. Networking events help as well.
Create or optimize your profile on social networking sites as Jobeedo.com, Xing or LinkedIn as many recruiters and employers will actually check your activities there (privacy; if accessible!) and match stated information with your detail submitted with your application. With your profile in place, try to find connections in the company you just applied with. You may consider doing this before you submit your application though!
Too much for you? From an executive recruiter point of view I strongly recommend going the extra mile. It is worth it, seeing that some job postings trigger Hundreds of applications.
Prepare yourself, be detailed, professional and market your potential in the best possible way. You only have one chance to submit your application to one specific job. Maximize your chances. Stand out of the crowd.
To your success!
Maik Richter
Jobeedo.com
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