“Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results”. Check to see if these statements apply to you:
• You continually use the same generic resume and are not getting responses
• You believe your resume is the greatest, but no one is calling you for a telephone interview
• You apply to everything, thinking that you’ll get lucky and one will come through
• You only use on-line job search websites hoping someone will eventually discover you
• You haven’t been invited back for a second round interview after the first one
• You’ve come in second place more times than you can count
• You keep pursuing a specific job niche and discount alternative lines of inquiry
• Your friends are getting weary of your phone messages and aren’t returning your calls
Needless to say, something is wrong! You need to change your strategy. Resumes that get the attention of the hiring manager have certain things in common:
• The power of your background must be established in the top half of the first page
• The words used must parallel what the hiring manager is looking for in a candidate
• The results you’ve achieved must be what the hiring manager needs
• The initial scan of your resume must be powerful or you won’t get a second chance
• All resumes are not treated equally. Your resume must have actual and measureable results in order to be viewed favorably. The resume that meets or exceeds the defined specifications listed will get a follow-up call.
• When you get the initial call back, it means you are in the top 10 or 15 candidates from all of the resumes received. Ask the question, “What was it about my resume that was of special interest to you?” If answered, you now know exactly what their problem is, and why they are talking to you. You now have more information than any other candidate.
• Since your resume is the only document the hiring organization has about you, it will be the primary focus of your telephone or Skype interview. Focus on the items that parallel the position description. Usually the top 5 items on the position description are the most important to the hiring manager.
• When responding to questions about your experiences and results, answer with specific information, emphasizing:
o The issue that had to be solved (what was the problem)
o The action you took (this is what you did)
o The metric outcome as a result (this was the consequence of your actions)
There are many more hints and steps to advance your candidacy. Only a personalized, custom-designed strategy that only fits you can make a job search successful. Your first step is to assess where you are and where you want to go.
If you need help, its best to get it with a professional, rather than remaining in the spin cycle.
For a FREE assessment of your resume, send to: wkaufmann44@gmail.com
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