Did you know that even with high unemployment there are an equal amount of jobs that are going unfilled? There’s a mismatch between the skills that are needed and skills being offered. You need to emphasize the skills and experiences that are in demand, not what you think is important. Tailor your resume to the job description of the position you want.
There are four basic actions you need to take:
- Determine the skills and experiences that employers are looking for from position descriptions of jobs you want. Then describe a similar solution you have achieved. Identify your unique skills. The hiring manager wants to know what you can do better than most others in your field. Organizations are hunting for talent that can help them solve their immediate and future problems. You need to be specific. Identify your major strengths, expertise and unique skills that you bring to a hiring manager. What solutions have you implemented in a prior job that can be applied to the open job?
- Write a compelling resume. Once you’ve identified what employers are looking for in a candidate, accentuate the results you’ve achieved on your resume. Put a Professional Summary of Results at the top of your resume. Give examples of accomplishments you have made along with the skills and solutions you will bring to an employer. Create a “compelling” resume by focusing on results from past jobs that match those on the position description. Define your uniqueness and qualities that differentiate you from other candidates.
- Expand your connect points: Don’t underestimate the power of networking when it comes to finding new opportunities. Join professional associations, connect with people in the field or company you’re interested in working for through LinkedIn. Attend on-line conferences and social gatherings. Although most people don’t like to network, focus on creating relationships and connections to help each other. Ask each contact for at least two additional connections. Expand your network at least 2 to 3 times its current size.
- Reach out for new contacts by introducing yourself and explain that you’re interested in learning more about their industry and what’s going on. Ask for information, not a job. Use a series of questions like, “What’s going on in your industry?” Who is growing/ shrinking?” Who is looking for talent? In what areas? For people you haven’t contacted for a while, ask them if they would like to catch up and maybe help each other.
Ask questions of potential employers to make sure it’s the right fit for you. Questions like:
- “What are the expectations for results in the first 6 to 12 months in the new position?”
- “How is performance measured?” “What are the benchmarks for progress?”
- “What do you see as the impediments to high performance?”
A job search can take three to five months on average. One of my clients took 36 days. We found the right job, at the right time, for the right person.
For a FREE critique of your resume, send it to: wkaufmann44@gmail.com