New news Regarding Resumes

Our office hosted employers last week. Why did we do that? To provide you with the latest, and most accurate, information regarding your resume and the application and job hire process.

The recruiters we met with filled us in on several things. That information follows.

1.      It is important to tailor your resume for each job you apply for. “Make it ideal for the role.”

2.      If you include an objective, make sure – I’m going to say this twice – make sure that objective is actually for the position you are applying for. Rather than the last position you applied for that was actually with a different organization entirely.  

3.      Although most organizations insist you “apply online”, your resume is nonetheless important. Why? Because your resume is easier to review than your online application.

4.      And, because your resume is an indication of the type of work you will do. If your resume isn’t perfect, in the words of one recruiter, “What am I supposed to think about that? What kind of work will you do for me?”

5.      Gaps in employment cannot always be avoided. Be prepared to explain those gaps.

6.      And, maybe most important of all – read the employer’s instructions regarding how to apply very carefully and follow those instructions. Again, if you don’t follow the instructions they give you to apply, what kind of work can they expect you might do?

Questions about your resume? Or, just need another pair of eyes to look it over? Stop by during Walk In hours or make an appointment with a counselor. We’re here to help --

Job Search

The Hidden Job Market

You may have heard of the hidden job market and wondered how you might go about finding it, or even what the hidden job market is.

Many jobs are never advertised. When I say “many” I mean as high as 80%. You won’t find these jobs on a job board. They make up “the hidden job market”.

So, how are you going to find out about these opportunities? Some you would probably never know about, because they will be filled internally by employees working already working in the company that has the opening.

Others you have a shot at if you talk with the right people at the right time. This is where networking once again comes in. Volunteer, join professional associations and attend meetings, be active in your social groups, go to the Laundromat and make all your clothes clean again. And, talk with people everywhere you go.

Another good technique is pay attention to the news. Listen (and look) for new organizations, organizations that are growing or developing new products and/or services. You can apply with any organization, even if they haven’t announced any job openings. Shine up your resume, write a letter of inquiry, and drop it in the mail – better yet, drop it by the company so they can actually see your face and your professional appearance.

You know a job isn’t going to drop in your lap. Get out there and look for those hidden ones. Good luck!  

Job Search

It takes awhile. . .

If you have the illusion you will have a job within a short amount of time after you start looking, or before or immediately after you graduate, sit down and breathe deeply as you start to read this blog.

It will probably take you months to get a job after you start your job search. How many months? Of course, that depends on lots of things including your job field, your competition, the job market, etc.  

However, there are things you can do to fill the time and increase your visibility, and therefore your chances of finding work

1. Volunteer. Working alongside other good hearted people is a great way to make connections. And, to show you are a hard worker, smart, educated – you get the picture.

2. Attend meetings of professional associations. If you don’t belong to any associations related to your field of study, join. Join now! These organizations and meetings can give you a wonderful opportunity to network with others in your field.

3. Work temporary assignments. This can be an upbeat way to earn money and make connections while you conduct your job search. In addition, temporary positions sometime turn into long term positions.
 
4. Engage in social activities. When you are doing something fun with people who have the same interests as you, you have a wonderful opportunity to make connections and network.

We’ve said it before. Get out from behind your computer. Get out of the house and out around people. Get a job!