One of the most common mistakes is underestimating the importance of the resume.Let it be known it is by far the most important piece of the puzzle to landing interviews.That said, here are a few of the deadly mistakes you should not make:
Deadly Sin # 1- Not Understanding its TRUE Purpose
The majority of job seekers write their resume with the intent of landing the job. Wrong. Instead, you should write your resume for the sole purpose of getting the interview. Period. You’ll never get the job without first getting the interview. Don’t fill your resume with boring facts about your previous work experience. Instead, create curiosity; focus on how you’ll specifically benefit the company.
Deadly Sin # 2- Not Writing With Important Proper Keywords In Mind
In today’s digital age, employers are searching through resumes via keywords. So, if you’re a sales manager for an IT firm and have specific experience in working Cisco systems products, for example, be certain to list all keywords you think an IT recruiter may be searching with are entered somewhere in your resume. If keywords the employer is using in a search are not in your resume, your resume will never be found.
Deadly Sin # 3- NOT Using Bullet Points
Nothing annoys a hiring manager more than seeing a resume that is a bunch of text. Experience has shown that hiring managers will not take the time to read lengthy resumes. Instead, structure your resume with small easy to read blocks of text a few sentences, long laced in with powerful, benefit oriented statements that not only pass the “so what” test but also create enough curiosity from the hiring manager that they want to know more!
Deadly Sin # 4- Not Getting Help!
That’s right! Most job seekers today are taking shortcuts and not seeking out professional advice nearly as much as they should be, especially when talking about how their resume is written and structured. When you see thousands of resumes a day like we do, it quickly becomes obvious that most job seekers are considerably missing the mark. We estimate that 90%+ of resumes cannot only be improved, but significantly improved, simply by following the advice we gave throughout this article coupled with a little creative writing.
1. Take advantage of our Free Resume Review right now. Don’t delay, as we are offering this service for free for a limited time to prove that when it comes to resumes, we know our stuff!
2. After receiving the feedback via our Free Resume Review, come up with a specific plan for rewriting your resume based on our specific feedback and comments as well as this article.
3. Consider getting help! Our team of resume writers consists of professional recruiters and staffing industry professionals with hundreds of years of experience between all of them! No matter what the industry or marketplace, they understand what makes hiring managers tick, what they’re looking for, and most importantly, how to deliver just that! Our resume writing service varies based on the individual and your experience level.
We hope you enjoyed this article and take action today, as we know your enthusiasm and attitude about the job market will increase significantly when you start getting your resume read and get more interviews and job offers!
For a complete list of all 7 Deadly Sins, click on the Personal Career Portal link at the top of the page and register for complete access to free training, resume reviews, and other “must have” information on how to beat your competition in finding your next job opportunity.
Looking for a jobs in Waco, TX? Visit our job board.
Want to improve your networking skills? It is important to learn how to work a room or event. Each time you find yourself in a group setting, there are endless networking opportunities. Here is how:
Question: HOW TO I APPROACH PEOPLE? Answer: Approach people standing alone or in a smaller group. Introduce yourself. This is expected at events. Comment on something you heard them talking about or you think you have in common.
Question: HOW DO I BECOME MEMORABLE? Answer: It’s important to be lighthearted, fun and share interesting stories. You should be energetic, a great listener and engaging.
Question: HOW CAN I BE MORE SELF-CONFIDENT? Answer: Your self-confidence will increase if you feel you have prepared. Read the paper, magazines, or trade publications to prepare in advance three to five stories, news comments or questions you might ask to start conversations or keep them going. The more you practice having casual conversations, the more confident you will become.
Question: HOW DO I MOVE FROM SMALL TALK? Answer: Small talk is how you begin to develop rapport and is most important in networking. The more you get the other person to talk about them self, they more they will like you, and be more apt to add you to their network when the conversation turns to more serious topics.
Question: WHAT IS THE BEST WAY TO GET A BUSINESS CARD? Answer: Offer your business card and then ask “Do you have a card?” If you are a full time job seeker your card should list your contact information on the front and list facts on the back about your experience and accomplishments.
Networking is no different than any skills. You will learn how to work a room and become a great networker with practice.
It never surprises me just how many people are their own worst enemy when it comes to landing a job. And many times, it would have been the best job in their work history. So what happened? Let me count the ways:
Inappropriately dressed when you come to complete your application. If you don’t respect my business any more than to arrive with wrinkled pants you have to hold up while walking, or showing more cleavage than your are hiding, you need to move on. Dress at least as well as those you are interviewing with or, please – don’t waste our time.
Not knowing anything about my company, the job opening, or why I should hire you.
If you are lucky enough be called for an interview, be prepared. That means:
- Dress as good or slightly better than the people you will be talking with during the interview.
- Research the company before the interview. After looking at the company website, formulate a few questions that will set you apart from other applicants. It will not be that difficult.
- After you know something about what the company does, you will be able to talk intelligently about what you can contribute. Connect-the-dots for the interviewer.
You blew it during the interview.
During the interview, never roast your past employers or your coworkers. It is unprofessional and only reflects badly on you. You will never come out on top. If you roast them, you will roast me.
When you express doubts, or come across less than confident, it is very difficult for me to have confidence in you. I am looking for a “can-do” person. If you cannot energetically sell me on yourself, how can I sell me on you?
Your phone rang during the interview. If your social life is more important than this interview, it will certainly be more important than doing the job I would hire you for.
What you need to understand, I am not hiring a person for a few hours a day so I can pay them. I want a person who will “own” that job to the best of their ability. If you are offered the job, it is because you demonstrated enough promise that you might be promotable at some point.
Bottom line, I am looking for is a “business partner” for that one position. And just maybe, we can grow together to better things. You need to convince me you are that person.
Looking for a jobs in Waco, TX? Visit our job board.
