We understand it can be frustrating to find a job. Too often we read posts or hear from candidates that they have sent out hundreds of resumes and hear nothing from employers. This article will help you make the best impression and get to the next step in getting hired.
Even before an in-person interview you have to earn the interview. Our firm receives about 1000 resume submissions each week for the positions we are filling, but we only reach out to less then 20% of the candidates who apply. Of that 20% we set up interviews with less then 50% from that group, and we hire maybe about 50% of those candidates. That’s less than 1%, where’s the miss?
Today’s job boards make it too easy to apply for jobs without doing what’s needed in making the best impression with potential employers. In our experience most candidates don’t know what they’re applying for, where in the world the job is located, or read the requirements for the position.
1st Impression – Your Resume
You would be amazed at how many resumes we receive with outdated or incorrect contact information and contain little or no work experience. Additionally, since Facebook has started posting jobs, it hasn’t helped their users create a proper resume for submission. What we receive from Facebook responses is simply what is included in your profile.
Your resume is the first thing an employer sees, and it sets the first impression. The two best resume formats are Chronological and Functional. If you have been in multiple positions over the past 10 years a Chronological Resume makes sense. If you have been in the same position for past 10 years a Functional Resume makes more sense. Be sure to list each employer with accurate dates of employment, correct job titles, and the functions you performed in each position along with key accomplishments.
Make sure your contact information is correct. The top of your resume should look like this:
First Name Last Name
City, State Zip
Phone Number
Email Address
2nd Impression – Do your homework!
Prior to starting your job search you need to prepare and compile the information you will need to submit to employers in the application process. The information you need to compile is the contact information for the positions you have held for the past ten years and your diplomas or transcripts.
Professional references will be required. The references need to be people you worked with such as Supervisors and co-workers. Call them and ask their permission to use them as a reference. Let them know you’re looking for a job and to expect calls or emails. Make sure your reference’s contact information is up to date and accurate.
Set up your voice mail greeting in a professional manner and include your name. If your voicemail is full no one can leave a message, clear your voice mail daily!
3rd Impression – Submitting your resume
The job boards have made it way too easy to blindly apply to job postings. Simply put, don’t do it!!! Most job posting include the requirements for the position, if not they may direct you their company’s online job board. Read the posting and the requirements. Only submit your resume to positions where you meet the requirements. Include a short cover letter about what interests you and qualifies you for the position. Do not summarize your resume in your cover letter – it’s redundant! Limit your cover letter to two short paragraphs that are direct and to the point. If you have a question about possibly meeting the requirements call the company and ask or send an email with your question.
4th Impression – The Telephone Interview
Most companies conduct telephone interview prior to meeting with candidates in person. The purpose of the telephone interview is to understand if you are a “fit “ for the position. If the telephone interview is set for a specific time, make sure to take the call in a quiet area with good reception. Expect calls! If you can’t answer the call, return the call promptly.
If the recruiter is organized, they will have a specific set of questions to help them understand if you meet the requirements for the position and if will meet your career goals. If you do not meet the requirements or the position does not meet your requirements be polite. Do not argue with the recruiter if you do not meet the requirements for the position or it does meet your requirements (yes, this happens way to often). You do not want to burn a bridge with a potential company they might have other position open now or in the future.
5th Impression – In- Person Interview
If you have been scheduled for the in-person interview you’ve done great so far! At this point most companies will have invited you complete an application with their company. Make sure to fully complete the application in the time frame they require. You may need to complete the application online prior to setting up the interview or bring the fully completed application to the interview. Some companies still require you complete the application on site, if this is the case make sure to bring all of your information.
Do your research! Most companies have company websites, fully review the website to find out more about the company, company culture, dress standards and the potential position.
Dress appropriately for the interview! If the company if a formal corporate environment where each employee where’s a suit to work and you show up wearing a Hawaiian shirt and flip flops your experience no longer matters and there’s no coming back from that, it’s done!
Show up 10 to 15 minutes early, this should already be a practice in your current position. Make sure to map out your route and check the timing. Showing up more then 15 minutes early or showing up late is equally bad form.
Just before you walk in door, turn your cell phone off, take a deep breath in and out, and walk in with a smile.
Happy Hunting!
Heather Leemon Raboff
Property Management Personnel, Inc.
California Accredited Consultant (CAC)
Certified Staffing Professional (CSP)
Past President – California Staffing Professionals
Thank you, Edde. More to come!!
Thanks!