All I have to say is use it! Spell Check that is. I've talked alot in this blog about using your resume as a marketing tool. Build a campaign and stick to it. Would you be okay with Nike misspelling words in their advertising campaign? Would it change your opinion about the company's product quality?
Yup, you bet it would!
Hiring Managers see a misspelling as a extension of your work performance. Many professionals I speak with state that just one misspelling can put you in the no pile. Yes, I'm serious!! Make sure your resume and coverletter are flawless. Use spellcheck, but I suggest go a step further and have someone else proofread them.
Yes, I'm serious!! With the use of text messaging and electronic emailing, spelling seems less important, but it's not. Don't take it for granted. Use your marketing tools to get you noticed and your foot in the door. It's like having a mustard stain on your white blouse when you're on the first date. Make the most of your first impression!!
Next time. . . Perception is Reality!
October 17, 2007
October 8, 2007
Contact by phone. . .More than a Voicemail
You've submitted your resume and the waiting game begins. How does one follow up that the resume was received, the position is still open, or if you have questions about the position? A well-trained receptionist will take messages for any calls he/she believes are regarding an open position. First, understand that HR Professionals are busy people and contrary to what you believe, we are not waiting for your call. Don't treat them as such. On an average day as a recruiter, I would receive 30-100 calls about an open position. My gatekeeper or receptionist was trained to take messages and ask questions about who was calling when the caller asked for Human Resources.
So how do you make contact?
A method I have used in the past is very simple. You can use it two different ways. Make a call to the company and say the following, "How are you today? Can I speak with Joe? I had another question for him. This is (your name)." To the gatekeeper it sounds as though you already know this person and they will put you through to Joe. Once you get ahold of Joe, tell him you were mistakenly transferred to him and was trying to get ahold of someone in Human Resources. Bingo!! You're in.
Another common method is to call, speak to the receptionist, and ask to speak to a generic department like Accounts Payable or Safety. Typically, this department receives many calls and are not guarded by a gatekeeper. Once you are transferred to this department, let the person know you were mistakenly transferred and wanted to speak to someone in HR.
Speaking to a HR professional for the organization you are looking to work for takes a little work like I explained but alot of luck. Chances are that person is away from the phone. Leave a message, sound professional, practice your script prior to calling. Don't phone stalk!! No more than 2 calls a week. Did I mention be professional and practice??
Next week. . . Spell Check is your friend!!!
So how do you make contact?
A method I have used in the past is very simple. You can use it two different ways. Make a call to the company and say the following, "How are you today? Can I speak with Joe? I had another question for him. This is (your name)." To the gatekeeper it sounds as though you already know this person and they will put you through to Joe. Once you get ahold of Joe, tell him you were mistakenly transferred to him and was trying to get ahold of someone in Human Resources. Bingo!! You're in.
Another common method is to call, speak to the receptionist, and ask to speak to a generic department like Accounts Payable or Safety. Typically, this department receives many calls and are not guarded by a gatekeeper. Once you are transferred to this department, let the person know you were mistakenly transferred and wanted to speak to someone in HR.
Speaking to a HR professional for the organization you are looking to work for takes a little work like I explained but alot of luck. Chances are that person is away from the phone. Leave a message, sound professional, practice your script prior to calling. Don't phone stalk!! No more than 2 calls a week. Did I mention be professional and practice??
Next week. . . Spell Check is your friend!!!
October 5, 2007
The Coverletter-The Quick and Dirty
There is a great debate among Human Resource professionals about whether to include a cover letter or not. When evaluating a cover letter from a Marketing prospective I say, "Why the heck not?" Not everyone reads your cover letter. Heck, not everyone reads your resume, but for those hiring managers that do read cover letters, you are taking a big risk by not including a cover letter.
A coverletter is a great opportunity to discuss any gaps in resume or your planned relocation to Florida in November. I recommend not using a canned coverletter and make changes to your cover letter each time you apply for a position. Look at the job description of the position you are applying for. Yes, these things take time, but isn't it worth putting your best foot forward? Find 3 qualifications that you possess from the job descript and focus on those on your cover letter. Your letter should look something like this:
Dear Ms. Smith, (Do your best to find their actual name or use Director of Human Resources. Everyone needs a little ego boost, ayy?)
I am interested in being considered for the position of _________. I have _____ years of experience in the areas of ________, ________, and _________ with an interest in _________. Explain your recent relocation here or other informaiton not covered in your resume.
List your first qualification-the position you were in, the company, and for example, how you grew sales by 15% in 2005 by focusing on specialized sales training for your team, restructuring incentive programs, and building a strategic marketing plan for each geographic location. Try to use work examples that are not included in the resume. No need to repeat and waste the Hiring Manager's valuable time.
List your second qualification following the same setup for qualification number 1.
List qualification number 3.
Your final paragraph should include your strong interest in the position, recap the qualifications you listed above (3) along with a passion for _________ (list fourth qualification here). Please contact me at xxx-xxx-xxxx at your earliest convience to set up an interview to learn more about the __________ position. I look forward to meeting with you.
Sincerely,
Your name
Here are a few Do's and Don'ts to consider:
Do address your letter to a named individual.
Don’t use a sexist salutation, such as “Gentlemen” when answering a blind ad. "Use To Whom It May Concern or Human Resource Director"
Do keep your letter brief. Never, Never more than one page.
Do distinguish your cover letter from those of other job-seekers by quantifying and giving examples that amplify and prove the claims you make in your letter.
Do avoid negativity. Negativity never has a place in a cover letter or an interview.
Don't forget to personally sign the letter.
Next time . Making contact by phone. How to get past that pesky secretary????
A coverletter is a great opportunity to discuss any gaps in resume or your planned relocation to Florida in November. I recommend not using a canned coverletter and make changes to your cover letter each time you apply for a position. Look at the job description of the position you are applying for. Yes, these things take time, but isn't it worth putting your best foot forward? Find 3 qualifications that you possess from the job descript and focus on those on your cover letter. Your letter should look something like this:
Dear Ms. Smith, (Do your best to find their actual name or use Director of Human Resources. Everyone needs a little ego boost, ayy?)
I am interested in being considered for the position of _________. I have _____ years of experience in the areas of ________, ________, and _________ with an interest in _________. Explain your recent relocation here or other informaiton not covered in your resume.
List your first qualification-the position you were in, the company, and for example, how you grew sales by 15% in 2005 by focusing on specialized sales training for your team, restructuring incentive programs, and building a strategic marketing plan for each geographic location. Try to use work examples that are not included in the resume. No need to repeat and waste the Hiring Manager's valuable time.
List your second qualification following the same setup for qualification number 1.
List qualification number 3.
Your final paragraph should include your strong interest in the position, recap the qualifications you listed above (3) along with a passion for _________ (list fourth qualification here). Please contact me at xxx-xxx-xxxx at your earliest convience to set up an interview to learn more about the __________ position. I look forward to meeting with you.
Sincerely,
Your name
Here are a few Do's and Don'ts to consider:
Do address your letter to a named individual.
Don’t use a sexist salutation, such as “Gentlemen” when answering a blind ad. "Use To Whom It May Concern or Human Resource Director"
Do keep your letter brief. Never, Never more than one page.
Do distinguish your cover letter from those of other job-seekers by quantifying and giving examples that amplify and prove the claims you make in your letter.
Do avoid negativity. Negativity never has a place in a cover letter or an interview.
Don't forget to personally sign the letter.
Next time . Making contact by phone. How to get past that pesky secretary????
September 30, 2007
The 5 P's. . .
Intigued? Well, yes. The 5 P's are basic Marketing 101. Flashback to Business College and Marketing class with that smelly professor who wore birks and tyedye.
The 5 "P's" of marketing include:
Product - The products or services offered to your customers/clients.
Price - The strategies you use with regard to pricing your products or services with the goal of making a desired profit margin.
Place (Distribution) - How you get your products or services to your target market.
Promotion - How you communicate the features and benefits and endorse your products or services to your customers or clients.
People - The value your people bring to your business by providing service to your customers and clients.
So you're asking yourself what does any of this have to do with finding a job? Well, everything.
Product-Refers to you, your qualifications and skills that you have to offer an employer. What skills and qualifications do you have and what are your strengths and opportunities? Focus on the opportunities and how you can make these better. Maybe it means taking a Crystal Reports class at the local vo-tech.
Price-What salary range are you willing to accept? Research the local job market, the unemployment rate, the industry, and top companies you are interested in working for.
Place-Consider the methods to deliver your resume either by informational interview with your top companies, using your network, job boards, or job fairs.
Promotion-Tools used to promote yourself-resumes, coverletters, myspace pages, and business cards. Get these and make them look professional. Realize that these can hurt you too. A racy myspace or friendster page can be viewed by just about anybody. Companies often google candidates. Consider this.
People-What value has your skill brought to previous companies? For example, as a Sales and Marketing Director you saved the company $300,000 in expenses in the first two quarters of 2005 streamlining the sales and marketing strategy for your fitness center. Shout this accomplishment from the rooftops and list it as a bulleted point on your resume. I do this very same thing in my resume and companies have often contacted me because of one bullet point that peaked their interest.
Use buzzwords on your resume. This helps several different ways-1. It gets the recruiters attention. 2. Your resume is flagged as a possible candidate from what I call their buzzword software. The buzzword software then passes your resume on to the recruiter. Very high tech, huh?
You are your biggest asset. Develop a marketing strategy to market yourself.
Next week. . . The Coverletter
The 5 "P's" of marketing include:
Product - The products or services offered to your customers/clients.
Price - The strategies you use with regard to pricing your products or services with the goal of making a desired profit margin.
Place (Distribution) - How you get your products or services to your target market.
Promotion - How you communicate the features and benefits and endorse your products or services to your customers or clients.
People - The value your people bring to your business by providing service to your customers and clients.
So you're asking yourself what does any of this have to do with finding a job? Well, everything.
Product-Refers to you, your qualifications and skills that you have to offer an employer. What skills and qualifications do you have and what are your strengths and opportunities? Focus on the opportunities and how you can make these better. Maybe it means taking a Crystal Reports class at the local vo-tech.
Price-What salary range are you willing to accept? Research the local job market, the unemployment rate, the industry, and top companies you are interested in working for.
Place-Consider the methods to deliver your resume either by informational interview with your top companies, using your network, job boards, or job fairs.
Promotion-Tools used to promote yourself-resumes, coverletters, myspace pages, and business cards. Get these and make them look professional. Realize that these can hurt you too. A racy myspace or friendster page can be viewed by just about anybody. Companies often google candidates. Consider this.
People-What value has your skill brought to previous companies? For example, as a Sales and Marketing Director you saved the company $300,000 in expenses in the first two quarters of 2005 streamlining the sales and marketing strategy for your fitness center. Shout this accomplishment from the rooftops and list it as a bulleted point on your resume. I do this very same thing in my resume and companies have often contacted me because of one bullet point that peaked their interest.
Use buzzwords on your resume. This helps several different ways-1. It gets the recruiters attention. 2. Your resume is flagged as a possible candidate from what I call their buzzword software. The buzzword software then passes your resume on to the recruiter. Very high tech, huh?
You are your biggest asset. Develop a marketing strategy to market yourself.
Next week. . . The Coverletter
September 27, 2007
The Resume
Most people who are in the job hunt are shocked to learn that most recruiters spend roughly 5 seconds viewing your resume. One must understand that one monster or careerbuilder posting alone can yield hundreds of resumes depending on the position posted. A recruiter will have anywhere between 10-50 different positions they are recruiting for. When I'm viewing your resume, I skim looking for what I can buzz words for the industry or position. If I am looking for an Accounting Supervisor I might look for words like Accounts Payable, General Ledger, and AS400. Do your research and make sure to include your skills and qualifications.
There are many different styles and formats you can use for a resume and lots and lots of opinions. I suggest doing some research because your resume should reflect the position you are applying for the industry for which it is in. I am a fan of a resume that lists skills and qualifications first. Forget the objective. It's a waste of time and valuable marketing space. The Skills and Qualifications section is what I consider a candidate's billboard and gives the recruiter a quick picture to intrigue their interest. Use buzz words here to get the recruiter's attention and what sets you apart from the rest. What comes next depends on your experience level. A newly graduated professional should place their education next especially if they have little experience in the field they are looking to work in. If you are a seasoned veteran, list your work experience before your education. Does one need to include their references? Depends on what the job posting requests. Generally, I don't unless absolutely necessary.
One of my biggest resume pet peeves is pasting and copying the crappy generic resume from monster or careerbuilder. It does nothing for you so don't do it!! Treat your job search like a marketing campaign. Your career and job is an investment you wouldn't buy a house without researching the interest rate or touring the house. Come up with a plan. Searching for your career takes a lot of effort and time. Gear up and get ready.
Next week . . . The 5 P's
There are many different styles and formats you can use for a resume and lots and lots of opinions. I suggest doing some research because your resume should reflect the position you are applying for the industry for which it is in. I am a fan of a resume that lists skills and qualifications first. Forget the objective. It's a waste of time and valuable marketing space. The Skills and Qualifications section is what I consider a candidate's billboard and gives the recruiter a quick picture to intrigue their interest. Use buzz words here to get the recruiter's attention and what sets you apart from the rest. What comes next depends on your experience level. A newly graduated professional should place their education next especially if they have little experience in the field they are looking to work in. If you are a seasoned veteran, list your work experience before your education. Does one need to include their references? Depends on what the job posting requests. Generally, I don't unless absolutely necessary.
One of my biggest resume pet peeves is pasting and copying the crappy generic resume from monster or careerbuilder. It does nothing for you so don't do it!! Treat your job search like a marketing campaign. Your career and job is an investment you wouldn't buy a house without researching the interest rate or touring the house. Come up with a plan. Searching for your career takes a lot of effort and time. Gear up and get ready.
Next week . . . The 5 P's
September 20, 2007
Starting the Job Search
Prior to beginning the job search, it's important to determine what type of job you are looking for as well as what industry. Not sure where's your niche??? The Meyers Briggs Indicator is a great start. Not into testing? Write down a list of things you enjoy doing. Turn something you love into a career. For example, you may have an interest in travel and love to socialize. In fact you're the life of the party. Have you ever thought of becoming a travel agent?
How you market yourself is completely different for the same position depending on the industry. For example, a resume for a pharmaceutical sales rep will focus on your sales experience but mainly on product knowledge, possibly your pre-med or nursing experience or education. This is different than if you were looking to enter software sales in the banking industry. Specialized experience in the banking industry would be preferred but not required. Your sales experience in other industries and sales training would be a focus because you could with some effort learn the banking industry through research or job shadowing. The sales process is basically still the same with one goal in mind-getting the sale.
It might be important to realize that if you are looking to make a career change from Accounting to Event Planning you need to focus on skills and qualifications and most importantly do your research. Look at companies and start by visiting their website. View job descriptions of positions you are interested in and learn the business. Keep notes of key words used in the job or industry of your choice.
Next Week. . . The resume
How you market yourself is completely different for the same position depending on the industry. For example, a resume for a pharmaceutical sales rep will focus on your sales experience but mainly on product knowledge, possibly your pre-med or nursing experience or education. This is different than if you were looking to enter software sales in the banking industry. Specialized experience in the banking industry would be preferred but not required. Your sales experience in other industries and sales training would be a focus because you could with some effort learn the banking industry through research or job shadowing. The sales process is basically still the same with one goal in mind-getting the sale.
It might be important to realize that if you are looking to make a career change from Accounting to Event Planning you need to focus on skills and qualifications and most importantly do your research. Look at companies and start by visiting their website. View job descriptions of positions you are interested in and learn the business. Keep notes of key words used in the job or industry of your choice.
Next Week. . . The resume
September 17, 2007
Blogging for jobs
welcome to blogging for jobs! tips and tidbits for job searches looking to find a career of their dreams. unemployment is low and qualified individuals are in high demand. learn how to market yourself and find ways to differentiate yourself from the competition.
Next week's topic. . .
starting the search
Good luck and happy hunting!!!!
Next week's topic. . .
starting the search
Good luck and happy hunting!!!!
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