Get a Job
Top Job Seeker Mistakes: For the FULL ARTICLE and feature visit nbcphiladelphia.com: Below are the tips Kristin Kane, Director of Social Media & Recruiting of Kane Partners provided for job seekers.
Add a Targeted Profile/Summary in 3rd Person
Starting your resume with a 3-5 sentence paragraph that highlights and summarizes your experience is a great way to pull in the reader. Use 3rd person and keep the information fact based, not just listing you are a ‘dedicated hard worker.’
Use Relevant Keywords and Action Verbs (Bullet Format)
Each job description calls for certain skills and the ability to hold/perform certain job responsibilities and duties. Using keywords with action verbs in your resume is often the best way to show that you have the experience they need. Bullets should start with the action verb followed by the explanation. Do not use “I” or list “responsible for” at each bullet, just start with the verb.
Define Key Accomplishments by Quantifying or Qualifying
Another of the job seeker mistakes is not providing any quantity behind your experience. Listing your keywords is not enough; you have to provide substance. What that means is you cannot expect results by putting your job description. Instead, add what impact you had on the company while doing your job. Some possible examples are: on-time projects, cost savings, improving process or team building. Another option would be giving numbers, like the size of your budget or the type of team you managed. By providing these details the company can see that you are a contributing employee and someone that can add value to their team.
Customize Each Resume to Align with Each Job
When applying to a job it is important your resume sells them on the fact you can do the job! It is almost impossible to have only one resume to be effective for all open positions. With that in mind, BEFORE you apply, look for what they want and compare that to your resume. Are they aligning? If not, (and you do have the experience) make sure it is clear that you CAN do the job. You have one shot to make an impression, sending a canned resume will not make an impression! This is one of the top job seeker mistakes.
SUGGESTION: Print your Resume and Job Description
Distinguish the must have and preferred to haves on the description by highlighting in 2 different colors. Do the same with your resume. Compare both documents side by side. What is missing on your resume that you have and they are asking for in the description. EDIT your resume as needed, THEN send your resume to the company. *Only put what you have experience in, no fibbing!
