Applying online

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How To Get A Higher-Level Job

How To Get A Higher-Level Job

You want a job that's one or two levels higher than your current job. How do you apply? Well, definitely not through an ATS.

Applicant tracking systems (ATS) are designed to find exact matches, and if you are trying to land a higher-level job, you are not an exact match. But the good news is I can give you a workaround.

Lots of people get hired into higher-level positions, but not through applying online.

2 Steps To Get A Higher-Level Job 


Step one in this process is to learn to go around the ATS. You need to connect with people who work at the company. Not the recruiter. Not even the hiring manager. You need to connect with people who would be your peers in the organization.

Then, you need to focus on step two, which is to tell a great connection story. A connection story is how you feel connected to the mission of the company. What would get you up out of bed every day and want to crush it for them? You need to identify with these people who would be your future peers.

After you've found a handful of future peers to connect with, put together this connection story and send it to them via LinkedIn. Ask them to connect. Here's an example of what that connection request message should look like:

"Hey! Can we connect? I have a story I'd love to share about your company."

Then, when they accept, message them and share the story about why you're a huge fan of the company, and that's why you're really interested in the XYZ position, the higher-level position.

This going to prompt them to check out your LinkedIn profile and more than likely just forward it to the hiring manager, saying something like, "Hey, this person reached out to me. They're interested in the job you've posted."

Why does this matter? Because the ATS is run by recruiters who are told to find exact matches, and they're going to screen you out. If your LinkedIn profile gets forwarded to the hiring manager from a person who works in a totally different department, you're not going through that same screening process as other applicants who apply online. In fact, they're elevating you because they're saying, "This person made the effort to reach out and tell me their story. You might be interested in them."

Now your story gets in front of the hiring manager, and the hiring manager thinks, "Oh, love the story. Looks like they might be able to do the job. Let me pass them to the recruiter." And then the recruiter sets up an interview because even though you're not a match, they were told by the hiring manager to do so.

I've seen a lot of people get higher-level jobs when they follow these two steps. But let me be clear: When you're applying online, there's no resume fix or cover letter or LinkedIn profile tip that I can give you that's going to get you through the ATS and get you a shot at that job because you don't meet the requirements.

If you believe you can do the job, you've got to tell a connection story and talk to other people in order to get in front of the hiring manager.

This job search strategy works. If you don't believe me, sign up for Work It DAILY where I'm working with thousands of job seekers right now—and these tips are working. Try us free for seven days.

These tips will help you conduct a proactive job search. It is a game changer, and it's really needed in this job market, especially if you're trying to get a higher-level job. You can do it, but you need new and better techniques to succeed. And I would love to teach them to you.

Good luck, and go get 'em!

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How To Get A Higher-Level Job

3 Reasons Why Job Boards Could Hinder Your Search

3 Reasons Why Job Boards Could Hinder Your Search

At one time, job boards were the way to go for job seekers. It's where you can post your resume for employers and recruiters to view and apply for job openings. But today, it's a different story.

The modern-day job search has changed, and finding your dream job (or just a good job) is about personal branding and leveraging your professional network.

Imagine you are a hiring manager. Would you be more likely to take time to interview a candidate you don't know except for what's been given on a submitted cover letter and resume or someone who's been referred to you? A referral has much less risk, and that's why networking has a higher success rate than job boards when it comes to securing a position.

This doesn't mean that job boards are dead because there are plenty of niche job boards worth going to as a job seeker. But you can't build an effective job search strategy around applying for jobs on job boards.

Here are a few other things about the limitations of using job boards when you're a job seeker.

1. Recruiters May Never See Your Cover Letter And Resume


Just because you apply for a job on a job board doesn't mean an actual person will ever look at your cover letter and resume.

More than 85% of companies are now using applicant tracking systems (ATS) to review and rank resumes according to skills, experience, and keywords. The simple fact is that companies use internal algorithms, so ensuring a strong ranking is extremely difficult. A recent HR manager told me that they get an average of 400 resumes for each position and only look at the top 10-20—meaning 380 resumes are not even reviewed.

In many instances, before a job posting goes up on the job board, it's already been shared around internally at the employer and by trusted sources. So, it's likely hundreds applied before the posting even made it to the job board.

2. Many Job Openings Don't Get Posted On Job Boards


Office space with employees

Big job boards can be overwhelming with job postings (both relevant and irrelevant to you). This is a similar perspective for the employer when they get an overwhelming number of applicants for the job opening posted on a job board.

It's also the reason why some may prefer to work solely with recruiters or find other means to source the right talent. If you're not networking with the right contacts, you're missing out on opportunities that will never be found on job boards.

3. Recruiters Have More Resources To Find Talent


Recruiters/hiring managers talk about job candidates during hiring process

Recruiters and hiring managers have professional networks too! Whether it's a professional acquaintance or reaching out to their own workforce, they can put together a list of potential candidates before even posting a job.

In addition, many recruiters also use LinkedIn to find talent.

Resumes that get posted to job boards are still viewed, but there's a good chance the information is outdated, which is one reason why hiring managers and recruiters are relying more on LinkedIn where information is generally more current.

Networking is the answer!

The best way to get a job is to put together a bucket list of companies that you want to work for and network your way onto that company's radar before they even post a job opening.

However, if you do want to apply for a job that you come across on a job board, make sure you go the extra mile to get past the ATS. Instead of applying to the link on the job board, do some research, find out who the hiring manager is, and take steps to get your updated cover letter and resume in front of them.

Need more help with your job search?

Become a member to learn how to land a job and UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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3 Reasons Why Job Boards Could Hinder …

Why You Get Rejected From Jobs Youre 100% Qualified For

Why You Get Rejected From Jobs Youre 100% Qualified For

You found a job opening you were a great fit for. You crafted your resume, wrote a polished cover letter, and submitted your job application with high hopes. After a few days or weeks, you get the rejection email, or you get ghosted by the employer, never hearing back about the status of your application. You were 100% qualified for the job. So, why did you get rejected?

The Bushel-Of-Apples Effect


You're not getting interviews for jobs that you're 100% qualified for because of the bushel-of-apples effect that happens when you apply online.

Think about it this way: You go into a store and decide to buy one apple. That's all you've got the appetite for and that's all you can afford. You walk over to the produce section and see a big bushel of apples. They all look good; they're all roughly the same size and same color. But you're only going to pick one. So, what do you do? If you're really hungry, you might decide to pick a slightly bigger apple. Or if you like a certain color, you pick that one and discriminate against all the other apples that are completely okay and worthy of being picked, but you can only pick one.

That's what employers have to do right now. And because of applicant tracking systems (ATS), they get thousands of applicants—not 10, not 15, thousands. This is why you are getting rejected over and over again. It's not that you're not qualified for the job; it's the bushel-of-apples effect. You need to understand that the way to get selected is to not be in a pile; you need to go around the system. You need to be able to connect directly so that your message can get to a hiring manager and they can pull you from the pile.

This is what most job seekers do not understand today. That easy apply button and those online applications actually made job search harder because they make it possible for anyone to apply. You're going to have to put in the extra effort to find a good job, which means you're going to need to be pickier about who you apply to. Once you learn how to conduct a proactive job search (job shopping instead of job hunting), you can be way more intentional. You can pick who you want to work for and you can go after it differently so that you can get picked from the pile.

You're not alone, my friend. That bushel-of-apples effect is just killing your chances on those applicant tracking systems and it's going to require something different in order to get better results.

If you want to learn how to conduct a proactive job search, sign up for a Work It DAILY membership today. Getting the job search help you need has never been easier.

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Why You Get Rejected From Jobs Youre …



If you're a recent college graduate and you're unemployed, you might have an idea of what we're about to talk about.

You've spent four years of your life hitting the books, getting good grades, participating in relevant extra-curricular activities, and maybe even juggling a part-time job in between. You've worked really hard for your degree and you've been told time and time again that a degree is essential to finding employment in today's competitive job market.

So, why are you not getting hired?

First of all, you're not alone. Though the unemployment rate has slowly declined for bachelor's degree owners, it's still lagging. For that reason, the competition is fiercer than ever. This means you really have to re-evaluate your job search strategy.

Here are some reasons why you might not be getting hired as a recent college graduate:

Your Resume Isn't Job-Specific


While it's good to have a strong resume with all of your professional skill sets, your resume can become generic when all you do is send the same resume to every open position you find.

Take the time to rewrite your resume on multiple occasions and use specific keywords that are in the job description.

According to an article on the Job Center of Wisconsin website, gathering information specific to the job you are applying for and matching it with your experience on your resume is what makes a good resume. You have to "think like an employer," the article states, and "do not give unrelated or negative information."

You're Not Applying For Jobs That Are Specific To Your Skills


Stressed young professional/recent college grad on laptop tries to find a job while unemployed

You have every reason to apply for every job in sight. However, it doesn't do you any favors when you apply for every single job you see and send the same resume to each one.

Apply for the jobs you want and are qualified for. After all, it's what you studied for.

Try to make a list of potential places you'd like to work for (your interview bucket list) and target those companies any way you can. Use social media sites like LinkedIn to find people you can network with, and keep an eye out for any open positions. You have a better chance of getting hired at a job where your skills are relevant than at a job you're 100% unqualified for.

You Don't Take Your Social Media Profiles Seriously


Happy young woman looking at her social media profiles on her phone

According to an article on the Undercover Recruiter, a survey of 300 professionals by Reppler found that "hirers are using social networks to screen job applicants." This means you should clean up your Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok profiles to present a more positive, but more importantly, professional image of yourself.

It might be in your best interest not to post that picture of you doing a keg stand as your default, or post about how you hate looking for jobs because you'd rather be partying with your friends.

We understand how difficult it is for recent college grads and young professionals to find a job right now. By following these tips, you'll shorten your job search and get hired quicker than your peers.

Need more help with your job search?

Become a member to learn how to land a job and UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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Young And Unemployed? 3 Reasons Why You’re …



Work It Daily has an amazing library of free resources for professionals at any age or job level. No matter if you're looking for help with your job search, career change, or professional development efforts, Work It Daily has the career resources you need.

Here are Work It Daily's top six free career resources, plus a few additional resources you might find helpful:

1. Resume & LinkedIn Bootcamp


Work It Daily's Resume & LinkedIn Bootcamp free resource

Today, if you want recruiters to call you, your resume and LinkedIn profile need to stand out.

Our Resume & LinkedIn Bootcamp is a free workshop hosted by J.T. O'Donnell, founder & CEO of Work It Daily, and Christina Burgio, Director of Training Development & Development, that can help you write and optimize your resume and LinkedIn profile to get noticed by recruiters.

In this free bootcamp, you'll learn:

  • What recruiters want your resume to look like
  • How to make sure your LinkedIn profile is optimized
  • Tips for making sure BOTH tools are set up correctly
Get instant access to our Resume & LinkedIn Bootcamp today!

2. Career Decoder Quiz


Work It Daily's Career Decoder Quiz free resource

Are you ready to take the first step toward unlocking your true professional potential?

The Career Decoder Quiz will help you determine what your workplace persona is. That means you'll get a sense of who you are as a working professional and what makes you thrive at work. You'll find out how you like to create value and what your professional strengths are, which will help you find the right career for you.

Knowing who you are as a working professional and what makes you happy on the job will help you be successful in your career or job search.

Don't waste another day not knowing your professional strengths.

Take our Career Decoder Quiz today!


3. Workplace Communication Style Quiz


Work It Daily's Workplace Communication Style Quiz free resource

Have you ever wondered about how you communicate with others?

How you interact with others plays a major role in both your career and life in general. It can be hard to categorize yourself, but it's extremely helpful to have an idea of how you communicate with others and get a sense of how others perceive you.

The Communication Style (ISAT) Quiz allows you to understand your communication style so you can work more effectively with others. It has 18 questions about your personality and how you handle certain situations.

Take our Workplace Communication Style Quiz today!


4. How To Choose Your Career (In 5 Simple Steps)


Work It Daily's How To Choose Your Career free resource

Do you feel stuck in your career and don't know what to do next? You are not the problem. Thousands of people (just like you!) feel professionally stuck because school never taught us what career best suits our needs.

In this 60-minute workshop, J.T. O'Donnell, founder & CEO of Work It Daily, and Christina Burgio, Director of Training Development & Development, break down step by step how to choose a career that suits your unique combination of professional strengths.

Here's what you'll learn:

  • How to choose your next career path
  • Why working "in" your job is hurting your career
  • How your unique personality is impacting your success
  • How to determine which strengths to use to build your dream career
  • And so much MORE!

Get instant access to "How To Choose Your Career (In 5 Simple Steps)" today!


5. Professional Strengths Bootcamp


Work It Daily's Professional Strengths Bootcamp free resource

Understanding who you are as a worker is the key to achieving career satisfaction.

Our Professional Strengths Bootcamp is a free workshop hosted by J.T. O'Donnell, founder & CEO of Work It Daily, and Christina Burgio, Director of Training Development & Development, designed to help you learn how to unlock your professional strengths so you can get what you want from work.

Here's what you'll learn:
  • Why working "in" your job is hurting your career
  • How your unique personality is impacting your success
  • How to determine which strengths to use to build your dream career
  • And so much MORE!
Get instant access to our Professional Strengths Bootcamp today!

6. How To Break Through Career Burnout


Work It Daily's How To Break Through Career Burnout free resource

Want to learn how to get unstuck and feel happy in your career again?

In this 60-minute workshop, J.T. O'Donnell, founder & CEO of Work It Daily, and Christina Burgio, Director of Training Development & Development, will teach you why burnout occurs and what you can do to motivate yourself to get back on track so you can regain the professional happiness and satisfaction you want and deserve.

Here's what you'll learn:

  • How burnout occurs and why it's so common
  • The path you'll want to take to overcome burnout
  • What high-payoff activities will make you successful
  • The steps you'll need to take to get the right results

Get instant access to "How To Break Through Career Burnout" today!


Additional Free Resources


Work It Daily's additional free resources

7 Mistakes You Can't Afford To Make On LinkedIn

In this free training, you will learn:

  • The 7 mistakes executives can't afford to make on LinkedIn anymore
  • How to avoid looking like a narcissist on LinkedIn
  • The one change in your LinkedIn settings that will get you more profile views
  • How "curating" the content you share on LinkedIn impacts your reputation
  • The 3 places on your LinkedIn profile you need to care about the most
Get instant access to "7 Mistakes You Can't Afford To Make On LinkedIn" today!

No. 1 Way To Get A Job Without Applying Online

In this free training, you will learn:

  • Why an "interview bucket list" is the secret weapon to securing a good job
  • Which tools you need to update and use to get noticed by recruiters
  • The right way to network on sites like LinkedIn to get in front of hiring managers
Get instant access to "No. 1 Way To Get A Job Without Applying Online" today!

8 Reasons TikTok Will Be The Hottest Way To Hire (And Get Hired) In 2023

In this free training, you will learn:

  • Why not just Gen Z but all generations are finding their next employer on TikTok
  • How using TikTok will make it easier (yes, easier!) for companies to recruit on other social media platforms like LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter
  • How talent searches for employers on TikTok and "discovers" the best places to work nobody knows about
  • How companies will use TikTok to recruit without having to start a company TikTok account

Get instant access to "8 Reasons TikTok Will Be The Hottest Way To Hire (And Get Hired) In 2023" today!

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Work It DAILY’s Top 6 Free Career …



An article recently came across my desk about a new phenomenon: "ghost jobs." In this article, The Wall Street Journal reports that there are actually thousands and thousands of ghost jobs currently posted on job board sites.

So, what is a "ghost job"?

A "ghost job" is a job that isn't real. It's a job for a company that isn't actually hiring, or at least hiring for the role advertised in the job posting. More than 1,000 hiring managers were surveyed, and 27% of them admitted that they've left these jobs up for over four months, never intending to fill them.

Why Hiring Managers Leave "Ghost Jobs" Up For Months


@j.t.odonnell I've been saying this for months! Now there is proof!!! #ghostjobs #jobsearch #jobsearchtips #careertok #jobtok #job #career #careertiktok #jobtiktok #jobs #careers ♬ original sound - J.T. O'Donnell

Over half of the hiring managers surveyed said the reason that they left the jobs up for so long was to give the impression or illusion that the company was growing. The worst part? One-third of them said they left the jobs up because they wanted to give the appearance that they were actually trying to hire to help their overworked staff.

If you're looking for work right now, you probably realized it's harder than you thought to find a job. And applying online is getting you nowhere. These "ghost jobs" are impossible to spot among the real job postings on job board sites.

The solution? Learn how to conduct a proactive job search.

Once you learn the better way to look for a job, you won't have to worry about "ghost jobs" anymore. Good luck, and go get 'em!

Need help conducting a proactive job search?

Become a member to learn how to land a job and UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!

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Ghost Jobs: What They Are & Why …

Why A Job Posting Feels Like A Scam (When It’s Not)



If you feel like many of the job postings you come across in your job search are scams, you're not alone. You are not the first job seeker to tell me they feel this way. But we have to think about where this comes from.

The Job Application Process Is A Broken System


@j.t.odonnell Replying to @nana_5075 Why job listings feel like a scam... #jobs #careers #careertok #jobtok ♬ original sound - J.T. O'Donnell

Back in the day, a company would post a job in the want ad section of a newspaper, so you'd have to open up a newspaper, read through it, write up a resume and cover letter, and snail mail your application off to them. When the idea came to post jobs online, it meant more people who were the right fit could apply. But over time, that's broken down.

Now thousands of people will apply for one job when it gets posted. And many of those job applicants are not a fit. So employers now have to hire recruiters, who are also called sourcers, to go through thousands of applicants so they can whittle it down to about 50 qualified applicants. What's the rhyme or reason they're using to select some applicants and screen others out?

This is why you don't get called—because it's just so random.

After employers get down to 50 applicants, they look through those, find a few they like, and call them. That's why only 3% of people who apply online ever hear back from companies.

It's a completely broken system, so I can see why it feels like a scam. The whole thing is flawed.

So, how do we improve this system? It starts with making better matches, getting back to a place where only the right people are applying to the employer. We actually want fewer applicants, but more of the right applicants. That's the solution. And there are hundreds of millions of dollars in this industry trying to figure it out. But the one thing we have seen is that storytelling is one of the ways to do that.

You're going to see a rise in companies telling their stories. And there's a fancy term for this in our industry. It's called employer branding. Companies will tell their stories on social media platforms like TikTok so that those stories fatefully, naturally, and organically show up in your feed. But it's not fate, right? It's the algorithm at work—and before you know it, you'll start to see companies that feel like a fit. Then you'll go over and check them out. You'll see that there's a job posted that you're fit for. And this is how this matching process will start to fine-tune itself.

Right now, yes, you're right. Those online job postings don't work. They don't work for either side. We need a better system. And storytelling is the key. So go learn how to conduct a proactive job search today so you can finally land a job and work for an employer you actually like!

Need more help with your job search?

I'd love it if you signed up for Work It Daily's Event Subscription! I look forward to answering all of your career questions in our next live event!

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Why A Job Posting Feels Like A …

No. 1 Way To Get A Job WITHOUT Applying Online



Are a person looking for a brand new job but not hearing back again from employers? Have an individual been signing up to countless work online with little for you to no success? If therefore, performs this drain almost all of your energy, and they are you curious about just what other tips you could incorporate?

Well, we're going to help share a big magic formula with you… the amount one way to obtain a job is simply by circumventing the applicant monitoring system!

Within this training, you’ll learn to:

  • Be familiar with disruptive job search strategy that will get anyone results fast
  • Develop a personal brand name to market yourself successfully
  • Set yourself in the route of recruiters and employing managers

Join our own CEO, J. T. O'Donnell, and Director of Coaching Development & Coaching, Christina Burgio, for this reside event on Wednesday, Nov 30th at 12 evening ET.

CAN'T ATTEND RESIDE? That's alright. You'll have access towards the recording as well as the workbook after the session!


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No. 1 Way To Get A Job …

How To Stand Out To Employers When Applying Online



In this day and age, it's crucial to stand out during your job search. Otherwise, your resume gets buried—unread and unnoticed. This is a common problem for job seekers. So, how can you stand out from the competition when applying online?

Here's what some of our career experts say you can do to catch the eye of employers in your job search:

Research The Company


Woman researches a company before applying for a job online

"Learn everything you can about the company," says Bud Bilanich, author of Climbing The Corporate Ladder. "Tailor your resume to show what you know about them and their industry. And, more importantly, use keywords and list skills in your resume that will catch the recruiter's attention."

For example, if the job application says they are looking for a "self-starter," make sure you put the words self-starter somewhere near the top of your resume. "Sounds corny," he says, "but it works."

Create An Online Presence


Man creates a professional portfolio to stand out when applying for jobs online

Rachel Dotson of ZipRecruiter suggests creating an about.me profile, complete with links to your various social and professional profiles online. Include the link in your resume alongside your name and contact information (at least add a link to your LinkedIn profile!), and also include it under your signature in your cover letter. If you have a professional portfolio, make sure you include that as well.

"Because your resume will likely be viewed on the computer," she says, "it will be easy for the hiring manager to click through to your about.me page, where he or she can then browse your online presence."

Beat The ATS


"Before you can stand out to the employer, you have to stand out to the applicant tracking software," says Kristin Johnson of Profession Direction. "There's a real art to getting your resume noticed in today's technological job hunt." Johnson says you MUST read the job description and include key terms on your resume. If you don't include the right keywords on your resume, it'll get tossed by the ATS, and it most likely won't even get read by a human being.

The resume needs to be in a format that the software can read too. "It takes some time, but that's the way the system works," she says. "If your resume doesn't show you're a match for the job to the ATS, you're not going to get a call because you won't stand out to the employer."

In order to stand out when applying for a job online, you need to research the company before you apply, create an online presence, and beat the ATS. If you consistently do these three things in your job search, you'll be sure to stand out to employers, no matter your industry or work experience.

Need more help with your job search?

We'd love it if you signed up for Work It Daily's Event Subscription! Get your career questions answered in our next live event!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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How To Stand Out To Employers When …

5 Things I Wouldn’t Do If I Was Looking For A New Job



I'm jumping on this bandwagon of the five things I wouldn't do based on my profession as a career coach if I was in job search mode right now.

If I lost my job due to a layoff, want to change careers, or hate my job, I would not do these five things...

1. I Wouldn't "Spray And Pray"


@j.t.odonnell 5 things I wouldn't do if I was looking for a new job right now... #5things #careeradvice #resume #linkedin #sprayandpray #careertok #jobsearch #edutok #jobtok #jobsearchtips ♬ original sound - J.T. O'Donnell

I would not get on a job board and start applying for everything under the sun. First of all, you don't want 90% of those jobs and there's nothing more demotivating and depressing than getting rejected from companies you weren't interested in. That's exactly what's going to happen. Less than 3% of people ever get contacted when they apply online. So, don't rely solely on job boards, and don't apply to every job you see. It's ineffective and a waste of time.

2. I Wouldn't Create An Over-The-Top Resume


Man looks at a resume

An over-the-top resume is a resume where you put everything you've ever done on it. You really try to hype yourself up. Unfortunately, it comes across as narcissistic and desperate. It's also difficult to read and usually gets you tossed. Instead, customize your resume for each position you apply for, and focus on quantifying your work experience.

3. I Wouldn't Skip Using LinkedIn


Woman uses LinkedIn in her job search

LinkedIn is the number one place recruiters search for potential job candidates, and they search for them based on keywords (skill sets). So, if you want to get found by recruiters and hiring managers, you need to learn how to optimize your LinkedIn profile.

4. I Wouldn't Skip Interview Prep


Man prepares for a job interview by writing down his answers to interview questions

I would be practicing right now before I even start looking for a job. You need to know how to answer those tough interview questions because it'll help you stand out, and it can help you not only get the job but get more pay as well. Never skip interview prep, no matter how qualified you think you are.

5. I Wouldn't Skip Networking


Happy woman on laptop networks on LinkedIn

Your network is your net worth. What you need to do is create a bucket list of employers you'd like to work for and start strategically reaching out and connecting with those people on LinkedIn as a way to gain visibility when you start applying for their roles. Networking is always the best way to get a job.

There are other tips and tricks I would recommend, but those are definitely the five things I wouldn't do if I was looking for a job right now.

If you would like to learn more about what you should and shouldn't do in your job search, sign up for Work It Daily's Power Hour Event Subscription. I look forward to answering all of your career questions in our next live event!

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5 Things I Wouldn’t Do If I …

How To Choose The Right Skills To Include On Your Resume



When you begin the job application process, you need to make sure your resume is optimized and ready to be sent out to employers. The struggle isn't so much finding enough things to include on your resume. Rather, it's choosing what skills, experiences, and accomplishments to include on your resume to boost your likelihood of landing an interview.

Choosing the right skills to include on your resume is easier said than done. What skills will really stand out to recruiters and hiring managers? What skills demonstrate why you'd be a great fit for the position? What skills best represent what you bring to the table?

Fortunately, there's an easy process you can follow to ensure you're answering these questions and setting yourself up for job opportunities.

Here are four steps for choosing the right skills to include on your resume:

1. Decode Job Descriptions


Before you hit "apply" on a job posting, it's important to read through the job description and understand what the job actually entails.

You have to analyze the job description, then think about how you would fit into this "mold" of an employee that they have in mind for the position. Start to think about the core responsibilities you've had in your previous jobs.

Do your previous core responsibilities translate into skills that this job posting is asking for—skills that would make you a great fit for the position?

2. Ask Yourself "Can I Quantify That?"


Man thinks about which skills to include on his resume

Once you've decoded the job description and determined if you have the skills the employer is asking for, it's time to think about which skills you should include on your resume (because you can't include them all).

The key to getting your resume past the ATS is to include only hard skills on your resume.

Hard skills (skills that tie directly to core responsibilities) are what applicant tracking systems (ATS) and hiring managers want to see. They're quantifiable. If you can't quantify it, it's probably a soft skill. Soft skills DO NOT belong on your resume.

So, when deciding what skills you should include on your resume, ask yourself, "Can I quantify that?" If you can, it's a hard skill, and it belongs on your resume.

Both industry-specific and transferable hard skills can go on your resume. After decoding the job description, you will know which hard skills the employer is looking for.

3. Think About Your Brand


Woman on laptop thinks about her personal brand

The next step in deciding which skills should go on your resume deals with personal branding. You want to make sure you are "branding" yourself correctly for job opportunities.

By that, we mean knowing what type of service you provide for a company—and what skill sets support that service.

After all, here at Work It Daily, we know every job seeker is a business-of-one. Are you branding your business (yourself) correctly in order to attract customers (employers looking to invest in you)?

Know your brand, and own it!

4. Customize, Customize, Customize


Man on laptop customizes his resume

The last step in deciding which skills should go on your resume is customization.

Customizing your resume is very important. You'll probably have to highlight different skills for the different jobs you apply for. That means customizing your resume for each job application.

  • What projects did you work on?
  • What expertise did you gain?
  • What skills should you be emphasizing?

If you ask yourself these questions for each job you apply for, your answers will most likely differ. That's how you'll know you're customizing your resume correctly and giving yourself the best chance to land an interview.

As you're thinking about your resume, remember you have more skills than you realize. Your job is to make it easy for employers to see the connection between your skill sets and the skill sets needed to do the job. When in doubt, ask yourself, "Can I quantify that?"

The goal at this stage in the job search process is to get an interview. You can only worry about getting the job after you know you're in the running. What skills are going to get you in the door?

Need more help with your job search?

We'd love it if you signed up for Work It Daily's Power Hour Event Subscription! Get your career questions answered in our next live event!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

As you're thinking about your resume, remember you have more skills than you realize. Your job is to make it easy for employers to see the connection between your skill sets and the skill sets needed to do the job. When in doubt, ask yourself, "Can I quantify that?"

The goal at this stage in the job search process is to get an interview. You can only worry about getting the job after you know you're in the running. What's going to get you in the door?

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How To Choose The Right Skills To …

How To Apply For A Job You’re Not 100% Qualified For



One of the biggest job search struggles is figuring out which jobs you should apply for. You have to look at the job description, the skill requirements, and the overall qualifications for the job, and then determine whether it's a viable employment opportunity for you or not.

It's often more difficult discerning which jobs you're qualified for (the ones you really have a shot at) than you think. So, how do you know if you're actually qualified for a job or not? Should you apply for jobs you're not 100% qualified for?

The short answer: Yes, you absolutely should.

Here's how to apply for a job when you're lacking some of the qualifications.

1. Use The 90% Rule


The first step to applying for a job you're not sure you are qualified for is determining whether you're qualified enough. This is where the 90% rule comes into play.

After studying the job description, the list of qualifications, and the skill requirements, you should have a good idea of what the employment opportunity entails. Now, after looking at your resume, do you think you're qualified? If you have 90% of the skill requirements, you are qualified for that job and should apply for it.

When you apply for a job, it's always important to include all relevant skill sets, experience, and keywords on your resume, so it gets past the applicant tracking system (ATS). This is especially true when you only have 90% of the qualifications, since leaving out just one skill could prevent your resume from ever landing in the hands of the hiring manager.

Customize your resume for every job you apply for to avoid this mistake. This way, it'll make it easy for employers to see that you do have most of the qualifications and skill requirements for the position. Remember: 90% is the magic number. Any less, and you'd be wasting your time if you apply.

2. Close The Experience Gap


Man writes his resume on his laptop

In order to close your experience gap, you need to offer the employer something else they won't find in most job candidates—and that's excitement for the job opportunity.

What you lack in experience you can make up with a common connection. Convey to the potential employer your enthusiasm and excitement for the company's products, services, or mission. Explain what you respect and admire about the company. Even if you don't have some of the experience and qualifications the employer is looking for, you have the internal motivation and desire to work for their company.

In addition, this connection shows that you would be a great cultural fit within the company. Whatever skills you don't have, they can probably teach you. But employers know you can't teach cultural fit. This is where you would stand out among other candidates for the position.

A great way to establish that connection with an employer is to write a disruptive cover letter. Tell your story, convey your excitement, and land that interview!

3. Network Your Way Into The Company


Woman networks on her

Here at Work It Daily, we believe your network is your net worth. And the statistics agree. Over 80% of jobs are gotten via referral. So, receiving a job offer usually comes down to who you know.

If you're not 100% qualified for a job, your networking skills will play a big role in your ability to get an interview. Use your network to get introduced to someone who works at the company. Begin by reaching out to current employees of the company or friends who might happen to work there, and ask what it would take to stand out and get hired. Note: you're not asking for the job. You're just asking for more information.

This strategy is extremely effective at opening doors with potential employers and getting your resume in the right hands.

When you have most of the qualifications and a great connection story explaining why you're passionate about a company, networking is the perfect final step. Next time you're debating whether to apply for a job or not, remember the 90% rule. Employers know there's no such thing as the perfect job candidate. But with these steps, you can be a great one.

Need more help with your job search?

We'd love it if you signed up for Work It Daily's Power Hour Event Subscription! Get your career questions answered in our next live event!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

Acquiring Job Advance Your Career Career Changing Careers and Employment Education Internship

How To Apply For A Job You’re …