To find your next job you’ll need a process. There are six steps to managing your job search you’ll want to follow. You’ll learn how to create a strategy to help land the right job. The trouble with job search is that no one teaches you HOW to do it. And even if you did learn […]
The post 6 Steps to Managing Your Job Search appeared first on Career Sherpa.
As a candidate, can you really say you âenjoyâ a job interview? From the moment you walk into the room, itâs the interviewer asking the questions and setting the agenda. You feel like a deer in the headlights.
This fear comes from feeling like you are not in control.
It doesnât have to be that way. When you attend a job interview, you are attending a sales meeting and selling your flagship product: yourself!
Do salespeople sit and wait for their customers to ask questions about their product, hoping they ask the right ones? No! They ask questions themselves! This is how they find out what their customers’ needs are so that they can present their product as the solution that meets these needs.
If youâre in a job interview, you need to do the same!
Interviews normally follow the same format. The interviewer starts the meeting with a few words of introduction. They tell you something about the position. (Usually, itâs on the job description, which you have already studied in detail.) Then they will ask you questions. They will give you about five minutes at the end of the interview to ask questions yourself.
If you let them follow this plan, your opportunity to really influence the conversation will be in the last five minutes of the interview. That is too late.
To turn your interview into a sales conversation, you need to ask your questions while the interviewer is telling you about the company and the job.
A sales professional asks questions to find out what the customer might need from his product. You need to find out what the employer needs from this position.
Try asking questions like this:
âMs. X, can you tell me how this position contributes to the companyâs success?â
If you want to be more direct, you could ask:
âMs. X, what problem does this position solve for the company?â or âWhat need does this position fulfill?â
Watch the interviewerâs reaction as they answer the question. If the interviewer seems happy to answer the question and gives you an in-depth answer, then you can ask for more details. Be sure to say, however, âIâm sorry for interrupting your flow,â and then ask the question.
One word of caution. NEVER say: âIâm sorry for interrupting your flow, but…â
The âbutâ is the killer. It communicates the idea that your apology was for nothing and that you didnât mean it.
Once you get this information, refer back to it when you answer the interviewerâs questions.
If the interviewer asks you about your experience solving technical issues with customers, you can answer his question by saying: âThat sounds a lot like what I would be doing for your customers. Am I right?â
If the interviewer asks you about your knowledge or experience, answer with: âI did something similar to what we were saying earlier aboutâ¦â and then expand on your knowledge and experience as appropriate.
By referring back to the purpose of the position / problem it solves, this gives you the chance to position yourself as the candidate who is the solution to this problem.
âYou need to know your interviewer:
Many jobs require multiple interviews with different interviewers. Each interviewer may perceive the role from a different perspective, so be ready to ask this question multiple times, and get different answers from different people.
If you are in a later interview, your interviewer may question why you are asking this again. Respond by explaining that different interviewers have different perceptions of the role and you want to be sure you are on the same page.
Your interviewer may not be comfortable with the question:
Not all interviewers have been trained to interview candidates. They donât always want to be doing this and they may think that they have better things to do with their time.
If their answers to your question are short, or they refuse to answer, then donât press it. You might want to think about their reaction, however. The question is not unreasonable. Why would they refuse to answer it?
If they donât want to interview you, then they donât want you as a colleague.
If they think you should shut up and answer the questions and âknow your place,â thatâs the kind of company youâll end up working at.
If they havenât got the time to handle one simple question from you, then you have to ask how serious the position is or how serious the company is in recruiting someone for it.
This question is sometimes the human equivalent of a âpingâ test: software engineers send a signal to a website/server, etc. The response he gets back tells him a lot about the connection.
When you ask this question, watch your interviewer carefully.
Donât just listen to her answer. Watch her behavior.
This can tell you a lot about what kind of people you will be working with.
Let me know how you get on!
Further reading…
For more ideas about reading peopleâs behavior, please check out: Reading Peopleâs Emotions: A Beginnerâs Guide
Determining why you canât find a job is easier said than done. For many, itâs a complete mystery that leaves them frustrated and unsure of what to improve on. This list of common reasons why you canât seem to find a job will help you become a more competitive applicant, and ultimately receive job offers. […]
The post 23 Reasons Why You Can’t Find A Job In 2023 (Plus Tips) appeared first on Career Sherpa.
Those interested in career trends probably already know about the importance of making new connections on LinkedIn and optimizing their profiles. However, one thing that many professionals still struggle with is offering value to their professional network.
Offer value to your network? What does that even mean?
This means communicating with your network consistently, not just when you’re looking for a job and need something from one of your connections.
So, how do you offer value to your professional network?
Sometimes opportunities will present themselves where you’ll come across connections that are in need of knowledge or skills that you possess. Make a note of what they are looking to do and ask yourself, âHow can I help this person with their business initiatives? What support, resources, or connections can I offer them?” Once you figure all of that out, you’ll be serving your network in no time.
Here are three SUPER easy ways to offer value to your LinkedIn connections:
This is the easiest way to start a conversation and/or keep in touch with a contact by offering value. Consider this person’s industry, interests, and special projects. What can you find on their LinkedIn profile? What have you learned about them in your conversations?
If you come across an article or video that you think they would find interesting or helpful, don’t be afraid to share it with them. You could say something like, “Saw this article and thought of you! Wanted to share. Enjoy!” That’s itâeasy. They will appreciate the gesture and keep you in mind!
You can also share articles on your feed for your entire network to see, with a message like, “I thought this article made some good points. What do you think?” This could potentially lead to some good exchanges and meaningful conversations with connections that you haven’t spoken to in a while.
Posting content is also a good way to make use of your own profile and stay relevant.
Sharing content works both ways, and another easy way to offer value to your LinkedIn connections is to share their articles and posts with your network.
If you found a blog post from one of your connections really interesting, share it with your network by posting it on LinkedIn with a brief blurb explaining why you’re sharing it. (Don’t forget to tag the author with the @ feature!) They’ll appreciate the gesture, and will likely remember that the next time you share something.
Sharing or commenting on a connection’s article is also a great way to reconnect. It sure beats sending a message that says “just checking in.”
Another important thing to remember is it doesn’t matter if you’re sharing your own content or someone else’s. You’re still being active on LinkedIn and staying in front of people. This is a great way to build your personal brand.
If you think someone in your network could benefit from connecting with one of your connections, you could shoot them a quick message saying something like:
“I noticed you’re looking to break into the entertainment industry. I’d love to introduce you to Jody Smith. She works as a talent agent out in L.A. and I’m sure she’d be a valuable addition to your network. Would you be interested in getting an introduction?”
Just make sure you ask your other connection if the introduction is appropriate before offering him/her up! This is known as super connecting.
Once again, this is something that could come back to benefit you if you find yourself in a position to make a career change and are hunting for a job.
Always be willing to offer value to your network when you don’t need it so that when you actually do your professional connections will be more than willing to help!
Also, the more you network, the better networking habits you develop.
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This article was originally published at an earlier date.
Want to get hired? Of course you do! Employers nowadays are looking for a more holistic group of skill sets in the people they hire. It’s not enough to just deliver on your core skills anymore.
What will make you most valuable and have the most impact at a company is a combination of your core, personal, and intangible (soft) skills.
Here are six intangible skills that can get you hired today and certainly again in the future:
The “relentlessly changing” world we live in requires its workers to be able to flow with change, adapt to change, and navigate change with a can-do attitude. Those who can adapt the best to personal, policy, and leadership change will be valuable assets to their work teams and workplace.
The most successful sports franchises all have a balance of veteran, experienced, and rookie players. Working together with people of different generations, cultures, and demographics is a coveted intangible skill that will become more and more important as the workplace becomes more culturally diverse.
Your “human relations” skillsâbe it developing rapport, listening, motivating others, or delegating with respectâwill be what makes you an important part of any team.
Owning the job you have and making things better and more effective, instead of just showing up daily to do the same thing, is an intangible that will make you stand out. You don’t have to be the “owner,” president, manager, or CEO to show leadership.
Just look at all the employees honored for their work in the awesome program “Undercover Boss.” Most of these workers just have a strong sense of personal pride and work ethic, regardless of their personal lives of showing up to do a great job and making a difference every day.
This is pretty simple. The workplace requires people to do more tasks and take on more responsibility than ever before. Expect it and get prepared for it.
Certainly, this should have realistic boundaries. It’s important for you to find work-life balance in whatever position you land. You don’t want to experience career burnout.
Being open and flexible to learning new skills and approaches, interacting with new people, and trying new ways of doing things shows resilience and perseverance to do whatever it takes to do the job and get it done.
Nobody wants to hire someone who’s stuck in their ways. In the interview process, it’s important to come across as open-minded and coachable, especially if the company values a dynamic work environment.
“Whistle while you work.” Nothing is more attractive and powerful than someone who is a bright spot in anyone’s day and shows up with a positive attitude of gratitude. Leave the personal, heavy stuff at home and come to work ready to greet colleagues and customers and make their day brighter.
You can talk about your intangibles through specific personal stories that demonstrate how you used them. Nothing beats a great, real story that gets people to relate to you. This can be a huge competitive advantage in addition to documenting achievement and accomplishment in your core skills.
If you need some help discovering some of your intangibles, think about three jobs where you took on a project, made it your own, and were successful. Ask some of your current or past colleagues to tell you what they think your intangible skills are. If you need to practice, volunteer outside of work or ask your boss to give you a small project that can stretch you!
In today’s job-seeking world, there are your core skills, personal skills, and intangible (soft) skills. More often, if it comes down to you and someone else, the person who has the intangibles usually wins! What are the intangible skills that have impacted your jobs?
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This article was originally published at an earlier date.
If you’re tired of feeling dissatisfied and lost in your career, our Professional Strengths Bootcamp is the help you’ve been looking for.
Understanding WHO you are as a worker is the KEY to achieving career satisfaction. With our Professional Strengths Bootcamp, achieving career satisfaction has never been more attainable.
Do any of these sound like you?
If you answered “yes” to one or more of the above, then you won’t want to miss this FREE 60-minute bootcamp!
Learn how to UNLOCK your professional strengths so you can get what you want from work!
WHEN: Wednesday, April 5th, 2023 at 12 p.m. ET / 9 a.m. PT
WHERE: Online (Attend live or get the recording!)
WHO: J.T. O’Donnell & Christina Burgio, your favorite WID career experts
HOW MUCH: Free!
In this info-packed, hour-long session, you’ll learn:
This 60-minute bootcamp will change your life! Don’t miss your chance to DRAMATICALLY improve your career.
SIGN UP to attend live (or get the recording).
We hope to see you there!
As the job search advances, one of the top questions becomes “what salary do I ask for?” So, let’s talk about salary!
When a candidate meets a company and falls in love with their dream job, they need to have some awkward conversations before they can commit to each other. Salary is one of those conversations.
But talking about salary doesn’t have to be awkward!
The important thing is to be prepared. You need to do your homework and understand what’s fair. The last thing you want to do is to price yourself out of a job because you didn’t know you asked for too much. Or worse, sell yourself short because you didn’t ask for enough. It’s business timeâ¦so, let’s get down to business.
Here are some things you should know before you talk about salary:
1. Always Be Prepared
You never know when an employer will bring up the salary questionâit could be in the job application or it could be during your final job interview. That’s why you want to be prepared for it. Know your numbers before you apply for the position so you’re not caught off guard.
2. Don’t Be The One To Bring It Up First
A common mistake people make during the hiring process is bringing up salary too soon. This can hurt your chances of getting the job offer because the employer might think you’re only in it for the money. Wait until the employer brings it up, then go from there.
3. Know What’s Competitive
Do your homework. Know what’s competitive for that role in that industry. You can use websites like Glassdoor, Payscale, and Salary.com to research competitive salary rates for similar positions.
4. Know Your “Walk-Away” Rate
After you do your research, you’ll have an idea of both the highest and lowest salaries for similar roles in your field. This is an important thing to know because it will allow you to have a range to work with during negotiations (i.e., it will give you some wiggle room). When you’re thinking about your range, it’s important to know your “walk-away” rate. This is the absolute lowest offer you will accept without eating Ramen noodles for the rest of your life. You don’t want to take an offer that’s not going to pay you enough to live comfortably. Otherwise, you’ll likely be on the job search again looking for a role that pays you more money. However, you do want to understand the going salary rates for that position so you don’t a) price yourself out of the job, or b) sell yourself short.
5. Don’t Limit Yourself To Money
While you should aim to get a competitive salary, don’t focus only on the money. You can negotiate for other things too, like work-from-home opportunities, flextime, vacation days, and other perks. It depends on what’s most important to you. Again, this will give you some wiggle room during negotiations.
6. Give Them A Reason To Give You More
In order to get the salary you want, you need to prove that you’ll be a valuable asset to the company and that your unique skills/experiences make you the best fit for the role. You need to show them that you’re worth the investment.
7. Don’t Be Afraid Of ‘No’
During salary negotiations, it’s okay to say “no” to a job offer if it’s not in line with what you feel is appropriate based on your research and needs. Remember, saying “no” opens up negotiations. Also, if the employer says “no” to your counteroffer, it doesn’t mean he or she isn’t willing to work with you to find something that works for both parties (that’s why they call it negotiating!). This is why you do so much prep work in the beginning. If you know your numbers, have a “walk-away” rate, and demonstrate your value to the employer, you’re more likely to negotiate an offer that works for you. If not, it might not be the right opportunity for you at this point. Your dream job is still out there, you just haven’t found it yet,
8. Chill!
Yes, salary negotiations can be stressful. However, it’s a big part of the hiring process. If you choose to forgo the negotiation process because you’re afraid, you risk selling yourself short. Don’t do that to yourself! If you get nervous, try practicing your negotiating skills with a friend or a career coach. The more you practice, the more comfortable you’ll get doing it.
See? You can do this whole salary dance! And it doesn’t have to be awkward. As long as you apply these tips, you don’t have to worry about salary negotiations, and you’ll able to answer the “what salary do I ask for” question with ease.
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This article was originally published at an earlier date.
Anyone who’s ever been unemployed (or looked for a job while employed) knows how stressful and exhausting the job search process can be. So, during your job search, should you feel guilty for taking some time for yourself?
The short answer: No. Of course not.
If we’re not spending every waking moment applying for jobs, sometimes it’s easy to feel guiltyâlike we’re not doing EVERYTHING we can to land our next job. This strategy of applying for as many jobs as possible and hoping for the best actually doesn’t help anyone get a job faster. In other words, choosing quantity over quality. This is the wrong mindset to have, and it does more harm than good.
The job search process is about working smarter, not harder.
Think about a normal work day. It’s pretty balanced, right? You get up, go to work, come home, and still have hours left in the day to do whatever you want. Your job isn’t the only thing you have going on in your life. That’s why it’s called work-life balance. To sum it up…
Your job isn’t your whole life. So, your job search shouldn’t be either.
Here are some ways you can take time for yourself as you look for a new job (because you deserve it!):
When you’re unemployed, here at Work It DAILY we like to say this is an opportunity for you to get in the best shape of your life.
Taking care of yourself is important and regular exercise is one of the best things you can do for both your physical and mental health. It’s a great way to relieve stress and it may even help you sleep better.
Take advantage of the free time you have after applying for jobs and get moving! Chances are, you’ll walk into your next interview with more confidence and an extra spring in your step.
Nothing helps us detach from our busy lives like reading a good book.
Quiet those racing thoughts by readingâany genre will do! Reading may help you learn something new, gain new perspectives, and help with empathy (all things that will benefit you at your next job).
Knowledge is power!
Although you may dread networking, think of it as a necessary evil. Sure, it sucks having to step outside your comfort zone and you’d rather be doing other things. But nothing can produce positive career results quite like networking. There’s no substitute for it.
If you’re between jobs, you should devote some of your time to networking. You’ll meet new people in your industry and connect with those who have similar interests and career goals. If it doesn’t help you get your next job, it may help you get a job down the line.
Sometimes all we need when we’re feeling down is a visit with our family and friends. They’ve supported you through tougher times, and they’ll support you through this transition too.
When you’re starting to doubt yourself, they will remind you of your strengths and accomplishments. They’ll give you that confidence boost you need. At the very least, you’ll have quality time with the people you loveâtime you don’t always have when you’re working every day.
One of the best ways you can spend your time during the job search process is by learning a new skill.
Whether it’s getting certified or taking a class, this skill should be applicable to your new job. You can add it to your resume, and it shows employers you’ve been doing something productive for your career, even when you weren’t employed.
If you try these five things (or just one!), you’ll transition to your next job with easeâand it won’t feel like you’re just waiting out the clock. Be proactive and take ownership of your career like never before! You may be looking for a job, but don’t let that stop you from living your best life.
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This article was originally published at an earlier date.
If you are over 40, have a big skill set, and are struggling to get hired, you’ve come to the right place. I work with thousands of people who have big skill sets and can’t get hired. What’s going on? What can you do to stand out in the hiring process and land a job?
When you’re networking and interviewing as a seasoned professional, you’re probably giving employers the wrong impression because you’re sitting there telling them all your skills, all the things you can do for them, and making it sound like you’re a Jack or Jill of all trades. And while you think that’s what they want to hear because you’re thinking, “I’m the best bang for the buck,” that’s not what they’re hearing. What they’re hearing is that you’re narcissistic. You’re a know-it-all. You’re going to be difficult to work with, and you’re probably going to leave for more money anyway.
Employers don’t want that headache.
Now, here’s how you fix that…
@j.t.odonnell Replying to @luvmy2goldens over 40 job search tips! #over40 #over50 #careeradvice #jobsearch #interviewtips ⬠original sound – J.T. O’Donnell
1. Ask, don’t tell.
You want to listen twice as much as you talk in your interviews. The way you do that is by asking great questions.
Examples:
You really want to get at their pain point and how the job supports them. But you’re also sending a message, and that message is, “I get it. I’m the service provider. You’re the customer, You’re the leader. And I’m going to make sure that you’re happy.” That’s the mindset they need to hear.
2. Make it clear that it’s an equitable partnership.
By “equitable partnership” I mean you need to point out all the things they have to offer that you really want because you don’t want them worrying that you might leave. You need to talk about the skills you’ll be able to develop there, the knowledge you’ll gain, and the opportunities you’ll have that you won’t have anywhere else. You need to hype them up and say, “You have so much to offer me here. This is the place I want to be. You are at top of my bucket list. This is the place I want to spend years at.” And you’ve got to make them see that as well.
Between asking great questions so you’re not overselling yourself and also making employers realize that they’re exactly what you want, that’s how you’re going to get the results that you’re looking for. Those are my best tips for job seekers over 40. Give them a try.
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How you communicate with employers after an interview is an important, but often understated, step in the interview process. Most of the career advice surrounding job interviews discusses how to land an interview, and what to do when you get one.
We’re here to help you in that difficult (and sometimes lonely!) stage after a job interview when you’re not sure where you stand in the employer’s eyes.
Here are two ways you should follow up with an employer after a job interview:
This piece of job search advice is common. Yet, executing a good thank-you note is harder than it looks.
You should send a thank-you note to a potential employer within 24 hours after your job interview. And, since the hiring manager is probably really busy, it’s best to send an email, not a handwritten note.
In your note, it’s not enough just to say “thank you.” You should also explain why you’re thankful for the opportunity to interview at the company. Mention specific details from the interview if you canâabout the company, meeting members of the team, and the position itself.
During the interview, make it a goal to remember the names of everyone you shake hands with. Then, you can drop the names of the people you met in your thank-you note.
This will show the employer that you pay attention to the details and have already connected with the people at the company you’d be working with if you get the job.
Lastly, end your thank-you note by reiterating why you believe you’d be a great fit for the job, and express your excitement about the opportunity to work there.
A well-written and thoughtful thank-you note like this will definitely stand out to hiring managers.
After you send your thank-you note, the waiting begins.
It’s in your best interest to follow up one to two weeks after your interview. The only exception is if the employer gives you a certain time frame of when to expect to hear back from them. If given a time frame, don’t follow up before then.
When you do decide to follow up with an employer, a short, concise email is the way to go.
Ask if there’s anything else the hiring manager needs from you. Reiterate your excitement for the opportunity. And finally, close the email with a forward-looking statement, and another “thank you.”
Communication with a potential employer after a job interview is an integral part of the hiring process. You don’t want to annoy them, but you need to convey your enthusiasm and excitement for the opportunity at the same time.
By following up in these two ways, you’ll stand out as an eager and proactive applicant, one with communication skills that will help you shine in any position.
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This article was originally published at an earlier date
Your cover letter and resume have made a positive impression on a potential employer, and they’ve called you in for an interview. Now, you need to ensure the employer stays impressed with you and your potential in their organization.
There’s an old saying first impressions countâand there’s no better instance of the truth to this than the impressions made during a job interview. A variety of factors are in effect. It may include the way you are dressed, how you communicate, your personality, and a number of other considerations.
It takes a lot to develop a positive impression, and very little to leave one that does not work in your favor during a job interview.
Here are 10 common mistakes that can ruin any job interview (if you’re not careful):
Everyone’s time is valuable. Show respect and do not waste other people’s time.
Of course, sometimes things pop up and cause unexpected delays. Try to plan ahead so you don’t arrive late. Give yourself plenty of time to get to the interview location. Make sure you have an outfit ready the night before, so you’re not scrambling five minutes before you’re supposed to be heading out the door.
If there is an unexpected delay, at the very least, give a call to apologize and inform your contact of your expected arrival time.
There will be a time for this discussionâgenerally not in the first interview, unless the employer brings it up themselves. You do not want to appear as though all you care about is, “What’s in it for me?”
At the same time, approaching the topic of salary is especially risky. You may end up putting yourself in a position where you are asked to present a desired salary and fall under what the company hadn’t anticipated. Learn more about the position and conduct research before going into the salary discussion.
Show respect by letting your employer know this interview is more important than any call, text, or notification. Turn off your cell phone. If you forget and it rings, apologize and turn it off.
Regardless of the reality of the situation, never talk badly about your current or previous employer(s). It brings to question if you will do the same with this potential employer in the future.
If they ask why you are leaving your current job, be honest, take ownership of the situation, and focus on the future.
Just as you want to learn about the employer, the employer wants to learn about you. At the same time, you don’t want to be the only one talking throughout the interview. You also don’t want to be too brief with your answers. You’ll come off as unenthusiastic and uninterested in the position.
Learn to listen and have a balanced conversation where you both have a chance to receive information and ask questions.
Regardless of how thorough the interview discussion is, when asked, “Do you have any questions for me?” always have a question. Preferably two or three.
When you do not have a question, it may come across as though you are not sincerely interested in the opportunity.
Your appearance includes not just what you wear but how you groom yourself. Employers will not be impressed with a sloppy appearance. You need to appear and dress the part of what is expected of the position.
We recommend dressing one level up from the employees who work at the company. If the workplace culture is casual, wear something that’s business casual. You should look like you want the job, while also appearing like you’d fit in.
Conduct research so you have at least a general sense of the type of business the company is in and what the position you are applying for is about. The hiring manager will know right away whether or not you’re clueless about the job you applied for.
With thorough research, you will be able to better tailor your questions and answers during the job interview.
False information can lead to immediate disqualification and exemplify your weaknesses. You will most likely be blacklisted by the company, too.
Lying on your resume or during a job interview is never a good idea.
Carefully listen to what the interviewer is saying and show you are attentive. You do not want to appear disinterested and come off as inattentive. It is not a desirable characteristic for any position.
If you’re not interested in them, they won’t be interested in you.
Most candidates will only receive one opportunity to make a good impression. Make sure the one you leave is as positive as possible by avoiding these 10 common mistakes during your next interview.
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This article was originally published at an earlier date.
Resumes are still the main âcalling card” used by job seekers and there are various schools of thought about the formatting of this document.
Here are a few tips for formatting your resume that may help you beat the blank screen blues if you’re creating a new resume from scratch (or updating one you haven’t touched in years):
Most resumes have at least a half-inch margin, but a full inch is preferable. If your margins are smaller, you risk losing content if the document is printed by the hiring manager. Plus, a resume that lacks a one-inch margin is harder for the reader to peruse and may look cluttered or chaoticâtwo qualities that are not often sought by employers.
Readability is key when formatting your resume. Keep this in mind if you’re using a resume template, or adding bullet after bullet of new information to your already-existing resume. It’s a delicate balance between too much and too little information. Never underestimate the power of white space in your resume.
If you’re going to use a resume template, ensure all of the fields are completed with your personal information. Nothing looks worse than seeing “insert job information here” on a candidate’s resume. A glaring resume mistake like this may tell the hiring manager you lack attention to detail or other basic skills needed for the job.
The better choice may be to look at a variety of resume formats and combine styles based on your level of experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Spellcheck is great, but it doesn’t catch all grammatical and typographical errors. It’s helpful to have someone else review your resume. Ask for that person’s feedback on the style of your resume and the resume’s readability and content.
Where do their eyes look first? Did you quantify your work experience? Are your skills relevant to the position you’re applying for? Does the resume prompt them to want to learn more about you and your qualifications?
A good resume format doesn’t mean a thing if you have spelling and grammatical mistakes. Having another person review your resume could save you from some embarrassing job search fails. It’s definitely worth the extra time and energy.
Your resume should be clear and concise. Almost all people applying to jobs nowadays know how to use Microsoft Office programs and email, so there’s no need to have a technical skills section on your resume unless you have skills that set you apart from the competition.
There’s also no need to list “references available upon request.” If employers want to check your references, they will ask for them.
Resume fluff only hurts your chances of getting the job. Nowadays, it’s about quality, not quantity. A one-page resume with quantifiable accomplishments and work experience is always better than a two-page resume with irrelevant information.
So, cut the fluff and get clear on the value you bring to the table.
Keep fonts and font sizes the same throughout your resume. You should also consider using a similar heading on all pages of the document if your resume is more than one page. This is a good precaution in case the pages become separated.
Any inconsistencies will be distracting for the hiring manager. Choose a clean font, pick a font size, and keep the same style in each section of your resume, including section titles.
Most resumes are one to two pages. However, if you have more than 20 years of experience and/or a number of academic or professional publications, your resume may be longer.
Keep in mind that a longer resume doesn’t equal more review time by the recruiter or hiring manager. Your most important information should still be at the top of page one. This is where all your hard skills (and transferable skills) should be, as well as your most relevant work experience.
When in doubt, ask yourself if the information you want to include on your resume makes you a better candidate for the job. If not, it’s probably not relevant to the position and can be removed.
Resumes are not static documents, so even if you think you’re finished with crafting a great one, you will want to revise it slightly for each job you are applying for and add to it as you obtain more experience. Since more and more recruiters are using social media, you will also want to update your LinkedIn profile to match your new resume.
With the right resume format, you’ll catch the eye of hiring managers everywhere. We hope you use these resume formatting tips during your next job search. You’ll be surprised by how much of a difference it makes.
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This article was originally published at an earlier date.