• Stand Out From The Crowd
March 10th, 2010A visitor here asked, “How can I make my application stand out in the crowd and land a job interview when so many capable people are unemployed and applying for the same positions I am applying for? ”
Here are a few ideas:
• Use keywords. Employers, especially big ones, scan resumes into a data base and search them by keyword when they need certain talents. You might even put a paragraph at the end of your resumes titled ‘Keywords” and follow with a list of words that describe your experience and capabilities. If you’re a software developer, don’t just say that, make sure you list your special knowledge of Java3D or Scala or Python.
• Write a functional resumes if you’re looking for work in a new industry or profession. In any event, don’t just list the jobs you’ve had, list the situation you found yourself in, what actions you took, and what the results were. Employers want people who can produce results, not just churn through a process or fill a slot.
• Don’t list your jobs chronologically (you’ll do that on their employment application so they can verify employment), List your skills and successes, your accomplishments.
• Include all relevant experience (especially if you’re just out of school or entering a new industry) such as volunteer work, leadership roles or community involvement.
• DO NOT send a generic copy out to the world and then sit back and hope for a response. Tailor your resume to the employers you submit them to. Make a follow up call to see that they receive it, and offer to answer any questions.
• Use social networking sites to get the word around that you’re available.
