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#1 |
Your
resume's file format may seem like a minor consideration,
but the reverse is true: Many
job seekers
make the mistake of submitting the wrong format – and as a result, get knocked out of consideration for the job.
In
general, the typical job seeker needs two resume file formats: MS Word (for mailing, faxing, uploading, attaching to email) and text format for pasting into online forms. Forward-thinking job seekers
should also consider the short- and long-term benefits of
using a keyword-based web resume to promote their candidacy online.
Tips
for Submitting Your Resume:
- Use the Right Format: Always submit your resume in the requested file format to
ensure successful processing. Resume submission instructions
are typically included near the bottom of the job posting.
- Nix the PDFs: Some
resume processing systems cannot process PDF files, so do not submit a PDF unless it is requested or included on the employer's list of desired formats.
- If
No Instructions are Provided: If you're asked to email your resume –
and no instructions are provided: 1) Paste
the text version of your resume into your email below
cover letter and, 2) Attach your MS Word resume.
- Cross-promote your Web Resume: Provide a link to your web resume in all of your job search correspondence: in
your email signature line and as part of your contact information
on all resume versions that you distribute.
Related
Links:
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#2Failure to Customize Resume |
To
maximize results, it's critically important to adjust
the content of your resume to match the specific requirements of the position you're applying for:
Organize and edit your resume to demonstrate
how
your background
qualifies you for this specific job.
Tips
for Success:
- Summarize
Your Qualifications: Include a qualifications summary
that focuses on the specific knowledge, skills, and abilities
needed to qualify for the job and excel in this role.
- Strategize
Your Job Descriptions: Keyword skills should be
exemplified and fleshed out in your resume's job descriptions.
- Edit
for Relevance: Make editing and content decisions
based on keyword relevance.
- Include The Right Kind of Accomplishments: Make sure that the accomplishments in your resume
focus on the same kind of results that
your potential employer wants.
- Highlight Parallel Contributions: Carefully review job requirements to determine what kind
of "bottom line results" the employer is looking
for (i.e., expand sales volume, increase profits, deliver
exceptional customer service, cut costs, reduce defects,
open new markets, build relationships, reduce turnover) and then show how you have excelled in these areas..
- Focus on Matching Keywords: Improve resume effectiveness by matching up keywords and language style.
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#3Keyword Deficiencies |
When resumes are processed electronically, they are
scored and ranked based on their keyword content.
Job seekers who submit "keyword deficient" resumes are likely to experience a long, drawn out job search. Without the right keywords, their resumes fail to communicate that they have the right qualifications.
Below
are the steps you can take to get the right keywords into your resume:
Step
1: Create a Master Keyword List
- Start
with three good examples of your ideal job. If you
don't have job examples, go to Indeed.com and search for jobs that align
with your goals and qualifications.
- Select
the best three examples and print them out.
- Read
the job descriptions and highlight or underline the
specific words that are used to describe the ideal
candidate – skills, traits, industry knowledge,
and so on.
- Compile
these keywords and create a Master Keyword List.
Step
2: Use keywords from your Master Keyword
List
to rewrite your resume:
- Write
a keyword-based qualifications summary that addresses
the core skills and requirements for the job.
- Strategically
reinforce your job descriptions, using keywords from Master Keyword List (in context) wherever appropriate.
- Optimize
and leverage your most relevant achievements, projects,
and capabilities.
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It's very likely that
the
effectiveness
of your
resume
will hinge
on whether it
contains the
right keywords.
What are Keywords?
-
Jargon
/ Buzzwords
-
Hard
Skills
-
Transferable Skills
-
Technology Terms
-
Training
-
Certifications
-
Industries
-
Zip Codes / Area Codes
-
Technical Acronyms
-
Technical Expertise
-
Personality Traits
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#4Failure to Follow Directions |
When applying for jobs or submitting your resume online, it is critically important that you follow any instructions that are provided in the job posting or on the web site. Do not underestimate the importance of following directions.
Related Articles:
Rev Up Your Resume
Don't Make These Common Mistakes
By Pat Kendall, NCRW
Emailing Your Resume
Four Internet Job Search Mistakes to Avoid
By Linda Matias / Net-Temps.com
Online Applications: Tips & Articles
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#5Prematurely Halting Job Search |
Bottom line: NEVER stall an active job search unless you have a FIRM offer. Instead, keep your momentum going and continue applying for other jobs.
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#6Failure to Leverage Networking |
Most jobs are obtained through networking – whether traditional or online – so be sure to maximize your efforts through every avenue:
Networking Basics: Tips and Articles
Social Networking: Links and Blog Posts
Linkedin.com: Tips and Articles
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#7Inability to Stay on Track |
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While some job seekers are well-organized and methodical, others aren't. If you are "organizationally challenged," consider the resources provided by JibberJobber.com:
www.JibberJobber.com
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#8Discouragement |
You might want to look at the job market (and your circumstances) with a different perspective:
You are Not a Failure
Peter Weddles@ www.weddles.com
The only thing that overcomes hard luck is hard work.
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| HARVEY GOLDERN |
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©
2011, Pat Kendall
All Rights Reserved
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