Top 10 Tips to Get Your Resume Noticed: go here.
Consider these 10 tips before pressing "submit" for online job applications:
1) Search job boards and the websites of employers that appeal to you.
Print out the job postings that you're interested in pursuing before
you apply.
2) Use a highlighter to mark the keywords and industry language used to describe the requirements and responsibilities.
3) Compare those words and phrases to the language that appears now in your resume.
4) Figure out how and where to add the most important keywords
to your resume, assuming you have that knowledge, skills and
experience. Applicant tracking systems will search for keyword matches
– the more matches, the better, which often determines if a recruiter
opts to view your resume.
5)
Once you're confident that your resume reflects a strong match, go
ahead and submit that targeted resume online. Don't be a serial
applicant -- someone who applies for every job (or too many of them) at
the same company because you'll be flagged as unfocused and
disqualified. If there's more than one opening that matches your
skills, limit yourself to applying for just a couple of closely related
positions.
6) If the system requests a cover letter, write a short one
that expresses why you're a strong match and why you'd like to join the
organization. This is a chance to tout your research on the role.
7) Never submit a generic, one-size-fits-all resume or cover
letter. If you really want the position, you'll customize all documents
for each job.
8) Once you apply, get to work to find an internal referral to make a personal introduction.
9) Follow up with a call or e-mail to the recruiter responsible for
filling the position. Never say, "Did you get my resume?" Instead be
ready to reiterate your strong qualifications and interest in the role.
You'll have just a brief moment to sell yourself, so rehearse before
making the call or sending the e-mail. To reach the right person,
cold-call the company and ask an operator to put you through. If that
doesn't work, Google the term "recruiter" or "HR director" along with
the name of your employer of choice. The results may reveal the name
you're trying to find.
10)
Stay at the top of their mind. Every recruiter is different, which
makes this a challenge. Some say you're welcome to follow up weekly.
Others say every other week is enough. And then there are some who'll
tell you to never call. Find the right balance so you're politely
persistent without crossing over to a pest.
Click here for
a complete list of the more than 70 employers that are hiring at the
GMA Job Fair and Career Camp. Many of them are hiring nationally now.
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