Job Search 101: Without a well-written resume, you won’t get results

I often hear candidates say they’ve been applying for numerous jobs, but all they receive is an autoresponder message from the employer, stating their resume has been received. As a candidate, this is your sign you have a problem.

As a job seeker, your resume is your marketing brochure, with the goal of selling your skills and experience. I review many resumes that simply list in chronological order, all of the positions an individual has held over the span of their career. Does that really market you?

A quality resume has to spotlight and focus on your most relevant skills and experience, to the position you are targeting. One of the biggest mistakes I see candidates regularly make, is creating a one-size fits all resume, and actually thinking this will land them interviews. It can’t.

Here are 3 tips to ensure your phone starts ringing with interview appointments, today!

1. Know what your target job is. You cannot apply for every position out there, when you don’t meet the qualifications. Be deliberate in your approach, and know what position you want to get. Don’t give up too quickly; if you meet the qualifications, and your resume is crafted appropriately, you will receive calls.

2. Do your research before writing your resume. They can vary greatly, based on your industry and specialty. If you’re writing your own resume, look at the job description for the position you want, and include keywords you see within that description. In order to get results, your resume must be very focused and specific.

3. Consider hiring a professional resume writer. When you’re out of a job, it may see like an unnecessary expense, but it’s literally one of the most important investments you can make in your career. Once you have a well written and impactful resume, you can easily update it as your career expands. Many candidates who utilize the services of a professional resume writer, find they obtain interview invitations and job offers exponentially faster than candidates who did not.

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It’s Lonely at the Top – The Best Companies to Work for – Vol 9

Article Title: It’s Lonely at the Top – The Best Companies to Work for – Vol 9
Author Byline: CareerAlley
Author Website: http://CareerAlley.com

“Elitism – It’s lonely at the top. But it’s comforting to look down upon everyone at the bottom.” – Larry Kersten

Most of us start out our careers with one goal in mind – working our way to the top. Now we all know that there is only room for one and, should you make it to the top, it can be very lonely. For one, once you’ve reached the top there is only one way to go. On the other hand, there is nothing like calling all of the shots. Of course, the vast majority of us will never make it, but you will never know if you don’t try. Speaking of the top, Fortune’s new list for the Best Companies is out and we get to start from the bottom of the list. Why the bottom you say? To work our way to the top of course.

• Colgate-Palmolive – On the list at #100, Colgate is known best for toothpaste but they make tons of products that most of us have heard of. Colgate is a true global company, and just about anywhere you live, they are likely to have a location in your company. Their careers page is very well done. Top of the page has tabs for Job Search, Careers, Student Opportunities and more. Center page provides background on “why Colgate” as well as links to the same topics included in the tabs at the top. Click Job Search to get started and either create your profile or simply click “Begin your Search”.

• Winchester Hospital – Not on the list last year, this community hospital is ranked at 99. They have a basic careers page, with Job Search, opportunities for Physicians and how to apply. Center page has similar links with a brief overview. Clicking on job search revealed 65 job opportunities.

• Intel -Ranked 98 on this year’s list, is know for computer chips. Their careers page is well put together. The left hand side of the page is filled with relevant links (like Job Search, Intern/Grad Opportunities, a Jobs Blog and so much more). The center of the page starts with a brief overview, followed by a quick Jobs Search box (below which are links for advanced search and recent grad/student searches). Bottom center page has a few targeted searches. The right hand side of the page has an enhanced applicant tool with an additional job search link. There were 1,396 job opportunities when I checked the site.

• Herman Miller -Office furniture is what Herman Miller is best know for. Ranked 97 on the list, Herman Miller has over 5,100 employees in the US. Their main careers page has a Why Work Here section in middle of the page with additional informational links on the left). There is a “How to Apply” link on the top left or the bottom right side of the page, click this link to bring up the meat of their careers section with “Search Jobs Now” and “Create Your Profile” (if you want to post your resume) links center page. There were 22 job opportunities when I checked the site.

• LifeBridge Health – Over 6,300 employees and ranked 96 on the list with 262 jobs created last year. Center page of their careers site provides an overview with a “Click here to Search Jobs” located at the top right hand side of the page. There were 270 job opportunities when I checked the site.

Good luck in your search.

Article courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap, a content exchange service sponsored by CollegeRecruiter.com, a leading site for college students looking for internships and recent graduates searching for entry level jobs and other career opportunities.

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