You’re getting frustrated and starting to doubt yourself due to a lack of response from companies. This is a common feeling and I’m hear to tell you, there are some simple tricks you can do to boost your chances at nailing down your next job. If it’s only been a few days, don’t get worried. Most companies like to collect a pool of resumes over a period of a week to 3 weeks, then sort and make interview requests. Here are 5 tips to increase your chances at getting your resume reviewed and noticed.
Taking the time to optimize your resume is a must-do! This means making sure phrases and words related to your work and experience are found multiple times throughout your resume. Here’s an example to help illustrate the importance: You want to work in a new tech position as a programmer, specifically writing in the language of PHP. A common mistake I see, the resume only says, Website Administrator or VP of Technology. In the bullet points of the job experience they talk about functions like updating website, creating new pages and customizing sales portals. Never in the resume did this candidate say PHP or Programmer. If a technical recruiter is trying to find a programmer who fills their needs of knowing PHP, they’ll do a search in a resume database [programmer + PHP + Location]. You need to make sure your resume has those potential search keywords laid out in your resume many times to show relevancy.
Job boards like mine, LocalWork.com, see our highest amount of traffic on Monday each week. The traffic gradually declines as the week continues with Saturday and Sunday being the lowest. I recommend applying on Wednesdays in the morning. You’re going to stand out being on Wednesday and step 4 is an easy thing to do on Friday of the same week.
It’s time to illustrate what a potential employer can expect from you. This is generally done by using good Action Words in describing yourself or experiences with former employers. Here are a few of my favorites: directs, establishes, generates, improves, influences, motivates, oversees, resolves, upgrades.
Following up with an employer regarding your recently submitted resume is a huge PLUS in my book. It tells the employer two key characteristics. 1) You want this job. The employer wants to hire someone who wants to work there. 2) You know how to actually follow through with something. Your resume wasn’t just a shot in the dark application process, but you actually know how to stay organized and professionally communicate. If you’ve been following up with employers but haven’t seen the success, try using Linkedin a bit more. Send a simple Thanks For Your Consideration message to the hiring manager. Often times HR managers and recruiters get really busy and bump your voicemail to an after thought. (I know this because I’m trying to sell to them daily 🙂 This doesn’t mean they hate you and you’re a terrible candidate. Just means they have a lot on their plate right now. Typically wait 2-3 days before that gentle nudge follow up.
Although this isn’t a bullet point, don’t get discouraged. It’s critical to treat job search as a job. Stay positive and work daily at searching for jobs.
For more information about tips and tricks during your job search, be sure to follow our career help blog and check us out on Facebook and Twitter. Best of luck!!