When I was recruiting, I found that most of my candidates fall into four specific categories. I often ranked my incoming resumes along these lines in order to seek out the best and the brightest for my clients.
The question is which category do you fall in?
Comers - These types of employees have a high potential for advancement. Most potential employees that fall in this category are usually new to the job market. These entry-level people often have a college education but little in terms of actual work experience. Many comers work below their skill levels because employers are reticent to higher these individuals for more advanced job positions. Since, most employers seek stars, I highly recommend career related internships for all college students so they have some work experience prior to entering the job market.
STARS - These individuals perform outstanding work. Most people who are considered STARS have sparkling resumes and excellent job references. Their accomplishments can be marked with awards, special recognition and excellent references. This category of employee is the one all employers wish to hire. In order to become a STAR, individuals must continually network, seek recognition and improve work skills throughout their career.
Solid Citizens - These Individuals have outstanding work experience and perform satisfactorily for their employers. Solid Citizens often are near the peak of the career but have little or no awards, special career recognition or excellent references. Solid Citizens have often worked at the same level in their career for years at a time. Though these people aren't important asset to a business they are solid work performance in the same position can mark them as deadwood should they need to find a new job. That is why I recommend that solid citizens volunteer for work projects and network with colleagues the most.
Deadwood - Individuals considered deadwood by possible employers either work below their expected work experience level, have been unemployed for over a year (employers wonder why they haven't been able to find job yet); or they've been fired for cause such as theft. Individuals marked as deadwood have the most difficult time of finding a new job and should talk to a career specialist to get them back on track. Most recruiters will not promote you and employers can discriminate against the unemployed by stating on their job requirement ads " Will not considered unemployed applicants for this position."
For more tips and information on how to increase your chances when job hunting read my book Get Hired! A Recruiter's Inside Guide to Getting a Job.
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