Resume Review - Beat the Recruiter's 7 Second Clock

 In 2018 an Eye-Tracking Study by Ladders Inc. revealed that recruiters spent an average of only 7.4 seconds on a resume. Here are the top skills needed to write a resume because content counts, NOT the resume template.

Articulate your skills - Writing needs to be to the point and concise while providing the information a recruiter is quickly seeking in your resume.

Review job ads to identify gaps in your skillset - Every employee should look at career job ads! Knowing if your skills are up to date is essential even if you're happy in your position. If you're looking for a position, it's a vital step before starting a resume.   

Personalize your resume - Personalization is essential, depending on your career. For example, creative positions often require portfolios created as websites. The web address information must be on the resume.

Show results, not just skills - Team leaders, project leaders, managers, and other executives need solid results to reinforce their stated skills. Experience recruiters look for budget, sales, and other metric accomplishments within a resume to "prove" experience.   

Skip the fancy design elements - Minimalistic resumes are best. You have 7 seconds. You don't want a recruiter wasting time looking at your resume's design. Pictures of yourself are not recommended unless you're an actor, model, or in the beauty profession, where looks matter.

Demonstrate a steady work history - Hiding gaps in your resume is not advisable. It's better to let prospective employers know what you achieved or did during your employment gap.

Job searches have gotten more competitive and complicated since 2018. The prospective employee must jump two hurdles in their job searches. The first is based on Search Engine Optimization (SEO), needed to have your resume pulled from the database for a recruiter to see. The second step is to present your information to present the 7-second test.  

2015 Tax Deductions for Job Hunters

Taxes are something we normally do not think about until we have to pay them, but  some pre-planning can give you an edge on tax deductions. Changing careers or losing one’s job is often stressful but an important thing to keep in mind when job hunting is the federal government. It allows you to deduct your job hunting expensed.

It is important to qualify for these deductions and your expenses must be spent on a search for a job in your current field. Deduction rules change so it is vital for you to keep all the receipts related to your job-hunting search.

1. You can deduct employment and placement agency fees. 
2. You may deduct your membership fees for professional organizations 
3. Union dues and expenses are deductible 
4. Any Education expenses incurred while unemployed are now deductible 
5. You can deduct the amounts you spend preparing and mailing copies of your resume. This includes the costs related to have your resume redone by a professional. 
6. You may deduct the cost of business attire used during your job search 
7. You may be able to deduct travel expenses if the trip is primarily to look for a new job.  Keep track of your mileage to job interviews and if you are planning a trip try to schedule a job interview while you are there, your portion of the hotel and airfare maybe deductible. 

The IRS does have some limitations on how you can deduct your job search expenses. You cannot deduct expenses if there is a “substantial break” between the end of your last job and the time you begin to look for a new one. You also cannot take these deductions if you are looking for a job for the first time. For more IRS information on job search expenses, see IRS Publication 529, called Miscellaneous Deductions.

How to Apply for a Retail Job

Retail jobs help people gain work experience, pay for school or re-enter the workplace after an extended layoff period. Many companies offer limited benefits to their employees and a reasonable starting wage. Most of the large retailers now have automated applicant systems so it is important to prepare a few things BEFORE applying for a job. At smaller retailers, you may meet the hiring manager at the time you pick up an application so it is important to be polite and well groomed. Nothing ruins a first impression more than poor hygiene.

Creating a fact sheet about yourself and your past work experience helps when filling out multiple applications. You can bring your fact sheet along to remember employers, dates, addresses and work experience.

Information on your fact sheet should include:

• Your total educational experience including certification classes you have attended. Make sure to include the addresses of the all the schools you have or are now attending.

• List all your work experience or what you have been doing for at least the last ten years. It is important to have all the information concerning your work history or lack of it. Make sure to list the jobs you have held, the dates you worked at each job and a bullet list of your duties for each job. If you have been unemployed for any periods make sure to state when and why. For example, if you have been staying at home to raise kids, going to school, or taking care of a sick parent list it.  

• Many people ignore private awards or reconditions and only list work related awards. This cheats you, so make sure to include all charity work, awards, or special reconditions you have received in the last decade.  Students should include Student Honor Roll and any sports played as accomplishments.

• Make sure you have three references who are not family, their address, permission to use them as a reference and their contact numbers.  

Most automated systems will ask the hours you are willing to work. If you really need the job, you must be willing to work at least one weekend day. Most employers require their employees to have flexible work hours.  

Filling out an application is your only way of getting an interview, so remember to use keywords in your responses. You can find those keywords in the job description used to promote that specific job. For example, if they are looking for stock help use that phrase instead of inventory control. It is also important to complete everything on the application, if you have a question about something during the application process ask the person overseeing your job submission. 

Once you get in for an interview, remember check your attitude at the door, be open and willing to listen, dress in a conservative manor, and leave the trendy stuff at home for when you are on your own time.  By doing these things you will increase your chances of getting a job.

Work Image - What Kind of Employee Are You?

What type of image do you present to employers. Believe it or not every job opening you see does not require a superstar matter what the employer leads you to believe. 95% of the jobs in the US require nothing more than a worker bee. However, when you read their job ads and listen to their employment manager you'll find that they are asking for a creative self-motivated upwardly mobile dedicated champion employee.  Employers always want a star!

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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A Government Internship Program with the U.S. State Department

Internship programs are an excellent way to acquire work experience with resume flagship organizations and companies. The U.S. Department of State2013 Fall Student Internship Program is an unpaid opportunity for college students to participate in a 10-week program. It may be an unpaid internship but it provides an intensive educational and professional experience within the environment of America’s principle foreign affairs agency. That is a plus for anyone's resume.

These unpaid internships are available at many over 265 U.S. embassies, consulates and missions to international organizations around the world, as well as at the Department of State in Washington, D.C. The U.S. intern participants will gain first-hand, hands-on experience, and learn the realities of working in and with foreign and civil service professionals.  

As an unpaid intern, you may have the opportunity to participate in meetings with senior level U.S. government or foreign government officials; draft, edit, or contribute to cables, reports, communications, talking points used by policy makers. In addition to helping organize and support events, including international, multilateral and conferences meetings on critical global issues.  

The internship is for the Fall 2013 with the U.S. Department of State and you may even earn educational credit depending upon your college.  

To find out about this intern position and other government jobs, visit USAJobs. You will need to complete the application gateway and please note that the deadline to submit completed intern applications is March 1, 2013.

Coping with Job Hunting Frustration

Avoid frustration though positive thinking

Maintaining a positive attitude is essential to finding a job. Interviewers will instinctively notice if your attitude is less than positive. Some may interpret the physical signs of frustration and stress as laziness, low self-esteem or poor attitude. A less than positive person is less likely to be hired so it is vital for job hunters to focus on their mental attitude, dress, body language and skill presentation. Despite company and government policies, how you look and present yourself does play an important role in the hiring process.

  

William Knaus in his book “How to Conquer Your Frustrations” describes how frustrations exist “... when our wants, wishes and desires get thwarted or interrupted.” Interviewing is difficult during the best of times, but the financial and emotional stresses of joblessness take their toll as time progresses. To avoid this pitfall of unemployment one must maintain a proactive and positive attitude.  

Job hunters may avoid this pitfall of lengthy job search by looking at the positive aspects of their career and the benefits they can offer a company. One way of maintaining a positive attitude toward yourself is to write down the best of your qualifications and read them daily. Network with former colleagues and professional organizations in your field, these personnel contacts will improve your job hunting outlook and possible provide you with a company introduction. Volunteer for charitable events in order to network with others. Isolation is your enemy while job hunting.      

Another is to see how your skills translate to other industries where jobs are plentiful. For example, a receptionist who has excellent people skills may wish to look for positions in healthcare field where strong office skills are required. This may mean some re-education but this proactive approach to job hunting will help to prevent job hunting frustration.

 
Remember learning to cope with job hunting frustration is a major factor in a successful job hunt. Think proactively to avoid job hunting frustration. 

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Build Job Experience with Internships

An Internship Access Card Opens Doors to Jobs (Photo credit: davidciani)

Many companies offer college students internships which often turn into real jobs.  Taking advantage of these internships takes planning but the opportunities for real work job experience with reputable and resume noteworthy companies and organizations is essential for a successful post college life. 

I often receive notifications from companies and other organizations with updates on current intern opportunities just by registering  my email with company job notification mailers, government agencies and industry newsletters. Internships are often nonpaying but the opportunities to promote and network yourself  within a company while gaining real job experience is priceless.   

The example below is an intern announcement I received on May 28th from the State Department notice the registration is for their spring 2013 session.


"We are pleased to inform you that we are now accepting applications for the U.S. Department of State's Spring 2013 Student Internship Program.
Click here (http://careers.state.gov/students/programs) to read more about the Student Internship Program, and to start the Gateway to State online application process. Please note that the deadline to submit completed applications is July 02, 2012.
To be eligible for this program, you must be:

• Be a U.S. citizen
• Be a full- or part-time continuing college or university junior, or graduate student (including graduating seniors intending to go on to graduate school).
• Have good academic standing
• Successfully complete a background investigation
• Be able to receive and maintain either a Secret or Top Secret clearance.

Please read the entire vacancy announcement carefully for all qualifications and requirements.
You can also visit our Student Programs forum (http://careers.state.gov/engage/forums/student-programs) to post questions or read discussions about this program.
We appreciate your interest in a career with the U.S. Department of State."


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How to Find a Job Using a Business Card - part three

Silas Peirce's Business card circa 1822 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

How to Use It-  Network!  Network! Network!

Carry your personal card wherever you go so when you find yourself chatting with someone you can mention you are looking for a job. Recruiters use a similar technique to network with perspective employment candidates. I have often started conversations with people while waiting in lines at the grocery store, amusement park and other places in order to recruit them for future career opportunities my clients may offer. How many times have you talked to someone while waiting in line? 

These job-networking opportunities can only increase your chances of getting a job and getting a personal referral from someone you may have just met may increase your chances of getting a job interview. You never know they may have a job opening in their company or know of a job opening. If the conversation clicks then that is when you hand them your job handbill or personal business card. 

It is essential to remember that once you have your  personal business cards made that make sure to carry it with you every time you go out in public. Also remember personal grooming and image is important when using this job search technique so only try it when you are looking your best. Standing in line half drunk at a bar or shopping without makeup is not a good time to use it.

How to Find a Job Using a Business Card - - part two

Zeke Meyer Studebaker Business Card. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Information to Provide

A handbill or personal card by its nature should be brief. You want someone to take 30 seconds and know all about your experience. Make sure your first list your contact information as you would do in a resume or on a business card. One of the reasons, I like personal cards is because they look like business cards on the front but carry your job information on the back. Their size also makes it easier to carry with you anywhere you go. 

On the front, list your personal contact information and your last career position. It is essential that you include your name and all your professional contact information. I do not recommend including your private social networking information but if you have finished polishing your online image, you should have a professional social network page. 

If you have room on the front, also put a tag line highlighting your area of experience. Create a tag line that can also be your 10 second this is my best experience sales pitch. For example, my personal card tag line may read, “Over 15 yrs. of Executive Recruiting and Hiring Management Experience”

Include a sentence or two on your professional expertise and level of education. Make sure to pitch any awards for example, 2009, 2010 and 2011 sales woman of the year.  Use bullet points to highlight your greatest professional accomplishments.

For example:

·         Over 13 years of executive recruiting experience for fortune 25 companies including eBay and Chevron Oil.

·         Over 11 years as an independent businessperson running various small business enterprises

·         Over 20 years of experience in management, business development and recruiter training

How to Find a Job Using a Business Card - part one

Job search handbills have become a popular job search tool to employers they just seem to be act as glorified advertising fliers. Job handbills may be a good networking tool for entry-level labor careers. However, for other more the professional and higher paying “white collar” positions this type of networking technique may reflect negatively on your level of professionalism. 

As a former recruiter, I am ambivalent about this job search technique so I recommend that anyone who decides to use this technique do it as professionally as possible by putting the job search handbill information on the back of a personal business card! Personal business cards look and feel like standard business cards but contain career information instead of company information. Actual handbill  fliers may work if you are seeking a paper route but for someone looking to make a living wage a personal business card will present a more adult and professional image.  So when selecting a business card for interviewing make sure to have your job search handbill information printed on its back.

 

"Let one hundred flowers bloom; let one hundred thoughts contend." (Photo credit: mollyjolly)

The Chinese philosopher Confucius once wrote "Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life."  The goal of this new blog is to help you find a job and get hired in a career you love.  Please send your email questions to a.zoldak@sbcglobal.net and take advantage of my thirteen plus years in the employment recruiting industry.  I welcome all questions.  .

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