Post by Bornthrilla on Nov 20, 2008 16:34:01 GMT -5
There is more than one way to get an interview
Choose key words for your resume
By KIMBERLY THOMPSON, NBCC
QUESTION:
I recently graduated with a business degree, and I am getting frustrated because I'm sending e-mail resumes and have not received any calls or e-mails.
ANSWER:
Most ads do not provide any phone numbers or names that I can use for follow-up calls, and none seem to want you to provide a resume in person.
I understand trying to weed out applicants with the e-mail resumes, but most applicants do not have a chance to get in front of people. How can I handle this process?
This is one of the most common problems job seekers encounter. It sounds like you are putting all your energy into one type of job-search tool - advertised positions.
Consider increasing the number of job-search tools you are using by adding networking to your process.
Blind ads aren't completely bad. They do limit responses and follow-up, but that's exactly why companies run them. They want to limit responses and ensure applicants are responding to the position offered, not just the company name.
I'm not telling you to stop responding to ads, but there are some ways to help increase the odds your resume will get noticed.
Many employers use e-screening software which accepts resumes based on preselected keywords.
Keywords are industry buzz words that can be found in position descriptions. These represent key skills the employer is looking for in employees.
Naturally, you would not include these keywords on your resume if you do not have that kind of experience, but if you do have the required experience, your resume should include some of those words so it can make it past the screening software.
You probably won't hear from the employer if your resume does not contain these words.
Waiting for employers to respond could mean a long wait. In the meantime, start incorporating other job-search techniques such as networking.
If the company is named in the ad, one of the best ways to improve your chances of getting an interview is to find out a contact inside who can guide you through the process. Ideally, you would reach the hiring decision-maker.
Networking in conjunction with responding to ads will improve your chances of a face-to-face meeting.
Include networking groups and professional associations in your activities. These can help expand your opportunities as you talk to people working in your desired industry.
With a blind ad, you often will have no contact names, phone numbers or e-mail addresses to pursue, so you need to be proactive. Online industry directories and corporate Web sites often give contact names.
If all else fails, pick up the phone and ask who is in charge of hiring for this position.
Thompson is a member of the American Counseling Association and is a National Board Certified Counselor.
Submit questions to careerrescue@yahoo.com or mail to Houston Chronicle, P.O. Box 4260, Suite 350, Houston TX 77210.
Choose key words for your resume
By KIMBERLY THOMPSON, NBCC
QUESTION:
I recently graduated with a business degree, and I am getting frustrated because I'm sending e-mail resumes and have not received any calls or e-mails.
ANSWER:
Most ads do not provide any phone numbers or names that I can use for follow-up calls, and none seem to want you to provide a resume in person.
I understand trying to weed out applicants with the e-mail resumes, but most applicants do not have a chance to get in front of people. How can I handle this process?
This is one of the most common problems job seekers encounter. It sounds like you are putting all your energy into one type of job-search tool - advertised positions.
Consider increasing the number of job-search tools you are using by adding networking to your process.
Blind ads aren't completely bad. They do limit responses and follow-up, but that's exactly why companies run them. They want to limit responses and ensure applicants are responding to the position offered, not just the company name.
I'm not telling you to stop responding to ads, but there are some ways to help increase the odds your resume will get noticed.
Many employers use e-screening software which accepts resumes based on preselected keywords.
Keywords are industry buzz words that can be found in position descriptions. These represent key skills the employer is looking for in employees.
Naturally, you would not include these keywords on your resume if you do not have that kind of experience, but if you do have the required experience, your resume should include some of those words so it can make it past the screening software.
You probably won't hear from the employer if your resume does not contain these words.
Waiting for employers to respond could mean a long wait. In the meantime, start incorporating other job-search techniques such as networking.
If the company is named in the ad, one of the best ways to improve your chances of getting an interview is to find out a contact inside who can guide you through the process. Ideally, you would reach the hiring decision-maker.
Networking in conjunction with responding to ads will improve your chances of a face-to-face meeting.
Include networking groups and professional associations in your activities. These can help expand your opportunities as you talk to people working in your desired industry.
With a blind ad, you often will have no contact names, phone numbers or e-mail addresses to pursue, so you need to be proactive. Online industry directories and corporate Web sites often give contact names.
If all else fails, pick up the phone and ask who is in charge of hiring for this position.
Thompson is a member of the American Counseling Association and is a National Board Certified Counselor.
Submit questions to careerrescue@yahoo.com or mail to Houston Chronicle, P.O. Box 4260, Suite 350, Houston TX 77210.
