Job searching often feels unproductive when you're caught between applicant-tracking software and hiring managers who may never read your resume or cover letter. You may also be afraid to ruin your chances by including too much information upfront. As it turns out, employers are equally frustrated by the communication gap and want applicants to present a distinct story of who they are and what they can offer.
1. Actions and Results
CareerBuilder polled over 1,500 hiring managers and recruiters for a May 2016 survey, and 53 percent of respondents say resumes don't contain sufficient information for employers to make preliminary decisions about an applicant's ability to do the job. If recruiters aren't immediately compelled to add your resume to the interview pile, they may forget your application or research your qualifications using less favorable sources. An effective resume demonstrates strong decision-making skills by summarizing your most significant actions and how they influenced an employer's success. If you have trouble evaluating your strengths, consider working with a professional resume writer.
2. Compatible Skills
A job title and a list of duties don't tell hiring managers how you leverage skills or interact with other people. To distinguish yourself as a top candidate, make sure your resume, cover letter and interview clear up any questions employers have about your qualifications. According to CareerBuilder, 75 percent of employers want a summary of your current skills, 63 percent are interested in soft skills and 77 percent want to know how your skills fit the specific position. Study the desired qualifications in each job posting, and use relevant experiences to show how your skills can evolve and translate to a new role. Emphasize soft skills with examples of successful collaboration, conflict management or customer service.
3. Trustworthiness
Hiring managers don't want a reputation for choosing bad candidates, making it essential for them to spot liars. Trustworthiness is one of the most crucial characteristics hiring managers look for in potential candidates, and many are willing to overlook a minor skill gap if the applicant has an honest personality, says workplace expert Lynn Taylor. According to Taylor, you can convey trustworthiness in interviews by showing warmth and friendliness, listening carefully and following the natural flow of the conversation. Try to exude a balance of confidence and humility, letting employers see you're sure of your skills while capable of taking responsibility for your shortcomings.
4. Brand Story
In the CareerBuilder study, 48 percent of hiring managers say they initiate contact with job seekers to fill positions, and 39 percent want to see a portfolio of a candidate's work. Instead of focusing on an intensive job search, make your experiences attractive to employers by creating a personal website or online profile with examples of your best work. Presenting a cohesive online brand story controls the image you project to employers while answering their most pressing questions about your abilities and work ethic.
No matter how stressful your job search gets, behave respectfully toward hiring managers, and avoid pestering them for updates. Hiring managers judge your behavior and personality throughout the recruitment process, creating opportunities for you to improve or weaken your chances of landing the job.
Photo courtesy of iosphere at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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