Filed under: Job Loss, Job Search Help, Networking, Self Help, Success | Tags: Care, company research, constant improvement, CV, fear, how to get a job, Interview, job, Job Loss, Job Search, network, networking, resume, success
I meet with people everyday who apply for jobs. And it still shocks me to see so many people do the following:
1) Send your resume and not say the position you’re applying for –This is common. Not long ago I met a guy faxing a resume to a multi-national company with over 10,000 employees with no cover letter, no fax cover sheet or even stating the position he was applying for. I asked if he thought that the resume will get to the right person, he said ‘hope so’. I asked “Do you think the person receiving the fax will be able to read your resume and figure out by your experience where you would fit into one of the 10,000 positions?”. He said that if it’s meant to be it will be?? I told him “probably will not be”. Most just want to drop off a resume and hope for a magical fairy to land them a job.
Another example- Locally a large company wanted to hire a manager and a receptionist and received over 2000 resumes. Approximately 1/3 didn’t identify the position they were applying for. Result – Garbage!
Tip – Research. It doesn’t take long to call, search on the internet or speak with someone who works there. Add the name of the position on your cover letter. In an email state the position in the subject area. And don’t believe in magical fairies.
2) Do not give a reason why the company should hire you – Not all people hired have the experience for that specific job, but they do have transferable skills or have worked similar jobs. Make it easy for the company to see what you did, and how that relates to the job you’re applying for.
Tip – Research. Find out what the company is actually looking for. Sell your skills that match the job in your cover letter and add those in the summary of qualifications section on your resume. Answer the following question for them – How will you add value and fit into this company?
3) Not talking to the ‘movers / shakers’ – Many don’t do this because it’s going way out of their comfort zone. If they don’t know you, your chances of finding work in a competitive market decreases dramatically.
Tip – When speaking to management, be quick and confident. Give him/her a quick pitch about yourself and your experience. Be ready to give a resume / business card, and be ready to like the person.
4) Dressing inappropriately – There are some people who just don’t care how they look. If you’re searching for a job, care. As soon as a hiring person sees you they ask themselves “How will the other co-workers react to you” and “How will our clients react to you”. If your wearing inappropriate clothing on your first impression red flags begin showing up in the supervisors mind.
Tip – Do a little research on the company, and even talk to someone who works there to see what people wear. Don’t wear anything too tight, or show too much skin. Wear only clean clothes and nothing outdated. Some may need a makeover? A tip one of my co-workers always suggest is to dress one step up from what you would wear to work every day at the job your applying for
5) Not using their Network – Many people find this awkward. Calling and meeting new people can be intimidating, but that is where 80% of the jobs are. If the hiring person / co-workers do not know you, it will be more difficult for them to invest in you.
We are all networkers, but not everyone is a good networker but we can all improve. To be a success we must step out of our comfort zone and keep trying to improve. When I was younger I disliked with a passion-networking, but now I see how powerful it is and I’m trying to become better at it.
Tip – Stop thinking about yourself when networking and ask questions about their favorite subject, themselves. The 80-20 rule states it’s 80% them and 20% you.
Bottom line – Care, research and use your network!
3 Comments so far
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Great-love the tips on the resumes-very true!!
Comment by Sean July 22, 2010 @ 11:30 AMThanks Sean! Much appreciated. Have you ever thought about writing a blog? You have so much great experinence and most likely so many stories to tell! I would love to read it! If you ever wanted to write something and post it on here (then you would be famous
) Just let me know. Take care bud!
Comment by Darren Simmie July 22, 2010 @ 11:39 AMRead your blog. –Great. Lots of good advice.
Comment by c Simmie July 25, 2010 @ 11:14 PM