How To Use A Resume To Job Search?
A well written resume is an important element to any job seeker; yet, another important element is how the resume is used. To use your resume effectively you will need to think about the job search strategies you wish to use, and the relevance of your resume to the position. Focusing on these important aspects is key to ensuring your resume enhances your chance of getting that position.
Use your Resume as it is designed
Basically, if you’ve been in sales for years, don’t try to achieve a position outside of your skill set, eg. a real estate agent, without a thorough resume that focuses on industry specific transferable skills.
Persistent Actions, not Blind Submission.
Be Persistant! Don’t Give Up! Job Searching can be mentally tiring and job seekers often lose motivation after receiving regular rejection. Send out your resumes in blocks of 30 per week - this will allow the job seeker to remain motivated and positive in the hunt for a position. It will also allow enough time to focus on other job seeking strategies.
Quick tip: It may seem obvious, but a good place to start enquiring about current or upcoming positions is with your previous competition. They may have positions available that require the same skills and knowledge you have already posess.
Create Eye-catching Cover Letter
Marketing professionals will tell you that you have approximately 30 seconds to grab the attention of the reader. A common way to achieve this is to “dangle a carrot” on your cover letter. Employers are always looking to get the best applicants and if you have numerous years in the industry this is a classic example of dangling said carrot. To help identify your “carrot” ask yourself the following questions. Be honest and confident in your responces.
(a) How am I unique from other applicants of the position?
(b) What skills have I gained from my previous roles?
(c) Are there any relevant skills that I can not be trained in any further? E.g. use of a particular accounting software?
By answering all of the above questions you will find your “carrot” and be on your way to marketing yourself. Ofcourse you must ensure that these particular qualities you posess are not just stated in your cover letter, but are reaffirmed with your resume.
Final Note
This is serious business. With the current state of the world it will be increasingly difficult to get the perfect position. There are plenty of people out there just as qualified and competent as you. How you approach every aspect of future employment, from job searching to the final interview will be vital to your success. But it all starts with your resume. There is no point in driving a racing car if you can’t get out of first gear. The same is true of your resume.
