JobSearchingStrategies.com

Job searching is an extremely difficult task.  Not only is it time consuming, but with so many changes in job searching strategies, it’s overwhelming and confusing.

In conversations with job seekers I mentor and reading posts on social media sites, I am seeing some common questions and confusion when it comes to using keywords in a resume.

Question #1 – Should my resume have the same keywords that the job description has?
Answer – As a recruiter, when I am looking at the job description, I not only look at what the job entails, but I am zoning in on the requirements listed.  When I’m sourcing and reviewing resumes, I do look for specific keywords that are the same as those listed in the requirements.  With that being said, it would benefit a job seeker to take information from a job description and include it into their resume, of course only if it’s relevant.  There could be a downfall to this method.  After receiving a job description, there’s usually a one on one conversation with the hiring manager to go over the hot buttons and top 3 to 5 skills they want to see on someone’s resume.  I can’t tell you how many times the job description and the information the hiring manager gives about the job end up being completely different.  If that’s the case and I am not able to make changes to the job description that’s been posted, the theory of putting what’s in the job into your resume won’t be successful.

Question #2 - Why are keywords so important to have on a resume?
Answer – Most resumes are being manually entered, scanned, or automatically loaded into some sort of database.  Whether it’s a corporate database, a staffing company database, or a job board website.  The database is one of the major tools being utilized when searching for qualified candidates.  The way recruiters search a database is using keyword searches.  There are lots of little tricks and strategies recruiters can use when doing keyword searches.  Having keywords on your resume can increase your chances of being found during a search.  If I have an opportunity for a Software Engineer with extensive experience using C# within the finance industry, I can tell you that the words “software engineer” will not be the keywords I use to start my search.  I would do a search for C# and Finance.    It’s important to include keywords that are related to industry and skills so you can increase the number of times your resume shows up in a search.

Question #3 - Do I have to use a different resume for every job I apply to?
Answer – I am sure that many of you are really hoping that the answer to this question is No, because I know how much work it is to change a resume every time you apply for a different job.  Who wants to add more work?  Well here’s the thing, you don’t “have to” use a different resume for every job you apply to, but, it will definitely benefit you if you change your resume to reflect the specific job you are applying to.  This doesn’t mean you need to completely revamp your whole resume every time.  If you see skills required for the job that you have but don’t have listed on your resume, then you should be adding those skills.  The next position may require different skills and experience that you may have, so yes, change your resume to match the position.  Same thing with a cover letter.  Your cover letter should be targeting the specific company and position you are applying for.   If you want to stand out over other job seekers then you will need to put in a little bit of extra work to make sure you are standing out.

Question #4 - Are keywords more important then resume format?
Answer – Keywords are just as important as resume format.  Resume format is important because managers are looking for good written communication skills and want to be able to read a resume quickly and easily.  A resume loaded with keywords can be tossed in a second if the format is not professional or hard to read.  A great looking resume can be tossed in a second if there aren’t keywords jumping off the paper.  So a good resume will have relevant keywords to the job you are applying for and be written in a professional, easy to read format.  That’s why using a resume writer can be so beneficial for people because it’s not necessarily easy to put a resume together.   There’s no rocket science to resume writing (that’s why I only charge $25.00 to write resumes), but as a recruiter of 11 years, resume writing is part of my expertise and I would say I have some inside scoop on resume writing.

I hope that these questions and answers help to clear up your keyword and resume challenges.

If you have a job search question that you would like to ask, email cori.recruiter@gmail.com with the subject heading:  Ask the Recruiter

I was having an email discussion with a job seeker and he mentioned that he just started using LinkedIn for job searching and that he contacted several recruiters but haven’t received any responses.

As a recruiter myself, I know that I have people contacting me on LinkedIn letting me know they are looking for a job.  As common courtesy, I respond back to everyone who contacts me, it may not be right away, but I make sure to respond.  Other recruiters on the other hand, may not respond especially if they don’t have any jobs to present to you.

When using LinkedIn, I do think that making connections with recruiter is important because many recruiters are using their connection list to search for candidates when they get job openings, recruiters post jobs on their status updates, and recruiters connect with a lot of hiring managers who could be potential connections for you.

I wouldn’t suggest ONLY connecting with recruiters when using linkedIn to search for a job.  Research some companies you want to work for and then search for people at those companies and connect with them.  Contact hiring managers for mentoring and job searching advice, it could lead to a job opportunity or them referring you to someone they know who is hiring.

Many LinkedIn users think that the best contacts to get when job searching are recruiters and HR people, and the truth is, that’s not true!  Connect with the decision, makers, connect with others who can introduce you to decision makers, research companies and get connected to those who work there.  LinkedIn is a powerful tool so don’t limit yourself when using it.

What are some of the ways you have used LinkedIn as a job seeker and how has it helped you with your job search?

Have a question?  Ask the Recruiter

When applying online, whether it’s through a job board or the company career site, you don’t know where the resume is going and yes it could be going into a black hole!

HR(human resources) is a part of the hiring process but they aren’t the ones making the final decision on who to hire, it’s the hiring managers that make the decision.

Human resources part in the hiring process could involve a few different areas.  If there’s a recruiting department or an individual recruiter, they are sourcing for candidates and screening the resumes that are coming in.  HR can also be involved with scheduling interviews and they are responsible for getting the paper work done for new hires.

If you are using a site like LinkedIn for making connections and job searching, I would suggest to initially connect with hiring managers or an employee instead of someone from HR.   HR gets bombarded with alot of other responsibilities and you don’t know if your resume will be looked at or not. Getting your resume directly to a Hiring Manager, Project Manager, or Team Lead will increase your chances of having your skills and experience looked at.

Once you have connected with someone, it’s a great idea to follow up with HR to see if they know where you are in the process.

Want 1 on 1 advice?  Contact me

Cori Swidorsky

Job Search Strategy Expert

cori@1on1careerhelp.com

A lot of people seem to be unsure of how much information they should put on their resume in fear of being ruled out because of age.

First, no matter what you put or don’t put on your resume, if you are called in for a face to face interview, they will have a good idea of how old you are when they see you.

When listing your job experience, you can go back 15 years, but if the experience from 10 to 15 years ago is not relevant to the position you are applying for, you can leave it off.

My thought is if a company is going to rule someone out because of their age, it’s probably not the right company to be working for.

Want to chat 1 on 1 and get more advice?  Contact me

Cori Swidorsky

Job Search Strategy Expert

cori@1on1careerhelp.com

A few weeks ago I had someone ask me the question about putting an objective on a resume.

Objectives on a resume could offer a variety of meanings such as, summarizing your qualifications or stating the type of position you are seeking and your career goals.  I have seen objectives in paragraph form, only being one sentence, as well as just being one word.

I feel that it’s more effective using Job Target instead of Objective.  Job Target states what position you are applying for and should be changed every time you apply for a position that has a different title. 

I personally do not take the time to read an objective too often, I am usually scanning the resume for keywords that will jump out at me, letting me know this candidate has the skills I am looking for.

There are times though, that I do scan through the objective and find that the candidate did highlight how they were a fit for the position they were applying for, so I don’t think there is a right or wrong answer for the question of using objectives on a resume.

My suggestion would be to use a Job Target and then a Profile highlighting your qualifications, such as:

Job Target  Marketing Communications Manager

Profile

• Responsible for all marketing communications material
• Develop content for websites, newsletters, and sales materials

What are your thoughts on using Objectives and how do you use an Objective on your resume?