Job Seeker Communication

Copyright 2011-Present by Jeff Davis

Job Seeker Communications: Dos and Don'ts

Presented by Jeff DavisRecruiter, Career Strategies Inc.


Overview and ObjectivesAfter this presentation, you will be able to... Craft an effective resume that should lead to interviews

and, eventually, help you get hired. Draft engaging cover letters to accompany your

resume. Create unique Thank-You notes that will be

remembered by hiring managers when it comes time to make a hiring decision.

Understand other tips regarding how to communicate with hiring managers & recruiters.


ResumesSome general notes... Resumes are not a 1 page synopsis of the jobs

you've had. List your accomplishments. Eliminate filler, such as hobbies and

“References available upon request.” Spell and grammar check!


Resumes Don't be afraid to be you

If you've volunteered for any organizations, show that, and point out if you've held a leadership position at those organizations.

Don't be afraid if involvement in those organizations shows that you belong to a protected class. Hiring managers will find out that you're male or female, black or white, gay or straight eventually—possibly as soon as you come in for an interview—and bigots won't change in the span of your interview.


Resumes Tailor your resume to each position or company

you're applying to. Understand keywords. What words come up

most often on the job description? Do those words come up on your resume?

Become familiar with www.wordcounter.com

Set up a user-friendly way of organizing your resumes (ie save each resume as “Accounting Resume” or “Staff Accountant - Disney”). This will prevent you from submitting the wrong resume.

http://www.wordcounter.com/


Resume

When it comes to formatting, chronological order with bullet points is more widely acceptable.

WHY?


What's More Readable

Let's play....

WHAT'S MORE READABLE!



The rules...

The next two slides have the same text but in different format. Read

each for only 5 seconds and determine which is more readable.



High School Math Teacher 2002-2006

Created and implemented lesson plans for 5 classes of 10th grade students per year, prepared students for college entrance exams, and implemented school policies. Reported directly to Department Head and advised Department Head regarding suggested changes to the curriculum. Awarded Teacher of the Year in 2003.


What's More ReadableHigh School Math Teacher 2002-2006 Created and implemented lesson plans for 5

classes of 10th grade students per year. Prepared students for college entrance exams,

and implemented school policies. Reported directly to Department Head. Advised Department Head regarding suggested

changes to the curriculum. Awarded Teacher of the Year in 2003.


Resume

Using bullet points versus a paragraph format will draw the recruiters eyes to specific words, accomplishments, and achievements.

Keep in mind that recruiters will skim your resume. Using a bullet-point format will allow them to read more and retain more information in a shorter amount of time.


Resumes

Put the most important information first underneath each job title or volunteer heading.

Remember that recruiters and hiring managers spend about 10-20 seconds on a first glance of your resume. Don't make them search for the most important information. Put it in the 1st 1-3 bullet points under each job title.

Use numbers. They will stand out among a sea of letters.


Resumes

Pay attention to your type, font, formatting, and size of text.

Try to read it. Does it give you a headache? Is it tough to read? Tough to read = Not read.

Avoid using colored fonts. Doing so may make it harder to read if your resume is printed and the printer prints only in black and white.


Resume

The exception to the formatting rules: Graphic Designers.

If you're applying to a design position, go a little crazy. Use your resume to show what you can do!


Sample Graphic Designer Resume

Picture taken from http://www.p-lof.com/resume.html



Picture taken from http://www.businessinsider.com/coolest-resumes-2011-7?op=1



Picture taken from http://www.businessinsider.com/coolest-resumes-2011-7?op=1


Resumes

Do not list salary requirements or reasons for leaving on your resume.

Seeing this info in black and white without allowing you to explain may cost you the position. Leave it for the interview.

Don't include a picture or head-shot. If you do include a link to your LinkedIn, Make

sure your profile picture is appropriate.


Resumes

Be thorough enough, but not overly thorough. One of my colleagues once got an applicant for

a customer service job who had worked for 31 Flavors for several years. His resume read as follows...

Scooped vanilla ice cream. Scooped chocolate ice cream. Scooped rocky road ice cream.

That went on for all 31 flavors. He didn't get an interview.


Resumes

Use what you've got. If you've never held a full-time job but have

held part-time jobs, summer jobs, internships, volunteer positions, or were involved in clubs or athletics in school, list those on your resume.

“I've never held a job but have lots of skills” will not get you an interview.


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Job Seeker Communication