Job search is a demanding endeavor! There are so many facets to it. It takes a lot of time and energy. I’ve already covered some key points to the job search process in the last book blog. This time, I’ll elaborate on the tactical pieces of the job search process, namely the resume and cover letter, along with interviews.
This is an ongoing blog series addressing each chapter of The Purple Parachute: A Woman’s Guide to Navigating the Winds of Career Change.
If you want to start from the beginning, this link will take you to the first one.
DEVELOPING YOUR RESUME
Though you may need to create a bio, CV, or portfolio, the most requested document is a resume, so I will focus on that one. Though you may hear that you no longer need a resume, I disagree. It’s necessary to have this point of reference to share with others who are helping you in your job search, even if only as a part of networking.
Five key points for creating a resume that will get you an interview:
- Keep it short but it doesn’t have to be one page. Often one page is too short for a seasoned professional. Two pages is ideal. The longer it is, the less likely the reviewer will read it all.
- Your resume must be tailored to each opportunity. Customize your resume to each audience. This doesn’t mean you have to recreate the wheel each time, but you do need to mirror the employer’s language and address their specific requirements.
- Accomplishment statements are essential. A list of responsibilities is a surefire way to put your reader to sleep. Enliven your resume with accomplishment statements. To create them, always quantify when possible (using numbers, percentages, frequency, etc.) and share the impact of your actions.
- Select the right design. There are mainly two resume approaches, job-based and skill-based. A chronological style is job-based. It is great for people who are staying in a similar role and don’t have major employment gaps. A hybrid style is skill-based. This is best if you are changing careers, if you have large gaps in your work history or if you are now seeking something you did a long time ago. Try to avoid resume templates because they often waste valuable space, and resumes are not a “one size fits all” type of document. Also, while it may be easy to “fill in the blanks” templates can be challenging to manipulate.
- Use keywords but do not “chase” the Applicant Tracking System (ATS). It is essential to use the right keywords to make it through the screening process. Hint: you can find some of them in the job posting. However, don’t get too caught up in trying to outsmart these systems. There are too many ATS platforms to know specifically how each one works. Plus, each employer can set their own search parameters. Trying to beat the system will wear you out and rarely gets the best results.
WRITING A COVER LETTER
Many of you will need a cover letter to accompany your resume. For any professional role, it is expected. Some roles may not require a cover letter but submitting one can help you stand apart from the rest of the applicants. It’s sad but true, your cover letter may never be read. Or it may only be read after the field of candidates is narrowed down.
In all my experience, I’ve never heard of a cover letter being so amazing that it garnered an interview. Usually, it’s networking or the resume that will create that opportunity. With all of that in mind, spend more time developing your resume than writing your cover letter. Below I share some essential cover letter tips.
- There may be a few exceptions for very complex roles but most of us should be able to express ourselves in one page. Use this as an example to show your ability to communicate concisely.
- Avoid addressing your letter “To whom it may concern” and always try to address your letter to a person. Give yourself 20 minutes of research to see if you can find a name. If it’s not in the job posting, call the company to ask who is handling the recruitment for XYZ position.
- It goes without saying that your letter should not have any typos. Run spell check but also have someone else proofread your letter before sending it out. For electronic submissions, you might also send a test to yourself to ensure that the attachment is easy to open and doesn’t change layouts.
- Save your cover letter wisely. If you are applying for a social worker position do not title your electronic document as Social worker for XYZ Hospital. The recruiter is going to receive many documents with that title. Instead name your document something like “Paula Brand for Lead Social Worker at XYZ Hospital.
PREPARING FOR A SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEW
If you have created a stellar resume that earns you an invitation, now you must prepare for the next step. Below I share five steps to help you prepare for your next interview.
- First things first (when, where and who). Find out the critical details. If it’s an in-person interview, look up the location. Have a plan as to how you will get there a little early. If it will be virtual, create a space that is quiet and neat with no distractions. It’s OK to ask who will be interviewing you (though you may not be told). If you are given the names, research these people ahead of time.
- What do you know about us? If you don’t have an answer for this question, odds are, you will not move forward in the process. It’s important to research the organization because this is a common question. The easiest way is to look at their website. Do they have a career page? When did the company start? Who is the current leader? Who are their competitors?
- Review the job description. It may have been a while since you applied for the job. Refresh your memory by reviewing the posting. Note the key skills they want and think of examples from your experience that can illustrate your abilities with those skills and the results you have created. Hint: see #4.
- Use the C-A-R Method. It stands for Challenge, Action and Results and it’s a way to answer behavioral interview questions which are based on the premise that past performance predicts future behavior. Prepare C-A-R stories that align your experience with the demands of the role.
- Practice answers to common questions. Although some companies are known for asking out of the box questions, most employers stick to a set of commonly asked questions such as “Tell me about yourself.”, What is your greatest strength?”, and “What is a weakness or area of development for you?”. I suggest writing out your answers and then saying them out loud. Edit as necessary until your answers are approximately three minutes long. Next, practice your answers with someone you trust or in front of a mirror. Bonus: check out my blog on how to answer the weakness question.
So, there you have it. I have shared my favorite tips for developing your resume, writing your cover letter and preparing for interviews. Now the rest is up to you. Please use this information and share it with anyone who might find it useful. By the way, you may have noticed that I haven’t mentioned networking yet. That’s because the last chapter of the book (Thirteen) addresses this in detail and will be covered in a future blog.
P.S. If you haven’t heard, The Purple Parachute is now an audiobook on Audible. If you love listening to your books, please give it a try and share your feedback.
