7 Job Search Tips You Need to Follow

By Rick Gillis

3. Write the Resume for Hiring Managers, Not Yourself

I see SO many resumes that were obviously written to impress the writer. This is so wrong on countless levels.

Create your resume as if you were a journalist. Your contact information is the masthead of the website or newspaper. The headline is your first sentence, preferably a single line stating exactly the position for which you're applying. Your objective statement is the first paragraph of the article. Notice that when you are reading any article, if the writer does not grab your attention right away you scroll away looking for your next topic of interest. This also applies to recruiters.

Grab their attention at the outset by stating what you are going to do for them and the organization in that all-important first full paragraph.

2. Avoid the "Rewarding & Challenging" Mumbo-Jumbo

And to follow up on the previous point of grabbing your reader’s attention, do you really think you are doing so by "seeking a rewarding and challenging career?!" In this economy, when a business owner or department manager is concerned about even being in business at this time next year, you come out of the blue "seeking a rewarding and…"

Think about it. Not only is it unoriginal, it could be construed as borderline insulting.

1. Network, Network, Network

I know you have heard this time and time again, but there is so much truth in this statement.

The reality is 60 to 80 percent of all jobs are filled as a result of someone knowing someone who "would be perfect for that position." Not sure where to begin your networking? Well, your immediate circle is where you must begin. Friends, family, former/current co-workers, supervisors, professors, clergy, etc. For young people I always recommend they begin with the parents of their friends, and then grow that circle by asking to meet friends of your friend’s parents.

Also, always be prepared to drop 2 or 3 job search business cards with everyone you meet and always have several copies of your resume handy. I’m a big fan of carrying a copy of your resume in your cell phone/tablet, etc. Email is a wonderful thing!

Tips 7 - 4 and Complete Salary.com Article