Rise Above the Competition for Jobs
Thursday, March 18th, 2010Convey Your Impact: Prove It, Align It, Connect It
Here’s a known fact: there is tremendous and fierce competition for jobs out there. Millions are unemployed, countless others are unhappy with their current employers, and the companies themselves are scaling back on positions that are no longer deemed essential. That said, people DO find work, even DREAM jobs, and yes, even in this economy. How? By rising above the competition.
Three ways to rise above:
1. Prove it. Need a simple formula that will immediately help your resume stand above 80% of your competition? Here it is… Action Word + Detail + Impact. Use this formula with each of your employment entries, especially any statements that start with bullets. Why? Because most people indicate Action Word + Detail and… stop. Right when they could make a world of difference, they move on with hardly a backward glance. I provide full, professional critiques of resumes, cover letters, job search approaches, LinkedIN profiles, and more. This basic formula is missing from most of the job-related documents I see.
2. Align it. I’m a big fan of customized resumes. Why? Because a recruiter or hiring manager can tell when you’ve taken extra time and attention in ways that will help them meet their immediate goals. Unless your last job title was “Super Hero” and your talents and accomplishments already outclass everyone else on the planet, take the time and effort to align what you can do with what they need. Read the posting carefully, review their website, and talk to people on the inside BEFORE you submit your resume and cover letter for consideration. I show clients how to do this every single day. And it makes a world of difference.
3. Connect it. Not all jobs are posted. That means there is a wealth of opportunity if you seek it out on your own versus waiting for it to find you via search alert. Use LinkedIn. Comb company websites for high ranking individuals who hold the bulk of decision-making power and know sooner than everyone else about upcoming strategic initiatives. Reach out. Engage and be engaging in return. Don’t avoid conversation and productive two-way dialogue. This is your way to start the interview on your terms. Take it a step further: connect your list of references to the job you want. In other words, compile a list of professionals who can verify that you have done the tasks that will be required of you in a new position.
So, substantially improve your resume and cover letter. Strengthen your network by building truly strategic alliances. Stop chasing online job postings. Focus on quality over quantity. Why? Because what you’ve been doing simply isn’t working. Admit it; just look at all the resumes you’ve submitted online and never heard a peep about. You already know this. So, replace such activities with ones that are far more productive. Start with these three tips. If you would like additional, customized help and a Job Search Strategy Plan, just ask.
You can do this!
-Lisa
