Career Program – 4. Maximize Image & Resume
4. Maximize Image & Resume
Fit in. Get them to see you as one of them.
Where do you begin?
If they wear short hair, get a haircut. You can always grow it out. It they wear jeans to work, upscale a bit, wear pants. If they invite you to lunch, order what they order. Repeat back words from ads or even repeat back words they used.
No this not about you losing your personal power. You are showing them that you can be part of their culture. Newcomers have been doing this for centuries. Of course, you can still be yourself, especially after you get the job!
Prepare. Investigate. Talk and Look like them.
Make Your Image Fit.
Your hirable image is your resume. So, make it desirable. Customize it for each job posting. After you’ve developed three or four “Job Specific Resumes”, You’ll find you can use them over and over. Your goal is to get your foot in the door. If you lack experience, offer in the cover letter to work as an intern.
What’s Your Hire-Ability Value?
Ask yourself these bottom-line questions.
- “Where in the job market is my degree, skills and experience valuable?”
- “What can I do to emphasize that I’m the most desirable job fit?”
- “How can I overcome a no-hire weakness?”
Create Specialized Resumes
View the examples below. Pick one. Then, create your resume. Follow the Resume Do’s and Don’ts advice. Then, turn your basic resume into a by-industry series of resumes. You’ll be surprised at how easy it is to emphasis their qualifications and job experience into your resume. Remember, you are selling yourself.
Resumes Do’s and Don’ts
FREE Resume Templates
Would You Hire You?
Get to know each potential employer beyond the job description. Check out their website-Goggle or LinkedIn them to see future projects and news. The more you know, the more you can target your resume to emphasize benefits and overcome rejections.
Edit Out Non-Fit Areas: Start by taking out what’s not related without showing an employment record gap. Or rework them with new language that better fits with the employer’s job description.
Are You Emphasizing Your Assets? Add more emphasis on the skills that match their requirements. Elaborate, more on the duties and accomplishments that they will find desirable. Then, adapt your goal and job descriptions.
Are You Using Their Words? Words can be misleading. Each industry is different. Research their want ads or company job posting. Use their words to customize your resume and communicate better in the interview. Rewrite your past experiences to better fit. They won’t be able to hear you if don’t.
Use the Cover Letter to Sell Yourself
Make a list inside of the cover letter of the employer’s skill requests. Then, emphasize your strengths in these areas. Examples: Proficient in Software XYZ, Excellent Communications, two years Medical Sales. This will tell them, you’re a good listener and will get you an interview, otherwise missed.
Overcome a Resume No-Hire Weakness
Too Many Jobs Listed
Do you look flaky?
Tip: Cover your tracks in the cover letter with “I’m looking for a career in my chosen field. Then, reassure them that their job posting is in your chosen career. Don’t be concerned with summer jobs. Just state it as such in your resume.
Gap in Employment
Perhaps you have issues, or not a worker?
Tip: Tell them, I took some time off or whatever. Reassure them that you’re a hard worker.
Other Problems
Expecting others to take your word for it.
Tip: Get letters that explain or support you.
Your Final Resume Critique
Now, take a break. Clear your head. Then review your cover letter and resume. Will it grab the employer’s attention in 10 seconds?
If not, what else can you do? Choose to “Never stop fighting for your dream career.”