It is said that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. While there is nothing unreasonable about the need to work and find meaningful employment, there is a lot to be said for how to do it. If you’ve been using outdated job search techniques, now is the time to use new techniques that are proving to be more successful. Many of our readers can remember the days when you would mail your resume to a prospective employer and chances are they [if you were qualified] I would receive a phone call in a couple of weeks for an interview. While technology has accelerated this process, there are still some critical steps you need to take to compete in today’s high-tech arena.
With many of today’s companies, computers have taken over the role of humans when it comes to reviewing resumes and determining if your qualifications match the posted job description. The question for today’s job seekers is how can I improve the chances that my resume will pass the evaluation software?
Solution #1. The first step is to develop your resume specifically aimed at the job for which you are applying. Gone are the days of sending a generic resume; these resumes will not grab the attention of potential employers. Understand that if you are an experienced medical science liaison and the job position is for a sales representative, your chances of getting an interview will not be as likely as if you were an experienced sales representative. The next step is to use keywords throughout your resume that the scanning software will detect instantly. Keywords can be found in the job description as well as the company’s mission statement. These keywords will be obvious to you once you read the job description and visit the company’s website.
The role of Social Networks (LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook) have become the preferred medium for companies and recruiters to identify potential candidates. A recent report indicated that LinkedIn is the preferred resource for 75% of companies and recruiters surveyed.
Solution #2. Most professionals use LinkedIn and have established a LinkedIn profile. Once considered a purely networking site, LinkedIn is perfect for not only networking, but job hunting as well. Many seasoned professionals are in the job market for the first time, and LinkedIn offers an ideal place to start. When developing your profile, be sure to use resume content that allows your profile visitors to review your background and qualifications. Now you can connect with professionals from similar backgrounds for networking or development purposes. You should also take the opportunity to contact companies and hire executives who may find your qualifications and experience valuable to their organizations. Be sure to develop your professional profile for Twitter as well; Job offers are often posted on Twitter before any other medium. You will eventually discover that the hash tag [#] Is your friend. You can also post your ratings to Twitter® for businesses to see too. If you’re on Facebook, be sure to develop a professional account for networking purposes. This account must be totally professional as you will want to create a dialogue with other professionals.
There’s nothing like a good old fashioned sale. For decades, salespeople have practiced something called “elevator pitch.” The idea was that they had to sell themselves and their product or service in the time it took them to ride an elevator from the ground floor to the top floor. Every great salesperson has an “elevator pitch” and could easily perform it at any time. Have you developed your elevator speech?
Solution #3. By following these steps, you can develop an effective and attention-grabbing elevator pitch. When you’re meeting new contacts or developing business relationships, be sure to use your elevator pitch because you never know who you’ll run into. We think it’s important who you know; but just as important is who knows you.
