From Job Applicant to Hiring ManagerSix months ago, I was in transition and searching for the next great position in my career. Now, I'm at a great company, in a job I love, and I'm in the process of hiring two new employees to be a part of the team I'm creating. Having researched resume format and tweaked my resume again and again, and then sifting through the pile of resumes of people possibly interested in working for me, I have gained new insights into how to make your resume most effective.  Submit a resume that demonstrates what a great candidate you are! Your Resume GoalsFirst, let's talk about what success looks like. In it's most simple form, the goal of your resume is to get you a job. However, let's break that down a bit and look at the first mini-goal in that whole process--getting a recruiter or hiring manager to want to get in contact with you to find out more. Let's focus on how you get to that critical first step. The Initial Sorting: Yes, No or MaybeAs a hiring manager, I really want to hire someone amazing. Each time I see that I've received a new application, I'm little kid excited that this might be just the right person to round out the team and do the work that I need done. On that initial scan, I'm deciding which camp you fall into. Yes, yes, a thousand times yes!Sweet. They look like a great candidate! Let's contact them immediately to find out more! No. Just no.Ugh. Work experience doesn't seem related to this role. Long, rambly resume. No thanks. I'm just not sure.Not great, but may be worth exploring--or maybe not. I'm going to have to think about this.  Your goal is to get into the "yes" pile. Questions Your Resume Needs to AnswerAs a hiring manager (or recruiter) who scans every resume submitted for the two positions for which I am hiring, I am looking for answers for the following critical hiring questions. Answering yes to most, if not all, of these questions, gets you into the "yes" pile. Question 1: Does this person have the skills needed to do this job?Does their work experience and education line up with what is needed for the position? Do they have the technical ability and interpersonal skills to succeed? Have the job responsibilities they have had previously positioned them well for what is required of this position? Did they paraphrase the job description and help connect the dots between their qualifications and the available position? Question 2: Does this person actually want this job? Or are they looking for any old job?Is the job application personalized at all? Do they look like they are mass-applying for jobs, or like they actually want this position with this organization? Does their summary of what they are looking for match what the job is? Does this position seem like a logical step from their current position? If not, did they explain that this makes sense for them? (Like emphasizing how their background in manufacturing has prepared them for this job in your industry?) Do they live in the city where the job is, or mention that they plan to move? Do they emphasize how their skills will help them do the job? Do they mention wanting to work for a company like yours or doing a job like the one that is open? Is this job really their thing? Question 3: If they took the job, would they be successful?Does the content of their resume or summary align with what the open job requires? Are things like the level of responsibility, travel percentages, expectations for remote work or managing or not managing people what they want to do? If they have worked at larger companies with a slower pace, will the fast-pace of a start-up energize or overwhelm them? Can they be self-directed, or follow directions, as will be dictated by the role? Does this fit in with their career trajectory? Are they taking a job that isn't really ideal for them? If so, are they going to leave right away to take the job that is a better fit? Does the improvement in job responsibilities, work culture, industry or opportunity create an environment that they will really enjoy? Have they addressed any of these possible concerns in their resume or cover letter?  Make your resume easy to read and to the point. Getting to the "Yes" PileWhile there is no magic formula to create the perfect resume for every situation, here area few resume best practices that can help you get to the "yes" pile. Here are a few characteristics of what I think "good" looks like: Tip 1: Include a summary front and center.Whether you call it a "professional highlights", "summary of qualifications" or something else, this section is the Cliff Notes for the rest of your resume. This targeted, concise summary should be tailored to the job. As a resume screener, this helps me know if I should bother to keep reading. For me, not having this quick paragraph really hurts your chances of moving on. It's like having a long, dry user manual handed to you with no table of contents. Give me a your quick elevator speech on what you bring to the table so I can see if the book is worth continuing to read. Address those critical questions so I know it's worth the time to connect with you personally. Tip 2: Keep the length to two pages.I have seen far too many 3 page and up resumes. One key skill I'm looking for is the ability to summarize and prioritize. Skip your street address, references, and information about the high school you attended. Get rid of the extras that add length, but not value. Your resume, which may need to cover 5-30 years of relevant work experience, is one way you can demonstrate your ability to discern and highlight the most important points. Tip 3: Be clear, specific, and precise.Write in coherent bulleted points or sentences. Include relevant industry keywords without overusing jargon to try to impress. I'm hiring educators who need to be able to take a complex topic (everything relevant you've ever done) and show me the parts that will be most directly related to the job. This includes formatting. Make sure I can, at a glance, tell your job titles from the company names from your job responsibilities. Use white space to make it readable. Show me that you can make even complex content easy to navigate. What Do You Think?What other tips do you have for getting your resume into the "yes" pile? Include details in the comments. Learn more
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First, Let's Celebrate!I have great news! My job search has come to a successful close. As of this week, I have accepted a full-time position as an instructional design manager with a software company. I’m excited about this role and happy to get to change gears from being tastefully boastful about how good I am at working to having a job where I actually get to do some paid work. I’m way pumped up about this opportunity and the fun challenges it will bring. Hooray and woo hoo both!  Celebrate good times--come on! A Note About My ObservationsI’m including several numbers in this article. Keep in mind that while I pride myself in my ability to count and do basic math, I’m dealing with a very small sample size. (See the “Learn More” section for issues that can be caused by having a small sample size when it comes statistical information.) This article can only barely be called “research” and is more appropriately described as me sharing my personal experience. With that disclaimer, on to the numbers! Now, Let's Look at the NumbersAs a bona fide Excel nerd, and meticulous planner, I have kept detailed records on my job search journey from layoff through my exciting new job. Here are a few statistical highlights of what on earth I did with myself since my position was eliminated oh-so many months ago. How Long Will This Take: Job Search Length
 Every job search feels like it takes approximately 1 million years. Please, Please Look At My Resume: Job Applications Submitted
Now We're Talking: Interviews
I Know People: Referrals and Impact on Interview Likelihood
 Interviewing! I Will Never Work Again: Low Points During The Job Search
Everything Works Out: Lessons Learned During the Job Search
 Remember, you only need one job. What Do You Think?What are your job search insights? What worked well for you? Share your ideas in the comments. Learn MoreInterview Preparation 101When interviewing, whether it’s an initial phone screen, video conference or in-person meeting, there are a few questions you need to be ready to answer early on. Having good answers prepared will set the tone for the interview and increase your chances of continuing in the hiring process. When I’m in an interviewer role, I tend to start with “Tell me about yourself.” Here are examples of bad, good and even great ways to answer this question.  Help your potential employer get to know you beyond your resume. Why This Question: The Good ReasonsPersonally, I ask this question to give people a chance to talk and tell me whatever they want to tell me. As a hiring manager, I look for people who can present themselves well, summarize information and figure out what to do with minimal direction. This question gives the candidate a chance to summarize what they see as the important points of who they are and what they do in the way that makes the most sense to them. Remember, this question is your opportunity to shine. For a couple of minutes, you get to set the tone for the interview focusing on your best qualities, what a great fit you are for the job and why people will enjoy you as a coworker. A good candidate will use this time to tell me why they are a good fit for the job and why I might want to work with them. A bad candidate will freeze, not know where to start, ramble on endlessly or tell me their life story. Why This Question: The Not-So-Good ReasonsIn a job interview setting in the United States, there are several things that employers cannot legally ask a candidate. These include marital status, age, how many they have, how many children they plan to have, their religion and many more personal, non-job related details. When asked an open-ended question like “Tell me about yourself,” many candidates will volunteer much of the information that the employer can’t ask. This presents a couple of issues. For one, in a job interview setting, candidates should answer questions in a way that positions them in a good light for the job. Answering with personal, non-job related details makes the candidate sound unprofessional and not very focused on their professional life. In addition, volunteering personal information may cause interviewers to jump to conclusions about the candidates suitability for a role. Mentioning that you have small children may cause interviewers to think you won’t be able to travel for work, will want to leave early all of the time, or will miss work for family reasons. Minimize these issues by thinking through your answer before the interview. How to Prepare Prior to the interview, review information about the company, the open position and the person or people who will be interviewing you. Review the posted job description, review insights you’ve learned from current employees, refer to something you learned from viewing the interviewer’s LinkedIn profile and be ready to summarize your background to present yourselves as a strong candidate for the job. Practice telling your story before the interview, ideally getting feedback from a friend or family member and adjusting your presentation. Find that balance between knowing what you want to convey, and saying it in a way that doesn’t sound overly rehearsed. Bad Answer: All Personal“Hi. My name is Jenny. I’m 35, my husband and I have been married for 5 years and I have a 2 year old daughter named Elizabeth. My hobbies include crocheting, playing volleyball, visiting art museums and going to a weekly Bible study group at Holy Christ Almighty Non-Denominational Church.”  Don't volunteer answers for questions a potential employer can't legally ask. What's Missing: Why You're QualifiedIn an interview, you’re presenting yourself as a possible employee. In this example, there was absolutely no information on you as a job candidate aside from those that can be insinuated (possibly incorrectly) from the information that was provided. While it’s helpful to add a few personal details to show that you are an actual human being with interests that don’t involve spreadsheets and sales projections, professional information, including work experience and qualifications, takes priority over personal details. Okay answer: Qualifications Review “Hi. My name is Jenny. As you know from my resume, I have 10 plus years of experience as a project manager. Most recently, I worked at EFG Company managing software implementations. I also have a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and I’m pursuing my Project Manager Professional (PMP) certification.”  Stay professional, but remember to add to what's on your resume, not just relist key points. What’s Missing: Details Beyond Your Resume The interviewer already thinks you have the basic qualifications to do the job (ergo the interview). Now is the time to include details that didn’t make your resume. Tell them what you liked about your most recent position, your specific accomplishments or what you’ve learned. In addition to the focus on your job-related skills, tell them a little about you as a person. Good answer: I Am More Than My Resume, and an Actual Person “Hi. My name is Jenny. As you know from my resume, I have 10 plus years of experience as a project manager. Most recently, I worked at EFG Company where, in the last year, I successfully managed 50 software implementation projects for small to medium sized companies. In that role, I really enjoyed working with business analysts to help companies with both project management and change management. I learned a lot about working with vendors and customers to promote software adoption. When I’m not at work, my hobbies include crocheting, playing volleyball and visiting art museums.”  Let interviewers know what you like and what you've learned. What’s Missing: Connections with the Company or Interviewers This is a pretty good answer. It’s complete, goes beyond resume bullet points and includes a few non-work details. What’s missing is the connection between you and the organization. How are you uniquely qualified for this position? What experiences will help you do the specific job at the organization? What beliefs do you hold that align with the company values? What do you have in common with the interviewers? Answer the unasked questions “why should we hire you instead of the other qualified candidates?” and “what are you like as a person?” Connect the dots for people so they can see how great of a fit you are for the position. Great Answer: I am a Good Fit and a Real Person“Hi. My name is Jenny. As you know from my resume, I have 10 plus years of experience as a project manager. Most recently, I worked at EFG Company where, in the last year, I successfully managed 50 software implementation projects for small to medium sized companies. In that role, I really enjoyed working with business analysts to help companies with both project management and change management. I learned a lot about working with vendors and customers to promote software adoption. Since XYZ Company works predominantly with small companies, and you’re focusing on customer retention, my experience on helping customers update their business processes to align with new software will help with that initiative. I’m excited about the kinds of customer retention projects I would get to work on in this role with XYZ company. When I’m not at work, my hobbies include crocheting, playing volleyball and visiting art museums. Alan—you’re a volleyball player too, aren’t you? I saw a picture of your company team on the website. Playing on a company team is always a lot of fun.”  Connect with the interviewer and the organization. What Do You ThinkWhat components do you think are critical when answering the “Tell me about yourself” question? Include details in the comments below. Learn MoreJob Searching on the Computer MachineBack in the good old days, my job search took place mostly on Sunday mornings with a cup of coffee, a highlighter and the newspaper classifieds. Those were also the days of nice resume paper and matching envelopes. This was approximately 1 bijillion years ago. Today, most job search action happens online--and there is no shortage of websites from which to choose. It's also not just about finding posted job openings but leveraging your professional network to find the right position at the right organization. Here are my top 3 websites for leveraging your professional network, researching companies and searching advertised open positions AND 3 extra websites that are also worth checking out.  Unfortunately, my current computer lacks the magical "find job" button that matches me to the perfect career. LinkedIn is pretty much "the show." If you're looking for a job, or just exist as an employable human, you need to have a solid LinkedIn presence that includes a professional head shot, a list of recent job titles, and a fair amount of connections. As a hiring manager, after I review an application, my next step is looking the candidate up on LinkedIn to see what connections or organizations we might have in common. Not having a LinkedIn profile is a severely career limiting move. It very nearly means you don’t exist in the modern world. There are multiple hour classes on using LinkedIn for maximum professional, and job search, effectiveness. I’ve included a few helpful articles in the “Learn More section. Personally, I use LinkedIn to help me get from applying for a company to talking with an actual person at the organization who can help me get noticed. When I discover a position that interests me, I then see who I know who works there—and might be willing to refer me. If I don’t know someone directly, I’ll see who I know who might be able to introduce me to a recruiter or possible hiring manager. Personal recommendations make all of the difference—and are much better than trying to fight your way through an online application system.  LinkedIn is THE place to manage all aspects of your professional network. Indeed.comWhen it comes to searching for a job opening, Indeed is the place to be. Indeed is an aggregator that brings together jobs posted on multiple websites and let’s you search them all through an easy-to-use interface. You can also upload a resume and customize your profile. There's also a section called "Desired Job" that compels you to specify the job title that interests you, employment status, and eligibility to work in the US. You can also set up options to let employers know that you are actively looking. Take the time to set up multiple alerts so that you'll be notified when jobs that meet your criteria are posted--and I typically find more open positions on Indeed than on LinkedIn. In addition, you can save jobs and then track where you are at in the hiring process for each opening. If you're applying for multiple positions and want to keep track of the process, Indeed is a great help. Again, even if I find a job on Indeed, I return to LinkedIn so I can leverage my personal network for the application progress.  FYI: The Indeed.com interface looks nothing like this. Glass DoorAs with LinkedIn and Indeed, Glass Door can also be used to search for jobs--and you may find some different job openings here than you find on other sites. However, the true value of Glass Door is company review information. First off, there is a basic overview for each company. This includes website, headquarters location, number of employees, founding date, type of company, revenue, a summary, mission, awards, etc. Unlike company pages on LinkedIn, which are controlled by each company, Glass Door information is provided by Glass Door users. In fact, companies can not alter what is provided by people sharing feedback on companies and salaries. Glass Door reviews come from from people who have first-hand experience with each company including current employees, former employees and candidates interviewing with the organization. In fact, in order to access all resources Glass Door has to offer, you’ll be asked to contribute a review. Just like with Amazon product reviews, keep in mind the mindset of each reviewer. (I think back to my favorite Amazon review ever, where the person basically gave the book 1 star and commented that he hadn’t read it, but that the topic sounded dumb.) The reviews from current employees may be glowing and those from a recently fired employee may be scathing. Regardless of whether or not you agree with someone's assessment of the organization, it's helpful to get multiple viewpoints. Like with all opinions people share with you in life, you get to pick what you want to heed. Use these insights to figure up what items you may want to follow up with during the interview process. As an extra added bonus, Glass Door also has salary information. I recommend using this as a guideline for what you might be paid rather than a “guarantee” of the rate of pay for a given position. Remember, all salary information is also contributed by individuals, and salary information is based off those inputs—which might not reflect your area of the country, specific job title or skill levels of individuals holding a given job title.  Use Glass Door to find out what the guy in the plaid shirt thinks about this place. Three More Websites to Check Out
What Do You Think?What are your favorite career related websites? Share your thoughts in the comments. Learn MoreSome Days You Go To Work and Come Home With a White BoxRecently, I was laid off from my job. It is the fourth time I’ve been laid off over the course of my 20+ year career in corporate training and development. It’s also the third job I’ve had in a row where the company, not me, decided when my tenure at the organization was complete. I have not actively decided to switch jobs in 13 years. Given my field of choice, training, and my penchant for working for companies that are acquired, struggling, startups or reorganizing, this is a part of my professional life (and also why I moved to a larger job market after layoff number 2). Given my track record, I know how to handle a layoff. Even though I know the drill, it still sucks each and every time. There’s the loss of a daily routine, the changing of work friendships to acquaintances or regular friends, the excitement (and terror) of getting to find a new job, and the highs and lows of not knowing whether you’ll be unemployed for a week or for a year. It also comes with a new unpaid full-time job—which is finding a new full-time job. Each layoff has also been a little different. My tenure ranged between 4 months and 8 years. My severance ranged from 2 weeks to 16 weeks. Twice, I could rely on my husband’s income and benefits, and once I was mid-divorce with nearly everything falling apart at once. Regardless of circumstances surrounding a layoff, there are a few good next steps to take.  Some days, you go to work thinking you have a 10 am meeting with your friend Margaret, and find yourself with a white box being walked out of the building instead. 1. Process Your EmotionsCurse you, feelings! Losing your job, even through no fault of your own, is an emotional roller coaster. Given how much of your life you spend at work, suddenly not having the same job is a huge change. In fact, it’s the same level of change as things like getting divorced, having close friend die or having to go to prison. You may feel fine one moment, angry the next, then ecstatic, then in tears. Realize this is completely normal. Just like dealing with a death in the family, you’re dealing with the death of the future you thought you had. Losing that imagined future, regardless of the role that your job plays in your life, is a big loss that needs to be addressed. Figure out how you will cope with these changes. You might choose positive ways (exercise, reconnecting with friends, journaling) or negative (overeating, overthinking, or a good old-fashioned bender). Find your emotional support people and confide in them. Talk to your partner, family and friends. Find a support group (in-person, or online, or both) to help you work through it. As much as you may want to jump over the part where you have to admit you have feelings that influence how you live your day-to-day life, you need to address them—whether it happens now or later. Personally, two layoffs ago, I was going through a whole bunch of new and exciting (read "stressful”) life changes all at once. Then, I compartmentalized and focused on the business of moving and finding a new job. Once I was in my new job, I pretty much worked during the day and went through the process of dealing with all of the life changes at night. Do what works for you. A Note About Social MediaAs you process your feelings, be cautious about sharing too much on social media. Remember, the things that you share on social media are somewhere at least somewhat publicly available, forever. Even if you post things only to friends on the Facebooks, there is no guarantee that other people won’t see it given Facebook's ever-changing privacy parameters. Process those feelings in private, not in public on social media. You are not a Kardashian. You don't want prospective employers--or everyone ever--to see the dirty details of your process.  This picture probably doesn't make any sense here. The cardboard dude is totally losing it, through. 2. Manage Your FinancesDisclaimer: (You know there has to be one of these now that we're talking about topics like money and health insurance.) While I know stuff, I'm not a currently licensed, authorized anything. Feel free to take my advice, but double check my facts (and everyone's facts for that matter). This is your life, and you will care more about your finances and health care than anyone else does. With that, read on. Whew! I'm glad we got THAT out of the way. Most of us work because we have expensive habits to support—like living indoors and eating on a regular basis. When a job ends, there are financial concerns that need to be addressed right away. While you won’t have the income from your job, you will receive your final paycheck, possibly vacation time that you have earned and, hopefully, severance. You may also have additional sources of income (from a spouse, partner, or additional work). If you receive severance, realize that it may be less money than you think because taxes are taken out of that sum. Depending on your severance package, and the length of your unemployment you may also be eligible to receive unemployment benefits. While this may not be a lot, it will help to cushion the blow. You also need to revisit your budget. Prioritize paying things like your housing and transportation, and plan to spend less on discretionary expenses like entertainment, shopping and eating at restaurants. If you have an emergency fund, this might be the time you start using that. If not, you may end up accruing a little debt. For most people, this isn't the time to buy a new car or build on to your house. This is the time to scale back and get through the yuck until you're gainfully employed again.  This is my favorite bizarre piece of clip art anywhere. Apparently, as you think about your budget, figure out how the potato helps balance your money spoon. Obviously. A Note About The Joy That Is Health InsuranceSince many people rely on their employer for health insurance coverage, figuring out this aspect can be tricky. If you are fortunate enough to have a spouse/domestic partner/parent who can bring you onto their health insurance, check that out right away. In general, if you were covered by an employer's plan, and lose that coverage, you will be eligible to switch to another employer sponsored plan. At least ask that question. If that's not an option, you have a few more decisions to make. If you do receive a severance package, health insurance coverage for some period of time may be included. Find out if your previously employer sponsored health insurance coverage is paid for by the employer, or if you will receive money to cover the cost of coverage. (These are two very different things.) You may also be eligible for COBRA coverage, which means that you would continue your previously employer paid health insurance, but pay for it yourself. Be sure to brace yourself when you see the amount that you will now be charged for that coverage--because it is usually A LOT more than you paid as an employee. If you are not willing and/or able to continue with your previous employer's health plan, you may be able to go on the insurance exchanges to find coverage. Depending on your situation, you may also opt for the “be careful” health plan (no health coverage, but no sky diving either). Figure out what makes the most sense to you, and how to mitigate any risks you take.  Health insurance can be confusing--but you need to think it through. 3. Start Your Job SearchNow that you are without a job, you need to figure out how to get a new job—which is no small effort. Think about what kind of a job you want and write it down. Take time to think about the job titles, possible employers and salary range you want to target. It’s hard to find what you want until you actually know what you want to find. Get your resume updated (if you haven’t already). You may even need a couple of different basic resumes if you’ll be applying for different types of jobs. (Personally, I have an instructional designer resume, a training manager resume and a program manager resume.) Figure out how to highlight your unique skill set and showcase what problems you can help your potential employer solve. From here, start letting people know about your new status of being “in transition” (not unemployed) and ask people for help. Many times, people offer help. Letting them know specifics on how they can help will do wonders. Perhaps they can introduce you to people who work at one of your target companies. Perhaps they know about a position that has not yet been advertised. Perhaps they know someone who knows someone who you should talk to. Maybe they have a lead on an up and coming company who needs someone just like you. Rely on those working relationships that you have built and put them to work. (Also remember that this is a two-way street. Be sure to help your fellow job seekers, or people who are trying to fill positions. Creating mutually beneficial relationships helps everyone.) Keep in mind there are additional resources beyond your current network. Just like with emotional support, there are groups that can help with job searching. Check out LinkedIn groups, in-person meetups and seminars on how to network. Find a professional group and meet those people. The more people you meet, the better chance you will have to find a new position that is right for you.  Networking: go forth and meet all the people! Final ThoughtsThrough my many, many layoffs, one thing has remained true. I have always ended up in a better place, both personally and professionally, than I would have expected. I learned new skills, met new people and made life changes that I probably needed to make, but I only did when life gave me the shove I needed. Learn MoreInsights from an Unemployed Job SeekerAs someone who has been laid off 3 times, I have applied for about 3 bijillion jobs over the course of my career. This has made me a resume nerd. I’m always learning about the best format, writing a punchy introduction, tailoring my resume to each position and having the right level of detail on my LinkedIn profile. Which leads me to... Insights from a Hiring ManagerOn the other side, I’ve also been a manager searching for computer trainers, instructional designers, technical support specialists and more. As a hiring manager, believe it or not, I very much want you to be the perfect candidate for the position I have open. While searching for a new career opportunity is no picnic, being on the other side of hiring is also challenging. Unfortunately, many candidates who apply for a job are either not qualified or represent themselves poorly on a resume. Which brings me to my...  There's actually a job opening! Make the most of it! Top 5 Tips for a Strong Resume
A Secret About Hiring Managers I love "More stuff that makes me qualified." As a job candidate, it may often feel like we are at odds with hiring managers, and the companies trying to fill open positions. Want to know the truth? As a hiring manager, I’m really hoping that you are the right candidate for the opening I have. I’m trying like crazy to find just the right person who can do what I need done and who will enjoy working at my company. Each time I come across a resume that includes a great list of skills, but who makes one or more of the mistakes listed above, you're making it harder for me to sell your skills to my boss and get you the salary you want. Learn More |