Job Hut

Job Seeker Dilemma: Overcoming the HR Black Hole

I’m not sure there is anything more frustrating to today’s job search process than companies that post online for open positions, insist that candidates contact them only via online forms, and warn against trying any other means of applying for the position. Obedient job seekers then follow all the requirements, sit dutifully by and wait, and what happens? Nothing!

I shutter to think of all the resumes that have been submitted into the proverbial HR black hole. They go in, but do they ever come out?

I find it a bit dumbfounding that a company claims it needs candidates, goes through all kinds of measures to insist qualified candidates contact it in a specific way, and then proceeds to disregard the responses it receives or, at the very least, make it virtually impossible for a candidate to get into contact with them.

But, I know, “it’s the don’t call us; we’ll call you” attitude….

I’ve spoken to several HR personnel who loathe candidates phoning them. “I don’t have time to be on the phone with job seekers all day!” they wail. And to some extent, we can all understand that. Who wants to be on the phone saying the same thing over and over again? However, I also find it stupefying that a department that is set up for the sole purpose of supporting corporate employees and assisting in finding suitable new candidates is so averse to actually speaking with them!

The person I really feel badly for is the hiring manager, however. Here is a department that really needs help. It has an open position, and it wants to find a good person to fill it. So they put in a request through HR to advertise the opening. HR complies. After that, the hiring manager is at the mercy of the HR department to send up resumes of suitable candidates that fit the right parameters.

Sounds good, right?

The problem, of course, if that all too often candidates fall through the cracks. Something happens between HR and the hiring manager (the black hole, remember?). I’ve seen great candidates, meeting most, if not all, requirements posted, and yet they never hear anything. How can that be?

Is it that the company posted for a position that is not really open? Or is that HR gave up after reviewing the first 100 resumes and only sent up a few of those to the hiring manager? Or is that something breaks down in the communication between HR and the hiring manager, and quality candidates aren’t properly identified?

Honestly, I am not sure, but one thing is clear, there is a definite disconnect between candidates and companies. Recruiters love it because it makes them look like heroes when they find the best candidate, but it really wouldn’t be that hard for corporations if they would just let their hiring managers do what they should do best, find qualified talent for their team.

Somehow in today’s job search market we’ve all bought into this concept that the best candidates are the ones that most fit a list of qualifications someone drummed up as the “ideal,” which sounds good on paper but rarely works out the best.

Although companies most certainly need a way to screen out unqualified candidates, they also need to be careful that they don’t become so closed off that they impede the possible connection between the hiring manager and the candidate.

Stephen Van Vreede
http://www.articlesbase.com/careers-articles/job-seeker-dilemma-overcoming-the-hr-black-hole-681720.html

The Resume “Wow” Factor

As a resume writer, I am always amazed at the amount of time I spend discussing the “wow” factor with job seekers. If any concept has been sold in regard to resumes, it is the idea that a resume must take on an almost magical quality that casts a spell over the reader, transforming the average professional into the “must-have” candidate of the year!

Of course, this magical quality is a moving target because no one quite knows what the special combination is to unveil this secret spell, and of course, everyone seems to have a different idea of what it means.

Not to mention the plethora of materials that are out there just promising to either create this almost-mythical document for you or to help you create your own.

“Get yours to the top of the pile! Just say our magic chant 15 times, spin around twice, and embed these special keywords behind the text of your document, and employers will be mesmerized!”

Laugh, if you want, but deep down, it is what every job seeker is really looking for…something that will make it easy for them, something that will overcome the fact that, by and large, they are just average working professionals trying to create a solid career that they enjoy.

Listen. I’ve seen a lot of resumes. Pretty ones. Flashy ones. Video ones. Two-column ones. Colorful ones. Conservative ones. Progressive ones. You name it.

Sorry to say, but flashy resumes have not really proven to be anymore effective than traditional professional obituaries. Both can seriously hurt a candidate’s chances.

So does this mean you can’t use color or get creative with a two-column masterpiece?

No, but a solid résumé must accomplish 3 things: (1) Utilize strong writing skills with solid action verbs, (2) organize the candidate’s information in such a way that a clear picture of the candidate is revealed (scope of knowledge and responsibility), and (3) be attractive without being offensive.

We all like things that look nice, but color isn’t what sells a candidate. Let the “wow” factor be in the strategy employed and the quality of the writing.

On the other side of things, however, don’t be so rigid that you force the writer to prepare a cookie-cutter resume (Times New Roman, 10-pt, with lots of bullets!!). You’ll just end up with something nondescript, that looks like it came from a Microsoft Word resume template, and is not much better than anyone with decent grammar skills could produce.

Do you know what really is the “wow” factor for employers? A well-crafted document that highlights the specific skills and accomplishments that they are interested in! Please don’t miss this point. It isn’t the skills/accomplishments that YOU are most proud of; it is the skills/accomplishments that THE EMPLOYER is most interested in for the type of position being filled.

Sadly, most job seekers are all worked up about the font and type size of the resume and less concerned about whether they really have the right strategy in place to attract their audience. Yes, a resume should look appealing, but if you can’t speak to your audience, then it is all just fluff and no “wow.”

Stephen Van Vreede
http://www.articlesbase.com/careers-articles/the-resume-wow-factor-678011.html

Positioning yourself as a Freelance Writer

Video Resume Tips- How to Create a Successful Video Resume

Resume Writing Services - Bettering Your Chances Of Getting The Interview Call!

It is seen that job hunters often get frustrated when they find no end to the constant emailing or mailing of their resumes with no positive response. Even when they get the interview calls they are very few in numbers. This failure leads them to believe that they don’t have the required qualifications or skill or education for the job positions they have applied for. Thus they get discouraged and settle for the job which is well below their expectation or qualification.

It has been found that the lack of interview calls is not related of you being not qualified or having less skill set or having a lower education level, it is very often todo with your resume. So the resume writing service can be helpful to prepare a very powerful resume which will have details and substance so that it gets noticed by the prospective employers. But what is this Resume writing service all about? Actually resume writing service is a professional service that works with an individual to get the resume in shape so that it gets noticed by the employer. It highlights the skill, achievements of the individual and attracts the employer’s attention to your capability as a prospective candidate for that position.

There are two types of resume writing service models available but quite often they are merged into one model having several options. The resume writing service professionals requires your information to be submitted online or they will seek it when they meet you personally. If you working with the resume writing professional personally it allows you to work closely with you but at the same time limits your geographical reach. In that sense online option allows the candidate to choose from a world wide option to finish the resume.

When you opt for the resume writing service there are several things that should be kept in mind. The foremost thing is the professionalism level the service conveys which is important to many people. The resumes writing should fulfill the following criteria: It should have a professional website, it should answer all the queries in a timely manner, and also should have sample resumes on display which ahs been developed by them. The testimonial can also be seen but it is a remote possibility that the web page of the resume e writing service will have negative testimonials. So once should be careful in this regard. Also do look at the amount they are charging for the services and do proper research before agreeing to the service.

Usually the resume service professional will ask for your current resume to start with and will also want additional information when they go through your resume. It is vital that you only chose those resume writing service professional that have experience in resume writing in your field of expertise.

Abhishek Agarwal
http://www.articlesbase.com/careers-articles/resume-writing-services-bettering-your-chances-of-getting-the-interview-call-703302.html

Reference Guide In A Resume - Don’t Under Estimate Its Importance!

If you want to change careers or if you are looking fro a new job you may be creating resumes for yourself. Resumes are always thought of to be complicated and also nerve-wracking but they are a lot easier to put it down complete than you would have thought. Keeping this in mind, there are yet many more complications as well as problems that may come up. The biggest problem for resume writers comes when they have to put down the references.

Listing references is one thing most of you will be doing if you are putting down your resume. The references can be in two kinds of formats. The two are professional references and personal references. Many of the employers would like to see both these. Most of the companies who hire people would like to see at least three references on the resume.

Now you know what companies and employers are looking for on your resume regarding references. You can start jotting them down now. You can go on with this but you must want to proceed with further caution. References are where most of the resume writers make mistakes. Below are a number of mistakes that are outlined so that you can make sure you do not make them same mistakes in yours.

One of the hugest mistakes you can make on your resume is not to put down any references at all. If you are submitting your resume for the fun of it, you may get off with it but do not take any chances with it. If you still have not put down your references and are not sure about them, put a lien saying ‘references will be given on request’. Omitting information on your application may cause rejection. So do not overlook any small matters to be put it.

Many of them do not ask people if they can use them as a reference at all. In most of the places they do check if you have put down the references. This way you are sure to be in trouble. They may be receiving a phone call so do make sure that they person you have referred to knows that you have put them down on your reference list on the resume. You do not want the referred person to be shocked that you had put down their name in your resume. This may also bring down your chances of getting the job.

Many of the companies would like to have a combination of both personal as well as professional references on all the resumes that are submitted. This is one thing you should make sure you do not make and also one thing that most of them do make. You may list about four references on the resume just for this sake. This would let you have equal number of both the personal as well as the professional references.

These are the common mistakes that most of the resume writers make. Keep these in mind and try not to make these mistakes on yours. This will give you an upper hand in getting your job when you are in for an job interview.

Abhishek Agarwal
http://www.articlesbase.com/careers-articles/reference-guide-in-a-resume-dont-under-estimate-its-importance-703260.html

Using Online Resume Samples - Some Disadvantages

Online resume samples can and do provide people who have never created a resume an easy out by letting them copy word for word. The idea, however, is to get an inspiration on how to create one. It’s important that the employer looks at your resume and not throw it in the trash. Using a sampled copy is bound to get your resume thrown into the ” Not a chance” pile even if you are more than qualified. No doubt many people commonly use these samples, making mistakes as frequent as this.

Pretend you are an employer, sifting through 10 resumes for a sales clerk position that’s just become open. As the one expected to do the hiring, you see half the resumes say the same phrase about the opened position. Would you really look at all of those or go to a resume that has imgination, creativity and is different? Red flags will send warnings that something is amiss with ones that all look alike and sound the same.

How could these people have written the same line differently. Example shown: “responsible for the management and supervision of sales staff, inventory control, financial planning and budget review.”

One person could have simply wrote:

Maintained and supervised different aspects of job including but not limited to clothing sales, budget review, etc.

Another prospector with the same experience could have written:

Responsible for management of whole sales along with store’s inventory and the budget development.

With a provided sample, people can take the information and modify it as they see fit. Not using the sample’s wording assures the chance your resume won’t get the once over and trash bin. Make the resume fit your personality. Another tip to remember type direct information on the resume instead of listing the generic information.

Use the online copy as a sample of how a resume should look like… a basic visual concept. Resumes do not have many ways that can make then stand out above all else. Even though there are several different styles such as a professional or elegant resume, even minor differences set it apart from Internet copied resumes.

Hint of advice - do not ever add too many extras because it will distract the employer from reading what is important… you and your qualifications.

Abhishek Agarwal
http://www.articlesbase.com/careers-articles/using-online-resume-samples-some-disadvantages-702942.html

Using Free Resume Samples - Tips To Create The Winning Resume

The net will provide you with a number of free samples to make a better resume for yourself. Make use of these samples so that you can modify your resumes and also add twists to it or make it more contemporary. The one good thing about the free resumes on the net is that you can develop your own style, make your own resume and change the preferences and also find out from other what they think of it and also what more is needed and the things that need to be changed about it.

Many of the free resumes which have to be downloaded will get into your word processor so that it becomes easier for you to read it and also make the best use of it. If they are not being compatible with your system you can also consider downloading a word processor program which is also free and is called open office. This is a Linux based office program and a word processor that helps you open any sort of template and also download anything. This will help you a lot with your resume.

It is also considered important for you to take a good look at the many free samples of follow up letters, covering letters and also the inquiry letters. Having a covering letter that is outstanding is something which will make the employer pick your resume and also read it fully. This is very important as you need to get the job and also be called for the interview. These free samples of resumes will also many a time list the common mistakes that people tend to make when compiling their resume. There will also be strategies and tips provided to make your resume better. It will include tips for both the covering letter as well as the resume. Checking for grammatical errors and also spelling mistakes is what most of the websites miss out on letting the users know. Do not just totally rely on your computer. Do get a friend or any one trust worthy to read your resume and also check for any errors.

Do not ever use a free sample resume as your own. It may be very tempting to use one that is very close to the one you have prepared. This is a big no as there may be another person who is using the same template. Customize and make your resume look really good and also unique.

Abhishek Agarwal
http://www.articlesbase.com/careers-articles/using-free-resume-samples-tips-to-create-the-winning-resume-702878.html

Cover Letter Templates – the Most Obvious Reasons Why You Should Use One

 

If you think that being qualified for the job actually gets you the job, then that is absolutely the common but wrong notion. In fact, there are many job seekers out there who make the crucial mistake of making hurried cover letters and resumes thinking that these two documents are not so important. It is important to remember that a company does not even see your shadow when you are in the first stages of job application. For this simple reason alone, you need to write cover letters and resumes that attract success. Here are some of the best and most obvious reasons why you should make use of cover letter templates for your job hunting.

1. Cover letter templates provide you everything that you need to know when writing a power-packed cover letter. Never settle for anything less because it can cost you one big job opportunity.

2. Templates in writing cover letters and resumes allow you to write impressive cover letters and resumes even if you do not have a business or writing degree. Use powerful words which grab attention simply by using a template..

3. A template makes the job of writing cover letters much easier and more convenient. Without exerting as much effort or without wasting countless hours drafting, editing and finalizing, you get to have a cover letter that leads you right to interviews.

4. Cover letter templates increase your chance to land the job despite the competition. A great cover letter can give you the edge over other applicants so the risk of being called for an interview is significantly increased. 

 

Mark Mattey
http://www.articlesbase.com/careers-articles/cover-letter-templates-the-most-obvious-reasons-why-you-should-use-one-696587.html

Purchasing A Resume Writing Software - Consider This Before Purchasing Them

You can avail of the innumerable free resume writing software available on the Internet; however, these free software might not have a number of features necessary to create an impressive resume. People who plan to write a professional-looking resume prefer to purchase a resume writing software with features that will enable them to change their resume to make it better.

Resume writing software are available at a variety of prices. The price depends on the features offered by the program. Study various components of a resume writing software to determine if it is worth purchasing and whether it is within your budget. Consider the following features that will assist you in making the right choice of software. Do you intend to write just one resume, your own, or are you a professional resume writer who has to write a number of resumes in the course of your career?

While writing a resume, you should be aware that there are basically two types of resumes: the functional resume and the chronological resume. The chronologic resume, which makes a list of work experiences according to dates, is more popular among prospective employers and employees alike. However, freshers and those who have large gaps in their work histories rely on the functional style, which focuses on skills rather than a chronological record of work experiences.

Usually, a resume writing software offers anywhere between 90 to 300 various types of fonts. While considering fonts, you have to remember that you don’t use decorative fonts to write a resume. Most resumes are written in standard fonts.

Not all resume writing software come with a thesaurus; however, most of them comprise a spell-check facility. If you want to write a single resume, you don’t really need a thesaurus, but people who write a number of resumes require a thesaurus and had better purchase a package that offers a thesaurus.

Several resume writing software comprise links to job portals, which enables you to easily create online profiles, upload your resume online, and search jobs.

Usually, resume writing software comprises a set of key phrases that you can use when you are writing about your educational qualification, skills, and other aspects of your resume. You can select and modify these phrases as per your requirement.

Certain resume writing software enables you to easily convert your file to a PDF file; however, not all software have this facility. If you want to e-mail your resume, a PDF format is the best. You can convert a word file into a PDF file even without a resume writing software.

Some resume writing software are not compatible with newer versions of Windows, such as Vista, or with MacIntosh. Most of them are, however, compatible with any operating system.

Do a little research to find out the best resume writing software for you. The Internet is the best source of information regarding this.

Abhishek Agarwal
http://www.articlesbase.com/careers-articles/purchasing-a-resume-writing-software-consider-this-before-purchasing-them-703047.html