Why Stand Out from the Crowd?
In the extremely competitive job marketplace, it is harder than ever to land the job of your dreams. Here are some reasons why, plus important information to keep in mind during your job search!!
Did You Know?
"Within the first 10 seconds of meeting your interviewer - otherwise known as the meet-and-greet - that person has decided whether or not you're right for the job!"
-Forbes
-Forbes
Who Cares About My Appearance?
"Someone's appearance and the details around their dress style are important during the meeting because they send non-verbal signals to the interview team...drawing conclusions as to education, intelligence, socioeconomic status, as well as desirability as a new hire."
-Money-zone.com
"Dressing the wrong way is the equivalent to the worst social faux pas and like picking your nose during an interview."
-Frank Bernieri, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Psychology, Oregon State University
"Those who come across as polished are, quite simply, more likely to be hired than those who are seen as putting in little effort."
-Forbes
"Appropriate attire supports your image as someone who takes the interview process seriously and understands the nature of the industry in which you are trying to become employed."
-LinkedIn.com
"One of the biggest keys to being asked to join the professional world is looking and acting professional. But a recent survey of more than 500 HR and business professionals found that half of all university graduates do not exhibit professionalism."
-Reuters
-Money-zone.com
"Dressing the wrong way is the equivalent to the worst social faux pas and like picking your nose during an interview."
-Frank Bernieri, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Psychology, Oregon State University
"Those who come across as polished are, quite simply, more likely to be hired than those who are seen as putting in little effort."
-Forbes
"Appropriate attire supports your image as someone who takes the interview process seriously and understands the nature of the industry in which you are trying to become employed."
-LinkedIn.com
"One of the biggest keys to being asked to join the professional world is looking and acting professional. But a recent survey of more than 500 HR and business professionals found that half of all university graduates do not exhibit professionalism."
-Reuters
What Matters in a Resume?
"The average employer spends
only 10 seconds looking at a resume. Yet it is the only
contact you have with the potential employer. Most employers
are actually looking for a reason NOT to interview you.
There is no room for anything but a flawless, compelling
document that reflects who you are and what you've accomplished
in the most beneficial light. In this increasingly competitive
job market, you must have a professionally crafted resume
in order to stand out among the hundreds of job seekers
applying for the same position as you-it's no longer an
option."
-Glassdoor.com
"What do employers look for in a resume? Beyond your ability to meet standard criteria—the 'right' major or work experience—employers are most likely to look for evidence that you are able to work in a team... show the candidate has leadership abilities and written communication...and provide proof of problem-solving skills and a strong work ethic."
- National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)
"If you want your resume to have a good chance of being read by prospective employers, you must invest time and energy, not only in its content, but also in the look."
-Monster.com
"When you're job hunting, even small tweaks to your resume can make the difference between getting the attention of a hiring manager and getting thrown in the discard pile."
-CBSNews.com
"You can be the perfect candidate, but if you fail to market yourself correctly on your resume, no one will ever notice your true potential."
-Forbes
"Since many job posting resources use a tracking system that can quickly scan your resume and score it for relevance for specific jobs, your resume must include keywords that hiring organizations are looking for."
-CNBCNews.com
-Glassdoor.com
"What do employers look for in a resume? Beyond your ability to meet standard criteria—the 'right' major or work experience—employers are most likely to look for evidence that you are able to work in a team... show the candidate has leadership abilities and written communication...and provide proof of problem-solving skills and a strong work ethic."
- National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)
"If you want your resume to have a good chance of being read by prospective employers, you must invest time and energy, not only in its content, but also in the look."
-Monster.com
"When you're job hunting, even small tweaks to your resume can make the difference between getting the attention of a hiring manager and getting thrown in the discard pile."
-CBSNews.com
"You can be the perfect candidate, but if you fail to market yourself correctly on your resume, no one will ever notice your true potential."
-Forbes
"Since many job posting resources use a tracking system that can quickly scan your resume and score it for relevance for specific jobs, your resume must include keywords that hiring organizations are looking for."
-CNBCNews.com
Think About This!
An audit of 50 active resumes on Indeed.com, learned the following:
- There are 5 potential errors on a typical job seeker’s resume, and most of these issues (nearly 60 percent) are grammatical;
- Female job seekers make an average of 4 grammar, spelling and punctuation mistakes in their resume, while male job seekers average more than 6 mistakes;
- The average job seeker makes more than 1.5 punctuation errors, but very few spelling mistakes (less than one per resume; and
- Job seekers from the southern U.S. make more mistakes (6) on their resume than any other region: Northeastern U.S. (3.9), Midwest (3.6) and West (3.6).
Do I Really Need a Cover Letter?
"A well-written cover letter is more important than an impressive resume because it reveals your work ethic and attention to detail. It provides glimpses into your personality that a list of achievements can't."
-Business Leader
"In an attempt to get an interview, a cover letter is a powerful tool. Written well, it will encourage a recruiter to spend meaningful time reviewing your resume."
-USA Today
"Even though the job application process has mostly moved online, the importance of a cover letter is still paramount. Seventy-nine percent of managers surveyed said it is common to receive cover letters even when applicants submit resumes electronically. So, is a cover letter important? Most definitely – especially if you want to be in the running against those who are taking the initiative to submit one."
-Robert Half Organization
"As a rule of thumb: If your cover letter could be true for any job/company you apply for, then it isn't targeted enough...do it right and let the reader know you wrote it just for him."
-CareerBuilder.com
"Your cover letter should be one page, highly customized to each position you’re applying for. It answers two questions: why are you the right fit for the position? And how will you add value to the organization?"
-Harvard.edu
"Writing a stellar cover letter becomes even more important in today’s job market when there are so many applicants competing for the same position.The goal...is to grab the reader’s attention by convincing him you are a great candidate, make her want to read your resume and, of course, call you in for an interview so you can brilliantly sell yourself in person just like you did on paper!"
-Higheredjobs.com
-Business Leader
"In an attempt to get an interview, a cover letter is a powerful tool. Written well, it will encourage a recruiter to spend meaningful time reviewing your resume."
-USA Today
"Even though the job application process has mostly moved online, the importance of a cover letter is still paramount. Seventy-nine percent of managers surveyed said it is common to receive cover letters even when applicants submit resumes electronically. So, is a cover letter important? Most definitely – especially if you want to be in the running against those who are taking the initiative to submit one."
-Robert Half Organization
"As a rule of thumb: If your cover letter could be true for any job/company you apply for, then it isn't targeted enough...do it right and let the reader know you wrote it just for him."
-CareerBuilder.com
"Your cover letter should be one page, highly customized to each position you’re applying for. It answers two questions: why are you the right fit for the position? And how will you add value to the organization?"
-Harvard.edu
"Writing a stellar cover letter becomes even more important in today’s job market when there are so many applicants competing for the same position.The goal...is to grab the reader’s attention by convincing him you are a great candidate, make her want to read your resume and, of course, call you in for an interview so you can brilliantly sell yourself in person just like you did on paper!"
-Higheredjobs.com
©2015. All Rights Reserved. The Collegiate Choice, Williamsville, NY.