by Marc Hertz, Robert Half International
Searching for jobs online, emailing your resume to hiring managers, forgoing a cover letter: This isn't your parents' job search.
But maybe it should be.
Many strategies that used to be an essential part of the application process -- such as scanning the local newspaper's Help Wanted section -- have become obsolete. But that doesn't mean newer is always better when it comes to the job search. Classic methods can still be successful.
Here are a few old-school approaches that can help you find a job:
Use your stamps.
Since email became popular in the mid-'90s, the ease of submitting resumes through cyberspace has made it the obvious choice for job seekers. Combine that with the rise in online applications, and most everyone is now submitting a resume courtesy of the Internet. That's why sending a hard-copy resume via snail mail, in addition to an electronic version, can help you stand out.
Be sure to use a high-quality white paper and classic font, like Times New Roman. Also avoid overly complex graphics or other visual "extras." Proofread thoroughly and include proper keywords to target the resume to the specific opportunity that interests you.
Don't be afraid to lengthen your resume.
In recent years, the trend has been to limit the resume to just one page. Job seekers have taken extreme measures to condense their employment information, some even using smaller font or margins. But as a Robert Half survey revealed, this isn't necessary anymore. Forty-four percent of executives polled said they prefer two pages. Longer resumes allow you to better explain your job duties and how you benefited your employers. So, don't feel the need to restrict yourself.
But don't lengthen your resume by filling it with unnecessary items such as descriptions of your hobbies or other personal details. Keep in mind that hiring managers are only interested in information that directly relates to your ability to fill the open position.
'Cover' your bases.
One of the casualties of online applications is the cover letter. Most job applicants type out a just few quick sentences in an email message, attach a resume and hit "send," assuming that's sufficient. If you want to stand apart from other candidates, sufficient isn't enough. A cover letter allows you to further explain what you can offer to the employer, highlighting your skills and experience most relevant to the job opening.
You can also address any potential employment gaps or other concerns a prospective employer might have with your resume. In addition, a strong cover letter demonstrates your writing ability, a talent that's always in demand.
Pick up the phone.
Job seekers also often use email to follow up with prospective employers after submitting an application. The problem with this technique is that it's easy for messages to get buried in a hiring manager's inbox, if not filtered into the spam folder. That's one of the reasons a phone follow-up can separate you from most applicants.
In addition, by calling a hiring manager, you add a personal touch that can keep you top of mind. Use the follow-up call to reassert your interest in the position and briefly highlight skills that make you an ideal applicant.
In a challenging economy, applicants are faced with more competition than ever, so any tactic that will allow you to stand out will be to your advantage. Supplement today's techniques which those that are time-tested. Doing so can set you apart -- and might even make your parents proud, too.
Robert Half International is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 360 offices worldwide. For more information about our professional services, please visit rhi.com. For additional workplace articles and podcasts, visit workvine.com.
Searching for jobs online, emailing your resume to hiring managers, forgoing a cover letter: This isn't your parents' job search.
But maybe it should be.
Many strategies that used to be an essential part of the application process -- such as scanning the local newspaper's Help Wanted section -- have become obsolete. But that doesn't mean newer is always better when it comes to the job search. Classic methods can still be successful.
Here are a few old-school approaches that can help you find a job:
Use your stamps.
Since email became popular in the mid-'90s, the ease of submitting resumes through cyberspace has made it the obvious choice for job seekers. Combine that with the rise in online applications, and most everyone is now submitting a resume courtesy of the Internet. That's why sending a hard-copy resume via snail mail, in addition to an electronic version, can help you stand out.
Be sure to use a high-quality white paper and classic font, like Times New Roman. Also avoid overly complex graphics or other visual "extras." Proofread thoroughly and include proper keywords to target the resume to the specific opportunity that interests you.
Don't be afraid to lengthen your resume.
In recent years, the trend has been to limit the resume to just one page. Job seekers have taken extreme measures to condense their employment information, some even using smaller font or margins. But as a Robert Half survey revealed, this isn't necessary anymore. Forty-four percent of executives polled said they prefer two pages. Longer resumes allow you to better explain your job duties and how you benefited your employers. So, don't feel the need to restrict yourself.
But don't lengthen your resume by filling it with unnecessary items such as descriptions of your hobbies or other personal details. Keep in mind that hiring managers are only interested in information that directly relates to your ability to fill the open position.
'Cover' your bases.
One of the casualties of online applications is the cover letter. Most job applicants type out a just few quick sentences in an email message, attach a resume and hit "send," assuming that's sufficient. If you want to stand apart from other candidates, sufficient isn't enough. A cover letter allows you to further explain what you can offer to the employer, highlighting your skills and experience most relevant to the job opening.
You can also address any potential employment gaps or other concerns a prospective employer might have with your resume. In addition, a strong cover letter demonstrates your writing ability, a talent that's always in demand.
Pick up the phone.
Job seekers also often use email to follow up with prospective employers after submitting an application. The problem with this technique is that it's easy for messages to get buried in a hiring manager's inbox, if not filtered into the spam folder. That's one of the reasons a phone follow-up can separate you from most applicants.
In addition, by calling a hiring manager, you add a personal touch that can keep you top of mind. Use the follow-up call to reassert your interest in the position and briefly highlight skills that make you an ideal applicant.
In a challenging economy, applicants are faced with more competition than ever, so any tactic that will allow you to stand out will be to your advantage. Supplement today's techniques which those that are time-tested. Doing so can set you apart -- and might even make your parents proud, too.
Robert Half International is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 360 offices worldwide. For more information about our professional services, please visit rhi.com. For additional workplace articles and podcasts, visit workvine.com.
Job Info , Career Sources , Employment
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