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Today’s economic climate has had a huge impact on many people’s job search often leaving them with frustration and little results. With fewer jobs available and stiffer competition, many people asking the question… WHY? Why have I not received an interview or even a call back? I don’t get it… I can do the job!
Evaluating the question “WHY” is something every job seeker should do, especially in today’s economy. First one has to keep in mind the ‘job market’ has shifted, more people, less jobs which means you may/should have to change your strategy. Many job seekers have kept the same routine for job hunting and are expecting the same results as a few years ago.
Most people are equipped with a current resume, which is usually well written and aesthetically pleasing with only minor mistakes, spelling or grammatical. Unfortunately, the problem is the resume lacks real content, the key component to getting a call/interview. The ‘content’ is unique to each job seeker and a cookie cutter approach to a resume might not be the best strategy. A resume is not just your ‘job description’ but should include how you added value to the job. A well written resume may include: accomplishments, awards, cost saving measures, special projects, and/or what distinguishes you from the competition.
For those that are still not getting the call/interview… what now? First, I would suggest you pull up the job description and your resume. Does your resume actually say that you can do the job on paper? If not, this may be why you have not received a call. You do not appear qualified. Each company is looking for something different and you can’t assume they know you have done something because of your title. Be careful. There is a fine line between to much and not enough on your resume. Never lie or exaggerate on a resume. If you don’t have something do not put it. It’s grounds for immediate disqualification. Not sure how to phrase it, consult a professional. If you are applying to more then one type of job you should have more then one type of resume. It is the resume that will get you the interview or call back. If you haven’t spent the time or addressed what the company is looking for, especially in today’s economy, chances are you will end up in the ‘pass’ file.
Thanks to NBC10 I had the opportunity to help a job seeker, Alessandro, in a similar situation. It wasn’t until we actually sat down and went over his resume and the jobs he was applying to that we found what was missing. Go to AS SEEN ON NBC10 to view the story of “Alessandro”. Hopefully this will show job seekers a little elbow grease and editing of a resume can go a long way, especially in today’s economy! If you are having a similar problem or not sure why you might not be getting the call, help is out there. The current economy has slowed the hiring process and with the high unemployment rate the number of applicants has increased, therefore companies are slower to hire and more selective with a larger candidate pool. Remain positive and don’t be afraid to change your tactics to get seen.
As I like to say, it’s your resume that will get you the interview and the interview is what will get you the job. Your time and efforts should be invested in the resume!
Written By: Kristin Kane, Senior Consultant
Kane Partners LLC| www.kanepartners.net
Tags: jobs, résumé, unemployment
Comments
I am applying for office administration, administrative assistant, clerical, customer service, etc. and whenever I check on-line they always come up with the same jobs for whatever job I am applying for. For instance, if I am looking for a job in customer service the same job comes up when I look under administrative assistant so why can’t I use the same resume? Why should I make up a resume for secretary, admin ass’t, clerical, customer service, etc.? They all fall under the same field. I have gotten responses back but I still haven’t landed a job.
#Janice,
Great questions! When you are searching online for a job, the search engines use ‘keywords’ to find similar or relevant positions. The administrative, clerical and secretary positions will all come up together and even a few customer service positions based on the keywords in the ad, this is expected.
When you read the descriptions you may notice companies are looking for something unique in each role. This is why it is important to review the description and your resume each time you are applying to a company. (It may or may not need editing.) For instance, are you supporting executives or staff members, are you filing and charting or do you hand billing and vendors, what customer service do you have? Is your resume saying what you have, it sounds like your resume is!
As long as your resume fits the job, you may only have one resume and that is OK. If you are applying to a customer service position I would consider a resume geared to your interface with customer and any support/service you have provided.
Great to hear you are getting the interviews, that is half the battle!
Best of luck, it sounds like you are right on target.
Kristin Kane
#Kane Partners
When asked your salary requirements , you say its negotiable. A Co. knows how much they will pay for a certain job ,so why all the mystery of a Co. just coming out and saying what they will pay ? Sam
#Sam,
I often wonder why myself! The mystery around the salary reveal can be for a myriad of reasons for both parties. There are so many factors that go into the ‘compensation’ of a position. It is important for both parties to realize its not just salary but the overall package. When we work with our candidates we remind them of the importance of the non monetary benefits or extras such as vacation, holiday, benefits, 401k/ matching, other insurances, work life balance, responsibilities, career path and additional bonuses, commissions or reviews. This in combination with the salary will make up an offer, if those other items hold value to you that should be clear when discussing what you need.
Yes, companies usually have an ideal range they plan to pay for the position, it’s best if you can find this range out on the front end so you know where you may fit in.
You do not want to sell yourself short or over price yourself. I recommend if you are asked directly what you will need for dollars, let them know you are ‘negotiable’ and you will look at the overall package stated above. Then ask them their range and what their benefits package is and you can evaluate that and come up with a more accurate range for them. Keeping in mind it’s about the position not the money.
The reasons companies ask for your salary is because as soon as you give them an answer you have finalized their decision for them. They now know they can get you at discounted rate or realize you are out of their price range or in their sweet spot.
Each situation is unique and you want to put your best foot forward always. If you have a specific questions to a situation feel free to call me at the office, 215-699 5500.
Kristin Kane
#Kane Partners
http://www.kanepartners.net
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