January 11th – The #NumberOfTheDay is 23.8
According to a recent article in Fortune magazine, 23.8% of all jobs are created positions. What does this mean for you?
Consider, the vast majority of jobs are not even posted anywhere online, and for those that are, you have 2 ½ strikes against you before you even apply. The most successful job seekers don’t wait for a job to be posted; they tap into the hidden job market.
Target 10 – 20 companies you’re interested in and that you think you can add value to. Research those companies thoroughly and build your network with stakeholders in that company to get in front of the decision-makers with an accomplishment-rich résumé.
Once you have your foot in the door, anything can happen and often does. Smart companies look for ways to attract, hire, and retain the best employees regardless of whether there is an open position or not.
January 12th – The #NumberOfTheDay is 48.2
According to eMarketer, 48.2% of Baby Boomers use social media daily, compared with 90.4% of millennials. Not only do different generations use social media differently, but what is essential when reviewing applicants changes as well.
While a baby boomer is likely more apt to appreciate longevity with a company, a younger hiring manager will tend to favor innovation and the use of technology.
One of the worst mistakes a job seeker can make is to have a “one-size-fits-all” résumé. One-size-fits-all equates to one-size-fits-none. Your résumé should be targeted to the position and company you are applying to – integrate keywords, showcase achievements, and focus on the most relevant work experience.
Begin with reviewing the job description to identify keywords and preferred skillsets to align your résumé. While a complete rewrite isn’t usually needed, make sure your bullet points and accomplishments reflect the desired skill set and show that you can do the job. You may a top sales leader in your organization, but if the position is looking for someone skilled in strategic planning, make sure you focus on a time where you have utilized that skill set and show tangible results.
January 13th – The #NumberOfTheDay is 90
You’ve worked for the last six months trying to find a new position. You’ve been through the ups and downs and have finally landed a new job. You can’t wait to let your friends, family, and LinkedIn network know where you will be moving forward.
STOP!
Wait at least 90 days before posting your new job on LinkedIn.
When you post your new job on LinkedIn, you are letting recruiters know you have found a new position, and interview requests will stop. What happens though if the job isn’t what you thought it was going to be? Poor working conditions, discrepancies with compensation, a toxic supervisor, or culture may lead to drastic changes in your long-term plans.
Bottom line – make sure you plan on sticking with your new job before announcing it on LinkedIn.
January 14th – The #NumberOfTheDay is 3000
There are approximately 3000 zebras that roam the U.S.
Although most people tend to think of the zebra as a white animal with black stripes, scientists have discovered that the zebra is actually a black animal with white stripes. Much like a fingerprint, the stripes on a zebra are unique. No two animals have the same pattern.
The same is true for job seekers. While there may be some similarities, no two job seekers are alike. I have seen job seekers try to use their friend’s or coworker’s résumé and simply change the contact information and basics. This is a bad idea right from the beginning. If the verbiage in a résumé is generic enough to be used on someone else’s résumé and still have it make sense, how far do you think that will go toward showcasing your unique brand and value?
January 15th – The #NumberOfTheDay is 1.2
The first automatic transmission car was offered by General Motors in 1938. It goes without saying that over the past 80 years, many advances have been made. Edmunds.com reports that in 2019, only 1.2% of new automobiles sold in the U.S. had manual transmissions.
Like automobiles, the job search is constantly evolving. Is your résumé out of date or obsolete? Even if it has only been a few years since you have last looked for a job, there may be things on your résumé that would raise concerns about your professional experience.
Here are three easy things to avoid helping ensure your résumé is ready for 2021.
- It lists an objective – the most viewed area of a résumé is the top 1/3 of the first page. Replace your objective with a branded summary section that captures the value you bring to an organization
- References available upon request – this is a given and listing it on your résumé is a waste of space and an outdated practice
- Your résumé reads like a job description – your résumé is a marketing document. Focus on selling yourself, and what you’ve accomplished versus listing every responsibility you had in the position
Your résumé is often the first impression that an employer has of you. What do you want that first impression to be?
