The job search can be extremely demanding. Although every job search process comprises of plenty of actions – researching, networking, and applying – there’s nothing more arduous than waiting patiently for a response.
On that note, I want to offer you my two-page, annotated resume cheat sheet which is bound to improve your job search and showcase the valuable skills that transcend industries, ensuring recruiters see your adaptability and versatility. It breaks down exactly how a marketing manager was able to get their dream job AND double the initial offer they received. Get your copy by submitting your information below:
The pressure of not having a job can really get under your skin quickly. When you feel this way, it is very easy to lose focus and jump on board with the first opening you get. Getting on board with any job can really dent your chances of landing “the dream job” because it can mess up the narrative of your resume.
Furthermore, research conducted by Indeed shows that candidates with the highest number of job applications are 39% less likely to hear back positively from employers. In other words, you might need to devote a little more of your time initially to find the perfect job, but given how much a strong focus can shorten your job search, it’s a step worth taking.
It’s important to note here that focusing on your resume or job search is not be confused with personal branding.
Say I was applying as a Volunteer Head of Marketing. The entire focus of my resume would be the successes I was able to achieve at CareerTuners as a result of implementing various marketing strategies, including webinars, email marketing, LinkedIn marketing, and web marketing.
I would be FOCUSING my job search on Marketing. My personal brand as a resume writer would be totally irrelevant.
To help you better understand what I’m trying to say, consider this: let’s say you studied Spanish in your undergrad, taught Spanish to 8th graders for a year, and literally ran away crying. You’re simply not cut out to teach!
Programming is something you really believe you can excel in; you’re taking a few additional classes at a community college and have been building up your programming knowledge. You’ve found it to be your true calling. You have also used the college's career center to land a programming internship and love it.
Now, you can focus on whatever you want! If you apply to a job as a web programmer, for instance, you should talk about your web programming accomplishments in your resume and little else. You should shrink down the experience of teaching Spanish to just a line so it does not visually overwhelm your readers.
Once you’re absolutely certain about what you’re really “focused” on, instead of going for every job, consider putting your undivided attention towards your “dream job.”
Your “dream job” is the holy grail you should not give up on. Going after your holy grail will not only result in a shorter job search but automatically lead you toward what’s best for you and your career.
Here’s why you should stick to a focused job search irrespective of the time it takes to find the perfect match:
- You’re more likely to succeed at your job if you love it.
- The temptation to throw your resume at every job opening will force your resume to be generic and a generic resume is far less likely to perform well in the job market. Think about it – what would you prefer if you were hiring a sales manager? A resume that clearly focuses on the candidates’ sales leadership strengths, or one that touches on their sales, teaching, banking, AND retail experience?
- The process of applying to limited jobs that fit only your interests saves time, which can be focused on more productive things such as learning a new skill.
- A focused job search can force you to reach out to people in your industry for guidance. The advice from experienced professionals will not only be priceless, but it’ll also help you build a network.
- Employers will notice. If they see your resume for eight different positions at their firm, they might think you’re desperate.
Steps you need to take before you begin your job search:
- Set a goal – write down your interests and where you see yourself in ten years’ time and then identify the jobs that align with these interests.
- Depending on your financial needs, determine a salary range. Conduct research using salary.com and glassdoor.com to make sure you’re paid fairly.
- Assess your qualifications. Are you well-qualified? If not, sign up for the required certifications. Add these to your resume with completion dates set to some time in the future. This will help your resume get shortlisted, and you don’t have to wait until your courses are completed to at least start interviewing and getting a feel for the job market.
- Networking is another important step; reach out to both personal and professional connections to help you break into the industry you desire. Check out our networking course if you’re looking for some guidance on how to network your way to a dream job. In order to be absolutely certain if the job is right for you or not, here's a list of questions you can ask:
What do you love about your job?
What do you hate about your job?
If you could change one thing about your job, what would you change?
Given that I feel my biggest strength is ___ do you think a job in ___ would be a good fit for me?
I am happiest when I am ___. Given this, do you feel a job in ___ would be a good fit for me?
Upload your resume for free towards the right and we’ll let you know if your resume lacks focus and how can you make it right.
Looking for more? Check out these links:
- Emerging Business Trends Every Job Seeker Should Know
- How to Stay Financially Stable During a Career Shift
- We Talked to 38 Recruiters and Here Is How They Shortlist Applicants.
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