1. Use A Professional Resume Builder
Ok, we know, it’s pretty obvious that this would be our top tip. As professional resume writers, we review and revise thousands of resumes each year. Some of the resumes contain errors, while others simply missing that extra something special that will attract the attention of a hiring manager. In short, most people don’t really know how to write a killer resume that will lead them to the interview process, but we do.
If you want to attract attention, a great resume is the first step. At Resume Writing Group, we can provide you with a fantastic resume as well as a dynamic cover letter. Writing resumes and cover letters truly is an art form, and our team of full-time, experienced resume writers can create a resume for any industry and any level of employment, from an entry-level grad up to a high-level executive position.
2. Select The Best Fit For You
While a professional resume builder service can provide you with a job-winning resume, you still need to send it to companies that fit your skills. Hiring managers skim through resumes looking for a specific set of skills and achievements, and while you might long to work at Company X, if you don’t really fit the requirements, you are unlikely to gain an interview. It’s crucial that you research companies before sending them your resume. Take a long look at what the skills required for the job. Do you possess all or most of those skills? If yes, this might be a good fit.
Also take a look at the size of the company and the location. For some people, a smaller company is a fantastic option, while others prefer a bustling office with hundreds of employees or perhaps something in between. The company’s location is important, as well, and while some people don’t mind a longer commute, others prefer to stick closer to home. The company culture is important, as well, but you might not be able to gauge that until you reach the interview process. If the culture doesn’t seem like a fit, it might be wise to pass on a job offer. If you are spending 40-50 hours per week on the job, you want it to be in a place where you feel comfortable and productive.
3. Improve Your Image
Before you send out that first resume, take a look at your online presence. Delete any social media posts that could raise a red flag with a potential employer. Most employers will look at Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and other social media sites to get a sense of your character and personality. If your posts are inappropriate, it’s wise to delete these or at least, tighten your security settings so only certain people can see them. A professional resume builder service may be able to help by providing you with a social media analysis. Additionally, professional resume writers also can help you improve your LinkedIn profile. If you don’t have a LinkedIn profile, start building one as soon as possible and take advantage of this powerful (and free) networking tool.
4. Impress Them During The Interview
Combine a great resume and top-notch interview skills, and you are likely to find an excellent job fairly quickly. It’s natural to be a bit nervous about the interview process, but if you are well-prepared, interviews should be fairly easily. To get prepared, research the company and its goals and mission. Learn a bit about the hiring manager, if possible, and some of the company executives. Develop a list of thoughtful questions to ask during the interview, and practice answers to typical interview questions. Practice the way you sit, greet people and make eye contact. Arrive a bit early, and dress professionally, as all of these tips can help you make a great impression.
5. Follow Up
At the end of an interview, it’s perfectly fine to ask the hiring manager what the next steps in the interview process will be. This will give you some idea of how long it will be before you can expect to hear about future interviews or job offers. Don’t forget to send a quick thank-you email or thank you note after the interview. Be appreciative and share that you are happy to answer more questions or clarify answers at any time. If you aren’t quite sure how to word these thank-you notes, a professional resume builder company usually can help. At Resume Writing Group, we offer thank you note writing services and our professional writers can create a letter that briefly thanks the hiring manager and also briefly reminds them of your outstanding qualifications.
