Q: I’m looking for a job and I’m getting so much conflicting advice. I hear one thing from my parents and relatives. And then I go online and the information is so different. What’s a good source of sound advice?
A: Skype interviews, scannable resumes, keyword searches and LinkedIn profiles. It’s a brave new world and –even though your parents mean well- what was good job hunting advice in 1994 is likely no longer true in 2014.
The best advice will be from people who are familiar with the current job market. Every city has some form of government agency dedicated to offering career resources for job seekers. Sure, you may think you don’t need those services, but due diligence requires you to check them out. These agencies are in the know about what employers want, which jobs are in demand and how the new application process works.
The internet does have lots of good info, however stick to well known sites like forbes.com, monster.com or careerbuilder.com
Speaking of outdated advice, here are five that I think need to be put to pasture.
“Have an OBJECTIVE section at the top of your resume stating job aspirations and what you’re looking for in a company”. Don’t. Use a new HIGHLIGHTS section instead, here you list accomplishments, career highpoints, skills and attributes.
“References available upon request”. This is unnecessary. It’s a given you’ll produce references when/if asked.
“Use good resume paper”. Chances are you’ll be submitting your application and resume electronically or as an attachment. In larger companies your resume will likely be read by scanner before human hands touch it. So making sure you include a variety of skills and industry keywords, is higher priority than quality paper.
Stating in your cover letter that you’ll be “calling to follow up or set-up an interview”. This is unrealistic. Employers don’t have time to answer calls from applicants, and they don’t schedule interviews based on requests.
To show them you have initiative, “show up with a resume and ask to speak to a manager”. This seldom works because it can easily make you look pushy. I wouldn’t go beyond introducing myself while dropping off an unsolicited resume.
Good luck on your job search!
©Copyright Eva Del Rio
