As expert resume writers, we definitely understand the power of having your resume done professionally, but it’s not the only weapon you should have in your arsenal. That might sound dramatic, but for many jobs, competition is fierce, and you must transform yourself into the ideal employee.
Why Do You Need Professional Resume Services?
It’s simple. Having your resume done professionally ensures that this document contains the right information and that this information is presented in a dynamic and organized manner that will appeal to recruiters and hiring managers.
Of course, in the last few years, it’s also crucial that you possess a resume that can appeal to humans and bots, alike. Applicant-tracking software makes it easy for companies to sift though hundreds of resumes and identify a short list of candidates that possess a certain set of skills.
If your resume doesn’t include certain keywords, the software program bypasses your resume entirely and you’ll be left out of the mix. Aren’t sure how to write a resume that will appeal to hiring managers and software programs? You aren’t alone, few people truly know how to accomplish this skill, but professional resume writers do understand how to create resumes that attract attention and can hold up to the scrutiny of applicant tracking software.
Additionally, we edit thousands of resumes each year and find more mistakes than you possibly can imagine. Using a professional resume service can be the best way to ensure that your resume contains no spelling, grammar and syntax errors.
It’s also tricky for people to know which information to include and which information to omit from a resume and a pro resume writer can help with this issue. We all know that a resume should only run about a single page in length, and it can be tricky to fit in all of your information into just one page. A professional resume writer spends every day, all day creating amazing one-page resumes, so this writer will know what to do.
Of course, a possessing a fantastic resume is crucial, but it’s definitely not all that you need when you head into the job market. Be sure the following are on point, as well.
1. Your Job-Hunting Strategy
Too often, people simply create a resume and start sending it out to dozens (or even hundreds) of companies. This is definitely not the best strategy. You need to research some companies and find firms where you will be a good fit, both in terms of your skills as well as the company culture.
Company culture and company location often are not heavily weighted by job seekers, but they are important. If you choose companies that include a huge commute or a company where you won’t be happy, this can be a bad move. After all, you’ll be spending the majority of your week at work; shouldn’t it be a place where you feel comfortable and productive?
Additionally, many people apply for those dream jobs that they want, rather than applying for jobs that are a good fit. If you don’t possess all or most of the skills in a job posting, don’t apply. If you consistently find that the jobs you want require extra training, go out there and get that extra training. Not only will it help you find a better job, a hiring manager will be impressed by your initiative.
If you aren’t quite sure where to apply, consider using our Job Hunter service. For this service, we will study your resume and qualifications and come up with a list of 30 companies that are likely to hire you. We also will provide you with their contact information, so you can send out a resume.
These might be firms that haven’t posted job openings, and it’s important to remember that there are many jobs out there that are never posted, which is why it’s crucial that you expand your network and contacts, and consider using this service.
2. Your Online Marketing
When you are searching for a new job, consider yourself a salesperson and the commodity you are presenting is yourself. A great resume can spark interest, but you need to provide a bit more depth so that when a hiring manager takes their short list of job candidates and does more research, your internet presence enhances your resume.
One of the easiest steps to take is to simply create a LinkedIn profile, but you can’t simply slap a bit of information on there and think you’re done. You need to add a great professional photo; you need to start connecting with co-workers and friends to build up your network.
You need to create a thoughtful biography, and you need to ensure that your profile is filled with keywords that speak to your abilities. It’s also crucial to update the profile frequently. Add links to interesting articles or videos in your field and keep connecting and expanding that network.
But LinkedIn is just one step you must take. It’s also wise to create your own website, and you certainly don’t have to be an IT professional to start a website. There are plenty of platforms, such as Wix and WordPress, where you can set up a basic, but professional-looking website.
Include your professional bio and start blogging about topics in your industry. You can include a link to your website on your LinkedIn page, so that hiring managers can check you out. You might even include some fun personal information on your website, such as pictures from your zipline adventure in Costa Rica, or the day you spent helping out at a local food bank. Basically, you just want to create a strong, positive online presence, which leads us to the next point . . .
3. Clean Up Your Social Media
They say that a tweet or online photo lives forever, and essentially this is true. However, you can clean up your social media quite a bit and adjust it so that potential employers only see the positive side.
First, Google yourself and determine what people see though a quick internet search. Take stock of what you’ve posted on social media sites such as Instagram and Facebook. If you have a ton of inappropriate pictures or posts, delete them and increase your security settings that only certain people can find information about you. Also, ensure that friends can’t tag you or post on your wall, as you cannot control the content of these posts or photos.
If you keep your social media public, be sure that whatever you post sends a positive message. Avoid indiscreet posts about family problems and why you hate all of your co-workers. Why would anyone want to hire someone who spends their time complaining about their friends, family, boss or co-workers online?
Whether you like it or not, you also need to avoid posting about politics and certain social issues. While it might be fine to post about a puppy up for adoption, people might be a turned off if you state that all meat-eaters are murderers and should be put in jail.
Likewise, it might be fine if share a news article about a certain political issue, but if you also add something like, “these people are the reason that our country is in ruins,” probably sends the wrong message to a potential employer. It’s really best to avoid sensitive topics in general. Your posts aren’t doing you any favors.
On the flip side, social media can be a powerful tool if you use it wisely. It’s fine, for instance, to showcase a fun family-friendly birthday party or a picture of you finishing a 5K race. It’s also fine to post a picture of the sunset with a caption about your blessings, or perhaps a picture of your day riding horses in the wilderness. You also can put out some thoughtful posts about your industry, such as an interesting new development. These types of posts send a positive message about you.
4. Take Stock Of Your Appearance
What do hiring mangers want to see at an interview? They want to see people who are neat, tidy and dressed professionally. It doesn’t matter if everyone else in the office is wearing yoga pants and t-shirts with Muppets and Metallica images on them; you need to arrive in business attire for that interview.
It’s a good idea to invest in several business-appropriate outfits and invest in a good haircut. You can let your hair down, figuratively, once you’ve earned a job. But until then, remember that first impressions are huge, and if you don’t look the part, a hiring manager won’t be impressed. When you dress seriously, a hiring manager sees that you take the job interview process seriously, and that you take their time seriously. If you dress sloppily, it shows that you could take the job or leave it, and it’s really not that important to you. That attitude does not inspire people.
What does inspire hiring managers? Interviewing serious people who are interested and excited about their careers and becoming a part of the hiring manager’s team.
To jumpstart the process, you’ll need a resume done professionally, and we can help. At Resume Writing Group, we can provide you with a top-notch, job-winning resume as well as cover letters, LinkedIn profiles, career coaching and more. To start the resume writing process, simply click on the yellow Get Started tab on our homepage.
