JOB SEEKER TIPS

 

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Free Download: Checklist - 10 Major Resume Mistakes

  

 

• Your resume is NOT a history of your career nor is it a job description, rather a good resume is a strong, high-impact sales pitch targeted to a specific job category.

 

• Your LinkedIn profile is important -- that's how recruiters will find you.

 

• Look into additional training to bring you up to date in your industry. WIOA grants are often available.

 

• Volunteer.

 

• Invest in yourself - good haircut, new suit/shoes, join a gym and exercise regularly.

 

• Network, network, network.

 

 

Our members weigh in:

 

Is your resume accomplishment-based? Don’t make the mistake of listing job duties and responsibilities; rather, focus on the contributions you have made. Write in terms of results and achievements. Use this same strategy to respond to questions in interviews.

Often the C-A-R format works well for this: Challenge – Action – Result.

Donna Tucker, CPRW, CareerPRO Resume Center

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You only get one time to make a first impression! So to always come with your "A" game.

Being prepared and knowing that preparation is essential and to never leave anything to chance. 

Juanita Mays

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Tailor your resume to each job description. Match the things you say about your qualifications and accomplishments to the requirements in each posting.

Jeri Hird Dutcher, WorkWrite Resumes

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f you are told to include your resume as an attachment, act with caution. If you use MS Word, the person receiving it may have another version or a totally different word processing software, so find out before sending the resume to see if there are any compatibility issues. It is suggested that you send the resume as a pdf file along with the Word file, in case they can’t open the Word file.

Ginger Korljan, M.Ed., NCRW, CCMC, Take Charge Coaching

 

The federal job search process is very complex. Resumes for federal jobs are very different from conventional, private-sector resumes and include KSAs (Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities), which are rated and ranked with a point system.

Donna Tucker, CPRW, CareerPRO Resume Center

 

Diversify your job search with networking rather than relying solely on online applications.

Jeri Hird Dutcher, WorkWrite Resumes

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When you email someone who doesn’t know you, it is best to cut and paste a resume in text or ascii form directly to the email instead of including it as an attachment. Many companies are hesitant to open attachments from people they do not know, but they will read the content in the body of the email. Make sure the formatting for the text file is clear and easy to read.

Ginger Korljan, M.Ed., NCRW, CCMC, Take Charge Coaching
 

Prepare for a phone interview or video interview like you do for an in-person interview. Don't underestimate the value of any segment of your job search.

Jeri Hird Dutcher, WorkWrite Resumes

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What does your e-mail address say about you? Make sure it is professional, preferably your name, such as John.Q.Smith@abc.com.

Donna Tucker, CPRW, CareerPRO Resume Center

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Make sure your resume is ATS compatible. Don't know how to do that? Reach out to one of the resume writers on this site.

Jeri Hird Dutcher, WorkWrite Resumes

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Pay particular attention to your stress level during a job search. If it's getting out of hand, learn more about keeping it under control. Start with 4-7-8 breathing. 

Jeri Hird Dutcher, WorkWrite Resumes

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