Posted By Amanda Collins on December 16, 2010

I’ve been doing a lot of presentations lately on résumé writing—to high-school students and returning service members—and one of the key components I always discuss is the ever-important summary. As I explain it, the summary should answer the question, “Why should I hire you?” By doing that, the résumé clearly shares the applicant’s value proposition. The truth of the matter is that 90% of the clients I see don’t have a solid answer to this question.

Typically, I receive one of three responses when I ask my clients the “Why should I hire you?” question: a deer-in-headlights look, something like “I’m nice and show up to work on time,” or a great, on-target answer. Unfortunately, the last option is in the minority. As I tell clients, everyone will say they’re dependable and a team player; those traits are practically expected. But what if you can share your unique abilities as they relate to the position?

At some point, I’ll need to start recording my feedback on this question because, after I’ve crafted a verbal response to this question (more for the interview than the résumé), I’m often asked, “Can you write that down for me?” Sure, I’ll definitely be using a version of that for the summary, but an oral response is a bit different from the written version.

Here’s the formula I share with my clients to give a spot-on answer to the “Why should I hire you?” question during the interview:

• Sum up what they’re looking for. Typically, the question comes at the end of the interview, meaning you’ve had an opportunity to ask the employer what they’re seeking in the position. Go back and say something like, “During our time together, I heard you say you’re looking for a person who can provide A, B, and C.”
• Position yourself as the solution. Once you’ve given an outline of what the company is seeking, color in the lines with your unique experiences. “While I was in my last position, I was promoted twice because of my talents implementing A, B, and C.”
• Punch it up with some accomplishments. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather hire a person who has a history of creating results than someone who just “phones it in.” Highlight a couple of accomplishments that relate to what they’re seeking. “As a matter of fact, while I was in that position, I increased profit margins 22% following in-depth market research and updating our product line.”

It’s always been my approach as a writer to educate my clients. The above formula can really help job seekers to get a handle on the résumé and interview approach while infusing some immediate self-confidence as I illustrate their best qualities. We both leave the conversation feeling great, and I send them on their way to land that job!

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Posted By Amanda Collins on November 23, 2010

In this digital age, your résumé is probably online: on Monster, LinkedIn, Jobing, or your own site. And, just like anything else online, you should be making your résumé SEO-friendly to attract more hits. Here are some simple tips you can implement to boost your online ratings.

Keep the Keywords Coming!
In the SEO world, you hear about keywords, metatags, and the like. Although you won’t have tags on your résumé, you most definitely will have keywords. If your document is well written, you’ll naturally include some key phrases in your summary, job descriptions, and accomplishments, but there’s an even more direct way to add those much-needed keywords: your core competencies. Located just below the summary, this section is only keywords. Not only do they make your résumé pop in scanning systems, but they also jump off the page to the human reader, who can clearly see your transferable skills.

Have a Brand
More than anything else, a résumé is a marketing tool—and you are the product it’s selling. Your brand may not be as obvious as “Coke is it,” but there are a few ways for you to stand out from the crowd. First, be sure to have a visually appealing layout to the document. Keep it clean with appropriate white space. Next, add a title and branding statement. Nothing makes you stand out more than sharing a great branding statement that sums up what a great fit you are in just one sentence.

Use the Right Format
If you’re able to upload your résumé, a .doc or .pdf file will be great, and it will also maintain format. But if you’re asked to cut and paste your résumé, a better approach is to change it to a .txt document prior to pasting. It’s not pretty, but the systems can scan it easily and it looks a little more consistent than cutting and pasting a .doc file.

Add Links
Social media is here and now, so why not add links to your online résumé? The most common one is your LinkedIn profile, but if you have a professional website that supports your job search, that can be a great addition as well. Of course, steer clear of Facebook and Twitter unless you are only using them solely for professional purposes. In other words, be sure you don’t have pictures of your drunken adventures on anything you link to your résumé.

Watch That Tone
Although résumés are naturally business professional in tone, you can liven it up a bit with a little personality. Try some minimal color, graphs and charts, or a picture when appropriate (of you or something else). I’ve seen some really fun résumés for folks in the advertising world, but remember that you need to know your audience. A “fun” document will fall flat in a “serious” profession, such as banking.

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Posted By Amanda Collins on November 10, 2010

One of the big issues I see on résumés is that they are essentially vomit on a page, if you get my meaning. People are afraid that if they don’t tell everything, they will be overlooked. Back in the day, that was the way it was. You wrote everything you did at previous jobs—in chronological order—and the employer determined where you would best fit. Now, however, it’s a bit more competitive.

It starts with a title. If you remember, résumés used to lead with an objective: “To obtain a position in which I can utilize my experience for the best needs of the company.” Really, does that say anything? Instead, tell the employer who you are for them. Be super clear. If you want to racket it up a bit, add a subtitle or branding statement.

The rest of the résumé should follow the lead of the title. If you say you’re an HR expert, don’t clutter the page with information about your time in logistics. It only serves to confuse the reader. There are many tricks and marketing strategies to highlight your talents while still getting all of the pertinent information on there—without lying (no, never lie on your résumé). I’ve written a number of different types of résumés depending on the goals of the client, which is where strategy comes into play.

And that’s what it’s all about, isn’t it? The idea behind being clear on your résumé is that you have a strategy. Without it, you’re back to over-sharing and making the reader try to figure out where you fit in the organization. I guarantee you, they don’t have time to do that. So make your résumé crystal clear and you’ll improve your chances of being invited for an interview.

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Tags: how to write a resume

Posted By Amanda Collins on November 8, 2010

A résumé’s main goal is to secure an interview by sharing enough information for an employer to want to know more. But what if the résumé works, yet you’re still not landing a position? The answer may be in the interview, and by applying these simple tips, you may find greatly improved results.

Balance the Power
In an interview, the employer typically leads the conversation; however, your strong personality could be vying for attention. From time to time, of course, that’s perfectly fine, but remember to share the spotlight. Your goals is to be assertive yet yielding.

Avoid Distractions
Your focus during the interview should be on the business at hand. Checking your watch or allowing a cell phone to ring may signal to the interviewer that you lack focus and concentration. And why would they want an employee who doesn’t prioritize their company?

Just the Facts
Some people really like to talk, and they can talk about all kinds of things. If you’re one of those people, remember to censor your comments. Certainly, you want to share some topical things about yourself so you are more than two-dimensional, but be sure to not start talking about superfluous information—that may actually knock you out of the running.

Listen
How do you know how to respond if you aren’t listening to the questions being asked? It’s nearly human nature that we are busy considering what we’re going to say while someone else is talking, which can keep us from actively listening to the other person in the conversation. In an interview, it’s fine to take some time after a question is being asked to consider the response, so listening is always a better choice.

While a résumé is a vital part of a job search, the interview is the gateway into a new company. Take some time to prepare ahead of time and stay in the game during the actual event and you’ll see your success rate increase.

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Tags: job interview

Posted By Amanda Collins on October 22, 2010

In today’s competitive job market, it’s nearly inevitable that during your next interview for the job you’ve been wanting you will be asked the question, “So, why should our company hire you?” You could respond with that interview-ending deer-in-headlights look, or you can be prepared with an amazing answer that just might get you the job.

The real reason you’ll be asked this question isn’t really to put you on the spot (although it may feel like it is when you’re in the hot seat). Truly, interviewers want to know if you see your own value and hear how you share that with them. Keep in mind the WIIFM Factor, or “what’s in it for me” from the perspective of the interviewer/company, and always tie it back to them.

Sum Up
A good way to start your closing sales pitch is to sum up what you’ve done. Include how many years you’ve been doing this, some top companies where you’ve worked, and your history of promotions that got you where you are today. Cover the talents you’ve acquired along the way that are imperative for you to do a great job.

Highlight an Accomplishment
While what you’ve done is a great launch point and vitally important to your ability to do the job, what you’ve accomplished is that much more impressive. Mention an accomplishment you’ve not yet covered during the interview or revisit one previously discussed. Either way, it shows your ability to go above and beyond your job description.

Tie It Back to the Employer
Put a nice little bow on your answer by returning to the company’s needs. Since this question usually comes up near the end of an interview, you will have already had the opportunity to learn what the company is looking for, so you can highlight their needs and how you will meet them.

An Example
It usually makes a lot more sense when you see or hear an example, so here’s what a candidate for a marketing manager position might say:

Across my nearly 15 years of experience, I have worked in various industries and in companies that were at pivotal points in their growth, either launching new ideas or expanding into new territories. Under my leadership, XY Company was able to sustain year-to-year growth of 15-20%, even with the economic hurdles. We did that by incorporating social media into an already established television and radio campaign to create a robust messaging platform that reached target audiences in myriad ways. I’ve heard you say that your company is looking for a strategic visionary with the ability to come in and assess existing marketing tactics to determine what is and isn’t working. While at XY Company, that’s exactly what I did by prioritizing tactics and adding depth to existing approaches, positioning them as an industry leader. I’ve done this job, and I am prepared to help your company move into the next decade with a sound marketing strategy to produce results.

If you have a formulaic approach, it will help you to stay on track in the interview and wow your audience with your response.

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Tags: interviewing

Posted By Amanda Collins on October 5, 2010

It’s estimated that up to 70% of job openings are never posted—so how do you find out about them? You need to create a network and then leverage those connections to get you in the right place at the right time. But, unless you’re very lucky, that doesn’t just happen on its own. You have to build the results you want. But how?

Get to know your network.
People who know you well are generally more inclined to help you. You may have hundreds or thousands of contacts, but it’s more effective to have just a few you know well and who are willing to act on your behalf. You can certainly strategize on who your best prospects are and develop relationships, but do so altruistically rather than with an agenda.

Treat people with respect.
If you don’t respect your network, they’re not going to have that warm and fuzzy feeling about you to help you. Treat them kindly and you’ll find that your contacts will keep you top of mind in their interactions.

It’s a two-way street.
You cannot just ask again and again without expecting to give something in return. Part of the effectiveness of a network means that you help each other. I have one recruiter in my database who helps a number of job seekers with the hopes they will remember him for their recruiting needs when they land a position. He doesn’t do it just for that reason, but he understands you have to give to get.

Know what you want.
As much as people may want to help you, they’ll have a hard time doing so if they have no idea what you’re looking for. Be clear and concise when you ask for help. Suggest certain industries or job titles to get them thinking. Even names of people will be helpful.

Don’t make assumptions.
At a networking event I attend, the HR rep from a sit-down restaurant chain often asks who wants to talk to him, and only a few people raise their hands. They assume he’s only looking for wait and kitchen staff, but the truth is that he’s often looking for all kinds of people—and he has a vast network that expands whom he can help. But if you put someone in a box, you may very well be closing doors.

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Posted By Amanda Collins on September 29, 2010

There’s no question about it: social media is here to stay and can have a significant impact on your job search. But, like anything else, there are some parameters you should consider.

Manage your online reputation.
Unless you’ve locked your accounts, they’re open for everyone to see. You can leave the accounts open for public viewing, but be sure to remove anything—and I mean anything—that could be misconstrued. Otherwise, go to the privacy settings and be sure that everything is set for friends only.

Build a network.
Connecting with your friends is fun, but expand your horizons to companies and people who can help your cause. While Facebook might be just for friends, Twitter and LinkedIn are where companies can post jobs and look for candidates. Start targeting the right places so you’ll know what’s new and you’ll have a better chance of creating results through social media.

Continue to learn.
You may feel like you know everything there is to know about social media, but it’s an evolving system and there’s always more to learn. Continue to take classes and get advice from experts on how to best leverage your connections and maximize social media.

Remember the old-school methods.
Sure, social media is a fantastic tool to find a new job, but don’t let it be the only one you employ. You should still be using networking, classified ads, and other old-fashioned methods to look for positions. Statistically, nearly 70% of jobs are unlisted, so however you can make yourself known will make a difference.

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Tags: social media

Posted By Amanda Collins on September 27, 2010

If your résumé is doing its job, and you’re using it in conjunction with social media and networking activities, the likelihood is that you’ll be offered a few interviewing opportunities. If you find that you get a lot of interviews but no offers, there might be something going awry in the one-on-one. Perhaps you’ve forgotten to apply to basic principles of manners once you enter the interview room. Here are some areas you might want to brush up on before you’re called for your next opportunity.

Arrive early.
First impressions count. If you are strolling in 5-10 minutes following your scheduled interview time, it definitely doesn’t leave a good impression. If the company has stacked appointments, it may also cost you your slotted time—and the job. Plan to arrive about 10 minutes early, and be sure to bring along a list of references, a copy of your résumé on good-quality paper, and your smart phone for any information you might need for employment applications.

Show interest.
An interview is a test of who you are as a person. If you don’t appear engaged in the process by having good eye contact and asking questions, it may come across as a lack of interest. According to some statistics, communication is 38% tone, 55% visual cues, and only 7% words. So be sure that what you say matters but what you do and how you say it are just as relevant.

Listen.
I can’t tell you how many times when I was growing up that my mother used to get on me because I was thinking about what I was going to say next in the conversation rather than listening to what the other person was saying. In an interview, listening can be even more challenging because the situation is often nerve-wracking and can cause you to second-guess what the next question will be.

Say thank you.
It seems like such a simple suggestion, but so many people forget to “close” the interview. In addition to saying thank you as you’re leaving the interview room, be sure to follow up with a note. I suggest a handwritten card because it makes a huge difference.

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Tags: interviewing

Posted By Amanda Collins on September 10, 2010

When it comes to résumés, one size does not fit all. Sure, any résumé writer (myself included) can give you general hints and strategies, but they apply to the masses, not to each person. As any woman can attest, if a garment says “one size fits all,” it likely is too big in some places and too small in others. You need to get the right size to look fantastic.

That’s where your strategy and goals come into play. Do you know what you want to be when you grow up (or at least for the next year)? I so often see clients who want to leave their industry because it’s dead. Or they’re looking for a more junior position because they have to start over at a new company. The worst-case scenario is the person who says, “I’ll take anything!”

But the truth of the matter is that you have to be specific in your job search. Even if you have 10 different goals, that’s much better than not having one. There is a strategy behind a well-crafted résumé, and I cannot write that golden document without a career goal. Just today, I had a client in my office with more than a decade of experience in constructions who is considering being a product representative. But I could tell there was no passion behind his drive. He expected I would just be able to write something up based on what he did in the past, but a good writer always looks to the future.

If you’re not sure what you want to be in the next phase of your life, look at available positions, do some informational interviews, and get that research in (read a past blog on how to do that). You may also consider hiring a career coach / counselor to help give you a road map moving forward. Believe me, you’ll be a lot more focused and have a better chance of finding that perfect fit.

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Posted By Amanda Collins on September 9, 2010

So your resume is working for you and you’re getting interviews. But what if you’re still unemployed? As I tell people, if you’re not getting interviews, look at your resume; if you are getting interviews, look at how you interview.

According to Karalyn Brown, an Australian resume writer and career consultant, there are likely five reasons you’re not getting the job following an interview.

1. There are too many people in the interview process.
If 20 people show up for a day of interviews, it will be challenging to stand out (in a good, positive way). Make sure you are professional and maybe share something unique about yourself. Definitely follow up immediately with a thank-you card.

2. The position has been withdrawn.
Sometimes, there is an internal candidate who is chosen. Or maybe they chose someone from the first string of interviews and you’re in the second string. For whatever the reason, this happens and there’s not much you can do about it.

3. You may threaten or intimidate the interviewer.
If the interviewer feels you’re bucking for his/her position, it stands to reason you won’t be wanted. It’s a hard line to ride to be assertive but not overbearing.

4. There is no job.
It may seem ridiculous, but sometimes there isn’t a position available. Most often, that will happen with recruiters who are screening you in the hopes of securing a client—and then it falls through.

5. You don’t interview well.
The issue here is how will you know? Unless you’re keenly aware of your strengths and weaknesses, you’ll not notice how well or poorly you interviewed. It may be beneficial to engage an interview coach if you have this situation arise often. At least you’ll get some constructive, unbiased feedback to improve.

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