In applying for jobs, there’s no one resume to rule them all. Instead, candidates should tailor their CVs specifically for the roles that excite them.
The generic resume is just one mistake many candidates make. Here are some other ones you should avoid, per four Austin recruiters, plus some tips on how to become a better interviewee.
Emily Ramirez wears many hats in her role as people operations manager for Vyopta, and one of those hats is one fit for a recruiter. Ramirez’s key tip for job hunters is to slow down, read carefully and follow directions while job searching. Here’s why.
Increase your chance of getting yourself to the first round of interviews by reading and following directions on the job posting.”
What is the number one mistake candidates make when initiating a job search?
The number one mistake when initiating a job search is not reading the job posting and following directions. If the job posting requires a cover letter, or questions to be answered, and you don’t submit the cover letter, or answer the questions, your application will most likely be rejected. Increase your chance of getting yourself to the first round of interviews by reading and following directions on the job posting.
What should candidates do differently to attract more positive outcomes when it comes to applying?
Each job has different requirements, and you can increase your chance of getting an initial interview if you spend time tailoring your resume and cover letter according to the job opening. Draw attention to your past work experience as it applies to a specific job. It is better to spend time tweaking your resume and cover letter to get that initial call than spending time waiting for a call that will not come because you failed to highlight yourself or your experience.
How can candidates become better interviewers?
Practice, practice, practice. Be able to give your elevator pitch on yourself at the drop of a hat. If you can speak about yourself and sell yourself, your experience and the qualities that make you right for the job, your interview will go well. Knowing about the company, looking up common interview questions and having a few questions ready to ask at the end of your interview will always put you in a positive light during an interview. Did I mention to practice, practice, practice?
Kelsey Ozar first tried out recruiting when a previous company she worked for gave her the opportunity to explore other departments. After noticing how excited candidates grew upon receiving a job offer, she stuck with it. That was seven years ago. Today, Ozar continues to impact internal growth at AlertMedia, where she serves as director of talent. Take it from this seasoned pro on how to approach your job search the right way.
Don’t sell yourself short by interviewing for jobs you aren’t really interested in.”
What is the number one mistake candidates make when initiating a job search?
Not taking the time to think about what really matters to you and mass applying. When you don’t do your research or define your “must haves” versus your “nice-to-haves,” you set yourself up for a non-compelling, generic resume and phone interview. Don’t sell yourself short by interviewing for jobs you aren’t really interested in and therefore are not going to be excited about.
What should candidates do differently to attract more positive outcomes when it comes to applying?
Write concise, thoughtful resumes that quantify your past successes and most closely relate to the role you are applying for. Recruiters want to see aligned experience, how you were measured to success and positive outcomes. We’re looking for high achievers who check off must-have boxes, so utilize your resume as an opportunity to let your triumphs stand out and score you the interview.
How can candidates become better interviewers?
It becomes apparent very quickly if you haven’t actually read a job description or done any research. Come with specific questions or clarifications about the role instead of generically asking what the job entails. Prepare to explain why you’re interested in this role and this company in a genuine way. Be an active listener, be personable and be human. If you’re not conversational and do not have any questions, you might come off as disinterested in the role.
Karen Welsh didn’t find recruiting. Rather, recruiting found her. Yes, one of Welsh’s teammates recruited her to join the recruiting team. Now she leads eRelevance’s hiring strategies as recruiting manager. Welsh said her favorite part of the role is bringing together a successful union between candidate and employer. Her advice? Always include an introduction about yourself on your resume.
Try to have an honest and open discussion that shows you’ve done your due diligence.”
What is the number one mistake candidates make when initiating a job search?
Not truly looking for the right fit and instead just applying for a job.
What should candidates do differently to attract more positive outcomes when it comes to applying?
Include an introduction about yourself that shares why you are interested in the position and what qualifies you as a possible fit. Also, make sure your resume and introduction directly relate to the position you’re seeking.
How can candidates become better interviewers?
Be transparent and make sure to interview the interviewers, too. Try to have an honest and open discussion that shows you’ve done your due diligence and aren’t just looking to collect a paycheck.
Having gone to school to become an attorney, Katy Kendall pivoted to a role in recruiting after a friend shared how much he enjoyed the job and that he thought she’d be awesome at it. His intuition proved true. Kendall has been a recruiter for more than four years and serves as a senior technical recruiter for Under Armour Connected Fitness. This expert advises candidates to avoid applying for all the roles open at a company.
The number one mistake that candidates make frequently would be ‘mass applying.’”
What is the number one mistake candidates make when initiating a job search?
The number one mistake that candidates make frequently would be “mass applying.” This means going on the company page and applying for every single position that they have open. It does not give a good impression to recruiters, and we end up rejecting you in the end. Be selective. Be passionate.
What should candidates do differently to attract more positive outcomes when it comes to applying?
You’ll increase your chances of a callback by tailoring your resume exactly to the job that you are applying for. Also, try to gather as much information as possible about the company that you are applying for. Check Glassdoor, Indeed’s company pages or maybe do a quick Google search. Do your homework — it will help you in the long run.
How can candidates become better interviewers?
Be excited about the interview, the position and the company, and relay that passion. Candidates are often so nervous that they freeze up, then solely focus on sharing information about their previous roles while forgetting how they are coming across to the interviewer. This happens a lot, especially over the phone.
