50 Job Search Tips That Work

Resume



9. Customize Your Resume: Take the extra step of customizing your resume to fit the industry. Simple, generic resumes fail to catch the eye of hiring managers.

10. Proofread 3x: Make sure that you do not have any grammatical errors on your resume.

11. Bring Copies of Your Resume: Don’t assume that everyone will have copies of your resume. Make sure you bring a few extra, “clean” copies with you.

12. Streamline Your List of Pertinent Experience: Older (seasoned) professionals should list approximately 15 years of relevant experience. This will streamline your resume and focus attention on your best experience.

13. Use Active Verbs: Strong active verb usage adds “punch and power” to your resume.

14. Be Careful with Acronyms and Jargon: Make sure that any acronyms are spelled out to avoid confusion. Try to eliminate jargon unless you are 100% sure your interviewer will understand the reference.

15. Send Your Resume in the Right File Format: Pay attention to the guidelines for sending in your resume. Failing to comply with file format standards can hurt your chances for an interview.

16. Make Your Resume More Reader-Friendly: Research shows that employers take from 2.5 to 20 seconds to scan a resume. Use bullet-points and bolded titles to make it easy for them to focus on the highlights.

17. Axe Weak “Responsibilities” Words from Your Resume: Delete phrases like “duties included,” “responsibilities included,” or “responsible for” from your resume. Your resume should communicate accomplishments, not your last job description.



Interviewing



18. Always Dress for Success: When in doubt, dress business conservative. Don’t take a chance “experimenting” with dress to show off your personality.

19. Make Eye Contact: Seek to make solid eye contact when answering questions. This simple gesture shows that you are confident and decisive.

20. Take Notes: This also shows preparation, organization, and respect for the interviewer. Always come prepared to take great notes.

21. Bring Questions to the Interview: Don’t be afraid to come in with a prepared list of questions.



22. Be Decisive: Know what you want and explain your expectations to your prospective employer.

23. Listen: The old proverb – you have 2 ears and one mouth – is dead on. Make sure you listen as much as you talk. You’ll be surprised by what you’ll learn by asking great questions and listening attentively.

24. Confront Your Weaknesses: Employers usually ask what your “weaknesses” are. Don’t be afraid to admit them and describe how you are working to improve.

25. Practice Makes Perfect: Ask a friend to play the role of an interviewer. Set-up a video to record how you answer questions. Review the video for ways to improve your body language and style.



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