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Resume Overhaul: Top Tips from HR Managers

Want a job? Your resume better shine!

A recent survey by CareerBuilder.com found that 27 percent of human resource managers receive more than 50 resumes for each open position. With such stiff competition, your resume needs to be flawless, persuasive and customized to a particular position in order to stand out in the crowd.

The perfect resume

Here are the top resume essentials that HR managers said they take into account:

• Relevant experience
• Accomplishments
• That you've taken the time to customize your resume for a specific position

Keywords matter

HR managers search for certain words when screening resumes. Here are some top-searched keywords:

• Problem-solving / decision-making
• Leadership
• Oral / written communications
• Team building
• Performance and productivity improvement

Top resume mistakes

Here's a list of resume errors that makes HR managers cringe (and then toss your application in the trash):

• Misspelled words
• Resumes not customized to the position
• Lies
• Including too many insignificant details on job responsibilities
• Resumes that are more than two pages long

Need more help?

Check out cbResume, our new resume writing service, and be sure to try our Resume Upgrade and Resume Direct services.

Yes, you really do need a cover letter

I recently hired someone new and I can't tell you how many applications I received without a cover letter. That was the first thing I looked for and, if the application didn't have one, I immediately deleted it.

It takes just seconds to make a first impression. If a hiring manager sees you don't have a cover letter upon first perusing your application, it's possible you could lose all chances of being contacted for that job.

Here are some tips for a foolproof cover letter:

Cover the basics.
Your letter should be brief, easy to read, and always include your full name, address and phone number in case your cover letter becomes separated from your resume. Don't forget to proofread to avoid spelling errors and typos. Make sure the job title and employer name are correct, too.

Target it.
Avoid using "Dear Hiring Manager" and find out the name of the company's human resources contact or recruiter. You can find this information by logging on to the company's Web site or calling the main phone number and asking a receptionist for the name and title of their corporate recruiter. Once you have a contact name, experts recommend using the person's formal title such as "Mr.," "Ms." or "Mrs."

Be detailed.
State which job you are applying for in the very first paragraph and make sure to include other specific details such as a job ID number (if one was provided) and where you heard about the opening. The reason for this detail is simple: Many recruiters are responsible for multiple openings within their companies and must be able to determine which job your application is targeting. And if you were referred to the company by an employee, be sure to mention this in your letter as many companies have employee referral programs.

Have personality.
One of the objectives of a good cover letter is to make a personal connection with the reader. Gone are the days when you could simply change the name of the company in your salutation, attach it to your resume and fire it off to the employer. Recruiters see right through these types of letters and recognize them for what they are - a lazy person's attempt to find a job.

Do some legwork.
A winning cover letter will require some research into the company's history and recent accomplishments. It should show the reader that you have some knowledge of their company and that you made an informed decision when you decided to apply for a job at their company.

Show your worth.
When writing your letter, keep the requirements of the job in mind and address them specifically.  Remember, it's not what the company can do for you; it's what you can do for the company that counts.

Get the interview.
Go ahead and tell the hiring manager you want that interview. Express that your cover letter and resume are just the tip of the iceberg and you look forward to a face-to-face conversation.

If you are still unsure about where to begin when writing a cover letter, you can find samples of dynamic cover letters online and at bookstores.

5 Job Hunting Tips for New Grads

Five Things New Grads Should Know About Job Hunting Brent Rasmussen, Chief Operating Officer of CareerBuilder.com The class of 2006 is looking at a bright future with promising job prospects and salary increases. Seventy percent of hiring managers say they plan to recruit recent college graduates this year, up from 62 percent in 2005, according to CareerBuilder.com’s "College Hiring 2006" survey. Plus, nearly one-in-five hiring managers expect to hire more recent college graduates in 2006 compared to last year and one-in-four plan to increase starting salaries. College grads can also expect a bigger payoff this year. Twenty-seven percent of hiring managers anticipate increasing starting salaries for recent college graduates in 2006 and only 5 percent plan to decrease them. How much should new grads expect to earn? Thirty-four percent of hiring managers expect to offer between $20,000 and $30,000 and 28 percent expect to offer between $30,000 and $40,000. An additional 10 percent will offer between $40,000 and $50,000 and 7 percent will offer more than $50,000. New grads won't have to pound the pavement for too long. Thirty-six percent of hiring managers say they will do the majority of their hiring of recent college graduates in the second quarter. Thirty-one percent say the majority of their hiring will take place in the third quarter. With promising job opportunities, favorable salaries and plenty of free time, new grads should have no reason not to look for that first job. Make sure you know these top five things hiring managers look for when sizing up a candidate: 1. Relevant experience Twenty-three percent of hiring managers say the candidate's ability to relate their experience to the job at hand is the most important factor in the hiring decision. Unfortunately, new graduates often underestimate the experience they have through internships, part-time jobs and extracurricular activities, but 63 percent of hiring managers say they view volunteer activities as relevant experience. 2. Fit within the company culture Just because you look good on paper doesn't mean you're a shoo-in for the job. To 21 percent of employers, the trait they most want to see in a candidate is the ability to fit in with co-workers and the company. Offering up a blank stare when the interviewer asks why you are the right fit for the job will not go over well. Just be yourself, but mind your i's -- never insult, interrupt or irritate the interviewer. This can also be evaluated by that "unimportant" small talk at the beginning of an interview or non-job-related questions like "What was the last book you read?" 3. Educational background Nineteen percent of hiring managers place the most emphasis on your educational background: the institution you attended, major, minor and degree earned. Be sure to also include courses taken and completed projects if relevant to the job. With grade point average, it's tricky. A good rule of thumb is to omit it unless it is 3.0 or higher and denote if it's your overall or major GPA. 4. Enthusiasm Passion for the job is the top characteristic 19 percent of employers look for in a candidate. Employees who are passionate about their jobs tend to be more productive workers. The answer to "Why do you want to work here?" should always focus on the strengths of the company and the challenge of the position, not the perks. A "take or leave it" attitude about the job will leave the employer feeling the same about you. 5. Preparedness Eight percent of hiring managers say the ideas you bring to the table and the questions you ask carry the most significance. Come in prepared to discuss how your qualifications can specifically contribute to the success of the company. Actually put yourself in that role and explain how you would perform your work and ways to improve it. Survey Methodology The new CareerBuilder.com survey, "College Hiring 2006," was conducted from February 21 to March 6, 2006. Methodology used to collect survey responses totaling more than 1,000 hiring managers for this study involved selecting a random sample of comScore Networks panel members. These Web Panel members were approached via an e-mail invitation, which asked them to participate in a short online survey. The results of this survey are statistically accurate to within +/- 3.09 percentage points (19 times out of 20). Brent Rasmussen, Chief Operating Officer of CareerBuilder.com is an expert in recruitment trends and tactics, job seeker behavior and workplace issues.

Beyond the Job Search

After searching for months, perfecting your resume and landing a job interview, you blow it.  All of that hard work seems lost and you’re right back where you were again, sending out your resume and researching companies.  Were you weird at the interview? Or was it just a bad match?  Is all hope lost?

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The job searching process can be a hellish, time-consuming task, but it has to pay off sometime if you keep at it.  In the meantime you might pick up a few more skills than you think.  Here are some ways the search can pay off, even if takes awhile to land your dream job:

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Become a strategizing mastermind

While you’re researching the company, you’re not only prepping yourself for the interview, you’re learning more about your field in general.  That’s industry information you can take with you to the job you’ll land eventually, even if it’s not with that company.  Your knowledge of the competitors makes you look ambitious to learn more about strategizing for your company’s goals.

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Learn a little more about yourself

The steps to revamping your resume may seem tedious, but updating it can give you a mental assessment of what direction you want to take.  You’re unemployed.  Now is the time to think about what you really want and what you were missing from your last job.  Think about how your previous job skills can transfer to your next job or a new career change.  Not only will it help you when you land your next interview, it will save you from the torture of signing on for another position your not happy with.

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Revitalize your network

References are a key component of the job application process.  You may have done wonders for your last company, but new employers want a vote of confidence before they consider taking you among their ranks.  Update your references, browse over the list and call them.  Make a date to catch up.  If there was ever a time to strengthen your networking, it’s when you’re between jobs.  A few lunches and phone calls later will not only strengthen your support system, it may lead to a few new leads you wouldn’t have known about before.

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Zero-in your attention

Job searching demands attention to details.  A spelling error or bad formatting may take your resume from inbox to trash.  As you take the time to consider the specifics of your resume and cover letter, you’ll train yourself to be more aware of details and errors in the future.

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By Candace Corner

Communications Specialist

CareerBuilder.com

Tags: job search, resume writing, resumes, interviews, job searching, resume writing service, job research, company research, new jobs, networking, job networking, find a job, cover letter, job application, job advice

When your job skills aren’t a perfect match

It can be so frustrating when your qualifications are really, really close to a job’s requirements – but not quite there.  Do you apply?  Will you get rejected?

If your qualifications for a job posting are close but not perfect, here are some ways to ensure you don’t escape the hiring manager’s attention:

• Try a functional resume.
• Insert job skill categories into your resume to highlight your specific experience and unique qualities – and how they relate to the job requirements.
• Write a killer cover letter.
• Show that you’re willing and able to learn new skills.

This article offers more helpful tips.

Online Job Seekers face New Federal Regulations

On Monday, some new federal regulations went into effect that could make things more difficult for online job seekers.  Although the regulations, for now, only affect those applying for federal contractor positions, they will impact companies with more than 50 employees later this year.

According to a Fortune article that appeared on CNNMoney.com this week, the new guidelines are meant to standardize how employers track data on the diversity of their job applicants.  To comply with these new rules and maximize diversity, employers have an incentive to keep the applicant pool low.  According to the article’s author, Anne Fisher, the following are ways to make sure your application doesn’t get dropped:

1.  Follow the company’s instructions.

2.  Spell out your qualifications clearly.

3.  Keep your résumé up-to-the-minute current.

4.  Target specific companies and visit their Web sites often.

5.  If someone is referring you for a job, make sure you – and they – understand how to do it.

Start your job search here at CareerBuilder.com

Three steps to job interview success

If you have an interview coming soon, it’s normal to be nervous.  Confidence is key, so here are three steps to help ease your jitters:

1. Step one – Get prepared

Going into an interview cold is a big no-no.  Take the time to learn everything you can about the company.  Visit the company’s Web site, talk to current and former employees and read any articles you can on the business.  Then, practice your answers to common interview questions so you can portray yourself in the best possible light. 

2.  Step two – Bring your A-game

Show up to the interview impeccably dressed in clean, pressed business-appropriate attire.  When you meet your interviewer, smile and offer a firm handshake.  Answer all questions calmly and confidently. 

3.  Step three – Follow up

Before you leave the interview, ask about the next steps in the hiring process.  As soon as you get home, write your interviewer a quick note thanking him or her for the opportunity to interview and reiterating your interest in the position.

To lie, or not to lie?

Experts estimate that between 10 and 30 percent of job candidates lie on their résumés.  In fact, one Web site goes so far as to – for a fee, of course – lie on your résumé for you!  If that many people are doing it, why not you?

Well, for one thing, you could get caught years later and wind up with your name all over the Internet.  In November, Doug Thompson of “The Rant” published an article called “Liars on Parade” examining some high-profile cases of people being brought down by their own résumé lies.  Among them:

• George O'Leary, former Notre Dame football coach
• Bryan Mitchell, chairman and CEO of MCG Capital
• Ron Zarrella, CEO of Bausch & Lomb

Even “little white lies” can be dangerous.  If you’re not sure what the difference is between a lie and marketing yourself, check out this article.