How to Keep Track of Your Job Hunt

When sending out resumes, the last thing you want is to apply for a job at a company you've already sent a resume to for another job role. Such an action, if noticed by the company, demonstrates that you are blindly firing resumes out to every position you see, decreasing your desirability as a potential new employee.

This may not be the absolute truth, but it's still something you'll want to avoid in order to be taken seriously by employers.

These days with the current rough job market, the average job applicant may send out fifty-plus applications before securing a position. Avoid embarrassing faux-pas by making sure you document your applications in a way that makes sense to you.

This could be a written or typed list, but you can also find many applications, including online and personal software, that will take care of this for you.

Here are the top 5 best ways to keep track of your job search:

1. Keep an EXCEL Spreadsheet Log

This is the simplest way to document your job hunt. The unique flexibility of EXCEL allows you to record all the data from each job application that you may want to save.

For example:

• Company name
• Job title applied for
• Company URL
• Company address
• Company phone
• Recruiter/ HR Manager contact details
• Source of job
• Progress of application
• Call log

2. Use Job Templates in Microsoft Office 

If you have a copy of Microsoft Office, the application includes some downloadable job templates, which include a job search log in MS EXCEL.

You can also get a job application tracker in OneNote.

3. Create a Custom Job Application Template

Check out BrandKit’s Job Search Tracker. This template works in conjunction with Google Drive. Simply click on “use this template” while logged in to your Google account... and, done!

 4. Sign Up for an Online Record Tracker

Here are some good ones:

JibberJobber - you can both apply for new jobs, and track your existing applications through this interface.
ApplyMate - document both school, university and job applications. You can also set reminders and sync this site with your online calenders.
StartWire - boasting a connection with over 11,000 companies, StartWire can send you updates from the companies you apply to, increasing your chances of success.

5. Use Tools Built Into Job Search Sites

Applying for a job via a job site can open up the possibility of managing your applications online. Web websites such as Monster, CareerBuilder, and Climber have the very handy ability to let you track all the jobs you've applied for via their website.

The only negative aspect to choosing this route is that these sites aren't linked, so you'll have to manage multiple accounts and login (and.... it's spreadsheet time again). It is also possible that the same job may be posted on every site, so you could unknowingly apply for the same job twice.

Just use a little common sense and read job applications carefully, and you'll be on your way to a well-documented job hunt in no time.

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Are Cover Letters Still Relevant?

If it's one thing that recruiters are constantly asked, it's this: is including a cover letter with my resume still a good idea?

In these days of automatic Applicant Tracking Systems that crunch thousands of resumes per year per company, the obvious answer would be no. However, this fails to take into account the fact that a real live human will eventually get to read the 'winning' resumes that these systems spit out. In that case, not having a cover letter attached to your resume is as big a mistake as it used to be.

Having a really great cover letter is important because it allows your employer to 'meet' you virtually, rather than just reading through a dry resume. Most people's personalities come through in their writing, and your word choice, overall tone and general presentation will allow your potential hiring company to get a much clearer view of who you are and as well as what you have to offer the company.

Here are the top 4 attributes of a great cover letter:

Keep It Simple Silly (K.I.S.S.)

In a cover letter, you are writing an introduction to your resume here, not the next War and Peace novel. Just as really effective resume should be kept to 1-2 pages max, a world-class cover letter should stick to 1-2 paragraphs max. Don't tell your life story - that's what the interview's for.

Tell Them Who You Are

Do you have any personal connection to the company? Did you meet their Head Editor at a conference last year, or have you followed them for many years on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn or similar networking sites? Don't be shy - announce that personal connection!

Tell them Why They Should Hire You

The simple answer should be your obvious passion for the company, which should come through in the way you write your cover letter. Don't just write "I love your company!" - that's too 'on the nose' and akin to blurting out the big 'L' word during a first date, or worse, before it.

Highlight Your #1 Best Attribute

Even with the shortest one-page resume, employers will still skim read. If you've been modest and tucked away the 'little' fact that you saved your company $20 million dollars last year through making a few choice tweeks to the budgeting system, the cover letter is the place to sing it from the rooftops. Be modest about your achievements, but don't hide them, either.

In summary, even though today's application procedures are becoming largely automated, a great cover letter can help the hiring manager draw a firm deciding line between you and a similarly qualified candidate who forgot to include a cover letter.

Keep it simple, be bold, and great forces may come to your aid.

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Resume Tip: How to Eliminate Unnecessary Wording From Your Resume

These days, the golden rule is to try to keep your resume to two pages or less. One page is ideal unless you are a manager with decades of experience.

If you are struggling to follow this rule and shorten your resume, a great way to do that is by re-reading your resume and cutting down your text to eliminate unnecessary job description and excessive verbiage.

Here's what to look for:

Trivial Job Tasks

This is perhaps the easiest text to cut. Most jobs have trivial tasks involved which do not need to be listed in the job description.

For instance, if you're a graphic designer, employers take it as written that you'll know how to print out your own work and purchase new printing supplies and paper. Listing these tasks wastes valuable resume real estate, as well as hijacking space that would be better put to use listing real achievements that will set you apart from the crowd.

If you've listed any trivial tasks like these, get rid of them right away:

• Restocked office supplies
• Tidied office, took out the trash each night
• Refilled coffee machine on a daily basis
• Kept my workstation clean and tidy
• Key-holder responsible for opening up office every day

Basic Computer Skills

If you're applying for any IT or tech-based job, it is assumed that you have basic computer skills. Listing every single program you know how to use - especially those not related to the job you are applying for - creates unnecessary clutter that is annoying for the hiring manager to plow through.

For example:

• Troubleshooting Windows issues (unless you have advanced Geek Squad skills)
• Creating documents in Microsoft Word and Notepad
• Daily use of printer and associated software
• PC literate (if you are Mac AND PC literate, list that. If you only know one system then it's not worth listing).

Overlong Descriptions

Are you guilty of writing the next War and Peace when a short amount of text would suffice? Follow these 3 rules to shorten your resume naturally:

• Too many 'Ands' in a sentence. Each sentence should only contain one or two 'ands' or else things get confusing. Break up sentences with excessive 'and' usage with full stops and semi-colons. For instance: "My job duties included creating purchase orders and website templates, and also writing and printing brand mock-ups" should be edited to: "My job duties included creating purchase orders and website templates. I also wrote and printed brand mock-ups."
• It is far better to write about your achievements in the position, rather than listing every tedious task you performed. For example, if you're a janitor, write: "Improved upon previous standards of cleanliness by cleaning restrooms every hour, exceeding to the previous year's requirement to clean restrooms twice daily." This is better than "Cleaned restrooms hourly. Took out trash. Scrubbed floors. Refilled soap dispensers."
• Eliminate overly descriptive words and phrases. You're not writing a novel here, so unless you're applying to be a writer in a fiction department, your resume should avoid overly colorful job descriptions. For example: "Java Programmer, responsible for coloring the digital space on the Interwebs with melodious cascades of code."

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5 Reasons Calibri is the Best Font for Your Resume

1. 12-point Calibri produces perfectly sized resumes of 550 to 750 words on two pages. If you need more space, 11-point works well too.
2. Because of this, Calibri focuses writers on telling their readers a 100% relevant story of reasonable length — the best kind.
3. Research has shown that readers associate Calibri with stability. Employers like stability in an employee.
4. Calibri was made to be read on a computer screen, which is where most people read resumes. It renders beautifully.
5. Calibri is Microsoft Word’s default font. Thus, it’s familiar to readers and easy on their eyes. The more resumes they read, the more that matters.

Yes, Calibri, when it comes to resumes, you’re simply fontastic!



IMAGE: © VEGE – FOTOLIA.COM

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The Top 5 Reasons Recruiters Reject Your Resume

What do recruiters like and dislike most about resumes? A couple of university researchers in Australia had nothing better to do than try to answer this question. And I had nothing better to do than read the results of their study. By far the most impressive part of the study was that they managed to convince 68 managers and HR professionals who didn’t have to to read a bunch of resumes and cover letters.

Here’s what they found:

When the readers LIKED a candidate it was, in order of importance, because:

1. They had experience that was relevant to the job at hand.
2. They liked the format of the applicant’s resume.
3. The applicant met the qualifications (things like education, etc.) for the job.

When the readers NOT LIKED a candidate it was, in order of importance, because:

1. They lacked experience.
2. Their resume had a poor format.
3. Their resume lacked information.
4. Their resume lacked achievements.
5. They had a poor cover letter.

The takeaways?

1. You better have relevant experience.
2. Your resume better have a good format.
3. You better tell your readers what they want to know and tell them about your achievements.
4. Oh, and the cover letter? This study supports the notion that your cover letter can hurt you more than it can help you. Beware!

Source: The Impact of Competency Statements on Resumes for Short-Listing Decisions, Jim E.H. Bright & Sonia Hutton. International Journal of Selection & Assessment, Vol. 9, No. 2, June 2000.

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Resume Font: When to Choose Bold

Resume font choices can be confusing. First you have to decide which font (or fonts) to use.  Then you have to decide where to use a normal font and where to use bold font. 

Resume Font: Where to Go Bold

Because bold font draws your readers’ eyes, it’s helpful to use it to guide them to the information that’s most important to them. Check out this research study, or the following video, to see how readers scan resumes.

Now that you know what they’re looking for, be sure to use bold font on the following elements of your resume:

1. Your name.
2. Section headings.
3. Job titles.
4. Employment dates.
5. Employer names.
6. Employer locations.
7. Your name in a second page header.
8. Degrees.
9. Degree dates.
10. School names.
11. School locations.

Resume Font: Where Not to Go Bold

Candidates often also use bold font inside the narrative descriptions of their jobs and accomplishments. This makes me:

1. Wonder if the applicant thinks I’m so dumb they have to point me to the super important information in the narrative text of their resume.
2. Look at de-contextualized bits of information that don’t mean much to me because they’re out of context. To see what I’m talking about, look at this article. Only read the bolded bits in the bullet points. Did they mean anything to you?
3. Assume that all of the other information on the resume is unimportant – otherwise it would be bolded too!

Then I go back to wondering if the applicant thinks I’m dumb.

Summary

Resumes amaze me. They contain so much explicit and subtle, subliminal information. Always think about what the reader wants and how your writing might make them feel. Then give them a good experience.

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Questions to Ask in a Job Interview (and What Not to Ask)

It's your turn! As the interview comes to a close, one of the final questions you may be asked is "What can I answer for you?" Your interviewer will expect for you to have some inquiries - failing to ask any questions at this moment could make you seem unprepared or unengaged.

Make a List of Questions

Plan ahead and have interview questions of your own ready to ask. You aren't simply trying to get this job - you are also are also interviewing the employer to assess whether this company and the position are a good fit for you. Asking questions is a good way to dig into the company culture and the specific day-to-day responsibilities of the position, so that your first week in the position won't be accompanied by any major surprises. 

Quick List 

If you're rushing to get ready for an interview, review this list of the top 10 questions to ask an employer and jot down the ones you are most interested in getting answers for.

More Interview Questions to Ask the Employer 

Here's a list of suggested questions to ask the interviewer so you can ensure the company is a good match for your qualifications and interests.

• How would you describe the responsibilities of the position?
• How would you describe a typical week/day in this position?
• Is this a new position? If not, what did the previous employee go on to do?
• What is the company's management style?
• Who does this position report to? If I am offered the position, can I meet him/her?
• How many people work in this office/department?
• How much travel is expected?
• Is relocation a possibility?
• What is the typical work week? Is overtime expected?
• What are the prospects for growth and advancement?
• How does one advance in the company?
• Are there any examples?
• What do you like about working here?
• What don't you like about working here and what would you change?
• Would you like a list of references?
• If I am extended a job offer, how soon would you like me to start?
• What can I tell you about my qualifications?
• When can I expect to hear from you?
• Are there any other questions I can answer for you?
• Do you have any reservations about my qualifications?

Interview Questions NOT to Ask

There are some questions that you should avoid asking, since they won't present you in a positive light.

• What does this company do? (Do your research ahead of time!)
• If I get the job when can I take time off for vacation? (Wait until you get the offer to mention prior commitments)
• Can I change my schedule if I get the job? (If you need to figure out the logistics of getting to work don't mention it now...)
• Did I get the job? (Don't be impatient. They'll let you know.)

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25 Jobs in Demand Right Now

Although the job market is still sluggish, there are plenty of new and exciting careers for individuals looking to switch jobs or put their skills toward something new.  Check out 25 exciting jobs that are in high demand right now.

Gaming Manager

Gaming managers are responsible for all games played on casino floors. Often equipped with Bachelor’s degrees in business administration, hospitality services, or math, gaming managers are responsible for kicking out cheaters and rewarding frequent guests and high-rollers. Apply to be a gaming manager at your nearest casino and put your management skills to work in an exciting environment.

Hydrologist

With an increasing need for sustainable environmental practices, hydrologists are in high demand in both the government and private sectors. Hydrologists study the distribution, circulation, and physical properties of water and most hydrologists come from a science background. With the ability to work both indoors and outdoors, hydrologists enjoy flexibility in their work routine.  Jobs within the private sector, like working for a consulting firm, usually offer higher salaries for beginning hydrologists.

Network Architect

Network architects are responsible for designing and structuring computer networking within businesses. Often network architects will choose what programs and processes to implement for the large-scale computer systems. Degrees in computer science and management, plus impeccable organizational skills are integral for success in this field.

Multimedia Artist

Those with a creative eye and a knack for technology can find a rewarding career as a multimedia artist. Multimedia artists help people visualize new and imagined spaces in our world and beyond by providing visuals used for planning purposes. Multimedia artists can work in animation, film, design, or advertising.

Logistician

Logisticians are responsible for the transportation of goods and materials from one place to another. While managing the supply chain, logisticians must be able to calculate and analyze the efficiency of the project to make sure items are delivered on time and within budget. Most logisticians complete specialized training and certifications, and they must be highly organized and good communicators.

Training Development Manager

Training development managers are needed across multiple industries — from healthcare to the corporate world. Training development managers must be able to understand the needs of the business effectively and conduct workshops to train employees on new duties or software. Applicants must be well-spoken, able to lead new groups, and able to translate processes and procedures effectively. Natural-born teachers, who are comfortable speaking in front of others, often do best in this growing profession.

Category Manager

Category managers work for suppliers to negotiate pricing, shelving, and shopper satisfaction for goods in the store with retailers. Instead of building a relationship with a retailer that revolves around advertising a specific product, category managers work with retailers to make in-store purchases easier to find and to provide a better overall shopping experience. Though no specialized training is needed, category managers often have degrees in marketing, advertising, and business administration. Certification is available and recommended for career development.

Environmental Health & Safety Specialist

Companies hire environmental health & safety specialists to make sure that the working environment for employees is up to the highest safety standards. A specialist will be tasked with analyzing things like air quality, water quality, machine safety, work space, and dust to see if any of these elements may cause harm to employees while they work. Working across a variety of industries, these specialists often carry certificates or associate degrees. Certification is available and desirable especially with work in the government. Great organizational and analytic skills are important for success in this growing industry.

Urban Planner

Urban planners help city officials locate the best places for parks, schools, roads, shopping centers, and much more. Traveling on-site and using maps and computer programs, urban planners organize data and report it to officials and decision makers, working together to provide a safe and easy way for people to navigate their city. They often carry degrees in urban planning, architecture, and environmental studies and find that internships help further their career when they graduate into this exciting and needed field.

Risk Management Manager

While supervising a team of analysts, the duties of a risk management manager involve assessing and understanding risks involved with a project or business. After determining risks, the manager must make sure that there are ways to reduce risk and prioritize risks based on strategies that they create. Risk management managers usually have degrees and advanced degrees in business administration. If you love to crunch numbers and have a knack for organizing data, this may be the career for you.

Speech Language Pathologist

Helping people of all ages to speak, swallow, and communicate effectively is the duty of a speech language pathologist. Carrying advanced degrees and working within the government, healthcare, and private sectors, speech language pathologists must be patient and have a desire to help others communicate better. Analyzing new research and staying up-to-date on the latest treatments is imperative for continued success in this field.

Bio-medical Engineer

Bio-medical engineers use medicine and technology to create devices that help people live a healthier life. Engineering items like patches, inhalers, replacement organs, and more, bio-medical engineers are in high demand as the global population gets older and relies more heavily on modern medicine. A degree in bio-medical, technical, or mechanical engineering is required for new engineers and advanced degrees are required for research and development. Bio-medical engineers often find that there are opportunities not only within the pharmaceutical industries but across multiple industries like law or finance.

Physician Assistant

Under the direct supervision of a doctor, physician assistants meet with patients and provide guidance and care as outlined by the attending physician. Often working in family practice, internal, and pediatric medicine, physician assistants are many times needed in rural areas where doctors may be sparse. Becoming a physician assistant requires licensure and a degree in a health-related field.


Source: Reader's Digest

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Should You Follow Up After Submitting a Resume?

There isn't an easy answer to the question of whether you should follow up after submitting a resume. I posted the question on the (very useful) Answers section of LinkedIn to see if I could get some insight into whether you should (or shouldn't) follow up after sending a resume. I received a variety of good answers, both in favor of, and against, following up.


In addition, if it makes sense for you to take that extra step in the hiring process, there are good suggestions on how to best follow up after sending a resume.

Chris Dittus, owner of August Communications Consulting, told me "As an HR professional who has received thousands of resumes over the years, I can tell you that there is no 'one size fits all' answer to your question (unfortunately!). There are numerous variables at play in these processes, and every organization is a bit different. It's impossible to know if you will be wasting your time following up on a resume you have sent in response to a job posting, or if it will be the one thing that gives you a small edge over another candidate."

It Depends

So, in general, the answer is that it depends (and I heard that from several experts). It depends on how you applied, if you have or can find a contact person, and how much you want the job - how much effort is it worth? Here are some suggestions regarding when following up can help.

Jason Alba, JibberJobber

I think it depends (isn't that the typical response you hear from an MBA?). How did you get your resume to them in the first place? Has your only contact been online, through their job page? Or have you networked your way in? I would try and network my way in.

You Should Follow Up Your Resume

Elizabeth Sidel, Director of Recruiting at Northwestern Mutual Financial Network

After submitting a resume, the candidate should follow-up (unless otherwise advised not to) with a phone call or email; it shows enthusiasm and ambition, and could differentiate the candidate.

Chris Dittus, owner of August Communications Consulting

It is certainly appropriate to send an email or letter a week or two following the submission of your resume, if you have not yet heard anything from the company. However, if you receive no response after submitting your resume AND following up with an email or letter a few weeks later, I wouldn't invest additional energy in that particular opportunity.

Liz Ryan, Workplace Expert; Networking Expert; Columnist at BusinessWeek.com

You have to follow up. Polite email messages that reinforce your strong interest in the job. Not-too-frequent phone calls to check on the status of your resume. Every single day, I hear from people who got jobs because they stayed on the case.

Nathan North, hrConsultant - hrLoop, Inc. - Founder

If you are going after a job that you specifically want then go for it, write a letter, call, or send an email to the hiring manager.

Asi Burak, Owner, Chief Product Officer - ImpactGames

From my perspective (as an employer) I would definitely prefer an email follow-up after 1-2 weeks - resumes could be lost in a pile. It is also an opportunity for the sender to add more information, and be more specific. In many cases, specific and relevant communication works better than anything.

Andrew Magliochetti CCIM, Owner and Principal, Helios Realty & Development LLC 

A short hand-written note to the contact person goes a long way, and differentiates you from the rest of the pack. It shows you actually took more than two seconds to write an email - a call is a little too intrusive/pushy.

Sales Jobs Follow Up

The one time it's absolutely necessary to follow up, I heard repeatedly, is when you're applying for a sales job. Scott Winterton, founder of TwoLeftHands.Net, says "I think it's definitely a good idea to use Linkedin and/or a phone follow-up to job inquiries. In addition, in Sales it's a good idea to be proactive in your cover letter and let the contact know when you plan to call him/her. In my own experience, I've found that they sometimes respond back with "that time won't work, but why don't you try me at..." Now you have an invitation from the hiring manager to give him/her a call!

"You Shouldn't Follow Up

Susan Heathfield, About.com Guide to Human Resources

Not all employers may feel this way, but I hate fishing phone calls that have absolutely no purpose other than to make you notice an applicant. Wonder how many people call me each week to see if I have received their resume? Lots - and only the people I rarely call back. It's a wonderful opportunity for you to make a lasting bad impression. Fishing-for-attention phone calls rarely help and usually brand you as a pain.

Giselle Feijo, HR Manager

As an HR manager, I really dislike when applicants call me to follow up on the status of their application. Well, the 'status' of application is that I will be doing the following up - with the applicants who are qualified.Bottom line, HR managers are very busy. No one appreciates being constantly interrupted by unimportant phone calls to check on whether a resume was received or not. If applicants cannot resist the urge to contact the HR manager, do it in writing (email, card) so that it is not intrusive. If you do not hear back, move on please.

Sheilah Etheridge, Owner, SME Management: Management and Accounting Consultant

If you have sent in a resume and heard nothing from them just move on.

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What to Include in a Resume Skills Section

The skills section of your resume includes your abilities that are related to the jobs you are applying for. List skills that are relevant to the position or career field that you are interested in, such as computer skills, software skills, and/or language skills. For example, if you are applying for an administrative position, include Microsoft Office skills, QuickBooks skills (if you have them), and other software programs you can use in your skills section. If you are a computer programmer, list the programming languages, software, platforms, and other Information Technology skills you have in your resume skills section.Having a skills section makes it easy for hiring manager to pinpoint if you have a specific skill required for a position. It is also an easy way to get resume keywords onto your resume.

Customize Your Resume Skills

Customize the skills section of your resume to match, as much as you can, the requirements listed in the job posting. The closer a match your skills are to the job requirements, the better your chances of being selected for an interview. Here are tips for writing your resume skills section.

Skills Lists

• Mastery of Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Experience with QuickBooks and with maintaining office budget
• Ability to work with several operating systems, including Windows, Mac OSX, and Linux

Hard Skills vs. Soft Skills

Skill sets include both hard skills and soft skills. Hard skills are teachable abilities or skills that can be quantified. Soft skills are subjective interpersonal skills that are much harder to quantify. Both types of skills may be included on a resume and in cover letters. 

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