| Tired
of Watching the Good Jobs Go By? |
| Stand
Out From the Crowd By Incorporating a Few Ideas |
| With thousands of workers nationwide seeking employment,
there's no denying that today's job market is tough. So what
does it take to get noticed by employers and land a job? |
| Some job seekers have found success through attention-getting
techniques such as sending fruit baskets to hiring managers,
delivering resumes in pizza boxes or showing up at interviews
with a box of Krispy Kreme donuts. |
| While these gimmicks have worked for some, it is not always
the best approach to landing a job. A solid resume is, of
course, a good way to get the attention of a hiring manager.
Providing potential employers with a portfolio of your best
work is just one example of how to differentiate yourself
from the other candidates. Showcasing materials produced for
jobs, internships, classes or volunteer work, is a great way
to illustrate your skills and experience. |
| When you don't know who is going to be reviewing resumes,
you have no way of knowing how the person might react. Commonly,
the resumes delivered in a pizza box are the first to be discarded.
Of course, there are the exceptions. But, if the pizza box
isn't your style, here are a few tips on how to get noticed,
while keeping your professionalism intact: |
| • Apply to jobs that match your skills and experience: Write
a targeted cover letter and modify your resume so that it
illustrates how you are the best fit for the job. Convince
the hiring manager why you should be considered for the job.
|
| • If you know the hiring manager's name, consider a voice
mail or e-mail: Your message should entice the hiring manager
to take another look at your resume. The goal is to have the
hiring manager contact you. |
| • Get to know the top recruitment agencies in your area:
The majority of these agencies post jobs on careers sites
such as Monster on behalf of their clients. |
| • Work your network: Do you know someone at the company
who can make an introduction? Do you know any of its customers?
Suppliers? Former employees? You won't have a referral every
time, but it is worth the extra effort to try. |
| When contacting employers, use an approach that reflects
the reasons why you think you should get the job. |
| Whatever you do, be polite and don't do anything to get
attention that will affect your long-term career. Even when
using unconventional tactics, it's important to remember the
old standbys. Tweaking resumes, brushing up on interviewing
skills and networking will always increase your chances. (ARA) |
