Employment and Your Resume

 

 

Though we are happy to note that in the year 2021, the global unemployment rate came down by 0.4 percentage points in 2020, to 6.18 per cent in 2021. In some countries, it is still at an alarming stage.

The true unemployment rate of a country refers to the share of the total workforce that is qualified but currently without work, and actively searching for employment

Unemployment creates stiff competition among job seekers to get a job anyhow. Now, just mailing the resume to potential employers does not serve the purpose. After sending the resume in response to some notification or information, you need to pursue the reaction, prepare for the interview/ written examination as desired by the recruiters and score better than other candidates since through the internet, candidates even from far-flung areas turn up in the thousands number.

If you are a job-seeker or wish to get a change in your present job, the first step you need to take immediately after getting the information of vacancy through any source is to submit your resume. Your resume must be attractive to draw the attention of the recruiter as it is put up before him. For this purpose, you may consider the following points:

1.      When you are in search of a good job, you may search job boards and the websites of employers you may like to join. If you find a suitable vacancy, you should get a print of the details of the job postings that you're interested in pursuing before you apply.

2.      In your resume, you may use a highlighter to mark the keywords and industry language used to describe the requirements and responsibilities.

3.      You must never submit a generic, one-size-fits-all resume or cover letter. If you want the position, you'll customize all documents for each job.

4.      If you have a ready-made resume, you must compare those words and phrases to the language of your current resume. If there is any change required, kindly do so and incorporate the keywords in your resume.

5.      In case you have specific knowledge, skills, and experience, you must mention them in your resume because applicant tracking systems will search for keyword matches. If the matches are more the chances of review of the resume go up.

6.      If the recruiter asks for a cover letter, write a short cover letter briefing about the salient features of your resume and the reason why you wish to join the organization.

7.      After you send your resume, you should get an internal referral to make a personal introduction. Here's how:

• Make a list of those people you know and ask each one if they know someone who works (or has worked) with that employer.
• Attend job fairs to meet face-to-face with employers and other professionals.
• Create a free profile and become active on LinkedIn.com or Facebook.com, which boasts a combined 60 million users. Surely you can find someone who knows someone to make that connection with.
• Create a free Twitter.com account and "follow" friends and post requests for help.
• Join an association in your field and network with like-minded peers.
• Connect with your high school and college alumni groups. Old pals could be new connectors.
• Talk to your unlikely network. For example, look at the class list of the parents of your kids' friends. Anytime my kids hear about a friend's mom or dad who's lost a job, they tell them to call me. Even though we don't know each other, we have a common connection that can sometimes lead to contact.

8.      Follow up with a call or email to the recruiter responsible for filling the position. Never say, "Did you get my resume?" Instead, be ready to reiterate your strong qualifications and interest in the role. You'll have just a brief moment to sell yourself, so rehearse before making the call or sending the email.

9.      If you don't know the name of the right person, just call the company and ask an operator to put you through. If that doesn't work, do a Web search on the term "recruiter" or "HR director" along with the name of your employer of choice. The results may reveal the name you're trying to find. LinkedIn is another resource to find the correct name.

10.  Stay top of mind. Every recruiter is different, which makes this a challenge. Some say you're welcome to follow up weekly. Others say every other week is enough. And then some tell you to never call. Find the right balance so you're politely persistent without crossing over to a pest.

11.  Ask directly for advice on how and when to follow up. A simple question, "What's the best way to keep in touch?" will give you the details you need to stay ahead of the pack.