Click on this link to view video of an interview with the technology recruiters at Google. They discuss what they look for in a candidate, the ideal resume length and more!
Sometimes your job search gets so frustrating that you just want to climb to the tallest building in the city and dump a stack of resumes off of the roof in hopes that it will land in the hands a recruiter or someone in a position to hire you.
Don’t go to those extremes, you can get your resume in front of recruiters and hiring managers by following these simple steps:
1. Make sure your resume is keyword rich.
You can accomplish this by reading job postings and ensuring that your skills and accomplishment are a match for what the company is asking for in a qualified candidate. When recruiters search for candidates, they use the keywords in their job postings. Whether you are posting on Monster, Indeed, or careerbuilder, employers are using keywords to find you so make sure you appear in their searches.
2. Create LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter profiles that are eye-catching and has the keywords company and recruiters are searching for when they are looking for someone in your field.
According to a survey released by Jobvite, an applicant tracking software company, 92% of employers are using or planning to use social networks for recruiting this year. The survey is based on insights from more than 1,000 companies, primarily based in the U.S., in various of industries.
73% of recruiters will view your social media site whether you provide them or not. As a result, it is important to have profiles on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. If you don’t have profiles on these sites, companies may think that you have something to hide. Your profile is viewed by companies to find out if an applicant will fit into their corporate culture. With this in mind, keep you pictures and comments clean.
Companies are creating Facebook pages and promoting them, as well as jobs, through the Facebook Ads platform. Recruiters are using Facebook groups, advertising and their corporate Facebook careers page in order to source candidates. Recruiters also check for volunteerism. 66% of recruiters responded favorably to candidates who volunteer. Grammar is a major factor when screening a candidate. Poor grammar and spelling mistakes are worse social networking sins than writing about your wild weekend escapades: 54% of recruiters had a negative reaction to grammar and spelling mistakes, compared to 47% of recruiters negative reaction to comment about your hard partying activities.
Companies are posting jobs on twitter using third party companies, such as Tweet My Jobs and Twit Job Search,to promote their listings. As a Job seeker, you should follow companies you want to work for on Twitter and check our their job postings. For example, CareersInGov has government positions and job fairs on its Twitter site. It is also a good practice to interact with employees who work at these companies on Twitter.
So remember, you don’t have to go to extremes to get your resume in front of recruiters, you just have to properly use the resources available to you. Good luck in your career search!
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If you want to learn more on how to network and how to leverage social media. Join us on Monday, October 20, 2014 at the Free Library of Philadelphia – Cobbs Creek Branch for a Job Search Strategies Workshop –geared to professionals at all levels, where you’ll learn how to tap into the “hidden job market” where 75% of the jobs can be found. This workshop helps you with the targeted job search and with networking skills to get that interview and job. Click here to register for the free workshop!
Resumes written by job seekers who do not have strong resume writing skills face a disadvantage over resumes written by professional resume writers. In this market competition is stiff. Job seeker are competing against other professionals’ experience and accomplishment and with candidates who have have their resumes written by professional resume writers. Resumes written by professional resume writers are more likely to land you interviews and increases the likelihood of you getting a job.
As a client of VentureReady LLC, we can review which resume style best fits your situation.
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If you’re worried about writing a resume, or struggle with the task, join us in the comfort of your home or office on Thursday, January 22, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. for a Resume Writing Teleseminar.
Click here to register!
Have you had, or been asked, to participate in a virtual interview? How did it go? Would you like tips for this type of interview? Research shows that nearly half of screening interviews for jobs are NOT conducted face-to-face. One of the best things you can do as a job seeker is to prepare yourself for virtual interviews, including phone screenings and Skype and other video interviews.
The Virtual Readiness Workshop is geared towards transitioners (career or job changers). Join Katrina Brittingham, Readiness Consultant, on Tuesday, August 26th at 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., where she will specifically target the needs of each attendee and coach you on where you are going. Space is limited, so register today to receive the early bird rate. Register at http://ventureready-virworkshop1.eventbright.com
Software engineers are responsible for developing, designing, testing, writing, modifying, and debugging software based off specific requirements. It can be a flexible position, with contracting and freelancing opportunities commonly available. Companies might bring you on short-term to solve an immediate issue or create a specific program. The average salary of a software engineer is around $72,000 per year.
Here are five of the most important skills and requirements you will need to consider if you want to become a software engineer:
College Degree – First and foremost, software engineers generally need to hold a degree in software engineering, computer science, or another related field. Some jobs may only require certifications, but four-year degree will significantly boost your chances of obtaining a job as a software engineer. Getting a certification in a specific area — on top of a bachelor’s degree — could also further set you apart from other applicants.
Computer Programming – Understanding computer programming is, understandably, a prerequisite of the job, and will be the first step in starting your future as a software engineer. The requirements for computer programming can vary by title, and a job might require specific knowledge in one area such as software, applications, web, and more.
Logical and Structured Thinking – Dealing with software requires very structured thinking, since problems can arise from the smallest of errors. It can also require patience and thinking outside the box in order to solve problems with software.
Attention to Detail – Software engineers need to locate and identify even the smallest glitch in seemingly endless lines of coding in order to fix an issue. This requires an extreme attention to detail, since surfing through code to find something as simple as one number that might be off can be arduous. On the flip side, this good attention to detail extends to actually writing the code as well, since one wrong character can mess up the finished product.
Core Programming Language – It will be important to become familiar with programming languages and different operating systems, but software engineers need to be fluent in at least one. These languages can evolve and change over time, so be sure to keep up on the latest in the field. Currently, some of the popular programming languages include C++, C#, Java, Lisp, Python, and more.
Research shows that nearly half of screening interviews for jobs are NOT conducted face-to-face. One of the best things you can do as a job seeker is to prepare yourself for virtual interviews, including phone screenings and Skype and other video interviews.
On Tuesday, August 26, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m., Katrina Brittingham, Owner & Readiness Consultant of VentureReady LLC will discuss phone and video interview techniques that will make you more attractive to employers, which may help you get the job.
This workshop is geared towards transitioners (career or job changers). For registration information, go to www.ventureready-virworkshop1.eventbrite.com.
I had a client ask me, “What is the difference between keywords and core competencies”?
There is indeed a difference between keywords and core competencies. Keywords are nouns, phrases, and acronyms, including degrees, job responsibilities, computer applications, job titles, training, licensure, education, professional organizations, company names, awards, key industry terms, and geographic locations. Competencies are specific skills relevant to the job — defined as “a written description of measurable work habits and personal skills used to achieve a work objective.”
Both core competencies and keywords are required in a resume. Core competencies are at the top of the resume to highlight skills. Keywords are dispersed through your resume so that Applicatant Tracking Systems (ATS) can match you resume to what employers are looking for.
To have a professionally written resume that is keyword rich and has strong core competencies, contact VentureReady LLC at info@ventureready.net.