Agreed to all those points @heatherc & @JMcJohnston !
As a former recruiter, it was shocking to me that people didn't take the time to proof read their resumes... let alone cater it to the actual job description. Wanted to expand upon some of your bullet points from the perspective of a former recruiter:
Tailor your resume to the specific job you're applying for. As @JMcJohnston mentioned, often times it is HR who is taking a first pass at identifying whether a candidate "checks the boxes." Often times, companies are using an Applicant Tracking Software (ATS) that actually automatically weeds out resumes that don't match a certain percentage of "key words" within the job description. It might seem daunting to have to update every single resume you submit, but it doesn't have to be. A quick way to do so is to have your resume up next to the job description, select the most seemingly important bullet points and finagle into your experience. And no need to lie here! But it's much easier to draw connections to that job when you can mimic the verbiage that hiring team has put out.
Network virtually - especially with recruiters! A referral into the company you're interested in is the best way to get into the hiring process. If that's not an option, don't be afraid to connect with the recruiter of that company on LinkedIn. It is their job to identify candidates for current positions as well as future pipeline. And please please please write a custom note when connecting with that recruiter on Linkedin. Below are some examples of what has caught my eye in the past:
SPECIFIC ROLE: "Hey XXXXX, hoping to connect! I saw that [COMPANY NAME] was hiring for a [POSITION] and I wanted to reach out regarding my application. I believe I'd excel in that role because [LIST VERY SUCCINCT REASON]. I'm sure plenty of qualified candidates have applied, but would you mind letting me know your thoughts on my candidacy? Happy to chat live if that's easier. Thanks."
GENERAL INTEREST IN FUTUREOPENINGS: "Hey XXXXX, hoping to connect! I'm a big fan of what [COMPANY NAME] is doing in the [INDUSTRY/SPACE] and I'd love to connect in the event that any future roles open up matching my skillset. I [HAVE/AM] [SUCCINCT SUMMARY OF SKILLSET/EXPERTISE] and would love to get the chance to work with you. Happy to chat live for 5 min if that's easier. Thanks."
***Bonus points will probably be won if you make some allusion/personal connection to something on that recruiter's LinkedIn profile (could be a shared interest in what they're following, alma matter, a line from their bio, etc).
Be bold! Yes, amen to that @HeatherS . At this time, when you might not be able to meet with people one on one, also consider attending virtual job fairs or digital happy hours (might take a little research on the company's LinkedIn page to find some).
If your job has been affected by COVID-19 and you need help sprucing up your resume or want any interview coaching, feel free to private message me 😁Good luck in your search!
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