Is Your Job Search Stuck in the 80’s?

Your resume is not contemporary. Don’t just say “responsibilities include” with each position and then provide a list of your routine tasks. Think about describing the overall scope of your role and then providing quantifiable accomplishments for each position you held. This provides the audience with both an understanding of the work you performed day to day along with your value proposition and how you have impacted the bottom line.

Although positions are advertised online you still peruse job boards much like we scanned the classified ads. You apply and then cross your fingers and hope for the best. Your mindset is that a job search is a numbers game, the more roles you apply for the higher the likelihood that you will get a phone call. Try making a switch in your mindset, shop companies as well as jobs. Create a list of desirable organizations and then determine who you know within your network that can help connect you to these organizations. In addition, use your network to help you pursue job openings that interest you. Your contacts may have relationships that will help to raise your visibility and if they have influence and respect they can also recommend you for a specific role or make a direct introduction to the manager who is hiring.

You don’t fully utilize social media to perform research prior to the interview. Websites are certainly a good way to check out a potential company. You should also spend time researching the profiles of those who will participate in the interview process. You should review profiles of others within the department, noting their backgrounds and where you can establish common denominators between you and current employees. In addition, finding out who has held the role in the past will help you to evaluate turnover. You may find that the company has had 3 different Controllers within the last 5 years, something you might want to ask about when evaluating the opportunity.

Use a recruiter. The industry has been around for many years but some candidates I meet have never utilized a recruiter. If you partner with a firm and a recruiter that’s well established you will likely get a lot of bang from the relationship. They will often review your resume for free, provide coaching before an interview, make introductions and offer a sounding board for determining what roles, companies and ultimately offers are best aligned with your goals and objectives.

Dress for the culture one suit does not fit all interviews. I was taught to always wear a business suit, but in many organizations I work with this could be overkill or make you stand out like a sore thumb. Do your homework and find out more about the culture. You may find something more contemporary or trendy will help the employer to see you as a fit with other employees. Don’t go too far out on a limb, the rule of thumb is still to always look professional but the term is more subjective today. A suit and tie verses a more relaxed look such as a sport jacket and slacks can create a different first impression.

Kent Employment Solutions and Kent Staffing Solutions located in Portland, Oregon is a locally owned and operated full service recruiting, staffing and transition consulting firm specializing in the placement of professionals in the Accounting & Finance, Operations, Sales & Marketing and Human Resource functions throughout the Pacific Northwest. We are owned and operated by an experienced team with a proven track record of local success that spans over two decades.