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Sticking out and getting attention are two things millennials are great at! With so much automation handling different parts of the job seeking process these days, there is only so much you can do to make your application stand out from all the others. Utilizing keywords within your resume is one of them! When applying online, it’s likely
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your resume will first be screened by an applicant tracking system (ATS) then moved to a recruiter/manager (assuming you pass the ATS). The recruiter/manager will then review your resume and perform a keyword search pertaining to skills required for the role. Long story short; companies have a specific group of terms
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(keywords) that they have chosen to represent their needs for the position. If you do not include them in your resume or application paperwork, they might simply delete it all and move on to the next one. Action Steps: – Study the job description and locate keywords under the “Must Have” or “Required” sections. Then mirror the
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words in the job description to your resume/cv (without lying). – This highlights your strengths in areas most important to the employer. – However, make sure you do it in a natural way. – If it seems like you are directly copying their words and information, HR managers or whoever else looks at your paperwork may get suspicious. There is a fine line between
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giving a potential employer what they want and trying to trick them.
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Many job seekers rely solely on submitting online applications instead of exploring additional options. While applying through online job sites has become the norm across all industries, it does not mean it’s the only way. There are other steps to take to put yourself ahead of the competition.
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Action Steps: – Reach out to employees at the company of interest and connect with would-be peers. – Be careful only to connect with them in appropriate ways through company social media pages, industry forums, and other online platforms. Probably shy away from waiting around outside the building to ask them out for coffee randomly.
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– Approach a recruiter for help. – Jump on the radar of individuals making hiring decisions. – Recommendations and/or personal referrals are also Gold when it comes to applying for a job. – Get creative, and think outside the box (which millennials are great at)!
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Your resume, LinkedIn profile, and cover letter might all look great, but if they don’t position you as a direct match for the role you’re targeting, they’re useless. Don’t be afraid to modify wording or change the overall look to match what the employer is seeking. It’s always a good idea to prevent stagnation anyway.
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If you can align your online and hard-copy information with the specific position you’re looking for, do it. Action Steps: – Update every document and social profile as your career progresses. If you have picked up a new skill or accomplished something noteworthy, make the update! – Recent changes will make
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you look more appealing because an employer can see you pay attention to detail and perform the necessary work to get the job done.
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Look professional by remaining polished, articulated, and organized throughout your job search. This doesn’t mean you have to be boring and dull. Think of it as a clever mix between former generations of corporate office culture with today’s inclusive, flexible, and innovative work world. Action Steps: – Give yourself permission to be both
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polished and memorable (which young professionals are great at). Remain professional but stick out from the crowd by doing something different – don’t go overboard. – Owning likable and unforgettable characteristics will lead to amazing results but if you have any outlandish behaviors, ideals, or even fashion habits, you do not have to let them all out the moment
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you meet a possible employer. – It’s usually better to err on the side of professional rather than extremely unique
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LinkedIn remains THE social media platform for professional people, job seekers, and business of all types. Make sure your page is up to date, interesting, and customized with a short and memorable URL. Using your first and last name within the URL looks professional and helps you stand out.
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Action Steps: – To customize your URL, simply; Click View profile, Click Edit public profile, Under Edit URL in the right rail Click the Edit icon next to your public profile URL, Type the last part of your new custom URL in the text box, Click Save.
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As a past technical recruiter for one of the largest recruiting firms in the world, I placed countless candidates whose skills didn’t compare to others competing for the same role. How did the less experienced candidates win the job? They established relationships and showed appreciation by sending thank you letters to everyone involved in the job
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search and interview process. Action Steps: – Consider crafting original, genuine thank you notes for everyone involved. While other candidates remain silent, take the extra step. This simple, yet thoughtful action solidifies your interest in the role and can often be the difference maker. – It also helps contacts remember you for all the right reasons.
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If you’re not currently on LinkedIn, stop what you are doing and sign up. LinkedIn is an essential part of a job search and can yield great results. It is one of the top networking tools on the internet today. Within LinkedIn, you can actually tell companies that you’re open to new jobs by utilizing the Open Candidates feature.
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You can sit back as this passive job search tool prompts interested companies and recruiters to contact you. Action Steps: – To activate Open Candidates: Log into LinkedIn, Select the “Jobs” icon at the top of the page, Click Preferences, then simply turn sharing “On” and fill in some brief information about the types of roles you are interested in.