Your resume should tell a hiring manager why you are a viable potential employee for their open position in 5 seconds.
We receive hundreds of resumes in our inboxes daily, and we are working on dozens of jobs at any one time. When we open a new resume, we are first looking for a reason to say "no". Hiring managers and recruiters are asking themselves the same questions when we send them a viable candidate for their open positions they have asked for our assistance on.
1) Make sure you are fishing in the right pond...
We specialize in filling permanent, full-time positions. Here are the basic criteria hiring managers to want to see in a potential new full-time employee:
- Local
- Stable work-history
- Works for the same type of employer
- Has similar job title and responsibilities
If you meet these four basic criteria, you pass the first test. If you don't, that is not a deal-breaker; but there will be an uphill battle in meeting the first set of criteria. You may want to look at a contract position. Contract positions often turn into full-time opportunities. Also, you may want to look at your own personal network and see if you know someone at the company that can help get you in the door.
2) Research your potential employer...
Life is too short to have a job you don't like. I tried many different jobs and industries before I found my true passion for recruiting in the HVAC and plumbing industries. Once you are aware of a newly available position, the next step is to make sure you are applying to a company that you would want to work for. A great resource to look at is www.glassdoor.com. Here, current and past employees are able to provide company reviews, salary information, management approval ratings, approval of management, and additional feedback as well. Another great source is if you know any current or former employees personally that have worked there.
If you meet these four basic criteria, you pass the first test. If you don't, that is not a deal-breaker; but there will be an uphill battle in meeting the first set of criteria. You may want to look at a contract position. Contract positions often turn into full-time opportunities. Also, you may want to look at your own personal network and see if you know someone at the company that can help get you in the door.
3) Read...
Read the job description in detail. In reading the job description, first, ask yourself if this is what you want to be doing for the next 5+ years. Also, ask yourself if this company and position will positively impact your future career growth opportunities.
Conclusion:
I hope this helps you take the first three steps in determining your dream job. To recap, make sure you are applying to the right type of job where you have a strong 30% or better chance of getting through prescreening, make sure the company you are applying to is a company that you would want to work for, and make sure this position will improve your future career-growth opportunities and also be a job you will enjoy doing for the next 5+ years.