Interview Chatter

Do You Want to Hit The Bullseye?

by Darlene McDaniel on May 21st, 2008

I can’t imagine that you send your resume to prospective employers hoping they glance at it and then toss it in the trash. But if you are sending your resume to any job opening you see that sounds interesting, hoping they want to give you a chance you are deceiving yourself.

If your telephone rings and a prospective employer is interested in discussing their job opening with you, then you are on the target. The bullseye would be if you are sitting in front of the hiring manager and they are seriously considering you for the job opening. The HR Recruiter is not the bullseye. You are just on the target. You’re in the game. The bullseye is the economic buyer, the person who will determine whether you get to work their and collect a paycheck. Period.

Now, how do you hit the bullseye?

1. Evaluate your skills and abilities - Know who you are and what you will bring to an organization.

2. Evaluate the job description - Do you have 90% of what they are looking for?

3. Evaluate your resume. Ensure you highlight the skills and abilities you have that match the job description

4. Develop a cover letter that highlights your experience.

5. Follow-up with the organization after you send it. Attach your voice, and your interest to the job you are pursuing.

6. Make a great first impression - Be knowledgeable about their organization. Be prepared to discuss your qualifications.

7. Be prepared to connect your experience with the job.

8. Communicate that you are the “best candidate for the job” without ever saying those words.

Bottom line - Don’t waste your time, and money sending your resume out for jobs that you are not qualified for - Avoid the Scattershot Job Search. It will not help you get the job you want. Invest your time developing a well thought out plan for your job search.

Image Credit: Newscom

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POSTED IN: Preparation & Planning