The following is a post by MPFJ staff writer, Jeff. Jeff writes about sustainable living and finances at his website, Sustainable Life Blog. Jeff really enjoys traveling with his wife as much as he can, to wherever he can.
For all of you students, it’s spring break time, and that means one thing – it’s time to straighten up your resume so you can get a summer job. Even if you’re not a student but are someone looking to take that next step in your career, now is a great time to be searching for jobs. The economy seems to be on the upswing, hiring is increasing and the economy seems to have some tailwinds behind it. Even though it’s been a long bull market, hiring is finally catching up.
Over the years, I personally have found that my salary increases most with job hopping, not with staying with the same firm (this holds true for others as well). Here are a few things that you can do before you start putting your resume out there that will increase your chances of getting an interview.
Scrub your Online Persona
First, Google yourself. You’ll want to look through the first 3 or so pages and make sure there’s nothing untrue or untoward on those top three pages. If employers see anything is wrong there, they’ll toss your resume in the garbage can.
Do the same thing on Facebook, or better yet make sure your profile is private.
Lastly, clean up your LinkedIn profile. Update your skills, add new relevant experience, publications and anything else that will make you look good on paper. They’ll allow you to link to slideshows, so perhaps put a seminar or conference talk you gave on your LinkedIn profile. If you’re a programmer, link to Github. Make sure to put your best online foot forward when looking for new employment.
Buff up your Resume
Even though your online presence matters (a lot), you still need to make yourself look good on paper. Make sure that everything has been spelled correctly, that all of your updated contact information is on there (including a professional email, not something like soccerguy12@aol.com). Make sure you sound as good as possible, and make sure that you’re able to accurately describe what you’ve done thus far in your career – even if you’re a student. Use numbers and other real metrics that show a performance improvement or something else.
For a lot of people, this stuff is difficult to do and they feel uncomfortable doing it. If this is you (it’s me at times as well, but I’ve gotten better) then you should consider using a resume writing service. Honestly, I didn’t have any idea these existed before, but the value seems pretty solid. Of the ones that I looked at initially, Executive Drafts seemed like a great option. After a bit of back and forth emails with them, I almost hired them myself (though I don’t quite need a new resume – yet).
Network
Yes, this advice is tired and cliche, but it’s a cliche for a reason – it works. If you’re looking for a new job, you need to get out there and meet people and let them know! Consider going to chamber of commerce events in your town (they typically have a young professionals specific group) and introduce yourself. Chat with other people there and get to know them. Let them know that you may be in the market for something new, but most importantly, ask them how you can help them reach their goals.
Even if they don’t take you up on, they’ll remember you as someone always willing to help (which will come in handy when they are talking to others about you). Keep making new connections, and your network will grow and your position will improve in the long run, even if it doesn’t directly lead to a job now – it could in the future.
Finally figure out what your skills are, and what you have to offer an employer. Are you great at marketing, or are you better with sales? You want to figure out how your skills well help your future employer grow their business – not what you can do to earn a paycheck from them.
How about you all? When was the last time you switched jobs? How did it come about, and how did it work out?
Share your experiences by commenting below!
***Photo courtesy https://www.flickr.com/photos/124247024@N07/13903383190/
