Standing Out In The Crowd!

In your job search it’s critical to stand out from the sea of other applicants, but how do you do that in a way that attracts an employer rather than putting them off? Here are some Do’s and Don’ts!

Do:

• Actually call and talk to someone in the organization (puts you ahead of 90% of applicants)
  
• Dig for possible contacts you have that might make an introduction for you
  
• Present a resume showing previous accomplishments and specifics of what you can do
  
• Present a resume tailored for the position, emphasizing the most relevant skills and experience
  
• Send your resume directly to an actual person rather than a general email or online system
  
• Send your resume by FedEx Letter directly to the hiring manager
  
• Be professional, respectful, cheerful, concise and well-prepared in every contact
  
• Send a Thank You email / note after EVERY contact
  
• Make it easy for them to see how your experience clearly fills their need
  
• Connect with multiple contacts in the same company, especially outside of HR
  
• Prepare and use scripts for each call to be better prepared
  
• Know about the company before any contact and have insightful questions prepared
  
• Pursue companies that interest you whether they have an opening posted or not
  
• Be confident, but humble about your experience
  
• Be Pleasantly Persistent (sales are rarely made on a first call)
  
  

Don’t:

• Send in your resume, or apply on-line and wait for a call
  
• Use self-descriptives in your resume (i.e. hard working, dynamic, articulate)
  
• Use colored, scented, or oddly shaped paper, or artistic fonts for your resume (except for artistic positions)
  
• Send your resume by singing telegram
  
• Do anything involving sky-writers, billboards, or animals
  
• ‘Wing It’ in calls, interviews, and follow ups
  
• Be cute or comical to get attention (and don’t tell jokes)
  
• Rely only on the HR person to handle your exposure in the organization
  
• Call anyone without an agenda
  
• Be arrogant or cocky about your experience (“I’m a perfect fit”)
  
• Be pushy, or a ‘Stalker’

Most people don’t go beyond submitting a resume online or by mail. By taking further steps than most people you will stand out and have far greater success!

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Footnote:

Thank you for visiting The Wise Job Search. I truly appreciate your interest. If you like the material here and would like to help keep it viable, please peruse and visit book recommendations, and other resources posted throughout the site. Best wishes on your continued search, and feedback is always welcome!