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Resume and job search strategies v5 external

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Rob McIntosh
Rob McIntosh

The document provides strategies for job searching, resume writing, and interviewing. It recommends tailoring resumes to specific job postings, using keywords from the job description. It also suggests researching companies online, being prepared to discuss strengths and qualifications, and following up job applications with phone calls to the hiring manager. The document gives tips for online searching, networking, and getting noticed on social media to improve job prospects.

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Resume and Job Search Strategies Rob McIntosh Senior Vice President Global Talen Acquisition and Recruiting 2012 Avanade Confidential – Do Not Copy, Forward or Circulate 1 © Copyright 2011 Avanade Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Resume/CV Creation Q: How much time does my A: Your resume needs Online Tips and resume have to convince the to make an impact Resources recruiter / Hiring Manager to within the first 15 to 30 Keyword Tools contact me for an interview? seconds Google keyword tool Keyword discovery Step1: Wordtracker Resume Tips Create one large master version of your Resume/CV with all your skills and accomplishments in chronological order (don’t worry if it gets too long). Jobsyntax Archives Online Resume Tips Step 2: When reviewing job descriptions look for all the requirements of that Pongo Resume Blog role then pull all your associated relevant elements from your master version Resume/CV into a tailored version specifically for that application Search Engine Tips (for each different application - repeat). How Search Engines Work* The Job Search Strategist Blog Avanade Confidential – Do Not Copy, Forward or Circulate 2 © Copyright 2011 Avanade Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Resume/CV tips  Create a Executive Summary Page (or paragraph) that highlights your key skills/achievements against the job….Think of this as the appetizer to the entrée  Ensure your key words (skills) are used multiple times through out your resume that match the keywords where possible with the job description.  Make the layout as inviting as possible, so that the recruiter feels compelled to read it.  Try not to squeeze text to closely or use a tiny font size that can be difficult to read  Use white space to set off and to emphasis the important points.  Make it easy for someone to visually scan your resume for information.  Make sure you have an online profile (LinkedIn) so that a recruiter/Hiring Manager can reference your background, expertise and testimonials.  Important to get as many references/testimonials as you can from former colleagues, managers and customers that call out your expertise. Resume Don'ts • Typos, misspellings or grammatical errors • Including salary or level information • Long, detailed paragraphs • Spending too much time on graphics or cool fonts • Do not include information that a reader might not be able to understand. For example acronyms and code names. • Don’t apply to more than 3 jobs at the same company at any one time.  It sends the message to a recruiter that your do not know what you want or are desperate. Avanade Confidential – Do Not Copy, Forward or Circulate 3 © Copyright 2011 Avanade Inc. All Rights Reserved.
The “Action Plan” Step 1: Do your homework on what are the target companies and job titles you are interested in given your background and expertise. The more the better. Step 2: Use your personal and professional network to identify connections and opportunities in your target companies list and roles of interest.  A warm introduction is better than a cold call or cold online job application Step 3: If that job is online but you can not connect via a “Warm Introduction” then:  Create a targeted resume using the key elements of your master resume by leveraging matching keywords, skills and achievements against the matching keywords in the Job Description. Step 4: If you are going to post your Resume/CV ensure it gets picked up by the search engines and job Boards:  Use your top key words (skills) multiple times through out your resume  Check your keywords against industry terms. Example: Is “MOSS” going to be the keyword searched vs. “Microsoft Office SharePoint Server” by recruiters and hiring managers  Important Note when using Job Boards: Post your resume ‘confidentially’ when possible. It gives the perception that you are serious about your resume and who can contact you. Step 5: After applying online, follow up immediately with a phone call into that company.  Try to speak to that hiring manager…..Use LinkedIn and other tools to see if you can connect the dot’s using the Job Description to the Hiring Manager role/title. Avanade Confidential – Do Not Copy, Forward or Circulate 4 © Copyright 2011 Avanade Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Searching for Jobs Online Tips and General Online Job Searching Resources  Do not limit your search to just traditional job boards (Monster.com, etc) Job Aggregators  Try the Job Aggregators that scrape all corporate jobs  Look for Niche Job boards that map to your interest and specialization Indeed.com  Try simple keyword searches directly into the major search engines SimplyHired.com ― Example: jobs Atlanta BizTalk “Solutions Architect” = Results here JuJu.com Online Search Tips Alerts and Feeds  Create feeds and alerts to push jobs to you based on your interest: BNET Online Resources ― Turn any online search string into a RSS feed using FeedMySearch.com = Example: Results here (jobs Atlanta BizTalk "Solutions Architect") Best Online Job Search Engines and ― Example: Google Alerts (free tool) that allows a search sting to be turned into a feed or email notification = http://www.googlealert.com/ CareerBuilder Online Search Tips Web 2.0 Online Job Sites About.com Online Search Tips  Take the time to look at new ways to promote your expertise online with some of the newer Online Sites: 100 RSS Feeds for Job Seekers ― Jobfox Job Board Sites ― Quiet Agent ― VisualCV Alexa Job Site Listings TopJobSites.com Avanade Confidential – Do Not Copy, Forward or Circulate 5 © Copyright 2011 Avanade Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Interviewing Tips Online Tips and Prepare Resources  Research the company on their website to come prepared with knowledge of that company Interviewing Tips ― Note: Employers' like candidates that have done some homework and come asking relevant and targeted questions. Monster 4 part Series  Be self aware of your strengths and weaknesses so you can effectively Advice on Vault.com talk to these areas during the interview.  Know what “Competency Based Interviewing” is and be prepared with Microsoft Jobs Blog historical examples to answer these specific questions The Ladders – Seven Deadly Sins of  Bring a few hard copies of your resume to the interview just in case Don’t be afraid to ask the Recruiter: BLNZ – Ask the Right Questions durin  The names of the people interviewing you so you can do some potential research online  What the dress code is of the organization you are interviewing with  What key areas they feel are important to the interviewer so you can prep yourself with specifics relating to your background experience and skills Other Tips  Don’t be afraid to say you do not have the answer to a question. Be Honest!  Don’t not drink to much coffee or power drinks prior to your interview Avanade Confidential – Do Not Copy, Forward or Circulate 6 © Copyright 2011 Avanade Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Additional Resources and Strategies Online Tips and How to get noticed online Resources  Recruiters use Social Networks all the time. Create a profile on a few How to get noticed online major Social Networking Sites to list your expertise and interests. Additionally make sure you add: Futurenow Article − Lists or links to any articles you have written or contributed too Branding Blog − Get a few online references (recommendations) on your specific Major Social Networking expertise you would like prospective employees to know about you Sites  Add your profile to the major people finder business sites LinkedIn.com  Start a blog or personal home page that can be indexed by the search engines and post your thoughts about your subject matter expertise Ning.com − Recruiters find candidates on personal pages, articles and blogs all the Top 10 Social Sites for finding a job time based off keyword search’s. Example = Results Here List of global social networking sites People Finders Zoominfo.com Spock.com Wink.com Avanade Confidential – Do Not Copy, Forward or Circulate 7 © Copyright 2011 Avanade Inc. All Rights Reserved.

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Resume and job search strategies v5 external

  • 1. Resume and Job Search Strategies Rob McIntosh Senior Vice President Global Talen Acquisition and Recruiting 2012 Avanade Confidential – Do Not Copy, Forward or Circulate 1 © Copyright 2011 Avanade Inc. All Rights Reserved.
  • 2. Resume/CV Creation Q: How much time does my A: Your resume needs Online Tips and resume have to convince the to make an impact Resources recruiter / Hiring Manager to within the first 15 to 30 Keyword Tools contact me for an interview? seconds Google keyword tool Keyword discovery Step1: Wordtracker Resume Tips Create one large master version of your Resume/CV with all your skills and accomplishments in chronological order (don’t worry if it gets too long). Jobsyntax Archives Online Resume Tips Step 2: When reviewing job descriptions look for all the requirements of that Pongo Resume Blog role then pull all your associated relevant elements from your master version Resume/CV into a tailored version specifically for that application Search Engine Tips (for each different application - repeat). How Search Engines Work* The Job Search Strategist Blog Avanade Confidential – Do Not Copy, Forward or Circulate 2 © Copyright 2011 Avanade Inc. All Rights Reserved.
  • 3. Resume/CV tips  Create a Executive Summary Page (or paragraph) that highlights your key skills/achievements against the job….Think of this as the appetizer to the entrée  Ensure your key words (skills) are used multiple times through out your resume that match the keywords where possible with the job description.  Make the layout as inviting as possible, so that the recruiter feels compelled to read it.  Try not to squeeze text to closely or use a tiny font size that can be difficult to read  Use white space to set off and to emphasis the important points.  Make it easy for someone to visually scan your resume for information.  Make sure you have an online profile (LinkedIn) so that a recruiter/Hiring Manager can reference your background, expertise and testimonials.  Important to get as many references/testimonials as you can from former colleagues, managers and customers that call out your expertise. Resume Don'ts • Typos, misspellings or grammatical errors • Including salary or level information • Long, detailed paragraphs • Spending too much time on graphics or cool fonts • Do not include information that a reader might not be able to understand. For example acronyms and code names. • Don’t apply to more than 3 jobs at the same company at any one time.  It sends the message to a recruiter that your do not know what you want or are desperate. Avanade Confidential – Do Not Copy, Forward or Circulate 3 © Copyright 2011 Avanade Inc. All Rights Reserved.
  • 4. The “Action Plan” Step 1: Do your homework on what are the target companies and job titles you are interested in given your background and expertise. The more the better. Step 2: Use your personal and professional network to identify connections and opportunities in your target companies list and roles of interest.  A warm introduction is better than a cold call or cold online job application Step 3: If that job is online but you can not connect via a “Warm Introduction” then:  Create a targeted resume using the key elements of your master resume by leveraging matching keywords, skills and achievements against the matching keywords in the Job Description. Step 4: If you are going to post your Resume/CV ensure it gets picked up by the search engines and job Boards:  Use your top key words (skills) multiple times through out your resume  Check your keywords against industry terms. Example: Is “MOSS” going to be the keyword searched vs. “Microsoft Office SharePoint Server” by recruiters and hiring managers  Important Note when using Job Boards: Post your resume ‘confidentially’ when possible. It gives the perception that you are serious about your resume and who can contact you. Step 5: After applying online, follow up immediately with a phone call into that company.  Try to speak to that hiring manager…..Use LinkedIn and other tools to see if you can connect the dot’s using the Job Description to the Hiring Manager role/title. Avanade Confidential – Do Not Copy, Forward or Circulate 4 © Copyright 2011 Avanade Inc. All Rights Reserved.
  • 5. Searching for Jobs Online Tips and General Online Job Searching Resources  Do not limit your search to just traditional job boards (Monster.com, etc) Job Aggregators  Try the Job Aggregators that scrape all corporate jobs  Look for Niche Job boards that map to your interest and specialization Indeed.com  Try simple keyword searches directly into the major search engines SimplyHired.com ― Example: jobs Atlanta BizTalk “Solutions Architect” = Results here JuJu.com Online Search Tips Alerts and Feeds  Create feeds and alerts to push jobs to you based on your interest: BNET Online Resources ― Turn any online search string into a RSS feed using FeedMySearch.com = Example: Results here (jobs Atlanta BizTalk "Solutions Architect") Best Online Job Search Engines and ― Example: Google Alerts (free tool) that allows a search sting to be turned into a feed or email notification = http://www.googlealert.com/ CareerBuilder Online Search Tips Web 2.0 Online Job Sites About.com Online Search Tips  Take the time to look at new ways to promote your expertise online with some of the newer Online Sites: 100 RSS Feeds for Job Seekers ― Jobfox Job Board Sites ― Quiet Agent ― VisualCV Alexa Job Site Listings TopJobSites.com Avanade Confidential – Do Not Copy, Forward or Circulate 5 © Copyright 2011 Avanade Inc. All Rights Reserved.
  • 6. Interviewing Tips Online Tips and Prepare Resources  Research the company on their website to come prepared with knowledge of that company Interviewing Tips ― Note: Employers' like candidates that have done some homework and come asking relevant and targeted questions. Monster 4 part Series  Be self aware of your strengths and weaknesses so you can effectively Advice on Vault.com talk to these areas during the interview.  Know what “Competency Based Interviewing” is and be prepared with Microsoft Jobs Blog historical examples to answer these specific questions The Ladders – Seven Deadly Sins of  Bring a few hard copies of your resume to the interview just in case Don’t be afraid to ask the Recruiter: BLNZ – Ask the Right Questions durin  The names of the people interviewing you so you can do some potential research online  What the dress code is of the organization you are interviewing with  What key areas they feel are important to the interviewer so you can prep yourself with specifics relating to your background experience and skills Other Tips  Don’t be afraid to say you do not have the answer to a question. Be Honest!  Don’t not drink to much coffee or power drinks prior to your interview Avanade Confidential – Do Not Copy, Forward or Circulate 6 © Copyright 2011 Avanade Inc. All Rights Reserved.
  • 7. Additional Resources and Strategies Online Tips and How to get noticed online Resources  Recruiters use Social Networks all the time. Create a profile on a few How to get noticed online major Social Networking Sites to list your expertise and interests. Additionally make sure you add: Futurenow Article − Lists or links to any articles you have written or contributed too Branding Blog − Get a few online references (recommendations) on your specific Major Social Networking expertise you would like prospective employees to know about you Sites  Add your profile to the major people finder business sites LinkedIn.com  Start a blog or personal home page that can be indexed by the search engines and post your thoughts about your subject matter expertise Ning.com − Recruiters find candidates on personal pages, articles and blogs all the Top 10 Social Sites for finding a job time based off keyword search’s. Example = Results Here List of global social networking sites People Finders Zoominfo.com Spock.com Wink.com Avanade Confidential – Do Not Copy, Forward or Circulate 7 © Copyright 2011 Avanade Inc. All Rights Reserved.