The job market is tricky right now. Employers see the unemployment rate and stick with the perception that qualified candidates are available for the choosing. Job seekers are suffering the old catch-22 similar to the very first time they ever searched for work: Must have experience, but unable to get experience without a foot in the door. 

And the staffing industry gets to hear both sides of the story.

So what can prospecting candidates do to improve their chances of being selected? 

First of all, avoid applying for jobs for which you are not qualified. Job descriptions can be lengthy and cover quite a bit of information and it can be difficult to stay patient and read through each point. Slow down. Take the time to understand the proficiencies listed as requirements for the role. Chances are if the terminology is unfamiliar, you would be in over your head in trying to perform the duties entailed with the job. Flippantly applying for everything listed by a company appears like either desperation or lack of awareness in your skill set and career goals. Bear in mind that many organizations are spread thin due to prior cut backs and lay-offs.  Therefore, the expectation is to hire someone who has recently or is currently performing well in a role similar to the one for which they are hiring.

Next, create a compelling resume and use it. Resumes should highlight your accomplishments and relevant experience and be geared toward the role being pursued. That does not mean leave work gaps just because it was in a different field than the overall career direction. Employers tend to question validity when, in conversation about work history, additional jobs were held but not listed in the timelines. The resume is sometimes the first and only impression hiring managers will have.

Think of this job history as a trophy room on paper. Recognition, awards, accomplishments, and goals attained are not only welcome, they are encouraged! Keep it factual and topical so the reader can visualize how these career high points can positively impact the company. Every industry has its own expectations of what a resume should include. Sales people should list specific number results to reveal past success. Detail oriented job seekers such as data entry and executive assistants must ensure the information is laid out in a clear and concise manner with no typos or errors. Marketing and advertising professionals, your resume is likened to your portfolio where creativity speaks volumes.

Provide all requested information in an application, paper or online, completely and accurately. Many job boards allow the capacity to simply inquire about a position without full completion of application. Provide some details which will pique the interest of the hiring manager to connect and learn more. The average job listing can generate into the hundreds of applicants and the quickest way to get disregarded is to send only contact information without even a resume or explanation of qualifications. If requested to finalize the application process, that is your cue to show ability to listen to direction as well as willingness to put forth effort into your work. Employers begin evaluating job and company fit from the very first conversation or attempt to connect.

Finally, be aware at all times of professional image. It is no secret that social media has dramatically changed the job market. If corporate image is highly important, realize that hiring managers will search for your name on the Internet to see what they find. Keep any and all searchable evidence of your personal life professional; which means keep those pictures of partying with the friends on private and blocked profiles! Other modern day technologies are no different. Always consider what message you want sent to prospective employers when choosing ring back tones on your cell phone and email addresses that are provided as means of contact. 

So you’ve gotten the employer interested and calling you for an interview. Congratulations! Stay tuned for tips on how to ace the interview and get the call back.

Tressa Hyndman, Account Manager

About the Author, Tressa Hyndman
Tressa has been in the staffing industry for two years.  Her professional background includes over nine years of retail and banking management where recruiting for her own team played a large role in building successful teams.  Since joining Celebrity Staff Tressa has used her versatile experience to partner with clients and candidates alike to find the right match for career opportunities. Tressa has her Master’s Degree in Human Resource Management from Webster University.  In her free time Tressa enjoys spending time with family, listening to music and reading.