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5 Mistakes Keeping You From Your Dream Job
Featured Author:
A+ Resumes for Teachers
A+ Resumes for Teachers offers effective, confidential, certified professional resume writing for teachers, educators, corporate trainers, and administrators. College graduates, returning teachers, or career changers- even for those located around the globe. Resumes, cover letters, interview coaching, or even a philosophy of education for your teaching portfolio.
Candace Davies, President of A+ Resumes for Teachers, is a Dual-Certified Professional Resume Writer.
More articles from this author:
A+ Resumes for Teachers | TheApple.com
Are you having difficulty with your job search? Do you feel like you are constantly walking into a brick wall? Are you bewildered as to why your phone is not ringing off the hook with interview invitations?
You may not realize it, but you could be the culprit who is unintentionally sabotaging your job search success. As a professional resume writer and career counselor, I have seen the unintentional mistakes that are so common. I have devised a listing of the top five most common blunders that could be keeping you from your dream job:
1. Objective is Not Clear or is Too General
We have all heard about those people who have worked in jobs they have grown to hate; they have become bored and uninspired in their day-to-day work. To avoid becoming a victim of the “bored worker”, it is essential that you take the time to find work that merges nicely with your natural skills. Finding a position that works well with your personality and abilities will ensure happiness, satisfaction, and success in your career.
2. Standardized and Uninspiring Cover Letter
Almost every employer can spot a mass produced, standardized letter from a mile away.
Your cover letter is essentially the first contact you may have with an employer, so it is best to take the time and customize your letter, focusing on a potential employer’s business motivations.
You will need different cover letters for different job postings or positions. When responding to a specific job posting, remember to send a cover letter that matches the job requirements and qualifications. Keep in mind, when applying to a specific posting, always include the competition number, or your document could end up in the wrong folder or in the “round” filing cabinet.
3. Poorly Developed or Mediocre Resume
Recruitment officers and potential employers are bombarded with hundreds of resumes daily. Therefore, it is essential that your resume sets you apart from the competition. Ensure your resume is clear and concise with one career objective that is supported by accomplishments that emphasizes the benefits you can bring to the company.
4. Not Using Keywords in Your Resume
Keywords are specific nouns and action verbs that effectively describe specific terms that are used in your occupation or job industry and make it possible for your resume to be scanned into a database and searched. Keywords can also include specific terms used by employers and recruiters, such as those that describe your education and work experience.
The use of keywords has become so important in resume development that it is entirely acceptable to provide a listed keyword section within your document. However, your resume will appear professional and less conspicuous if your keywords remain blended within your text, profile and skill summary.
5. Not Including Accomplishments in Your Resume
Your resume is your personal marketing tool, and keywords and achievements play a vital part. When describing your professional accomplishments, be sure to use influential keywords to stress the importance of your achievements. Modesty has no place here! Where appropriate, utilize industry lingo, if you are seeking a job similar to your current position.
Format your accomplishment driven resume in an eye-pleasing manner. Don’t cluster your accomplishments and responsibilities as one. Instead, simply write an overview of your responsibilities in paragraph format, and draw attention to your accomplishments with a bulleted list. Remember, don’t place everything in a paragraph, and likewise, don’t place everything in a bulleted list. Your aim is to draw the employer’s eye to the important selling parts.
