Ask tough questions to evaluate your qualifications, chances of getting job
Dear Sam: I have applied for many jobs. I read the job postings, review all of the requirements and make sure I meet those expectations. Why am I not getting so much as an initial screening call? — Jason
Dear Jason: There are many reasons an employer may not be calling. Ask yourself the following questions:
➤ Are you the most qualified candidate?
Being qualified does not necessarily mean you are the MOST qualified. Reading the requirements for a role, as presented in a job posting, can be misleading; employers often list only the minimum requirements. What you really need to pay attention to when reading a job posting is the actual job description. The job description — an overview of what you would be doing in the role — is a better indicator of the experience you need to possess in order to be seen as qualified. With a strong, often-saturated candidate pool, employers will likely have several people applying for the role who have similar qualifications. When this is the case, especially when you are transitioning or moving into something slightly different than what you have done in the past, you must show the transferability of your skills by speaking the language of the roles you will be performing, not merely list the minimum qualifications being sought. To judge whether you are truly a “qualified” candidate, see if you can perform the functions you would be expected to perform in the role. Simply possessing the minimum prerequisite requirements is likely not going to cut it.
➤ Have you targeted your candidacy?
While many job seekers want to keep their options open, each person really needs only one career. Targeting your candidacy is critical in ensuring maximum resume effectiveness. Be sure your resume tells one story, creating an aligned picture of your skills, experiences and abilities. Whenever possible, the content of your resume should speak the language of the functions you would perform in your target position. This is where understanding the true qualifications required for a job is very important, as this is the information you need to relate on your resume. Read through job postings of interest to get a sense of the skills, experiences and abilities that employers are seeking. Use this insight to incorporate very important keywords into your resume, conveying that you possess the right mix of experience, skills and education. Using the appropriate keywords is imperative if you want to be seen as a competitive candidate.
➤ Have you hung your hat on what makes you unique?
Too many candidates think certain skills or educational credentials make them unique. In truth, experience, more often than not, is what truly makes a candidate unique. Think about it. The degree you hold, while important, will check a requirement box for an employer, and this may be a qualification most other applicants also possess. Likewise, certain skills and abilities will likely be claimed widely in the candidate pool, once again creating an even playing field. However, no other candidate can claim the same exact experience as you, at least when it comes to presenting your key contributions or accomplishments. Focus your attention on highlighting exactly what differentiates your candidacy. Remember, the base requirements are typically what I call “check-the-box” qualifications, meaning they do not make you unique; they just mean you possess the minimum credentials. Any other candidate who can “check those boxes” is once again on an even playing field with you. Where you both stand out, however, is through the uniqueness of your experiences, the value you brought to your work and the skills acquired as a result.
➤ Have you created a strong and compelling format for your resume?
Paying attention to the format, as well as the content and keywords, of your resume is the recipe for resume success. Make sure your resume is aesthetically pleasing, balanced on the page and attractive for a human screener. If you are not naturally creative, glean inspiration for a uniquely formatted resume through an online search or a quick breeze through resume books at the library.
➤ Are you diversifying your resume-distribution strategy?
Gone are the days of simply applying for positions online. Distribution strategies are multifaceted these days and can — and should — include offline and online networking, sourcing “closed” market opportunities, leveraging referrals, securing informational interviews with those in your desired field, proactively researching and finding emerging opportunities (such as when a company is moving or expanding in your area), and of course, responding to “open” market positions. Actively engage in these distribution strategies to maximize your outreach, and don’t get stuck in the rut of only applying for posted opportunities.
— Samantha Nolan is an advanced personal-branding strategist and career expert and is the founder and CEO of Nolan Branding. Do you have a resume, career or job-search question for Dear Sam? Reach Samantha at
dearsam@nolanbranding.com. For more information about Nolan Branding’s services, visit www.nolanbranding.com, or call 888-9-MY-BRAND or 614-570-3442.