Takeaways from Amazon Career Day
Amazon on Sept. 16 hosted a virtual Career Day to support job seekers. The event included one-on-one career coaching sessions, workshops and three hours of career-related programming designed to support job seekers of all experiences, backgrounds and industries— regardless of whether they’re looking for a role at Amazon.
More than 300,000 people attended the event to get practical tips and inspiration from a lineup of speakers, including Amazon leaders and career development experts. Ziprecruiter CEO Ian Siegel was among this group— here are a few takeaways from his panel.
1. When it comes to your resume, simple is better
According to Siegel, 75% of all resumes submitted by job seekers are filtered out by a robot before they even make it into the hands of a human. So how do you pass the “robot test”? First, use a simple resume template that is easy for software or a busy human to review. Then, list your title and level of experience right at the top. And finally, make sure you outline your skills and qualifications as clearly as possible to show you have the right background and qualifications for the job. One additional tip— tailor your resume to each role for which you are applying. Be sure to cross reference the job description and, wherever possible, use the same terminology in describing your experience to reflect what the company is looking for.
2. Be honest about gaps
Don’t be afraid to be transparent with employers. Many people have gaps in their resume, especially now. If you were laid off or removed yourself from the workforce for personal or family reasons, keep a positive attitude in sharing your story and highlight what you have to offer. If you are asked about the gap in an interview setting, it’s most important to demonstrate to your potential employer that you are ready and committed to return to work. A question about a gap in your resume is also a chance to open up and share more of your story, which can help you to better connect with your interviewer.
3. New qualifications or certifications can help
There are plenty of certifications and courses available that can help you quickly acquire a new skill that is in high demand, whether that’s flying a drone or becoming proficient in a popular software tool.
4. The interview isn’t all about you
One of the biggest mistakes candidates make in an interview is focusing entirely on themselves. Employers are looking for a candidate who will be a great fit for their organization, so that means showing your passion and knowledge about their business as well as demonstrating why you are the perfect match. Start every interview off with the sentence, “I’m so excited to be here because …” and then fill in the blank with something relevant to the organization. It requires doing your homework, but it will pay off in the long run.