Job Hunting: What’s In and Out?
By The Creative Group
Monogrammed stationery. Rolodexes filled with business cards. The Sunday want ads. These, like many job search tools, have given way to more modern must-haves. While the fundamental task of reaching out to potential employers and making a positive impression hasn’t changed, the tools are different. Job seekers who have a thorough understanding of how to best promote themselves in today’s competitive environment have an edge.
Following are the “ins” and “outs” of the job hunting scene today:
| OUT | IN |
| Overly detailed resumes | Streamlined resumes that list relevant accomplishments |
| An “objective” statement on resumes | A “summary of qualifications” that highlights applicable skills |
| Blanketing employers with your resume and cover letters addressed “To whom it may concern” | Researching prospective employers and applying to companies or agencies where your skills and interests match their needs |
| Stilted language in application materials (“Please find my resume attached in response to the PR job posting …”) | More natural prose that provides a sense of your personality and genuine interest in the job (“When I learned about the PR specialist position, I was excited by the …”) |
| Canned responses to interview questions (“My weakness is that I work too hard …”) | Authentic responses that provide insight into your thought processes and how you can contribute to the organization |
| A set reference list | A customized reference list for each opportunity |
| Networking occasionally | Networking constantly using tools such as LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter, as well as in person |
| Using unusual resume formats to hide employment gaps | Filling potential gaps through freelance or volunteer work |
| A narrow focus in your job search | A broad view of how your skills might be useful in various roles |
| Ending the interview by asking when they’ll be contacting you | Ending the interview by asking for the job on a trial basis |
| Post-interview thank-you notes that tell the interviewer how much you want the job | Post-interview thank-you notes that provide more insight into why you are the best person for the job |
The Creative Group is a specialized staffing service placing interactive, design, marketing, advertising and public relations professionals with a variety of firms. More information, including online job-hunting services, candidate portfolios and TCG’s award-winning career magazine, can be found at creativegroup.com.