The Hype Over Job Board Matching Technology Is Just That: Hype

Garbage in, garbage out photo courtesy of Shutterstock

Perhaps prompted by a recent article by Bloomberg about on-line job search software getting smarter, it seems that a lot of attention this week is being devoted to matching technology being used by job boards. In theory, matching technology makes a lot of sense as it would allow employers and job seekers to save time finding each other and reduce the noise by reducing and perhaps eliminating contact between employers and job seekers whose needs are different. But is theory the same as reality?

A number of people in the job board industry for whom I have tremendous respect are writing that candidates should be able to just submit their resume and have it turned into a search query. Some even advocate taking the search entirely out of the hands of the candidate by using computerized algorithms to “read” jobs posted by employers and resumes posted by candidates and then returning to the employer a list of what the software considers to be highly qualified candidates. The problem with either approach and especially the latter is that they assume that both are forward looking, the job posting is well written, and the resume is well written. The problem is that for the software to work properly all must be true yet generally none are true. Continue Reading

Choosing the ‘Write’ One: Writing Samples 101

If you are interviewing for a writing job, it is a good idea to bring a variety of writing samples just in case a potential employer is interested.  Learn more in the following post.

Whenever I go on an interview, I carry a folder full of writing samples and copies of my resume. You’ve probably heard that employers often ask for writing samples during an interview even if they hadn’t asked you to bring or send them beforehand. I’ve been in this very

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Choosing the ‘Write’ One: Writing Samples 101

7 Different Ways You Can Be Job Searching Today

Jessica Holbrook Hernandez, President/CEO of Great Resumes Fast

So you have this great, marketable resume that showcases your potential as an employee. You’re ready to launch your job search and start using your new resume as vigorously as possible. But where do you start and what do you do? I recommend starting with reading one of my most recent articles: I Have A Great Resume, Now What Do I Do With It? It shares advice on how to start social, professional, and in-person networking to jumpstart your job search. But what else can you do besides jumping on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter and networking with people in person? Continue Reading

6 Myths about Resume Writing

Person reviewing or editing a resume. Photo courtesy of Shutterstock.

After surveying human resource and recruiting experts in its network, employment site Bright.com discovered six myth-busting tips that will surprise you:

Myth: You need an objective statement.
Once it was imperative that you start your resume with a statement declaring your career objective or your hope in the next career move. Well, fuggetaboutit, as they say in New York! Bright learned that recruiters are more interested in your experience and qualifications and skip over this section entirely. Continue Reading

What Employers Want: 12 HR Hot Buttons

Dawn Dugan, Salary.com contributing writer

The competition is fierce in today’s job market, and standing out in the crowd is more important — and challenging — than ever before.

How do you know you’re giving employers exactly what they are looking for? This article explores 12 human resources hot buttons. Continue Reading

3 Ways to Make Your Resume Look Brilliant

If you’re a recent college graduate, you’re probably looking for work.

According to data conducted for The Associated Press, half of young college graduates in 2012 were unemployed or underemployed. This issue could be compounded if recent graduates don’t have enough experience to get a job in their fields, which brings us back to that classic conundrum: You can’t find a job without experience and you can’t get experience without a job. Continue Reading

4 Ways to Customize Your Resume Based on the Job Posting

Jessica Holbrook Hernandez of Great Resumes Fast

I’m sure you’ve heard me say before that it’s critically important to customize your resume when applying for positions—especially to online job postings. Hundreds of candidates apply to positions posted on job boards, and employers have become very savvy at weeding out those candidates who are not qualified. Or who at least do not appear to be qualified because of what is or is not (in most cases) on their resume. So I’m going to share some tips for making key adjustments to your resume to target it exactly for the position based on the job advertisement. Continue Reading

Social Resumes: What Job Seekers and Employers Should Know

Tech savvy job seekers are using social resumes as an alternative to the traditional resumes employers have been used to seeing.  Employers are also taking advantage of social media and looking at these resumes to find their next job candidates.  The following infographic has more information for job seekers and employers interested in this trend. Continue Reading

7 Tips for Attention-Grabbing Resumes

Rick Gillis, Salary.com contributing writer

Think of how many news articles you read daily. Now think about recruiters who review hundreds of resumes day in and day out. What makes the difference between an article — or a resume — that may be eagerly devoured in its entirety, and another that merely receives a passing glance? What has to happen in that 3- to 10-second span to garner attention and keep the reader engaged?

While the newspaper industry has fallen on hard times during the last few years, it behooves you to think like a journalist when crafting your resume. This mindset may enhance your chances of cracking the barrier between you and your next job, so here are some things you need to include to quickly capture the attention of employers. Continue Reading

Taking Your Resume to Social Media

Have you thought about using social media as a platform for your resume?

In 2013, many workers will start looking for a new job.  A report from the National Association of Colleges & Employers reveals the rise in social media in the job search.  According to the report, 26% of college seniors use social media to network during their job search.  It’s probably not surprising that the resume is also going social. Continue Reading