How do you highlight your fit and value in job applications?

It’s important to have a headline or title that shows the role you want and your key skill(s). It should be 5-8 words total and right under the contact information section at the top of your resume. This is the first thing recruiters will scan to see if they want to read more.

Why not choose an innovative approach for an application, for example, application with a video or podcast in which you talk about your motivation, your career and your experience?

Another recommendation is to include a headline section in your resume. This should feature the job title you're applying for, along with a branding statement tailored to the targeted position. Lastly, avoid listing too many bullet points for each role; aim for between 3 and 7.

Your Job Application is like a Movie Trailer; you want to get the recruiter or hiring manager to buy that ticket. Start with your resume: Treat it like a custom-tailored outfit to fit the job you're applying for. Incorporate keywords from the job description and focus on the skills and experiences that align closely with the role. Use numbers and metrics to quantify achievements; "increased sales by 30%" will always speak louder than "responsible for sales." Then comes your cover letter: your chance to tell a compelling story that your resume can't. I'd suggest that to share experiences showing your unique fit and value for the job, using their terms and language and letting a bit of your personality shine through. Good Luck

Customize your resume every time! Employers don't care about everything you have ever done, just what you can do for them! The Professional Summary should be a quick statement of who you are in relation to the new job. Highlight the Skills or Expertise (key words) next. Pulling them from the posting demonstrates that you understand what the job is all about, and that you can do this job. Focusing only on those skills/key words rather than everything you can do, demonstrates that you can do the job, that you want to do the job, and that you are happy doing just what the job is looking for. Add relevant Accomplishments. These should be the 2-6 most important things you have done that relate to the new job.

I recommend using Grammerly to help you write your cover letters. It helps with more concise and error free writing. You don’t always need a cover letter, but when you do send one, it should be well written.

A cover letter, whether you are emailing it with a resume or uploading with your resume should make your skills fit obvious. Find the requirements of the position and the functionality you'll be asked to perform. List the ones you've done or have experience with flush left. Flush right, write how long you've used that skill or performed that function flush right. If you are uploading your resume to an ATS, make your cover letter page 1 so you are demonstrating to the ATS what your relevant experience is on page one. In the body, repeat the same terms in your narrative so the ATS is seeing what it needs multiple times, You will break through and get more interviews doing that. Yes, use Grammarly, too.

As the Founder of College Recruiter job search site, I can dispel some myths about cover letters. At a high level, there are no absolute truths here, and candidates should be skeptical about anyone who purports to have any black-and-white answers. The biggest proponents of cover letters are those paid to create them, including resume writers and career coaches. Those who make the most use of them are those who hire the least, including owners of small businesses. Those who make the least use of them are those who hire the most, such as talent acquisition professionals in medium- to large-sized organizations. Should you include a cover letter if offered the opportunity? Yes, as there's no harm. Should you rely on it to be read? No.

Cover letters are a must! The cover letter doesn't repeat what is in the resume. You can highlight one or two of the most significant points if you like. Remember that the cover letter needs to add something new. There has to be a reason to read both the resume and the cover letter - they should complement each other, not repeat each other. The cover letter is also your chance to introduce You! Talk about why you are a good fit. Talk about why this role, and this company, speaks to you. You can almost think of it as the pre-answer to why you, why do you want to work here, what do you know about us, and why do you want to work here.

Something to add: - Your introduction should comprise 1-3 sentences, clearly expressing your interest in the specific job or company. - Ensure each cover letter has a unique introduction that captures what distinguishes the particular position or company and why it matters to you. - If you're familiar with their product, mention what you appreciate about it. If not, discuss the significance of their product.

Building out your personal brand on LinkedIn is a lot more valuable than it used to be. And well worth the investment of time. Go through your profile and fill out every single section that you can. You never know what piece of information might help you make a connection that lands you your next role. If you're not confident in crafting your personal brand then go to someone like me to get a LinkedIn Audit. That way you can feel confident that you've optimised your profile as much as possible.

Cover letter writing is a valuable exercise, regardless of whether the hring team reads the letter. My favorite format is the "T-bar" or "T-account" letter that includes two columns--your requirements vs. my qualifications. This forces you to carefully match the job requirements to what you bring to the table. You will see whether you have a chance of being selected for interview before you send the letter based on the match you find. For example, I alerted a client that we could match his leadership style, but he lacked the required advanced degree and experience with consumer-grade IoT technology.

LinkedIn is a powerful tool for job searching. It allows for a proactive and intentional job search by enabling you to connect with key decision-makers at your target companies. This in turn helps you uncover many open job opportunities.

Your Online Image Matters! LinkedIn: It's like your digital resume. Use a professional photo, write a catchy headline, and share your skills and experiences. GitHub and Git: Show your coding skills with organized projects. Write clear descriptions and keep it up-to-date. Stack Overflow: Prove your expertise by answering questions. Earn points by helping others. Contently: Showcase your writing portfolio. Explain your role in each project. Adobe Portfolio, Hurno Portfolio, Behance, and Dribbble: Share your creative work with great visuals. Describe your creative process. Remember, what you share online reflects your skills and professionalism. Make a good impression!

This sounds like a lot of homework, but really it isn't. If you can mention something small, it really shows you are serious about the position. A quick review of the company website can provide some general information that you may want to share during your interview. People are typically proud of the company they work for and enjoy hearing you were interested enough to research them.

Reviewing a company's website and social media is an obvious easy first step. On top of that, read through the last few months of news articles or blog posts that a company has posted. Get familiar with their latest news and projects, and craft one or two focused questions for your interview. This will make you stand out from most other candidates.

Researching a company not only prepares you for the interview but also helps you to tailor your answers to both the company and the specific job for which you are interviewing.

My own experience taught me that searching online for the right organization, one that aligns with your values and goals, can be a significant step in finding the perfect job that suits your experience and aspirations. Before applying for a job: Visit the company website: Learn about what they do and their values. Check their social media: See their latest news and updates. Read news articles: Find out what's happening with the company. Look at industry reports: Learn about trends in their field. Check online reviews: See what employees say about working there. Ask profestionals/ friends: dicuss with friends about job opportunies with the comany. Knowing this stuff helps you apply better and look smart in interviews!

Rather than simply listing qualifications, it's vital to explicitly connect the dots for recruiters. Too often, resumes and cover letters serve as a one-sided narrative of one's career journey. The recruiter is not just hiring a set of skills but a problem solver. When we clarify how we can resolve the company's current challenges, we position ourselves as valuable contributors from day one. We make it easier for the recruiter to see us as an integral part of their team's future success. After all, the question on their mind is not just 'Is this person qualified?' but 'How will this person add value to our team?' By addressing this question upfront, we're not just applying for a job; we're presenting ourselves as a solution.

This is more important than many people realise. A company's culture is often defined by what kind of behaviour they're willing to accept, rather than whatever office perks they have on offer. Find out why people are working there, what they enjoy about the company, and what things they would like to change. Always remember that every interview is two-way; you must be interviewing the company just as much as they're interviewing you.

Think of being an Employability Coach like being a career guide. You help job seekers match their skills with what employers want, just like aligning goals. Sharing stories of past successes shows you fit in with a company's way of doing things. And when you show how much you care about helping job seekers, it's like saying you're excited to be part of a company's mission.

I can tell you that, as a recruiter, this is something I don't see very often any more so it really stands out when I do. It shows me the candidate is interested and serious about our position but it also shows professionalism and good communication skills.

A thank you letter is an opportunity to re-sell your qualifications for the role. Write about your successes in your previous (few) roles, particularly during the early stages of joining a firm. This demonstrates that you can get productive quickly, reiterate a few from your interview and then add another one or two to those you mentioned during your interview. Remember, you are not the only person you are speaking to. Reiterating your successes functions as a reminder that will jog their memory PLUS provide them with even more to notice about you. After sending your note, follow up 1-2 days later to see if there is anything more they want to know about you, express their desire to bring you back, and remind them they owe you an answer.

Yes, a thank-you note is a crucial tool that can distinguish you from other candidates. It should be more than a simple "thank you for your time." Instead, provide a detailed note expressing your appreciation for the conversation, emphasizing why you're eager to work for the company and outlining what you aim to achieve.

Trust me, a few only may follow up and send thank you letter after an interview. After you apply or interview for a job, it's a good idea to send a friendly message or make a quick call to say thanks. This shows you're still interested and polite. You can also remind them why you're a great fit for the job and ask what happens next. It's like saying, 'I'm excited about this opportunity, and I'm here if you need more info or have questions.' Try to do this within 24 hours to keep things fresh.

Ability. Results. Impact. Ability alone is not enough to make your mark in a competitive market. Results, on the other hand, can speak volumes. But the true game-changer lies in the impact you create. It's not just about what you can do, but how you can make a lasting difference. Here's my uncommon tactic: instead of just showcasing your skills and accomplishments, focus on the value you bring to the table. Highlight the problems you've solved, the challenges you've overcome, and the positive changes you've spearheaded. By emphasizing the impact you've had, you showcase your ability to drive meaningful results.

Elevator pitch is important! Think of it as your chance to introduce yourself in just 30 sec, like in an elevator ride. It's short and sweet, telling people who you are, what you do, and why you're awesome. Having a good elevator pitch is important because it can help start conversations, impress others, and open up opportunities. I've seen how crafting a strong elevator pitch transformed many of my students in my previous work. They had to search for jobs on their own, come back to me as a coach to share their experiences, and practice more. This helped them connect with potential employers and find a career that's the prefect fit for them. So, having a fantastic elevator pitch can be a game-changer for your career journey!