Résumés

• I heard my résumé should be one page. Is that true?

No. Every résumé should address a targeted audience (your potential employer) in a way that is clear, concise, and relevant to the employer’s needs. If it’s longer than a page but relevant, potential employers will read it and call you.

• Do résumés get jobs?

No. Résumés lead to interviews; good interviews win job offers. The best way to test your résumé’s effectiveness is to ask this question: Am I getting interviews? If you’re getting interviews but not getting job offers, the résumé (and the way you’re distributing it) is working. You need to work on your interviewing skills.

• If résumés don’t get jobs, why do I need one?

A good résumé is your tool for marketing your skills and experience to potential employers. It allows you to highlight what you have to offer and what make you superior to other candidates. Think of it as a marketing tool for potential employers.

• I posted my résumé two months ago. All I get is information about commission-based sales jobs. What’s going on?

Posting a résumé sounds like a great way to get a job. You let the employer find you. Unfortunately, it’s not that easy. Most employers still want job applicants to contact them by answering ads, working with recruiters, or through networking. Research has shown that networking is the most effective method of pursuing a job search.

• Is it possible to have more than one résumé?

Sure. Sometimes it’s necessary to have two or more types of résumés. For example, if you’re applying for jobs as a Sales Manager and Account Executive, you might need one resume that emphasizes your skills as a manager and sales professional and one that focuses only on your ability to sell. Think about what the potential employer needs. That person is your audience – your resume should speak to that audience. If you have more than one potential type of audience, you should have more versions of your résumé.

Interviewing

• How long should I wait after an interview to start sending out more résumés?

First, don’t wait. Until you have accepted a job offer, you should keep pursuing opportunities. Don’t stop until you’ve achieved your goal. Second, don’t be passive and just wait for the potential employer to contact you. Unless they have given you other instructions, call every company that interviews you 5-10 days after the interview to follow up.

• Do I have to send a thank you note after an interview?

Yes, because it sends several messages to potential employers. First, it demonstrates that you’re interested in the job. Second, it shows that you have good social skills (especially if you’re in sales). Finally, it helps the hiring manager remember your name. Advertising is repeated so the name of the product sinks in. When you send a thank you note, you are helping the person making the hiring decision think about you. Send a thank you note to everyone who interviews you. Keep them concise, personal, and upbeat.

• How do I deal with the question, “So tell me about yourself?” It’s not even a question! What am I supposed to say?

This non-question is an ice breaker to start a conversation. If you handle it well, it can be an opportunity. Keep your answer focused on how your background has prepared you for the position being offered. From the beginning to end of every interview, your challenge is to convince the people making hiring decisions that you are the person they need. That means, you must constantly be aware of the kind of person, skills, and experience they are looking for and convince them that you are the person to solve their problem.

Career Management

• What are the warning signs that a good job could be turning bad?

Simply put – the industry changes, the company is sold, or your boss leaves. Any of these transitions could mean that a positive, stable workplace is about to change for the worse. Sometimes, employees hang on thinking that things will go back to “normal.” Be careful. Protect yourself. If change is making your job negative, update your résumé and prepare to find a more positive environment.

• I hate my job, but I’m 55 years old. Would anyone hire someone my age?

Yes, they will. However, age is a factor in any job search. Some companies think younger workers are easier to mold, have more potential to contribute, and can be paid less. But – especially as the Baby Boomers age – some smart companies are beginning to see age and experience as assets. If you find the right company, they will respect you for what you can contribute, not judge you based on the color of your hair.