You may have a solid résumé and cover letter, but if you aren’t getting many calls for interviews, it may be because you don’t know the best way to get employers to notice your résumé . Understanding how and where to post your résumé online can make all the difference in landing your next job. Here are a few suggestions:

Be organized. Keep a log detailing every company you submitted your résumé to, and every job you applied for. If possible, track the name of the person you sent your résumé or application to. If you’re applying for multiple jobs a week (and most job seekers are), you want to be prepared to know who you’re talking to and what the job is when your phone rings.

Post your résumé on job boards. Is it the most effective way to get a job? No. But it must be done. Submit your résumé on both the large online job boards like CareerBuilder and Monster, but also to the smaller, industry-specific, niche job boards. The more places you post your résumé , the more eyeballs that will see it, and hopefully, the greater your chances of receiving a phone call for an interview.

When possible, submit your résumé to the hiring manager. Search out the name of the hiring manager and address your resume to that individual. If you can help it, you want to be sure your résumé isn’t sent to the same generic inbox with hundreds of other résumés.

Search job boards and trade publications for positions that meet your criteria. Tailor your cover letter for every job you apply to. Identify keywords in the job’s listing or ad and be sure to include those in your cover letter. An employer will only look at your cover letter for 3-7 seconds. That’s not much time to make an impression, so a brief, easy-to-read cover letter with appropriate keywords is your best bet to make an impression.

Be prepared to send a hard copy of your résumé . Read the online job listing clearly. Some jobs still request applicants submit a hard copy of their résumé and cover letter. If so, print your résumé and cover letter on matching, white or buff-colored 24 lb. paper. Avoid bright or flashy colors. Mail in a matching 9×12 envelope, as it will stand out in the stack of mail on the hiring manager’s desk, and your résumé and cover letter won’t have to be folded. Follow up with by emailing your résumé two to three days later. Track the dates you mailed and emailed your résumé in your job search log.

Follow job applications with a phone call. Three days after a hiring manager should have received your application or résumé, follow up with a phone call. Be prepared with a script for the phone call. Take the opportunity to display any knowledge you have of the company or position. Be energetic, enthusiastic and relational. If they like you, they will remember you. At the end of the call, ask their permission to give them a call the following week to check the status of the hiring process.

If all you do is submit your résumé online and hope for the best, your chances of being called in for an interview are slim. By following these steps for submitting online résumés and applications, you’ll improve your chances of landing an interview and maybe even the job.

What have you learned in your online job search process? Do you have any tips for submitting your résumé and application online? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

For many job seekers, interviewing ranks up there with public speaking as most dreaded tasks. But to find a job, it has to be done. Don’t simply settle for a “good” interview. Why not go for “awesome?” Prepare for your next interview with these tips:

1. First you’ve got to land the interview with a solid resume and cover letter. Never submit a resume without a cover letter. Take time to write a cover letter to the hiring manager, explaining how your experience listed on your resume is a perfect for their job opening. Demonstrate the value you can add to their company and how you will address their specific needs. Make them want to call you in for an interview. (And be sure your contact information is printed clearly at the top of your resume so they can call you!)
2. Don’t just be on time for your interview, be early.  Plan to arrive a few minutes (10-20 minutes) prior to your interview. Doing so will give you plenty of time to find a parking spot, explore the office, use the restroom, and observe the work environment prior to your interview.
3. Be prepared to ask questions. The meat of the interview doesn’t begin until the interviewer asks if you have any questions. There’s only one incorrect response to that question: “No.” Be prepared with questions about the company culture, job expectations, and even the interviewer’s own personal experience with the company. (Read more about what questions to ask in this article “The Art of Asking Questions.”) Have your questions prepared on a notepad prior to your interview. This will not only ensure you don’t forget the questions you want to ask, but it will also provide a space for you to take notes during the interview.
4. A blind interview isn’t as fun as a blind date. Do your research before your interview. Know as much as you can about the company, the position and the individual who will be interviewing you prior to your interview. If you’ve done your research, it will be evident to the hiring manager, and makes a clear statement that you are serious about the job and their company.
5. Be prepared to make a good first impression. Whether you like it or not, your appearance is your first impression and you want it to be a good one. Dress professionally. A business suit is most appropriate for both men and women. Be sure you are well groomed, even down to clean fingernails. (Read more about how to dress in this article “Importance of Appearance in Landing a Job.”)
6. Know why you’re the best fit for the job, and be prepared to explain. As with your cover letter, in your interview you want to be sure to convey why you are the best fit for the job. Be prepared to explain why you are the best person they can hire.
7. Save the questions about compensation until after they make you an offer. The main purpose of your interview is to convince the hiring manager they want to hire you. If you get into a discussion about compensation and benefits during your interview, they may feel like you might be more than they can afford, and you could miss out on the job offer. Once you’ve received the offer, you’ve already convinced them that they want you, now you have more freedom to discuss and negotiate compensation and benefits.
8. It’s not all about you. There is one prominent message you want to convey during the interview: You are the right person for the job. Your focus should be explaining how you can help them, and what you can do for them, rather than what they can do for you. Make it clear to the interviewer that your main goal is in adding value to their team.
9. Be confident. Be you. Think of your interview as an opportunity to expand on your resume. Use specific examples to discuss the experience listed on your resume. Your interview can bring your resume to life, and help them see the person behind the paper.
10. Follow up with a thank you. Even if you decide after the interview you aren’t interested in the job, it is essential that you follow up an interview by thanking the interviewer. Send a hand-written note no more than 24 hours after your interview thanking them for their time.  Mention one or two things you enjoyed, learned or appreciated about the interview.

Interviewing is stressful, no doubt. Relieve some of your pre-interview anxiety by preparing with the above tips. The better prepared you are for your interview, the greater your chances of having a successful interview.

What are some things you’ve learned from interviews? Any tips on preparing for a job interview? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

When evaluating your career, here are a few things to consider:

It’s not all about money. There was a time when people worked simply to bring home an income. Today, with new technologies and a completely different job landscape, many of us have the luxury of finding a job that not only pays well, but is meaningful as well. Job satisfaction is important for your overall mental and physical health. If you aren’t satisfied in your current job, or don’t feel that it is meaningful, it could start to take a toll on you, exhibited in feelings of anxiety, stress, frustration and dreading the next work day.

Finding a job that is meaningful is also one key to motivation. If you love what you do, and feel you’re making a meaningful contribution to society, you will be more motivated to continue working, even on the days when your work hours run late. When considering your career path, consider what brings your joy. What are you passionate about? What excites you? It may even be helpful to ask a few close friends or family members what career they think you would find most satisfying. Start to focus your job search on those things.

Don’t believe the lie that you’re too old, not skilled enough or that it’s too much work to change careers. Yes, changing careers can be a lot of work, but if you’re not satisfied in your current job or career field, the work is well worth the end result. Putting forth the time and effort now to change careers into something that makes you happy will pay off dividends in your overall happiness, health and mental wellness.

It’s also easy to fall into the trap of believing you’re too old to change jobs, or that you don’t have the skills required for the job you really want. The advantage to age is that over your years of working, you’ve likely gained new skills you didn’t have when you first began your career. Evaluate those new skills. Is there another career path in which you could put those skills to use? Would you find it more satisfying? If you find you are still lacking necessary skills for the job you really want, consider the myriad of training opportunities that exist. Whether that means going back to school or simply taking a course from a local business or organization, there are always opportunities to continue learning and growing new skills.

Convinced it’s time to start looking for something different? Follow these steps:

• Determine which occupations best suit your interests and passions. Take advantage of online career tests, ask those who know you best, and start researching specific careers.
• Know your strengths and weaknesses. Taking a personality or strengths and weaknesses career aptitude test. Evaluate what you do well, what things you enjoy, and what things you are good at with little effort.
• Continue developing new skills and experience. As mentioned above, it’s never too late to learn new skills. There may be opportunities for learning at your current job, or classes you can take in the community to grow your skills. Volunteering is another great way to get experience doing something new.

The thought of changing careers might be overwhelming to you. Break it down into small tasks. Set aside a few minutes each day to evaluate what you really want from your career and start taking steps to find the job that really makes you happy.

Are you looking for more satisfaction in your job? How do you determine what makes you happy in a job? Share any thoughts or tips you have in the comments below!

What makes a good recruiter?  The makings of a good recruiter almost always include these characteristics: outgoing, detail oriented, good judge of character, understanding of latest job sourcing tricks and techniques, great salesperson. Good recruiters who are successful in placing people in jobs are also great communicators, have a system and plan in place and know the ins and outs of the jobs they are working to place. A good recruiter will have a clear understanding of the job requirements and expectations, but also be able to think outside the box and find candidates who fill those requirements in a unique way, or who will also add value to the company in other ways.

What makes a bad recruiter? Bad recruiters have little knowledge of the industry, business or position for which they are recruiting. Poor communication skills, and an inability to tell a candidate everything he or she should know before applying for or interviewing for a job. Bad recruiters fail at keeping their applicants updated on their application status, and try to get candidates to fit the qualifications for jobs they aren’t suited for. A bad recruiter may also inundate the employer with CVs and resumes, rather than sending only a handful of solid candidates’ resumes, leaving the employer to do the work.

Working with recruiters, both good and bad. Oftentimes, going through a recruiter isn’t an option. A recruiter can be your biggest help, or your biggest obstacle in landing a job. Either way, your ultimate success is still in your hands and it’s important that you are prepared to work with a recruiter. Here are a few tips for working with good and bad recruiters:

• Have your resume, CV and cover letter prepared prior to speaking with the recruiter. After talking with the recruiter, there may be revisions you can make to your resume or CV, but it’s best to be prepared with something in hand prior to your first conversation with a recruiter.
• Do your own research about the job. Don’t rely simply on the recruiter to tell you about the job. If you’re working with a bad recruiter, he or she may not give you all the information you need. Do your own research. Know the job qualifications, requirements and expectations.
• Understand how the system works. Most recruiters are looking strictly for applicants who can fill all of the job qualifications or requirements. Be prepared to be filtered out quickly if you don’t meet those standards. In the case that your experience is be different than what is specifically stated on the job description, have an answer as to how your unique experience does fill those requirements, even if it is different.
• Know what you are looking for. Some recruiters will attempt to push applicants into positions they don’t really want or aren’t qualified for simply to meet the requirements of their retainer. Don’t rely on a recruiter to tell you you’re a good fit for a job. You should know exactly what you are looking for in a job, and be prepared to say no if a recruiter tries to push you to apply for a job you don’t want.

If a recruiter deems you a good candidate for a job opening, they can be incredible useful in landing that job. They may give you more information about the job and help you prepare for your interview process more than the average candidate. A good recruiter will know the buzz words you need to use in your resume and interview to catch an employers attention. As helpful as a recruiter can be (or as unhelpful) it’s important that you do your own due diligence in researching and preparing for the application and interview process.

Have you worked with recruiters in the past? What has your experience been? Do you have any tips for working with good or bad recruiters? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

Are you afraid you might cross the line between persistence in your job search and pestering your potential employer? Here are a few tips on what is acceptable persistence and what crosses the line to pestering from Cachinko:

It is acceptable to:

• Follow up on your job application once a week for up to three weeks after submitting. It’s best to follow up via email.
• Send a thank you note (again, email is best) following an interview, thanking the interviewer for their time. This is also a chance to remind them of your value to their company.
• Build mutually beneficial relationships with potential employers and networking connections using social media. LinkedIn is a great tool to connect with potential employers and others you want to network with. Engage with them over social media. Have they posted about something relevant to the industry? Respond with a comment.

You’re probably pestering if you:

• Attempting to communicate with a potential employer (calling, emailing, etc.) more than three times after you’ve submitted your application.
• Send a thank you note, multiple emails and call a potential employer following an interview. An initial follow up is appropriate, or one a week up to three weeks, but more than that and you’re simply being obnoxious. Be patient and trust that they’ll let you know when they know something about the job opening.
• Seek help getting a job from someone in your network if they aren’t a personal contact. An appropriate networking relationship is mutually beneficial. Don’t be selfish.

You want to position yourself in a way that potential employers remember you, but not because you’re the one who was all-too annoying with your pestering. Be professional. Follow up as is appropriate. Persevere, be persistent and be patient, but don’t pester.

How do you create your package? Here are a few tips:

• Make a list of each of your skills, strengths and weaknesses. For example, are you good at communicating, do you struggle with organization, are you detail-oriented? List out all of your qualities as they might apply to a job.
• Weed out your weaknesses. It’s important to know your weaknesses, but you want your overall package to present you in a positive light. Consider each of your weaknesses. Is there a way you can paint them positively? If not, leave them out of your mission statement. Chances are, telling a potential employer that you struggle to work well with others won’t result in a job offer. However, you could mention that you are independent and self-motivated.
• Focus on the positive. Shape your list of strengths and skills into a mission statement. Commit it to memory (with room for flexibility depending on the company or job you are applying for). In a few sentences, you should be able to describe yourself, your skills and the value you can offer your prospective employer.
• Put yourself in their shoes. If you were hiring someone for this job, what kinds of things would you look for? Before each interview, take your mission statement or package, and tailor it to fit the specific job opening and company. If the job requires certain skills focus on your skills in those areas over others.

How well you package yourself could make the difference in you receiving a job offer. Take time to think critically about your skills and strengths and craft your own personal statement. Be prepared with that statement at any interview, and be able to discuss certain aspects of your “package” in greater detail.

In what ways have you learned to package yourself in a positive light? How do you handle the negatives? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

Here are some common interview question topics and suggestions on how to answer them:

Questions about you and your biggest strengths or weaknesses – More than anything, your potential employer wants to know what you will bring to their company. Reassure them that you are a wise investment. Skip the overly personal details and go right into your skills that will benefit the prospective company. The answer to a question about your strengths should come in the form of a well-crafted personal statement describing your top three strengths. Tailor your answer to fit the specific company or job position. When talking about weaknesses, explain how you overcome weakness, rather than focusing on weaknesses themselves.

Questions about previous jobs and responsibilities – Select the three most important and valuable tasks you performed at your last job. In most cases, less detail is most beneficial. How you respond to questions about your previous job will help create a picture of who you are and the value you bring to a new company. This is another opportunity for you to express your value to a new company. A few hints: Sharing your responsibility developing and nurturing relationships with customers is a great way to paint even a less-than-glamorous job in a good light.

Similar questions may include asking you about big projects you worked on, and how you helped make those a success. The interviewer wants to hear about your motivation and how hard you will work on a project. Again, this is an opportunity to show your value.

Questions about your ideal workplace and ideal employer – Let’s face it. No job is perfect. There are negatives to almost any job. That being said, when a potential employer asks you to describe your ideal work environment or ideal employer, as much as is believable, your description should describe the potential company/employer. The right answer to such questions should be less about pay and benefits and more about ideals and job satisfaction.

Questions about how you’ve handled conflict in the workplace – Your goal should be to leave the interviewer with positive feelings about you and how you handle conflict. This is a great opportunity to touch on your good communication skills.  

Questions about the position itself, salary or your knowledge of the company – You should have done your research prior to the interview, and thus be well prepared to respond to any such questions. The last thing an employer wants to hear is a job candidate who really knows nothing about the job, expectations or the company.

Click here to read more about how to answer common interview questions from InterviewMastermind.com.

Generally speaking, most interviewers will ask the same questions in varying forms. Be prepared to answer common questions by doing your research, having a clear understanding of the position for which you are interviewing and the prospective company, as well as how your skills and strengths will fit with that job and company.

How do you prepare for an interview? Are there other common questions we’ve missed? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

Here are a few job search solutions for staying focused on your search and monitoring your job search success:

Set clear goals for yourself. It is difficult to measure the success of your job search without having a starting point. During your job search, set goals for yourself for what you want to accomplish each week. Commit to submitting a specific number of job applications each week. There will be weeks when you don’t hear back from potential employers or receive interview requests, but if you reach your weekly submittal goals, you will at least know you were productive during the week.

Be practical in setting goals, and don’t commit to spending every waking hour on your job search. This can be hard to do, especially the longer your unemployment lasts. Be sure to carve out time for you to work on developing personal and professional skills, and to rest as well. This is just as important to the overall success of your career search.  On the other hand, if you find that you aren’t getting any bites on your job applications, you may need to up your game and submit more applications each week.

Make a ‘Must Haves’ list.  Finding a job can be a lot like dating. It’s important to know what you’re looking for. Knowing what jobs to apply for is about knowing what kind of job you want and what kind of job you need. Make a list of your ‘must haves’ in a job. Doing so will help you narrow down the number of jobs you apply for online, and help keep your job search targeted and intentional. It’s important that you not get so desperate that you will apply for any and every available job, whether you qualify or even want it.

Your ‘must haves’ list will be your guiding light, and help you confidently apply for jobs that are a good match for you and what you’re looking for.

Use keywords to build your resume and cover letter. Starting with your ‘must haves’ list as a guide, write your resume and cover letter using keywords associated with the kind of job you have determined that you want.  Many online job application systems will filter through applicants using keywords. If an applicant’s resume and cover letter don’t display the desired keywords, that applicant will be weeded out.

Do your research on a company and job to get a feel for appropriate wording and keywords potential employers might be looking for. Find a way to incorporate those words into your resume and cover letter.

Keep track of the jobs that you’ve applied for. Create a spreadsheet to track your job search. Include information on each job, including company name, position, job description, contact information and the date you submitted your application. This will accomplish a few things: First, it will help ensure you don’t apply for the same job multiple times (this can get tricky when you’re applying to several jobs each week). Second, it will also provide a place for you to track responses to applications. Generally speaking, it is acceptable to follow up with a job application about a week after submittal. Track all of your communications with potential employers in this spreadsheet so that you neither neglect nor duplicate a step in the process.

Check back on submitted applications. Many online applications submittal portals will allow you to follow the status of your application. Check back regularly on each job to be sure your application has been viewed, and to track where you are in the process.

How have you measured your job search progress and success? Any tips or tricks you’ve come across to track of your job search? Share them with us in the comments below!

Are you ready for a Skype interview?

In a time when many companies are looking for ways to cut costs, more and more companies are saving travel expenses by doing key job interviews via web cam. While this is convenient and cost-efficient, there are pitfalls for the interviewee. One component of the job search in 2012 is understanding technology and being prepared for any type of interview.

If you have an upcoming Skype interview, here are a few interviewing tips for your success:

Be sure you have essential software installed and run a test. Whether your interview will be conducted over Skype or another video chat software, take some time prior to the interview to ensure you’ve got the necessary equipment and software installed. It’s also important that you know how to work the software, so as to avoid problems on the day of your interview.

Test camera position. Be sure your camera is positioned properly so that the top of your head is visible. A “head and shoulders” angle is most appropriate. You want your interviewer to be able to see your face clearly, but you don’t need to be so close to the camera that they can see distracting details. Configure the position of your camera so that no more than four and no fewer than two buttons of your collared shirt are visible. It’s also important to set up your interview space in front of a neutral background. A plain wall is the least-distracting background. If a plain background isn’t possible, ensure items visible in the background are well organized and not cluttered. Sit at a table or desk, not on your couch or bed. Lighting is also a consideration, and should be as flattering as possible, without creating unwanted shadows.

Dress for success. While you may be interviewing in your home, it’s still important that your attire is professional. Dark, solid colors are most suitable for a video interview. White might be too bright, and patterns can be distracting. Dress as you would for an in-person interview — at least from the waist up. Ladies, be sure your hair is pulled back and out of your face. If you have a tendency to act casually when wearing your house slippers, go ahead and dress professionally from head to toe.

Learn to make eye contact. Eye contact can be tricky when it comes to video chats. Once you know your camera is set with an appropriate view, if you are distracted by the images on your computer, minimize the window and focus on making eye contact with your webcam. If you feel it’s necessary to see the person you are talking to, be sure the video window is positioned at the top of your screen, as near the webcam as possible and only glance at it occasionally. Throughout the interview, your eyes should be focused on the camera so your interviewer feels you are engaged with them.

Eliminate background noise. If you have kids or animals, be sure that you set your interview station in a quiet room. Turn off televisions, radios and the ringer on your cell phone. There is some background noise you don’t have control over, but be sure to silence any potential noisemakers you can control. Try to schedule the interview for a time when your kids are in school and you are home alone. If this isn’t possible, have your spouse or a babysitter take the kids out for an hour or so until you are finished with your interview.

After considering each of these factors and making appropriate adjustments, conduct yourself as you would in a face-to-face interview. Be professional, speak clearly and be prepared to ask questions.

Are you an experienced webcam interviewee? What are some tips you have for acing a video interview? Share them with us in the comments below!

Follow Pinnacle Technical Resources on Facebook and Twitter @PinnacleHQ

Adjusting to company culture is important in fitting in your next job

A company’s culture is its personality. It defines how employees interact with each other and the company. It explains how things are done in that company. No two companies have an identical culture. Each company’s culture is as unique as its employees — shaped and defined over time. As important as culture is to a company, it’s pivotal for job seekers to begin adjusting to company culture in their job search, application and interviewing process.

Researching a company’s culture before interviewing is important in helping a prospective employee learn how they may need to adapt to fit in. How do you dig into the information and determine if a company is a good fit for you? There are ways that every job seeker can find the information needed and put it to use in the job search.

Understand what a company culture is comprised of – Company culture is defined as the company’s personality, it’s the embodiment of the company’s core values and beliefs, as well as corporate ethics and rules of behavior. It’s important to know exactly what makes up a company culture so you can do the right research and ask the right questions.

Understand how a company’s culture will impact you as an employee – The culture of the company you work for will affect you personally in how many hours you work each day and week, perks and benefits how flexible the company is regarding telecommuting and working from home, how you dress, how you might interact with other employees, what your office space looks like, and what training and development opportunities you receive. During your job search, it’s important that you define your own desires regarding these factors. What are your ‘must haves’ and ‘can’t stands?’ Understanding a particular company’s culture may help you narrow down what company or companies you are truly interested in.

Learning about company culture through research – If you ever go into an interview without thoroughly researching that company, you are setting yourself up for failure. Research is a crucial element in the job search, and is not one to overlook. During your research process, look for clues about the company’s culture. The company’s website, social media pages, written materials and annual report should provide you some insight into that particular company’s culture.

Uncover more clues about the company culture during the interview – If at all possible, arrive early to your interview. This may allow you some time to observe other employees — how they dress, how they interact with each other. Observation will give you some insight about the company’s culture. Take time to visualize yourself working there. Is it a place you feel comfortable or is it stuffy and unwelcoming? During your interview, ask specific questions. Here are a few suggestions:

• Ask the interviewer to describe the corporate culture for me in their own words.
• Ask the interviewer how they feel the culture of the company affects them personally.
• How does the team handle differing opinions?
• Ask the interviewer to define the leadership or managerial style at the company.
• What qualities to the most successful employees possess?
• Ask about inside and out of work activities.
• Ask how the company is involved in the community.

The interview process is as important in the hiring manager determining if you are right for the job as it is you determining if the company is the right fit for you. Company culture will play a bit part in how much you enjoy working at a particular company and your overall job satisfaction. Don’t ignore the company culture in your research and interview process.

What are some things you look for in a company’s culture? Share some of your ‘must haves’ and ‘can’t stands’ in the comments below!