In today’s tight job market, it is critical that you standout in your job search. Unfortunately, a large number of job seekers standout for all the wrong reasons.
In 12 years of recruiting for Stephens International, I have encountered a wide range of situations when placing technicians and managers. Frequently, I am asked what it takes to land a new position. The answer is not just one quality, but a combination of experience, education, timing, personality, first impressions and even luck. Of all these components, the first impression is often overlooked, yet one of the most critical.
Many quality job applicants are ruled out by simple mistakes and without even being aware of it. The bottom line is, “You cannot land a job in 10 seconds, but you can certainly be ruled out in five.”
Regardless of the field you are in, writing a resume is the beginning of the job search. Typically, the chronological resume (with the most recent date listed first) is standard. Your resume is the first impression that a potential employer has. On a regular basis, hiring authorities see a large quantity of resumes. The reality is that they do not spend a lot of time reading each of them because they simply do not have the time. It is imperative that your resume is easy to read and clearly communicates that you are qualified and competent. Take advantage and utilize resources such as published books and articles that provide resume writing tips. Anything longer than a two-page resume will get lost in the shuffle and will not be read.
The most common mistake I encounter on resumes is misspelled words or typographical errors. We all make mistakes. However, when submitting your resume, a simple error in spelling can cost you. Proof it yourself by reading it out loud. Then, have someone you trust read over the resume and look for spelling or grammatical errors. Using the “spell checker” is helpful but it will not find a misused word if it is spelled correctly (i.e., their or there). A fresh set of eyes will go a long way.
Believe it or not, a very common mistake is to include incomplete or incorrect contact information. What does this say about the applicant? It could have been a simple mistake or will it appear that the candidate is just not organized. It is not uncommon for people to keep old resumes on file and update them over time. If you have moved or changed your telephone number or email address, make sure it is up to date. Additionally, ensure your email address is professional and appropriate in a business environment. Consider changing your email address before completing your resume. If I were to list some of the unprofessional and often inappropriate email addresses we encounter, this article could not have been published.
When it comes time to submit your resume, email it and follow any directions the company provides. Do not fax your resume. Yes, we still receive faxed resumes and they are often not considered. It is much easier to keep track of a resume electronically over a hard copy and many companies do not appreciate the use of additional paper.
If the resume is well written and the qualifications are a match, the next first impression will be a telephone interview. It is a good idea to make sure your voicemail greeting reflects professionalism on both your cellphone and home phone. If you have a song, funny message, or unique response, consider changing it during the time you are seeking a job.
Respond to messages as soon as possible. I have worked with candidates who take a week to reply to emails and messages. I question their motivation and sincerity. If you are serious about looking for work, it should not take longer than 24-48 hours to respond.
When you do speak with potential employers, always remain positive and never bad mouth former employers. Remember, biomed is a very small industry. The person you speak negatively about might be connected to the hiring decision. It is also important to be energetic and upbeat. If you do not make a positive impression at this point, you will not make it to a face-to-face interview.
Social networking sites are a great way to keep up with old friends and network within the biomed field. They are also used by human resource departments to discover more about potential hires. Keep your accounts private unless you want them to become part of the decision process.
The most critical part of the hiring process is the face-to-face interview. Always be on time and dress professional. I suggest wearing a suit or at least slacks and a professional shirt. It is better to be over dressed than under dressed. If you walk into an interview and are over dressed, you can always take a jacket off. If you show up under dressed, there is no turning back. I learned that lesson the hard way early in my career. I set up an interview for a candidate with 15 years of experience and assumed he knew how to dress. He showed up in jeans and a T-shirt. He was qualified and the client liked him. However, the client could not get past his attire during the interview and it cost him the job.
Be aware of your body language and eye contact with those you meet. Candidates often believe the hiring decision is made in the interview room. Remember everyone is in on the hiring decision, including office administrators. Candidates have lost job opportunities by being rude to the receptionist.
During an interview, the hiring team has set aside time during busy schedules to focus their attention on you. Your body language and how you react during an interview is an enormous indicator of your interest and willingness to fit in. For example, if you cross your arms after being introduced to someone, it could be construed that you are not open to communicating. Never bring your phone, or other device, into the interview and certainly do not accept any calls. Yes, this actually happened, and that candidate was quickly dismissed from the interview process.
Expect that a complete criminal background and reference check will be performed before an offer letter is presented. During this process, be honest and disclose any issues that might surface.
References are another important, but often overlooked area. Candidates too often take for granted their list of references will give a positive review. The reality is this is not always the case. Contact potential references prior to listing them and not only ask permission to include them on your resume, but ask if they will give a positive review of your performance. Do not assume anything with a previous employer. I have called references provided by candidates and the feedback was not always flattering.
Competition for jobs is at an all-time high and you must standout in every category. The hiring process will go much smoother if common sense and thoughtfulness are applied. It is a challenge for anyone to find a new position today, so do not overlook the simple things.
