What can you do to keep your resume out of the "Black Hole"?

1. Apply only to those jobs where you possess 85% or more of the requirements

2. Customize each resume to include every key word that is mentioned in the job description

3. Develop a headline that provides a "wow factor", uniquely defining your area of expertise

4. Create 3 or 4 key sentences at the top of your resume to highlight your Unique Value Proposition (UVP)

5. Focus on promotions, results and direct contributions, not responsibilities and tasks

The second question, and the one rarely considered, is: what can you do to ease the pain of the HR professional?

1. Focus on securing an introduction to the company through a mutual colleague; contact the hiring manager and/or HR professional to leverage the contact and get yourself on the radar screen

2. Clearly indicate how your skills match up with the job requirements - don't make them search for your relevant skills

3. If you are unable to secure an introduction, call the HR professional and/or hiring manager 2 days after sending your resume, to ensure it was received; during this call, acknowledge that you are aware of the volume of resumes they have received, and request "5 minutes to provide 3 factors" that will demonstrate your fit for the position

4. Send a thank you/follow up card by mail to the HR and/or hiring manager reminding them of the "3 factors"

5. Develop a campaign to follow up with the HR and/or hiring manager on a weekly basis

Posted by oceanflash08 

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Guest Contributor:Ken C. Schmitt
Turning Point Executive Search