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Any free resume submission tips and/or tricks?

Question:

What are the top tricks for getting an interview? I've heard of people doing some crazy things to insure that the resume makes it to the hiring manager and past the "gate keeper"

Answer:

Great question! Before outlining the tricks that I have found over the years, note that before using these tips, the job seeker should evaluate the position they are applying for.... For example, #5 (below - "Send your resume with a gift") was used when attempting to get a resume in front of a hiring manager at an advertising agency. This option may may not work as well for hiring managers in some industries (or personalities, which is tougher to gauge). Therefore, know thy audience before using the below ;-) With that said, below are the top tips & tricks that I've found both creative and effective to insure that your resume is reviewed. I've broken them out into submitting printed resumes as well as electronic submission tips.

First, tips and tricks for printed resumes.

Use a different color paper for mailing your resumes. Chances are, you're using a cream, white, or gray paper color. Yes? So is everyone else. Be creative, and use a non-resume paper. Be original, and stand out. With that said, should you use hot pink? No, remember you're applying for a professional career - but do choose something less common than white, cream, or gray.

Use a different size paper for your resume. Why you ask? Have you ever shuffled a stack of papers. Do you ever have one/a few pieces of paper that when you are shuffling are a different size paper than the others. They stand out right? Of course they do, they stand out from the rest - it's simple, but it does make your resume stand out. Therefore, use a paper that is (for example) .25 inches greater than the standard size. You can buy it at any office supply store, such as Office Depot or Kinko's.

Inside contact - If you're interested in a specific company, get an inside contact. This means proactively trying to meet someone from the company, or a friend of a friend situation. People hire people they know - it's comfortable. Therefore, do whatever it takes to get an inside contact.

Certified Letter - Have you ever sent a certified letter? All it requires is going to the post office, and paying a few dollars to send it "certified" with confirmation. This means that the recipient of the letter must sign for it. And, I'll bet that they'll sign - they're curious, and want to know what it is. By sending it certified to the hiring manager, you're insuring that your letter has reached its destination - it has reached the hiring manager. This is a huge plus, as usually the hiring manager's mail is filtered through a number of gate keepers.

Send your resume with a gift. Yes, a gift. Head over to the local florist, pizza place, etc - get creative. Pick out a nice bouquet or lunch, and deliver it to the office with your resume. If you do the pizza, here's a tip - put your resume in a zip lock bag and tape it to the inside of the box.

Deliver the resume in person. What do you have to lose? Walk into the office, and ask for the hiring manager (by name). Just say you need to discuss the current job opening with him. Sound crazy? It works - they will see you as being determined, proactive, and outgoing.

The post-it note trick. In larger companies (and sometimes in medium/smaller companies) a secretary or an office assistant will open the resumes for the employees. This person is responsible for screening for junk mail and to weed out non-qualified candidates. Therefore, here is the trick. Take a regular Post-it note, and write something like "This one looks good! - J", and attach it to your resume. Who is "J"? Who cares! The point is that the hiring manager will get a resume with a Post-it note on it, stating that it's good. Therefore, they are more likely to pay close attention to the resume at the direction of another employee. By the time the person realizes it's not a note from their mail screener, you've already gotten your resume reviewed - is it deceptive? - no, its effective and innovative advertising.

OK, now for email.... (submitting electronically)

Call or research online to get the name of the hiring manager for the position. Company websites always have the "About Us" page with a link to key executives these days... Once you have a name, type the name into a Google.com search. Chances are, you will find some contact information through one of the search results. Nothing? That's OK.... Company email formats are very simple to figure out. Try this. Send your email with resume attachment to to all of the below email formats of the person's name. I would recommend b'cc (blind copy) the multiple recipient variations, and only choose one as the "to". You laugh? I've contacted the CEOs of Fortune 500 companies this way.

bobsmith@companyname.com
bob.smith@companyname.com
bsmith@companyname.com
bob-smith@companyname.com
bob@companyname.com (only 1st name not common in companies of +25 employees)

Inside contact (same as above) - If you're interested in a specific company, get an inside contact. This means proactively trying to meet someone from the company, or a friend of a friend situation. People hire people they know - it's comfortable. Therefore, do whatever it takes to get an inside contact.

Source

Interview With Confidence in a Challenging Job Market

Being interviewed by a potential employer is one of the most challenging and stressful tasks adults face. Add to that experience a difficult economic environment with businesses struggling to make a profit, and competition for jobs more fierce than ever, and you have a battlefield like none other you have faced before. In order to be successful in these circumstances, you must know how to prepare for interviews differently so that you stand out to employers. This article provides 5 steps to interviewing with confidence in difficult economic times.

1. PREPARE THOROUGHLY

Experts will advise that you research the company you are interviewing with and be sure to understand the job you are pursuing and the responsibilities involved. This is an important part of preparing for the interview, however that's just the beginning. You must also understand yourself and how your background, skills and experience are a fit for the position. I suggest starting an interview preparation journal where you write down key thoughts that you can refer to before the interview. You should know your top 3 strengths and how you have applied them in prior positions. Also, recall areas that you have improved on in the past and explore those areas where you still need to grow. Write details about your strengths and opportunities for growth in your journal and use them for every interview. Next, write 10 questions you expect to be asked during the interview. Write your answers to these questions and try to communicate your strengths in your response. Practice is a very important part of your preparation and is addressed in Step 5.

2. BUILD AND MAINTAIN RAPPORT

Most of us have been told to always greet people with a "firm handshake" to show our confidence and likeability. What if the person you're shaking hands with only offers their fingertips in a quick gesture? How will a firm handshake feel to them? The truth is we all like people that are like us. If we have a firm handshake, we like people to give us a firm handshake. If we prefer not to shake hands at all, it is most comfortable for us if others do not extend their hands for a handshake. So instead of introducing yourself in the same way with everyone you meet, wait a second to see what they do and follow their lead. Notice their posture, facial expressions, energy level and tone of voice and try to match those as you interact. This will give the person you are communicating with a true sense of connection that they will remember long after your interview ends.

3. WOW(TM) THEM WITH YOUR ANSWERS

Before you begin answering questions, make sure you understand what is being asked and where you want to end with your response. It is ok to pause for a few seconds to think about your response or ask for clarification if you need it. Keep your answers, simple, brief and truthful.

In order to really stand out in the interview process, give specific examples from your experience and explain how you handled the situation successfully. Use the WOW(TM) formula for your responses.

What happened?
Provide brief details regarding the situation.

Own action/decision.
Explain your specific actions or decisions.

What was the result/learned?
Explain the successful outcome of your action or what you learned if it didn't work out the way you planned.

This formula for responses will boost your confidence because you will already know how you're going to answer each question. You can use this formula to write examples in your interview journal during preparation.

4. CLOSE THE INTERVIEW SUCCESSFULLY

Towards the end of most interviews, you will be given the opportunity to ask questions. Prepare 2-3 questions about the work environment and company culture to ask during this time. Share how that culture is a good fit for your own style. Consider asking the interviewer what the 2 most important qualities are they are looking for in a candidate. Then use those responses to share how you have the experience or skills to fit those needs. For example, if the interviewer shares that organization is the most important skill they need, share how you recently organized a project in your last position or that your last manager complimented you on how well organized your work was.

You should also use this time to provide a final summary to convince the interviewer that you are right for the job. Explain how you are a good fit and what makes you unique as a candidate. Prepare a closing statement in your interview journal and be sure to summarize your strengths and reasons for wanting the job. As you share these comments at the end of the interview, make sure you are in rapport with the interviewer by matching their posture, pace and gestures. Show your true appreciation for the opportunity.

5. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE

It is critical that you practice each step of the interview process. Ask a friend to work with you and role play different personality types so that you can practice building rapport. Use the questions you anticipate to practice the WOW(TM) formula for giving responses. Review your closing statement and say it out loud multiple times so that you're comfortable talking about yourself and your strengths. Ask for feedback from others on how to improve. When you think you are ready and well prepared, practice one more time.

If you follow these simple steps, you will interview with confidence and stand out as someone who truly connected with the interviewer. You will be able to present yourself as a successful candidate with a genuine interest in the job. In these challenging economic times, you need every advantage you can get to compete in the current job market.

If you would like additional information or guidance on any or all of these steps, please view our website at Access Coaching & Training or contact Coach Lynn King of Access Coaching & Training at lynn@accesscoaching.com.

Lynn King
Coach/Trainer
Access Coaching & Training
lynn@accesscoaching.com
919-676-0626
http://www.accesscoaching.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lynn_King

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