3 Easy Strategies That Will Get You Hired

by Kathy Seaton

You might not have the perfect resume, but you can still land your dream job.

Your resume does not get you a job. You’re the one that gets the job. And although your resume helps you get the in the door, it’s really nothing more than a piece of paper, unless you’re willing to create a distinct position for yourself.

Looking for a new job can be an arduous task, but resume building is a whole different story. The competition is stiff and you’re always up against a candidate that might have better experience than you.

Don’t throw in the white flag yet—because the tide is changing. In fact, studies are finding that candidates with perfect resumes may not necessarily be the best fit for the job. This is especially true with the new trend toward talent management. HR managers, and CEO’s alike, are starting to look for different, unique, and more diverse types of candidates.

In fact, this new trend toward talent management has resulted in the development of an integrated set of processes, programs, and cultural norms to attract, develop, deploy, and retain the expertise of employees to achieve strategic objectives and meet future business needs. This is being done by looking at and talking to the person—not just the piece of paper.

“The biggest challenge of life is to be yourself in a world that is trying to make you like everyone else,” – anonymous.

Consider these tips when you’re writing your resume and personal statement for your next career opportunity.

1. Tell Your Story. Your prior experience is compelling and don’t believe it’s not. Even if there are gaps in your education or previous jobs, you can build an elevator pitch around your career path up to this point.

It’s the 30-second speech that summarizes who you are, what you do, and why you’d be the perfect candidate. And you should be able to reel off your elevator pitch at any time, from a job interview to casual conversation with someone who might be able to help you land a position.

Yet realize that it’s also important to build your pitch around what a recruiter, talent/hiring manager wants to hear (What’s in it for me?) and be sure to focus your message on their needs.

2. Use (or Build) Your Network to Influence People. We all have someone in our lives that is our biggest supporter. They are vested in our success and build up our confidence.

Real success, the kind that exists on multiple levels, is impossible without building great relationships. Your ideal endorsements should come from people that know you, like you, understand your work and work ethic, and ultimately have a connection with someone where you want to work. And with any luck, they will introduce you to the right people without you even having to ask for the favor.

3. Take the Leap. There are many jobs that you’re qualified for. But in some cases, you might not have all the qualifications required for a new job opportunity. Chances are that you possess a discrete skillset that contains the abilities needed for many jobs, including your dream job.

Highlight your transferable and applicable skills prominently on your resume and make sure that you take the next important step by explaining how your essential qualities meet or even exceed the expectations of the job you are pursuing.

Remember, you’re the type of person that is more than capable of driving winning teams of people that can lead to tremendous success in business.

Amelia Earhart said, “The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity.”