The Best Resume Format for Your Job Search

In today’s highly competitive job market, having a well-structured resume can make all the difference in landing your dream job. A resume serves as a marketing tool, showcasing your skills, experiences, and qualifications to potential employers. However, it’s important to understand the importance of resume format and how it can impact the perception of your application.

Understanding the Importance of Resume Format

The role of a resume in a job search cannot be overstated. It serves as a snapshot of your professional history, allowing hiring managers to quickly assess your suitability for a particular role. A well-formatted resume not only highlights your qualifications but also presents them in a clear and concise manner.

The Role of a Resume in Job Search

Before delving into the intricacies of resume formats, it’s important to grasp the fundamental role of a resume in the job search process. Your resume acts as your representative when you’re not physically present, showcasing your skills, experiences, and achievements. It is often the first impression that potential employers have of you, so it’s essential to make it count.

How Resume Format Impacts Perception

The way your resume is formatted can significantly impact the perception of your application. A well-organized and visually appealing resume demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism. It can make your qualifications stand out and engage the reader, increasing your chances of securing an interview.

The format of your resume can also reflect your personality and creativity. While it’s important to maintain a professional tone, adding a touch of personal flair through design elements or layout choices can help your resume stand out from the competition. However, striking a balance between creativity and professionalism is key to ensuring that your resume is well-received by potential employers.

Customizing Your Resume Format for Different Roles

It’s crucial to tailor the format of your resume to the specific job you’re applying for. Different industries and roles may require different emphasis on certain skills or experiences. By customizing the format of your resume to highlight the most relevant information for each application, you can increase your chances of catching the attention of hiring managers. Additionally, incorporating keywords from the job description into your resume format can help align your application with the specific requirements of the role.

Different Types of Resume Formats

There are several different resume formats, each suitable for varying career stages and circumstances. Understanding the different types can help you choose the one that best suits your needs.

When crafting your resume, it’s essential to consider not only your work experience but also how you want to present it to potential employers. The format you choose can greatly impact how recruiters perceive your qualifications and suitability for a role.

Chronological Resume Format

The chronological resume format is the most common and widely used type. It emphasizes your work history in reverse chronological order, starting with your most recent position. This format is ideal for individuals with a stable work history and a clear career progression.

Employers who prefer this format often look for candidates who have demonstrated consistent growth and development in their roles over time. By showcasing your work history in this manner, you can effectively highlight your career trajectory and accomplishments.

Functional Resume Format

The functional resume format focuses on your skills and achievements rather than your work history. It is especially useful when you have gaps in your employment or are changing careers. By highlighting your skills and accomplishments, employers can quickly see how you are qualified for the position.

This format is particularly beneficial for individuals who want to draw attention to specific skills that are relevant to the job they are applying for. It allows you to tailor your resume to highlight the most important qualifications for the role, even if they were acquired in different positions or industries.

Combination Resume Format

As the name suggests, the combination resume format combines elements of both the chronological and functional formats. It enables you to showcase your skills and achievements while still providing a chronological overview of your work history. This format is particularly useful for individuals with a diverse skill set and varied work experience.

By using a combination resume format, you can present a comprehensive view of your qualifications to potential employers. This approach allows you to emphasize both your relevant skills and your solid work history, providing a well-rounded picture of your capabilities and experience.

Choosing the Right Resume Format for Your Career Stage

The ideal resume format may vary depending on your career stage and goals. Here are some recommendations for different stages of your professional journey.

When crafting your resume, it’s crucial to tailor the format to highlight your strengths and experiences effectively. Your resume is your first impression on potential employers, so make sure it reflects your career stage accurately.

Resume Formats for Fresh Graduates

As a recent graduate, you may have limited work experience. In this case, emphasize your education, internships, and relevant skills. Consider using a functional format to highlight your capabilities rather than focusing on your limited professional experience.

Fresh graduates can benefit from including any volunteer work, extracurricular activities, or projects that demonstrate their skills and dedication. These experiences can help compensate for the lack of extensive work history.

Resume Formats for Mid-Career Professionals

If you have several years of experience in your field, a chronological resume format is often the best choice. Highlight your career progression and key accomplishments to demonstrate your expertise and suitability for higher-level positions.

Mid-career professionals should also consider incorporating a professional summary at the beginning of their resume. This section allows you to showcase your unique value proposition and career goals succinctly.

Resume Formats for Senior Executives

Senior executives often have extensive experience and a vast array of accomplishments. A combination resume format allows you to showcase both your skills and your notable achievements throughout your career.

In addition to your professional experience, senior executives should highlight their leadership abilities, strategic vision, and impact on organizational growth. Including quantifiable results and metrics can further strengthen your resume and demonstrate your effectiveness in executive roles.

Tailoring Your Resume Format to the Job Description

One crucial aspect of resume formatting is tailoring it to match the job description. By identifying key requirements and highlighting relevant skills and experiences, you can make your application stand out.

Identifying Key Requirements in Job Descriptions

Thoroughly review the job description and identify the core skills, qualifications, and experiences that the employer is seeking. Tailor your resume accordingly to emphasize your fit for the role and demonstrate your ability to meet the employer’s needs.

Highlighting Relevant Skills and Experiences

When formatting your resume, ensure that your relevant skills and experiences are prominently featured. Use bullet points to draw attention to specific achievements and provide concrete examples of how your skills have contributed to past successes. This will demonstrate to the employer that you possess the necessary qualifications for the role.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Resume Formatting

While formatting your resume, it’s crucial to avoid common mistakes that can undermine your chances of success.

Overcrowding Information

A cluttered resume can be overwhelming and challenging to read. Avoid overcrowding your resume with excessive details and focus on highlighting the most relevant information. Use bullet points and concise language to convey your accomplishments effectively.

Inconsistent Formatting

Consistency is key when it comes to resume formatting. Ensure that your font, spacing, headings, and bullet points remain consistent throughout your resume. Inconsistent formatting can create a messy and unprofessional impression.

The best resume format for your job search depends on various factors such as your career stage, work experience, and skill set. Understanding these different formats and tailoring your resume to match the job description can significantly improve your chances of landing an interview. By avoiding common formatting mistakes and presenting your qualifications in a clear and concise manner, you can create a compelling resume that showcases your unique strengths and sets you apart from the competition. So, take the time to carefully consider the best resume format for your specific needs and make sure to make a lasting impression on potential employers.

Ready to put your skills into action? Download our Anatomy of a Resume Guide to craft your perfect resume and submit your resume today to find your new career with Hunter.

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How to Make the Most of Your First 90 Days at a New Job

March 9, 2023

by Taylor Graf

Career Advancement Tips Career Planning & Growth

How to Make the Most of Your First 90 Days at a New Job

Starting a new job can be exciting, nerve-wracking and confusing all at the same time. The first few days, weeks and months, are an exhilarating time and also particularly essential to your future success at your new organization. Harvard Business School’s Career Coach, Matt Spielman, introduced research that supports that an employee’s first 90 days are a determining factor of an employee’s performance, longevity and contribution to the company.

How do you make the most of this time while simultaneously growing your skills, meeting your coworkers and acclimating to a new environment? Read on for our tips for making the most out of your first 90 days at a new job.

Be Engaged & Ask Questions

When you are starting a new job, you are undoubtedly going to have questions. Your first few days will be filled with an overload of information about the company, your role and who you will be working with. During this time, you want to be a sponge. Try to take in as much information as you can. Actively take notes and participate in your trainings where possible. More likely than not, the person conducting the training will appreciate your engagement, and actively participating will help you remember some of the essential topics that are covered in those first few days.

As you progress into your job-specific training with your manager or other members of your team, being actively engaged in training will become increasingly important. Not only will the information you learned be essential to your daily responsibilities, but it will also help show your colleagues that you are interested and involved in the work.

Meet Everyone & Be Prepared

One advantage of being new at a company is that you have the chance to meet with others in the organization for no one specific reason. Some companies may schedule you to meet with you coworkers at the start, but others may leave it up to you to schedule on your own. In any case, you’ll find great value in scheduling these brief meetings. For starters, it is a great way to meet other members of the organization and understand their role. Additionally, if you prepare ahead of time, you can maximize this opportunity and use it to your advantage later on.

After you’ve identified who you’d like to meet with (or it has been established for you), do some pre-research using resources your company website or LinkedIn. By understanding the individual’s role ahead of time, you can have a good idea of the questions you may want to ask during the meeting. During the meeting, ask questions to better understand the individual’s history with the company, goals and how you will work together. Not only will being prepared help you gain valuable insight, it will show others you value their time and are engaged in your new role. Lastly, after the meeting it is a good idea to follow up with the person and possibly establish a cadence for meeting again in the future. After all, they may be a potential mentor for you later on.

Learn as Much as You Can & Take Action

In your first 90 days, you’ll likely have completed the majority, if not all, of your new-hire training and met with many of your new coworkers. There will likely never be a period such as this where you have access to resources, individuals and courses like you do, so make the most of it! During this time, learn as much as you can about the company, your role and what is needed to be successful at the organization.

With this newfound knowledge, it is a good idea to take action early. While you won’t be expected to come up with the next big idea, you should want to start making an impact in your role toward the end of the first 90 days. For example, if your manager recommends taking online training courses on a particular software that you will be utilizing, it might be a good idea to enroll in those classes within the first few months in your new role.

While it is normal to be apprehensive when first getting started in your new role, it is a good idea to embrace your daily tasks and take on each new challenge head-on. Rely on your trainings and those around you. Chances are, you’ll likely have resources and colleagues to support you. Getting hands-on in your new role from the beginning will help you assimilate into the role faster, and show your new colleagues that you are ready (and willing) to dive into new projects and tasks.

The first 90 days of your new role will likely bring new challenges, excitements and opportunities to shine. By taking advantage of this period, you can hit the ground running in your role and set yourself up for future success at your new organization.

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Six Job Interview Red Flags Candidates Should Look Out For

January 30, 2023

by Gabrielle Christman

Before Interview General Interview Tips Interview Preparation

Six Job Interview Red Flags Candidates Should Look Out For

Interviewing for a job at a potential employer is not only a time for candidates to show off skills and experience as it relates to an open position, but also a time for them to analyze the organization to see if it is the right fit for their needs. This can be challenging, as job seekers are likely concerned with trying to make a good first impression, answering the interviewer’s questions thoroughly and giving an accurate description of their professional experience when in this situation. Fortunately, there are some clear interview red flags that candidates can look out for during the interview process to help them recognize if the organization is genuine or not.

Fortunately, there are some clear red flags that candidates can look out for during the interview process to help them recognize if the organization is genuine or not.

Read below to learn more about the red flags candidates should be aware of when interviewing.

Unorganized or Unclear Interview Process

When job seekers start the interviewing process, they should have a good idea of the next steps to expect in the process. For example, during a phone screen, information should be given at the end of the conversation about what the next steps are if they advance in being considered for the role. If this information isn’t communicated, candidates should make sure to ask their company contact for more information so there is a better idea for what to expect next.

Candidates should also beware of “ghosting” from a hiring manager or recruiter. “Ghosting” is defined when a recruiter or hiring manager stops responding to messages, fails to appears to interviews or disappears for more than a week in the hiring process according to Acara Solutions. If there are any instances of ghosting from the organization, candidates should see this as a red flag and they might want to consider options at other organizations. Even if the organization decides not to move forward with an application, they should let the candidate know that they are no longer in consideration for the role.

It is not uncommon that an interview may have to be rescheduled, but if it is happening more than once, it should be a big warning for candidates. This could show signs of bad organization and time management within the company. Rescheduling and cancelling last minute can also show candidates that their time is not being valued.

There is always a chance that unforeseeable circumstances happen, which can cause rescheduling and longer response times, but if this is happening consistently, it should be a red flag and taken with great caution moving forward.

Inconsistent or Vague Answers About Culture

Company culture is becoming a more sought-after subject for job seekers as Gen Z workers are entering the field of professional work. For example, Team Stage found that company culture is an important factor for 46% of job seekers and 15% of them declined a job offer due to lack of company culture.

Companies that do not hold a strong company culture may avoid the subject all together when interview potential candidates. To ensure that job seekers can get direct answers about company culture, they should prepare questions before an interview.

Here are some great culture-related examples of questions to ask in an interview:

How does the company reward or celebrate employee success?
Are any health benefits/perks offered to employees?
What types of activities and events are offered throughout the year?
How would you describe communication from upper management? Is it clear and are there open lines of communication?
Are there team outings or chances for professional development?

If a candidate asks these questions and get very vague answers, or the interviewer completely avoids the questions all together, this is a red flag. This can show that the organization may not truly care for employee’s wellbeing or value workplace culture.

Inappropriate Questions

Interviews are an opportunity for a hiring manager to get to know a candidate better, but red flags could arise during this process. Candidates should be mindful of the questions that interviewers are asking them.

A big red flag in interviews is being asked any type of personal information. Questions regarding personal information can be illegal and discriminatory, especially in the beginning of a screening process.

Here are some question topics that interviewers are not legally allowed to ask a candidate:

Age
Gender identity/sexual orientation
Marital, family or pregnancy status
Race, color or ethnicity
Religion

If any of these questions are asked when interviewing, a candidate should refuse to answer or steer the conversation another direction. By no means is a person required to answer these types of questions. If a candidate is asked questions such as these, they should consider withdrawing from the interview process, or, informing the interviewer of their discomfort with the situation.

If this happens during an interview, candidates can also file a report directly to the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) about the illegal interview questions.

Additionally, candidates should be weary if the interviewer asks more questions about personal life details than their professional experience. This could be a sign of an overbearing boss, possible discrimination and more.

Disengaged in Conversation

The interviewer should be engaged throughout their conversation with the candidate. The whole point of an interview is to get to know them and their professional experience better and if they are drifting off, interrupting the candidate or are blatantly disengaged, that’s a large red flag.

In an interview with a panel of two or more people, candidates should analyze their body language and eye contact. Are they cutting each other off mid-sentence? Are they paying attention or being distracted with other work? Do they disrespect one another with answers?

Additionally, candidates should pay attention to the type of questions that are being asked. If there are only generic questions like, “tell me about yourself” or “what is your educational background”, this could be a red flag. This shows that they did not look at the candidate’s resume closely and only looking to get the position filled as fast as possible. The interviewer should be asking questions specific to the candidate’s personal experience and background to get additional information that is useful in assessing if they are a right fit for their role.

Speaking Poorly About Current or Previous Employees

It is not professional for any employer to talk poorly about current or previous employees.

Employees leave organizations for a many reasons and managers should be respectful of that. If a candidate is in an interview and the hiring manager starts to reveal personal details on why the previous person left or are openly talking negative about them, this is a big red flag. When previous employees come up, they should only give necessary information without conjecture or irrelevant details.

Another thing that job seekers will want to pay attention to is how interviewers talk about current employees. If they are talking negatively or giving personal information away about current employees, this is a red flag. Talking poorly about their coworkers can show that the interviewer does not handle private situations correctly, may not respect confidentiality and that the organization may not have a good culture.

Lack of Clarity of The Role

A red flag candidates should look out for is if they still have unanswered questions or are unclear about the role they are interviewing for. This lack of understanding may be due to an unclear job description or vague answers from a hiring manager.

Part of this is on the candidate to make sure that they are asking questions if they need clarification. A successful job seeker should ask clear questions on the role, daily responsibilities and what the company exactly delivers to customers.

Here are some examples of questions to ask to gain clarity on the role:

What would my daily responsibilities look like?
In a couple of sentences, could you describe how the company delivers better products/services to its customers than the competition?
How many people will I be working with daily?
What are skills that would make me successful in this role?

If these questions are asked and the interviewer does not respond thoughtfully, or does not know specifics related to the role, this could be a red flag. The hiring manager should be clear and concise on the roles and responsibilities of the position. If they are being vague, they may not completely understand the position’s tasks, and therefore may not provide the best picture of what it would be like if someone was successfully hired into the position. If a candidate encounters this situation, they should try to gain more information and reconsider if this is the best opportunity for them.

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Keep an eye out for red flags such as these and you will be on your way to finding your next dream job in no time!

Looking for a new jobs with a streamlined interview process and recruiters to help you every step of the way? Check out the latest jobs from Hunter here.

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Four Steps For Identifying a Professional Mentor

A successful professional mentoring relationship can bring many benefits to both the mentor and mentee. Research by Gartner found that employees involved in a mentoring program are five times more likely to get promoted than those not in a program. Employees who serve as a mentor are six times more likely to get promoted than those who do not. Additionally, a study by CNBC and Survey Monkey found that 9 in 10 workers that have a mentor report being happy in their job. With the many benefits of a mentoring relationship, you might be wondering how to find and engage a potential mentor so you can reap the reward for yourself.

Professional mentorship has been around for many years and is still a staple of many businesses’ internal workforce strategies. In fact, a recent study by MentorcliQ found that 84% of Fortune 500 companies have established mentoring programs. Professionals who have access to these formal programs should take advantage of this opportunity. However, for employees who don’t work for an organization with a formal mentoring program, they may need to find a mentor on their own. This process can look different for employees based on their experience, industry, career level and goals, so what might work for one person, may not work for another. While some workers may have a mentoring relationship form organically, others may need to actively search for and identify a mentor on their own. Below, we’ve identified four steps to help you identify a professional mentor.

Reflect on Your Goals and Identify Your Needs

The first place to start when thinking about identifying a mentor is to reflect on your career goals and the steps you need to take to reach them. For example, if your goal is to move into a different career path, you may select a different mentor than if you wanted to move up in your current role. Either way, an ideal mentor would be someone that has experience in the field/role you are in, or hope to get in, so that they can support you in navigating you career field and path.

Additionally, identifying the areas in which you would like to develop skills and knowledge can help you think about the qualities you want to look for in a mentor. This self-reflection will enable you to establish “criteria” for your mentor and keep you on track when researching for potential mentors. Thinking about your career goals, the steps needed to reach them and areas for development can also help shape your initial conversations with potential mentors as you are deciding if they are the right fit.

Research Potential Mentors

When researching potential mentors, you’ll want to think about if you want that person to be inside or outside of your organization. Some things to consider when deciding this is if you prefer to advance your career within the company or not, if individuals in your organization possess the skills or experience you require in a mentor as well as the size of the organization.

Once you have an idea of this and have a solid understanding of the other criteria you’ve identified, reach out to those in your professional network for suggestions. Think about the people you’ve previously worked with in the past and your relationship with them. Additionally, utilize LinkedIn to research individuals’ titles, experience, industry and more. Write down a few individuals that have your desired traits and create a shortlist of those that you’d prefer to have as a mentor.

Conduct Informal Interviews

Once you’ve identified a few individuals as potential mentors, it is a good idea to try to get some time with them to learn more and decide if they could be a good fit. Consider asking them to a brief coffee meet-up or booking 15-30 minutes on their calendar for a quick virtual meeting. Try to be flexible and respectful of their time, as they would be taking time out of their day to meet with you.

During this meeting, you should ask the individuals for additional information on their experience and learn more about their professional goals without being too formal. As this is introductory, you want to leave time to get to know who they are outside of work and see if you get along personally. If you leave the meeting with questions or needing additional information, consider asking them to meet again in the future. If they agree, come prepared with any unanswered questions. It is also a good idea to inquire about the individual’s schedule/availability to be sure they would have time for a mentoring relationship. The hope is that by the end of these informal interviews, you have a good idea of who will be the best mentor for you.

Formally Ask

After identifying the best potential mentor, you should consider officially asking them. After meeting with them a few times, having this relationship formally established enables the mentor to understand their role in the relationship. When asking, agree on a cadence for meeting and keeping up with each other regularly. Discuss expectations, goals and make sure that the mentor is able to get what they need out of the relationship as well. Make sure your intent is clearly stated and explain why you think they are the best mentor for you.

If they say no, ask them for any referrals or suggestions, as they likely have connections that may also be a good potential mentor for you. Be respectful and understanding of their choice and consider offering ways to stay in touch that require less work, such as connecting on LinkedIn, or meeting up every six months for coffee. Either way, you want to get the most out of your journey to finding a mentor. Though it may require some work, it can be very rewarding in the end. One day, you will hopefully look back and reflect on this time and offer to be a mentor yourself!

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The Do’s and Don’ts of Cover Letters

When applying for jobs, you will most likely be required to fill out some sort of application form along with your resume. But many organizations also give the option for applicants to provide a cover letter with their application, leaving job seekers wondering if they should submit one.

One thing is for certain, cover letters give applicants an opportunity to explain to the hiring manager why they are a good fit for the specific position they are applying for. Additionally, in some organizations, cover letters can help you stand out to hiring managers . In fact, OfficeTeam found that nearly 90% of executives find a cover letter valuable when screening candidates.

While cover letters can be beneficial in showing a potential employer your valuable skills, they need to be written thoughtfully, as incorrect formatting and spelling errors can take you out of the hiring process before you even get an interview.

Read below to learn how to tailor your cover letter so you land your dream job in no time.

Research the Organization

One of the first things you should do before you start writing a cover letter, is to research the organization that you are applying to. A good place to start is to learn about their industry, products/services and values.

An advantage of researching the organization is that you can tailor your skills and experience to best reflect that position and industry. For example, you find a job posting for an engineering company that specializes in concrete manufacturing, you can include your specific skills in the cover letter that will make you more appealing for the position. Additionally, you can highlight your experience that is most relevant to the company and describe in greater depth your responsibilities and accomplishments that may not be covered on your resume.

Researching the organization does not mean you have to know every single detail of the company and the industry that they serve. But by having a basic understanding of their products and services, you can craft a thoughtful cover letter that is relevant to the company.

Having an understanding the organization is not only beneficial for your cover letter, but it is also helpful if you make it to the interview process.

Keep it Brief and Include Contact Information

A typical cover letter is around one page in length, which is around 300 words. Going any longer than one page when it is not necessary could hurt the screening of your application. According to Indeed, employers only spend six to seven seconds looking at each application they receive.

With this processes being such a short time, you want your cover letter to be brief, but also help you stand out against other applicants.

To keep your cover letter brief, try not to go into heavy detail on your career. You’ll want to outline your career and skills without going into specifics about everything you’ve done. A great start is to simply state your professional background, talk about what industry you currently work in and summarize a project or skill that shows how you are a good fit for the position.

While it is important to keep your resume brief, make sure that you do not omit or forget to include contact information. At the top of the cover letter, you should include your name, email, phone number and city that you live in. By not including this information, a potential employer may not know how to contact you if your cover letter gets separated from your resume. For clarity and to be safe, it is best to have your contact information included on both your cover letter and resume.

Think of Your Cover Letter as an Extension of Your Resume

In cover letters, it is important to highlight your skills and experience, but make sure you are not repeating details that you have already included in your resume. Your cover letter is an opportunity to expand on specific, relevant experience that is included on your resume. By repeating descriptions that can be found on your resume, the hiring manager could feel that you are simply copying and pasting cover letters for multiple applications without giving too much thought into their specific position.

Also, by repeating details, it makes the point of the cover letter worthless. The cover letter is to show how you stand out and are a good fit for the specific role that you are applying for. Simply repeating your generic skills will most likely not benefit you in the hiring process.

Address Your Cover Letter Personally

Job postings tend to get a lot of applicants and it can sometimes be overwhelming for hiring managers to read through all of them. According to Zippia, an average corporate employer receives roughly around 250 job applicants per job that they post.

With this large amount of job applicants, personalizing your cover letter can help you attract the attention of the hiring manager and stand out amongst other applicants.

Some ways to address your cover letter personally is to include:

“Dear Hiring Manager at (Insert Name of Organization)” or “Dear (Actual Name)”
Include the organization’s name throughout
Address specific values of the company and how they relate to your skillset

Spending the extra time and effort to add some of these personal details to your cover letter can help you be a stand-out applicant and hopefully get you to the phone screening and interviewing process.

Proof-Read

When professionals are looking for a new job, many apply for more than one position at a time. According to Zippia, it takes 21 to 80 job applications to get a single job offer. With this high number of applications, job seekers are likely sending multiple cover letters to different organizations. To save time, many applicants reuse sections of cover letters for different applications.

Make sure you completely re-read your cover letter multiple times to ensure that proper grammar and spelling are used throughout. Also, be sure to check that you are addressing the correct company and the specific details of the reasons why you would be a good fit align with their position.

If you turn in a cover letter that has the name of the wrong organization, reiterate skills that are not needed for the position or just have no relevance to that job posting, it is easy to assume that the hiring manager will omit your application due to lack of attention to detail.

To avoid these disasters, consider asking a peer or colleague of yours to proofread your cover letter before you send in the application to get a second opinion.

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Writing a cover letter can take time, but when it is done well it can make you stand out from other applicants and help you obtain your dream job.

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How to Effectively Establish and Discuss Your Career Goals

October 21, 2022

by Taylor Graf

Career Planning & Growth Personal Development

How to Effectively Establish and Discuss Your Career Goals

As the end of the year approaches, you may be thinking about your current career goals and setting new ones for the upcoming year. While establishing these goals is important to long-term career success, it is also a good idea to discuss these with your manager so that you can ensure that they understand your goals and, hopefully, help you work towards them in your current position.

1. Set Your Goals

Whether you already have goals identified, or are starting from scratch, you should set your goals by writing them down. A recent study conducted by the Dominican University of California found that people who write down their goals are 20 percent more successful in accomplishing them than those who did not. Make sure that wherever you write down your goals that they are accessible so that you can easily come back to them throughout the year.

A good way to make sure that your goals are properly formatted for success, is to utilize the SMART goal method. SMART goals are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and timely.

Specific: When setting your goals, you want to make sure that they are detailed and leave very little room for ambiguity. For example, if your goal is “I want to advance my network,” you should make it more specific to say, “I want to advance my network by joining two or more professional organizations before the next quarter.”

Measurable: To make your goal measurable, you will want to set a realistic date for the goal to be achieved. In the example above, you could set the next quarter’s start date as the time to complete the goal.

Attainable: When setting your career goals, you want to make sure they are realistic and achievable, while also being challenging enough to work towards. Consider the time frame and steps needed to reach the goal and assess whether it is realistic or needs to be adjusted.

Relevant: When establishing goals, especially those related to your career, you want to make sure they are relevant. For example, gaining a certification in programming could advance your knowledge in that area and develop your technical skills, but if your ultimate goal is to move up into a career in Financial Management, gaining that certification may not be relevant.

Timely: When you are setting goals, you will also want to consider when you will be able to start working toward the goal. What can you do to start working toward your goal right away?

By utilizing the SMART method, you can create goals that are attainable, actionable and measurable and set yourself up for future success.

2. Understand Your Current Position

While creating goals, it is important to consider how your current position and company structure fit into these goals. Have you previously discussed a plan for advancement with your manager? Does your company encourage lateral moves within the organization? These may be important items to consider when creating goals and thinking about the actionable steps that you may need to take to reach those goals.

Additionally, write down a minimum of two to three ways you can reach your identified goals. For example, if your goal is to move into a leadership position, you may write down a tactic such as, “Take on an ownership role of upcoming projects,” or something related. By understanding your role in the organization and considering the ways you can leverage your current position to reach your goals, you can have a productive conversation with your manager about how to attain those opportunities.

3. Come Prepared and Ask Questions

When you are ready to have a discussion with your manager, make sure that they are aware ahead of time that you plan on discussing your goals. Before the meeting, have your goals, tactics and questions identified. When considering questions to ask your manager, you’ll want to think about any areas of uncertainty and consider asking questions about how the organization can help you reach your goals. The goal is to have an open discussion with your manager about how you can reach your goals while also adding value to the organization.

Furthermore, consider having discussions about your strengths and weaknesses and the ways they can help and hurt you when trying to reach your goals. Your manager is likely familiar with the things you do well and the areas you can improve on. Be open minded to developing your skills in areas for improvement. Think about these ahead of time with any questions you may have. By coming to the discussion prepared, the meeting should stay on track, and your manager will know that you put thought and consideration into this conversation.

4. Follow Through and Follow-up

After discussing goals with your manager, getting answers to your questions and establishing a plan for reaching your goals, it’s time to start working towards them. Hold yourself accountable by setting calendar reminders or signing up for classes or events in advance. Consider asking your manager to hold you accountable to your goals by checking in with you at various points throughout the year.

It is also a good idea to track your progress on your goals over time. In one-on-one meetings with your manager, bring up your goals to discuss progress and any barriers. Ask if your manager has advice or opportunities to overcome the obstacles that stand in your way. As you complete goals, celebrate the wins, and set new ones. Even as you grow in your career, there will always be new opportunities to develop skills and advance your career in new and exciting ways.

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Want to be the Perfect Candidate? Follow These 7 Tips From Our Experts

September 16, 2022

by Gabrielle Christman

For Job Seekers Job Search Mindset Job Search Strategies

Want to be the Perfect Candidate? Follow These 7 Tips from Our Experts

Job searching can require extensive time and energy which can be overwhelming for many job seekers.

According to JDP, 93% of job interviewees experience anxiety related to job interviews and preparation. A good way to mitigate this anxiety is to stay organized, prepare effectively and put in the work to position yourself as a “perfect” candidate.

By following these tips from our experts, you could set yourself up for success in the hiring process and stand out to potential employers.

1. Be Open to New Experiences

The amount of job postings and deciding on which roles to apply to can be very overwhelming when you first start your search.

In these situations, be open to different opportunities. Consider roles in new industries and jobs that require skills that may be transferrable from your professional and educational experience.

If you see a job that you are interested in, but do not have every single qualification, consider applying. The hiring team may be flexible on certain requirements. Additionally, this can open up a conversation with a recruiter or hiring manager about their preferred qualifications and other opportunities available. Putting yourself out there is a big step, but it could lead to you landing your dream job!

2. Add a Skill Section to Your Resume

Hard skills, which are specific abilities and skills, are essential to having an effective resume. Examples of hard skills include various coding languages, project management certifications and Microsoft products.

These skills are typically listed in a formatted bullet list, so it is easier for the recruiter to easily identify them. This also helps Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) recognize and match your skills to postings within the system.

CareerBuilder found that 61% of employers think that soft skills are just as important as hard skills and should be listed on a person’s resume.

Soft skills are personality traits that are needed for personal success at jobs. These skills may be less specific than hard skills are, but they show your ability to perform a certain job. Soft skill attributes can include great communication, organization, time management skills and more. Consider including these to have your resume reflect your true self and your ability to work in various environments.

3. Research the Company You Are Applying to

Recruiters appreciate when a candidate has done their research about the company and role within the organization. It shows them that the candidate is engaged in the hiring process and saves time in the early stages of the interview process.

When you are interviewing, there is a high chance that the interviewer will ask you questions about their organization to see if you’ve done research beforehand and understand the role within the organization. Some of these questions, such as, “What do you know about our company?” or “Can you tell us what you know about the current state of our industry?” can be tricky to answer.

If you are giving indications that you have not researched the organization or industry, this could make the hiring manager think that you are not fully interested in the position and the company.

Consider visiting the company’s website, read about any recent company or industry news and get a general sense of what their products/services are.

Being an informed candidate can help you stand out to recruiters throughout the interview process and show your interest in the role.

4. Answer Questions Directly

When speaking with a recruiter, hiring manager or a representative from the company that you are interviewing for, it is recommended to give direct answers to the questions that they are asking you.

For example, if a hiring manager asks you why you are thinking of leaving your current position, simply respond in a few sentences instead of giving an answer that is convoluted and expansive.

More than likely, the company is considering multiple candidates for the position that you are interviewing for. Keeping it direct by answering questions quickly and clearly can put you ahead of other candidates.

While you want to ensure that you are answering questions directly, also make sure that they are not too short by giving yes and no answers. It is best to give answers that are direct and can be further elaborated on if needed.

5. Ask Your Interviewer Questions

In a job interview, you are not the only one that should be asked questions. It is also an opportunity for you to interview the company that you would be potentially working at and shows the interviewing team that you are interested and engaged in the interviewing process.

Here are some great questions to ask your interviewer:

What does your company value most?
How long have you been with this company?
What do you find the most fulfilling in your position?
How would you describe a typical day in this position?
Can you describe the culture at your company?

In addition to showing the hiring team your interest in their organization, these questions can also give you the opportunity to get a better look inside the company, and help you decide if you want to continue pursuing the potential job.

6. Follow-up After Interviews

Following up after an interview is a thoughtful gesture and can show your interest in the role and company. Sending a simple “thank you” letter, email or text message to the people you interviewed with can convey that you have great follow-up skills and can make you stand apart of the competition

While many believe that the “thank you” note is a thing of the past, it can help keep you front-of-mind with the hiring team and ultimately help you stand out from other candidates

7. Be Patient

When going through the job interviewing process, it is easy to get anxious waiting to hear about the next step

According to LinkedIn, 36 days is the average time it takes for a candidate to get through the job hiring process.

Hiring processes usually include multiple rounds of interviews, candidate considerations, negotiations and more. With so many steps in the process, it will naturally take time to get through each stage.

It’s also important to always keep in mind that hiring managers have many other tasks to deal with, which could delay the hiring process even more. Being patient throughout this process is appreciated by recruiters and hiring managers. However, don’t be afraid to reach out for an update or ask about next steps and timelines in your interviews.

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Considering these tips can help you get your next job and have a fulfilling career. Looking for that next career? Check out the latest jobs from Hunter.

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6 Essential Tools Every Person Should Use When Seeking a Career Move

July 25, 2022

by Gabrielle Christman

Job Search Solutions & Networking Job Search Strategies Job Search Tools & Platforms

6 Essential Tools Every Person Should Use When Seeking a Career Move

Are you thinking about switching careers or finding a new position? You are not alone.

According to Willis Tower Watson’s 2022 Global Benefits Attitudes Survey, 53% of employees are actively looking for new opportunities or are at risk of leaving their current employer. This phenomenon is being labeled as “The Great Resignation” and was kickstarted during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic and is still going strong.

With an influx of people in the job market, it can make job seekers feel like there is a mass amount of great talent, and it is easy to feel discouraged.

With these tips, you can stand out from the crowd and land your next interview in no time.

Job Boards

To start a new job, first you need to identify the roles in which you are interested in. Job boards, both general and niche, will be a good start when looking for a new career.

Job boards allow companies to post all their open positions in one place, which makes it great for doing initial career research. Consider the different career moves you could make. What roles would be a step up? Are there lateral moves you could make to get you on your desired career path?

These boards also have features that make it easy for candidates to apply to multiple jobs in one place. Once you’ve identified roles at companies that you are interested in, you can utilize these boards to submit your application and get on recruiter’s radars.

Here are examples of great job boards:

STEMHUNTER: Job board made specifically for STEM professionals

LinkedIn: A social media platform and job board combined

Indeed: Job board that allows specific searching and easy applies

Staffing Firms

Staffing firms are a great way for candidates to gain experience at organizations where it may be hard to get their foot in the door.

These firms work directly with companies that need positions filled. Working with these firms gives you access to jobs that you may otherwise not have been exposed to.

Additionally, recruiters can help guide you through the job search process and open doors of opportunity that you might not have imagined. You can think of a recruiter as your personal cheerleader to guide you through the hiring process.

For example, Hunter Recruiting works with a large variety of customers across the nation, allowing candidates to find the perfect match for their career goals.

Employee Review Sites

A company can look great on the outside, but it’s what on the inside that counts the most.

With transparency tools like Glassdoor, you can see reviews from real employees about what the organization’s company culture is like and get information on employee engagement.

These tools offer review scores on if employees would recommend the company to a friend, CEO approval, salary and more.

Demographics are also provided to give insights into the company’s workforce diversity.

If you find a company that seems like a great fit, you can apply directly on these sites or navigate to the company’s website. Overall, these tools can help you narrow down your job search to roles at organizations that you are interested in.

Resume Resources

Your resume will be one of the first impressions a hiring manager has of you. That’s why it is important to make sure that your contact information is correct, your education details are included and that you have updated career experience. You’ll also want to make sure that your resume is formatted correctly, and it is free of any spelling or grammatical errors.

Adding photos, including fancy graphics and having a specific color scheme is not necessary to include. Focusing on the details surrounding your education and career experience is more important to give the hiring manager the information they need.

Resumes do not have to be extravagant, but they should be accurate and comprehensive.

Check out our Anatomy of a Resume blog for more information on how make the most out of each section of your resume.

Cover Letters

A great resume is best paired with an outstanding cover letter.

Not every company will require a cover letter from their applicants, but having one ready and added to your application can help you stand out amongst other applicants.

In your cover letter, make sure to include educational background, career experience and why you would be the best fit for the position. This is your chance to explain directly to the hiring manager why you think you are a great fit for their role.

It is important to point out that if you are using the same cover letter template for multiple companies, double check each one before it is sent out to make sure you are addressing the correct company and have the right information. If a hiring manager receives a cover letter that is addressed to a different company, it’s easy to assume that your application will be eliminated from their consideration.

Editing and Grammar Software

Using a grammar and spelling checker, like Grammarly, can make your resume and cover letters more succinct and free of spelling and grammatical errors.

Programs such as these, will automatically scan and review your writing and point out if there are issues like readability and run on sentences.

While these software like these can be helpful, having a friend or professional connection review your resume is a great way to get a second set of eyes for improving readability and cohesiveness.

Having accurate grammar and proper spelling is extremely important when making a first impression with a potential employer.

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Job searching can be easier when you implement these tips into your career search.

Search our latest jobs or submit your resume today to kickstart your job search!

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How to Effectively Email Job Recruiters: Click Here For Template

June 28, 2022

by Gabrielle Christman

Job Search Strategies Working with Recruiters

How to Effectively Email Job Recruiters: Click Here For Template

We recently asked our followers, “What communication method do you prefer from recruiters?” We found that the majority, 48% of people, prefer to use email, 18% prefer call, 8% prefer text and 26% prefer all the above when communicating with recruiters.

When emailing a recruiter for a new job, it can be confusing where to start, what to send and when to send it.

Follow these tips to make a great first impression and land your next job quickly.

Be Direct

Whether you are reached out to first or cold emailing a recruiter, be direct with your intentions and remember that wording is important. Recruiters want to understand your experience and professional goals quickly, so writing your entire career story is not necessary. Tell them what position you are interested in, why you are looking for a new job and provide your contact information.

If the job is a particularly good fit, you can briefly include a few sentences indicating any relevant experience, such as industry knowledge or competitor names to get the recruiter’s attention.

Attaching your resume, or linking to your LinkedIn profile, is also helpful to give the recruiter an idea of the kinds of jobs that best suit your skills and experiences.

Write Professionally

When communicating with hiring teams, it is best to avoid slang, misspelled words and any unprofessional language.

Talking with recruiters, whether by phone or email, is the first impression a potential employer will have of you, so you want to take the time to get it right. When emailing, you want to make sure that your messages are coming off clearly, and that nothing can be left up to interpretation. Consider re-reading your messages a few times before sending or having another individual review them beforehand for spelling, grammar and clarity.

Using a professional email is a best practice. For example, a university-provided email or a simple email of your first and last name is acceptable. Having an email like [email protected] is not the best choice for making a good first impression in a professional context.

Keep Contact Information Updated

Keeping your contact information and location updated is essential in the job-hunting process. Even though work from home opportunities have become more common, it is important to keep an accurate location on your resume and online profiles so that the recruiter you are working with has a clear understanding of your situation.

Also, keep a commonly checked phone number and email address listed in your email signature to ensure that the recruiter can get ahold of you quickly if needed. Make sure these updates are visible and match in your email signature and your resume.

If you continue in the job hiring process and start talking to hiring managers, make sure you are using the same email address you used with the recruiter. By doing this, both the recruiter and the hiring manager will be able to accurately keep track of conversations and avoid any miscommunication.

Example Templates

Here is an email template when you are interested in a specific job title:

Hello [Recruiter Name],

My name is [Your Name] and I am interested in [Position Title] at [Company Name].

This role stood out to me, as it requires [Skill Name] in the [Industry Name] industry. I have experience in [Skill Name] working in a similar role for [Company Name], and I think this could make me a very promising candidate for this role.

I have attached my resume and look forward to hearing from you soon.

Thanks!

Sincerely,

[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]

Here is an example when you are emailing a recruiter without a specific job title in mind:

Hello [Recruiter Name],

My name is [Your Name] and I am interested in working at [Company Name]. I am currently looking for job opportunities in the [Job Interest Field] field. I would be happy briefly discuss my skills and experience with you, or someone on your team, to see if [Company Name] has any roles that I may be a good fit for.

I have attached my resume and included my phone number below. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Thanks!

Best,

[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]

Lastly, an email template for a recent college graduate:

Hello [Recruiter Name],

My name is [Your Name] and I am interested in working at [Company Name]. I am currently looking for job opportunities in the [Job Interest Field] field. I have recently graduated from [University Name] with a degree in [Degree Name] and have internship experience with [Company Name or Relevant Skills]. I would be happy briefly discuss my skills and experience with you or someone on your team to see if [Company Name] has any roles that I may be a good fit for.

I have attached my resume and included my phone number below. I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Thanks!

Warm Regards,

[Your Name]
[Your Phone Number]
[Your Email]

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Finding the right language when communicating with a potential employer can be hard, but these tips and templates can guide your next career search.

Search our latest jobs or submit your resume today to kickstart your job search!

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Four Quick Tips for Texting With Recruiters

As an increasing number of adults use their smartphone as their primary means of communication, texting between job seekers and recruiters is becoming commonplace. According to Pew Research Center, nearly 85% of Americans own a smartphone and 15% of them use their smartphone as primary access to the internet.

Read on for four tips to guide your next text conversation with a potential employer and to help you get the most out of your career search.

1. Keep it Professional, But it Doesn’t Need to be Too Formal

Similar to email communication, the way you represent yourself in texting with a recruiter indicates your professionalism and interest in the role.

If you are sending misspelled words, improper sentences and constantly using slang or abbreviations, this could paint a poor image of your work ethic and professionalism.

While you should be conscious of your grammar and delivery, it is not necessary to write a professional email every time you text your recruiter. The recruiter likely understands that this type of communication is more casual, so formality and complex language may not be necessary.

2. Respond in a Timely Manner

Responding quickly and being on top of messages can speed up your interview process dramatically. If you are taking too long to respond to messages and not putting forth your best effort, you may be overlooked and the candidates with a faster response time may be prioritized.

An appropriate response time to your recruiter should be within two hours of when the message gets sent to you.

If you are working a schedule outside the typical nine to five, communicate your availability with your recruiter so they know the times you can connect. Try your best to respond when you are able, without interfering with your current schedule, and they will likely accommodate.

3. Keep it Simple and Sweet

While it is helpful to utilize texting to keep in touch with your company contact, it is best to keep messages shorter and save any long conversations for discussions over the phone. Additionally, texting can be more informal than email and should be to the point. For example, if a recruiter asks what time you will be available for an interview, simply typing your availability is sufficient.

Being direct allows for efficiency in the applying and hiring process and provides less room for confusion and overlooked details.

Recruiters often manage multiple job openings and candidates simultaneously, and lengthy texts may slow down their process.

4. Inform Your Recruiter

Texting is a fast medium of communication, it makes it easy to keep your recruiter up to date on how the hiring process is going. In a matter of minutes, you can notify them of interview updates, let them know if your interests have changed, and get quick questions answered throughout the process.

If you are working with a recruiter and change your mind about the position, it is best to be honest and tell them right away. This can save time for both you and the recruiter.

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Communication can be overwhelming, but by following these tips you could find yourself having seamless conversations and be on the path to landing your dream job.

Search our latest jobs or submit your resume today to kickstart your job search!

The Best Resume Format for Your Job Search

The Best Resume Format for Your Job Search

Understanding the Importance of Resume Format

The Role of a Resume in Job Search

How Resume Format Impacts Perception

Customizing Your Resume Format for Different Roles

Different Types of Resume Formats

Chronological Resume Format

Functional Resume Format

Combination Resume Format

Choosing the Right Resume Format for Your Career Stage

Resume Formats for Fresh Graduates

Resume Formats for Mid-Career Professionals

Resume Formats for Senior Executives

Tailoring Your Resume Format to the Job Description

Identifying Key Requirements in Job Descriptions

Highlighting Relevant Skills and Experiences

Common Mistakes to Avoid in Resume Formatting

Overcrowding Information

Inconsistent Formatting

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Want to be the Perfect Candidate? Follow These 7 Tips From Our Experts

Want to be the Perfect Candidate? Follow These 7 Tips from Our Experts

1. Be Open to New Experiences

2. Add a Skill Section to Your Resume