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How to Separate Yourself in a
Down Hiring Market
By Marcus
Ollig
In our last issue, we examined several things you can do to improve your interview skills and to make every interview count. Remember thekey to a good interview is for both parties to uncover as much pertinent, accurate information as possible. Or as I mentioned last time: “Both of you are trying to determine whether or not the position to which you are applying is a good fit for you and for them. Only by matching your needs as well as theirs can a successful long-term relationship ensue.”
But, the current recession is making it more difficult than ever to be granted an interview. There are fewer positions and a seemingly unlimited number of applicants to each open position. Therefore, in this issue, I want to offer some suggestions to make yourself stand out in a crowd and improve your chances to get that interview.
- Leverage a search firm(s). Beyond simply applying to several firms, interview them and work with a firm that works to get to know you. Get to know your recruiter, stay in touch and make sure you update them on your search regularly. One-third of positions we fill each year at The Advocates are not to posted openings. While even the best firms don’t always have positions that match your qualifications, good search/staffing firms welcome the ongoing communication and that communication will keep you top-of-mind with your recruiter. Also, that person can act as a good career sounding board even for positions you uncover on your own.
- Leverage your own network: This includes your school’s career services department, search firms/staffing professionals you have worked with, industry trade groups, other networking opportunities, and yes, your friends.
- Informational interviews: Set up informational interviews with people in organizations you admire or who hold the type positions you have targeted. Your objective in meeting with people is to learn as much as you can about their role, their organization and to try to develop additional contacts with whom you can follow up.
Read
the Full Article to read an additional 10 tips.
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> Targeted Talking Points |
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Resume Writing Tips (That Get Results!)
By Marcus
Ollig
Order/Sections
Your resumé should have several easy to understand sections in the following order.
- Summary or Objective (depending on the type of position)
- Professional Experience
- Education
- Affiliations or Memberships (as they relate to your profession)
General Tips
- Keep it simple: Too much window dressing can distract the reader, less is more here.
- Use centered headers to identify the sections of your resume (either the ones listed above or your own).
- The “Summary” or “Objective” sections should be one to three sentences and always targeted to the specific position you are applying to.
Experience:
- Use a simple format and list dates to the right. Highlight the name of your employer, city and date on the first line. Under that, list your title(s), also bold left justified.
- Bullet-point your experience under each employer. People can get what they need from bullets but rarely read narratives.
- Organize your bullet:
- Most experience to least experience; or
- First bullet is the most important as it is most read; the last bullet and the second bullet are next most important bullets as they are second most read.
- List specific information, relevant to the position your are applying for in the in that order.
- Use quantifiable successes – numbers count. They help people remember your accomplishments.
- List any awards or recognition you received, etc.
Education:
- Format the same way. Bullet and quantify successes.
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FOR
PARALEGALS–
Sept. 9, 2009
9:00AM–12:00PM
Discovery Case Management –
GPS for Paralegals
Video Replay – CLECI Small Classroom, Denver
Visit the COBAR Website for pricing and more information.
Oct. 1, 2009
5:30PM–7:00PM
CBA Paralegal Committee
CBA Meeting –
CBA Executive Conference Room, Denver
Visit the COBAR Website for pricing and more information.
FOR ATTORNEYS–
Sept. 3, 2009
9:00AM–12:00PM
Client Development Strategies to Weather a Stormy Economy
CLE Live Seminar –
CLECI Large Classroom, Denver
Visit the COBAR Website for pricing and more information. |
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IT SPECIALIST/LEGAL ASSISTANT
Exclusively searching for an IT savvy professional interested in a challenging dual role at a small downtown litigation boutique.
Submit
Your Resume.
DENVER PARALEGAL
The Advocates is looking for talented paralegals for direct hire, temporary-to-hire and contract positions in the Denver metro area.
Submit
Your Resume.
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“I was so impressed with your full interview and felt it was a great way to get to know more about me personally and professionally without using those tired old questions that have become all too familiar." .”
Support Staff Candidate
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The average salary for Denver Paralegals is $52,000 according to simplyhired.com.
Simplyhired.com
Demand for paralegals will skyrocket 22% by 2016 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, much faster than the average for other occupations.
Fremont College
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It On.
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be interested in adding key talent or searching for a new
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