Speak Their Language:

Employers have a language of their own.  That language consists of keywords, buzzwords, acronyms, and titles.  You need to speak their language to demonstrate that you know what they want and that you are the right candidate for the job.  You learn the employer’s language by doing your research:  carefully review job postings and the company website; interview current or former employees about company culture; and read their press releases and financial reports.

Be Specific:

A targeted objective uses the exact job title of the position that a company wants to fill.  You can simply list an objective statement of: “Seeking Customer Care Consultant position”.  Or you can develop a bio statement that further demonstrates your qualifications for the job.  For example:  Customer Care Consultant with 3 years of demonstrated experience in building rapport, solving problems, and increasing sales”.  From that point forward, every line of your resume should support that Objective, directly or indirectly.

It’s Your Target!

The WORST objective is vague and directionless.  For example: “Seeking a challenging position that uses my education and experience and offers opportunities for advancement”.

Specific job titles help companies route your resume to the right recruiter.  If they cannot figure that out easily, your resume won’t be reviewed by anyone.

Do not apply generically for currently open positions like everybody else is doing.  Network and do your homework on the position and the company first.  Then send a highly targeted resume and cover letter based upon what you learn.

Sending out 10-20 highly targeted resumes and cover letters each week is far more effective than blasting out 100 generic resumes.  Demonstrate quality over quantity.

Lisa has 14 years of résumé coaching experience.
She currently directs day-to-day operations and programming of a career center at a two-year technical college. From 2006-2008, she served as State Chair of a national organization to support women leaders in higher education. She remains on the Board. Previously, she served as HR Director of a legal services firm and specialized in worker’s compensation issues. From 1996-1998, she worked as a graduate assistant in the career services office of a large four-year college.

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