Update Your Job Search for 2012
I’ve heard from several people lately who were lucky enough to have been in the same job for 10, 15, even 20 years, but are now searching for a new job. During those years, the job market – like everything else – has changed.
Below are some of the most common outdated ideas that I’ve seen our jobseekers still using. Run through the suggestions below to update your job search for 2012!
Outdated: Your resume can only be one page.
Updated idea: At some point in the past, resumes were supposed to be limited to one page. But times have changed, and two-page resumes are common now if that’s what it takes to highlight all your experience, education, and skills that are relevant to the open job. (People with only a few years of experience should still stick to one page.) For more resume help, check out our other blog entries or attend a Workforce1 workshop.
Outdated idea: Every job has to go on your resume to present a complete account of your professional history.
Updated idea: Your resume is a marketing document, designed to present your candidacy in the strongest possible light. It doesn’t need to be an exhaustive accounting of every job you’ve held.
Outdated idea: Include “references available upon request” on the bottom of your resume.
Updated idea: This is a convention from another time. These days, it’s assumed that you’ll provide references when asked and you don’t need to explicitly say it. Including that line takes up space unnecessarily and feels dated.
Angie Kamath
Outdated idea: Invest in good resume paper and mail your resume to employers.
Updated idea: Don’t invest in any resume paper. You should be submitting your resume electronically. Unless the employer asked for postal mail resumes, it is a nuisance. A paper resume is nearly impossible to enter into electronic application-tracking systems.
Outdated idea: Your resume and cover letter should be written in very formal language.
Updated idea: Being mindful of the organizational culture to which you are applying, the best cover letter reflects you and your personality. Conversational, slightly informal language (again, keeping with the organizational culture) is completely fine and generally more compelling than overly stiff, formal language.
Outdated idea: A few days after you submit your resume, call to inquire on the status of the application.
Updated idea: These days, with hundreds of applicants for every opening, if every applicant called to follow up, employers would spend all day fielding these calls. As frustrating as that might be, you need to focus on putting out a great resume and cover letter – and spend some time networking to see if you can get a referral for the job.
Angie Kamath, who overseesWorkforce1 as the Deputy Commissioner of Workforce Development at the NYC Department of Small Business Services, shares her perspective on Workforce1 and the New York City job market every Wednesday in her weekly Jobs in New York City column.
Have a response to Angie’s column? Drop her a note in the comment section below! And, if you found this helpful, please share it with friends and family on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and email!
Ms Angie Kamath I have a question for you regarding the workforce 1 in Long Island City. Its going on to almost 3 months now since I went to the Long Island City Branch as I was required by the labor dept. I attended a work shop and met with 2 counselors that reviewed my resume ( Certified Clinical Medical Assistant) and had told me that there would be no problem getting me a few interviews since I had over 2 years clinical experience and they had a few leads and openings. After the first two weeks back and forth emailing my documents over and over there contact seized. I spoke to one counselor and she informed me that she had gave my info to another counselor and he would handle my case. after a week went by again I called talked to the counselor and was informed he was in a accident and just got back but will be in contact with me in a few day. A few days went by I finally spoke to him and he told me that he had a few leads for me and that he would be in contact with me by email. Again I sent my required documents and also advised him that I also was interested on the new EMT course offered at the location and was told no problem that the next one I would be enrolled. As of today 01/17/2012 I still haven’t gotten any word from the counselor and when I called again I got his voice mail and no reply. I called again a few hours later spoke to the lady that answers the phones and told her how about my enrollment for the EMT and can I speak to someone about up grading my education and taking the course as I was promised. Again I was very disappointed and was told I miss the registration date and there was nothing she could do. I was mad at her but at the people that run the place. Don’t they realize when people are unemployed and are told promises we expect them to at least be informed about whats going on or up coming adult education offered at there location? Last week I also renewed my CPR/AED certification and I don’t see what the problem is and why they cant even call back there members or even at least a email. I am getting unemployment benefits right now but I wasted so much time and money going to workforce job fairs that promise everyone a job opening available to later when you do the follow up with the recruiter they tell you there was only 3 openings available and it was giving to the first come or i am over qualified. I would file a complaint but it seems there’s no way how to complain against work force1. I have done what ever they have asked me and I feel it was all for nothing. I called other work force1 locations and not only are they rude and nasty but some locations simple have you on hold for hours or simple hang up on you.. I don’t get it, our tax dollars employee people at work force 1 that don’t appreciate there jobs and the people that need help at a crucial time in there life. Why cant I get my a response from work force 1 in Long Island City or a simple call back to inform me on whats going on? ((((((((((((((((((((((((HELP)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
Thank you for your time to read my post
GL
Hi Gus, Thanks for leaving this message. An Account Manager is going to contact you.
Is it possible to email me info on who I can contact with there name and number please. I got a call last Friday and they left a message when I called back a few minutes later I left my name and number and haven’t heard from them. I totally understand they have a lot of cases to deal with I just want to make sure they have my resume and any other required documents they might need to move me towards any up coming job interviews that might be open.. Thanks for your time
This information especially on updated ideas for your resume was extremely helpful to me. I made at least two of the changes specified and took into account everything else. I agree that networking is very important these days and one of the best ways to land a job during these trying economic times. Thank you.
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Great info, I’m glad you have addressed the one page or two resume it’s been a big debate amongst my friends and I. I have been telling them that it’s ok now to have a two-page resume.
Ha, ha! Glad you’ll have some evidence to use in your debate with your friends! (And, please let your friends know, they can subscribe to the blog to get job search insight and advice straight to their inbox. Just enter an email address in the box on the right hand side of the page.)