The Job Search Sweet 16: Are you in the game?

March Madness. Time for basketball craziness! As we prepare for the Sweet 16 games to be played this weekend, it gives us a chance to talk about another Sweet 16: the Job Search Sweet 16. Check the list below to see how you measure up.

Team Resume
1. Have you highlighted your experience? Relevant Experience is the top seller to employers.
2. As you describe your experiences, do they read like a job description, or do they showcase accomplishments and results? The latter is what an employer wants to read.
3. If you have held leadership roles, make sure you mention them, as leadership is another key item hiring managers like to find in resumes.
4. Does your resume have focus? Have you let an employer know from the start what it is you are after? Whether you use an objective, a summary, or a value statement, let an employer know the kind of position you are after following your contact information. More resume help is here.

Team Cover Letter
1. Tailor your email cover letter to a specific employer. Use words in the job listing in your cover letter.
2. Cite specific examples that fit what the employer is seeking.
3. Focus on what makes you unique. Visit here for some samples.
4. In your last paragraph, say what you will do to follow up rather than saying you look forward to hearing from the employer. And, thank the employer for considering your application.

Team List of References
1. Do you have a list of references ready? Many employers request these during interviews.
2. Ask 3 - 5 faculty members, former or current supervisors, advisors or coaches to serve as references. Always get permission, and provide your references with a copy of your resume and cover letter.
3. Check out this example for formatting instructions.
4. Don't know whom you would ask to be a reference? Make it your goal before you graduate to get to know at least one faculty member whom you could use as a reference.

Team Interview
1. Take a self inventory as you prepare for interviews. Tie what you want to share about yourself to the job listing. Interviews are a great place to use your Elevator Pitch.
2. Do research on the employer. Sites that can help with your research: Glassdoor.com, LinkedIn.com, Google.com What are things you should know about? the job, the products/services, financial and sales information, locations, career path, training and more.
3. Prepare for interview questions. Think through your responses. View sample questions here. See this link for more on shining in interviews.
4. Create a list of questions you want to ask in the interview. Asking questions shows you are genuinely interested in the opportunity. My favorite question? Please describe the ideal candidate for this position. After the employer's description, I jump in and talk about the things I have that fit their ideal. I've done that more than once and I've gotten the job!

These are just a sampling of tips for you to be on your A Game for your job search. To talk about your job search game plan, make an appointment with a career advisor today by calling 540-231-6241. We can help you be a champion in your job search.