Another small, but important, detail is the length of your resume. Two or three pages is the maximum that you should be sending out. Your comprehensive resume will be longer, but you know yourself that you don't have time to read a book when reviewing resumes so don't send out a book. Lastly, when emailing your resume ensure that you put the title of the job posting and the posting number (if there is one) in the subject line so that the recruiter can easily see what you are applying to and they can prioritize their calls. More times than I can count, I have received an email that only has the posting number or absolutely nothing in the subject line and I don't read those first because I'm going to focus on the jobs that are my priority vs general applications. Moreover, recruiters are recruiting for more than one job at a time and they don't have the posting numbers memorized so help them help you get the job! Cover Letters
Should you always include a cover letter with your application? Not always. If you are applying to a recruitment agency job posting it isn't necessary to include a cover letter, as long as you have a good resume as described above. If you are applying to a company-specific job posting, it is our recommendation that you take the time to include a cover letter. Making the extra effort shows that you are really interested in the job and aren't just a passive job seeker. The cover letter should include examples of your experience that will provide concrete proof that you have done the job responsibilities that the role will encompass. It is not enough to say that you have the skills – you need to be able to demonstrate that you have done that type of work. The cover letter is also a good opportunity to highlight a few of your accomplishments that will demonstrate you can quickly make a contribution to the organization. For example, if the role requires experience negotiating collective agreements identify how many collective agreements you have been involved with, your role in the negotiations, and the outcome. Lastly, try to get the name of the recruiter or the hiring manager so that you can properly address the letter. This isn't always possible, but it does show that you are willing to make the effort to get the job. Internet Job Boards
Posting your resume on internet job boards is another way to increase your opportunities. Many companies and recruitment agencies have the ability to search posted resumes and contact people who they believe are good matches for their roles. When applying to jobs posted on these sites, apply directly to the company instead of through the job board. Sometimes it isn't an option, but where it is make the effort to prepare a cover letter and send your resume directly to the company. Again, this shows interest and effort. Plus recruiters will naturally read and respond to their emails first and then go to the job board site to see who else may have applied, when/if the get the opportunity. When applying to a job posted by an agency, time is of the essence. Recruitment agencies are under pressure to recommend the right person to the client first because they only get the fee if the client hires their person. There are many less ethical agencies who will forward resumes on to clients without meeting candidates in person and/or not completing the due diligence recruitment process. This means that time constraints are even greater for ethical and reputable agencies. Register with Several Recruitment Agencies
This brings up another point for you to consider. We do recommend that you register with more than one recruitment agency. Agencies are one more way to increase your network of people who are able to help you make the right connections and get the job for you. Very often recruitment agencies are recruiting for roles that are confidential searches and "hidden" from job seekers because their client doesn't want their competitors to know what roles they are recruiting for, or perhaps they are undergoing restructuring. Agency recruiters also have a connection with their clients and are able to get your resume in front of the person making the hiring decision. The reason an organization has asked a recruitment agency to help them with the search is because they don't have the time and/or the expertise to go through the mountains of resumes from applicants. The agency recruiter is also able to provide information about your fit with their organization and can talk knowledgeably about you and your skills – essentially advocating on your behalf as to why they should hire you. Working with recruitment agencies also allows you to focus your job search. Looking for a job is truly a full-time job so you need to be able to focus your time on worthwhile jobs and agencies can help you do that. Again, the agency recruiter will know their client and whether you will be a fit with them so you don't have to waste your time applying to jobs that aren't going to be a fit for you from a culture perspective and compensation perspective. Agency recruiters will know the salary range and you can have that conversation with them without concern that you'll lose out on a job because you gave the wrong salary range. Agency recruiters can also help you tailor your resume to highlight the critical skills that their client is looking for because we all know that job postings list everything but rarely highlight the critical vs the nice to have. Agency recruiters will have that insight scoop. Similarly, agency recruiters can help you prepare for an interview with the client because they know the client and what they are looking for, thereby increasing your success in landing the job. To ensure that you are working with ethical and reputable agencies you need to do your research. Ask them what their policy is on interviewing candidates in person, whether they will forward your resume to clients without your permission, who they will call for your references and when, and what they are going to do with your information after you have registered with them. You can also ask them what their client industries are so that, again, you can focus your job search on value-add job postings. Lastly, you need to ascertain whether the agency is really interested in you as a candidate or are they interested in increasing their database of candidates. Make sure you are working with an agency that is concerned about you and your interests and not just about increasing their profits. Networking
Whether you are job searching or not, you need to establish and maintain your network of people who can help you make those connections when you are at the point of looking for your next role. To build your network you can join professional associations, support charities and organizations, be active in clubs or hobbies that you enjoy, and build relationships with people in other departments in your organization. By building this network of people you can then look to these people for support when you are ready to make a move. Remember though, your network isn't there to find you a job, they are there to support you through the process and help you make connections that will result in a job offer. For this reason, you need to maintain your network so that you aren't only calling people when you need them. Stay in touch with people, get involved, volunteer, and reciprocate by supporting the people in your network. Keeping Current and Marketable
It is a very competitive labour market and to be able to compete you need to ensure that you are always developing professionally. Keep current on what's happening with the labour market and with the local, national, and international economic environment so that you can converse knowledgeably in an interview about current trends and challenges, and strategies to meet those challenges. Obtain and maintain your professional designation. Many organizations only want to hire HR professionals with their CHRP (or are working towards their CHRP) so at minimum become a member of the HRPA. You also need to identify your personal skill gaps and work on them. If you need to upgrade your computer skills, do so. If you aren't comfortable speaking in front of people, join Toastmasters or a club that will get you out of your comfort zone and increase your comfort level. Another area that many people neglect is establishing a career goal. Many people just "luck into" their roles and follow whatever path is placed in front them. Setting specific, focused, and achievable goals for the short and long term will ensure that you are in charge of your career and are ready when the right opportunities arise. Evaluate the aspects of your job that you really enjoy and work towards roles that encompass those aspects. Reflect on your successes. Taking the time to write down your goals and your successes will prepare you for finding the right job for you. Interviews
Conducting an interview is not the same as being interviewed. Many HR Professionals make the mistake of thinking that they can 'wing it' in an interview since they know the typical questions that will be asked because they ask them of candidates. Even though you know the common questions you need to prepare your answers. Interviews are nerve wracking because you know you are competing for a job, and with the low unemployment rate the competition is fierce. Review your resume and ensure you can talk about what you accomplished in your roles so that you can demonstrate that you can contribute and add value. Use the STAR method to ensure you give concise and complete answers in the interview. Start by describing the Situation (S), then talk about what the Tasks (T) that were required, what Action (A) did you take, and lastly what were the Results (R). Most people forget to sum up their example with what the outcome of all their good work was and this is a great opportunity to demonstrate how you contribute. Remember to dress professionally. We are always amazed at the number of people who come to an interview in their jeans or with flip flop sandals on. Even in this era of business casual work attire, you still need to dress professionally for an interview. Being over-dressed is far better than being under-dressed because first impressions are always lasting and you want to show that you are interested enough to make an effort. Be courteous to everyone you encounter on the way to the interview, in the interview, and after the interview. Again, it is amazing the number of people who are short and abrupt with the receptionist and then put on the charm for the interviewer. Everyone you encounter is potentially someone who assesses whether you will be a good fit for the organization. Research the company before you go so that you can answer the question, "what can you tell me about our company". There are no excuses for not taking the time to do this when the internet is available at our fingertips. If you don't have a computer at home, go to the public library and access the internet there. You can also call upon your network of support people and ask them what they might know about the company. Finding the right job is like painting a room in your house. Once you have the prep work done, the rest is easy. To prepare for your job search, first develop a comprehensive resume that will help you create job specific resumes and will also give you great examples to draw on when you prepare for interviews. Take the time to send a cover letter when applying to company specific jobs. Build and maintain your network. Lastly, prepare for interviews.

Good luck with your job search now and in the future!

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For more information please feel free to contact:
Doreen Ridley, CHRP, Recruitment Specialist
Access Career Solutions Inc.
(905) 866-6616

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