How To Create a Competitive Advantage in Today’s Job Market

TM

Highly competitive job market

Technology is a key component in the

recruiting and screening efforts

Applicant tracking and applicant management

systems for online postings are common

▪ Key words can move you to the top of the

initial search

▪ Tailor your resume according to the outline

qualifications and necessary skill set

Cover letter

First impression

Brief summary of intent

Letter must be perfect in context and grammar

Great opportunity to explain gaps in employment

Formatting

Fancy fonts not necessary

Times New Roman 12 point font presents well

and translates well uploaded into software

Format

Easy to follow is vital

Inclusive of education, work history, accomplishments

Accomplishments that distinguish you for the position that you are applying for

Be mindful of catch phrases used in job posting

CV

More inclusive of accomplishments over time

▪ Presentations

▪ Publications

▪ Awards

Is Social Media is often checked by:

Recruiters = Screening

Employers = Background check

▪ Must be taken very seriously

▪ Use discretion when posting on:

▪You Tube

▪LinkedIn

Telephone Screening is common first step Recruiters will listen for:

▪ Preparedness/knowledge about the position/role

▪ A sense of enthusiasm

▪ A sense of engagement

▪ Personality/friendliness/appropriate humor

▪ Ability to articulate skills and knowledge

Dos and Don’ts Treat that phone interview with the same importance

as an in-person interview

If you are not ready, prepared, calm, in a quiet place and alone; ask if you can call back in 10 minutes and allow yourself to get settled

First Impression Business/Sunday-best attire

What they see MUST match the cover letter/resume

Be able to speak about yourself in a manner that promotes contributions/accomplishments and TEAM

Resources http://www.aorn.org/Career_Center/Be_a_Career_

Activist,_Not_a_Job_Seeker.aspx#axzz2HnB5dhLZ

http://www.aorn.org/Career_Center/The_2_Questions_You_Should_Always_Ask_in_an_Interview.aspx#axzz2HnB5dhLZ

http://www.best-job-interview.com/

Recruiter will commonly:

Send/email a confirmation letter for the interview with specific instructions

▪ Date/time

▪ What to bring

▪ Where to go/where to park

You will be evaluated with your ability to follow those instructions

▪ Responsibility

▪ Accountability

Purpose of method: Exploration of past experiences/activities that reflect

how your will respond to a given situation in the future

Past predicting future approach Goal: Understand how you may perform in the position under

given circumstances

Understand your temperament and critical thinking skills

Preparation: Be thoughtful, do not jump to an answer

Be honest

Practice on Online resources

Never leave without a contact business card for follow-up purposes

Emailed thank you note

Brief thank you and statement that you believe that you would be a good match & why

If you have not heard anything within 7 days absolutely call recruiter back

If you are not selected

Ask what could I have done differently and be professional and open to answer

Must understand that the process has a beginning, middle and an end

Must be gracious, professional Do not burn bridges Positive attitude If you are not selected realize that it does not imply that

you were a bad candidate, but that there was just a better candidate one on that given day

If you leave with a great impression, you may be invited back for a different opportunity

Networking is Vital Have a resume and card with you during any

networking opportunities