Having a tough job search? Use this list to troubleshoot
Below, I've made a list of 20 things I look for when a job seeker is having a tough job search.
If you want to stand out to your future employers, save this list.
20 things I look for:
A well-organized resume with a clear structure, pattern, and flow.
A resume with an intentional design - something that draws my eye across the page.
An attractive resume - a document that looks inviting, something I'd actually want to read.
A resume that gives me a clear picture of who you are, from just the top 1/3 of the page.
A resume that makes me want to keep reading after scanning the top 1/3 of the page.
A value proposition that's desirable: a strong and valid reason why a team would want you as a member.
A value proposition that both a technical and non-technical person can understand with little effort.
Keywords that make sense for the job you're after.
Keywords that don't overpower the page, i.e. keyword stuffing.
A work experience section with accomplishments, achievements, value-adds, and metrics.
Work experience that makes me envious - I want to think, "How can I get this person to do these exact same things for my own company?"
An education or education-equivalent section that makes sense for the job you're after.
Additional qualifications that add to your resume - nothing that's distracting.
Any areas across your resume where I'm scratching my head and asking, "Why is this here?"
A resume that tells your story so well that a cover letter shouldn’t be necessary.
Cover letters that serve as deep-dives - they give detail/clarification if a reader wanted to learn more.
Cover letters that harmonize with the resume - again, nothing that's distracting.
An online presence and/or LinkedIn profile that harmonizes with the resume - consistency is key if we want to build trust.
A job search strategy that makes sense: if you've applied to 300 jobs, and nobody has called you, then your strategy needs to evolve.
Proof that you've invested in your career path: networks, connections, affiliations, certifications. How are you tied to the profession/industry that you'd like to join? Where is evidence that you've invested in the profession/industry?
Bonus 21. Any evidence of AI being used.
As a strict rule, I never use AI-generated content on my resumes, cover letters, or LinkedIn profiles. Hiring decision-makers don’t like to read AI. They continually express on LinkedIn that they don’t like job seekers using AI in any area of their job application.
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