By: Kerri Elinich, CTS | Administrative Recruiter

I know most people are going to think I don’t know what I’m talking about or that I’m down right delusional.  We are bombarded everyday with statistics of how awful the job market is and how many people are on unemployment.  I personally get to witness our resume inbox explode on a daily basis.  So yes, I am realistic, and yes, I do realize that the job market is a challenge.  But, as a recruiter working in Central New York, I have first hand knowledge that our top companies are hiring. They are using this unprecedented time to secure top talent.  I’m sure you’re wondering, “How do I get one of these incredible opportunities”.  Well I’m here to give you a couple of pointers to help with that.

Below are just a few common sense tips to start your job search, or refine your current one.  They are neither new nor top secret.  Anyone looking for a job–whether unemployed or currently working– should already know this information, but surprisingly many don’t actually put these tips in to practice:

• Update your resume to reflect your most recent employment, volunteerism, associations you belong to, or any additional pertinent information a potential employer should know about you.  You never know who was a former Eagle Scout!  We’ve all heard the adage “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know”.
• Research the company and position you are interested in and gear your resume to reflect both. Looking for work is a full time position and if you only put in half the effort, you’ll never have anything to show for it.
• Most resumes are submitted electronically nowadays.  Don’t get cutesy with it.  No borders or graphics (unless you are in a creative field), and certainly no picture!  There is a limit to self promotion.
• Once the resume has been updated please, please make sure there are no typos or grammatical errors.  No matter how wonderful your experience is, if there are mistakes on your resume you won’t even be considered.
• Be sure to use a professional email address.  Too often, a qualified candidate is passed up simply because they had an inappropriate email address. We realize you think you’re a sexylittlekitten but everyone else may not.  If you insist on keeping it, have two accounts: one professional & one personal.
• Along the same lines as the email- Don’t have a ringback on your cell phone.  If that’s the number that will be used primarily for employers to contact you then I implore you to get rid of it.  We really don’t need to hear the latest Lil’ Wayne song.
• Social Media has consumed all of our lives.  It’s hard to find someone that doesn’t use Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, or YouTube and that’s okay.  Just be careful what you post.  Remember- the internet never forgets!

As someone that has been in the Human Resource industry for over 8 years, I have come to learn a thing or two about job searching.  These tips are just a few of the many ways that you can make sure you stand out from your competition  (in a good way of course!). The most important thing to remember is to always represent yourself in a professional manner whether it’s on paper, over the phone, or in person.  Stay tuned for more information including interviewing tips.

PS – If you are the top talent that our clients are looking for then call CPS.  Hey, everyone is entitled to a little self promotion once in a while!

Connect with Kerri Elinich on LinkedIn.