LaSalle Network

Prior to the Great Recession where candidates displayed a multitude of skills and expertise to potential employers, today’s job seeker needs to deliver only what the employer asks for in order to get noticed. Here are Tom Gimbel, CEO’s top job-hunting tips:

Create tailored cover letters and resumes, each highlighting a specific skill set and background, and to spend considerable time and energy getting the information into the right hands. It’s more effective to exhibit passion and expertise about one or two skills related to the position than a multitude of unrelated talents.

One of the largest mistakes job seekers make is not dedicating enough time to their cover letter or introductory email. Ninety percent of job seekers have generic cover letters that reiterate bullet points on their resume. A cover letter or intro email is the first document an employer reads: make it stand out. The key to a cover letter is to prove to the employer that you are knowledgeable about their company and industry and would add value from day one. Use the company website and research current events that pertain to the industry and incorporate this information. Doing this will allow you to stand out as a well-informed and valuable candidate.

Tweak your resume depending on the job; be certain to align your skills and experience on your resume with the job description provided. Remember your goal is to compose a resume that is congruent with what the company desires in an ideal candidate without fabricating your professional experience. Regardless of the vernacular used at your previous employer, always use verbiage future employers will recognize. For example, sales versus business development, telemarketing versus telesales, customer service versus account management. Companies will tell you what they are looking for in their job description, so use their words.

Focus your attention on five companies you are interested in and go from there. Locate current and past employees on LinkedIn or the company’s website and schedule a meeting with them. One of the largest mistakes job seekers make is acting too desperate for a job. Instead of asking employees about job openings, take this meeting as an opportunity to pick their brain and find out about their company’s culture, growth strategy, and business practices. These meeting are twofold. One, you become knowledgeable and educated about the company. Two, you will gain internal advocates who can provide additional exposure and support outside of the traditional hiring process.”