I have all these questions, can you help me?
Why is it important to not use the exact same words on your resume, especially for different jobs you're applying to? and what would be the best way to keep searching for jobs after not getting hired for the first few times? What are some things to remember when being approached by an issue your boss has with your efforts? When putting in effort to satisfy your boss and the company, is it also important to make sure it's fulfilling you as well? How would you know if you've found a job that approaches not only the company's qualifications but also your own? (ex. time management, distance, pay, etc)
5 answers
Christopher’s Answer
1. Don't Use the Exact Same Words on Your Resume: It's critical not to use the exact same words on your resume, especially if you're applying to multiple positions because customization displays your real interest in the unique role and firm. By tailoring your CV, you may highlight the talents and experiences that are most relevant to the position you're seeking for, making it more appealing to hiring managers. You boost your chances of being selected for the role by emphasizing how your qualifications correspond with the needs of the position. When you employ a one-size-fits-all résumé, your application may appear generic and less interesting.
2. Persisting in Your Job Search After Initial Rejections: It can be upsetting to not be hired the first few times, but it is critical to persevere. Keep the following strategies in mind: Refine your resume and cover letter, broaden your job search, network, practice interview skills, and maintain a positive attitude.
I hope this was helpful. Cheers.
quinta’s Answer
Hi Gabby!
These are all good questions that are not straightforward so definitely understand your desire to seek some answers and guidance around these. Not to mention, it can be incredibly difficult and challenging to navigate the job search so you are not alone in this! Hopefully these answers help a bit and add some additional insights.
1. Why is it important to not use the exact same words on your resume, especially for different jobs you're applying to?
When it comes to open roles that are looking to hire, even if you're looking at someone what similar job profiles/titles, each one will always be looking for slightly different varying responsibilities and expectations especially as you consider different companies/industries. The purpose of your resume is to not only showcase your experience and background but most importantly highlight why you are a fit for THAT specific job and not just any job. So like others have mentioned, the more you can cater to that role/company and its specific responsibilities and expectations, the higher the chance you'll separate yourself from the others and stand out. My recommendation is to really leverage the job description and build from there. This isnt to say that you should have tons of individual variations! Depending on the roles you are interested in, bucket them into groups based on their similarities (either in role details/responsibilities, industry, and/or departments) and then save a few templates that match these buckets so that when you apply for something you only have to make minor adjustments to that template.
2. what would be the best way to keep searching for jobs after not getting hired for the first few times?
Within your ability, try and give yourself grace and self care. The job search is relentless and can be extremely difficult especially after receiving rejections. Sometimes it takes a small break or step away to refresh yourself, look at your resume different, try a new avenue or approach. The more tired, defeated, or at loss might interfere and show up in the way you present yourself as a candidate. Any time you are not hired, always politely follow up to ask for feedback if not provided so you can improve or adjust your job search. Depending on the process, if you had a recruiter work with you, try connecting back with them after some time to see if there are relevant roles available that would be applicable to your background.
3. What are some things to remember when being approached by an issue your boss has with your efforts?
The toughest thing about this is sometimes you will have managers who bring up these issues with a great approach and method and other times you may not. Sometimes they will be valid and other times they may not be or you may not feel this way. And while learning, growing, improving from our mistakes is so important, its never easy to hear what we're doing wrong or how we could be better.
So when it comes to your manage approaching you with an issue around your efforts, your mindset is everything. Having a growth mindset will only help you become better as an individual and a professional so remembering before, throughout, and after that no matter what, feedback will always be valuable to your growth and development so you shouldnt take it as judgement or criticism. Showcase thoughtful care and concern so dont avoid, justify, blame, or assume you know the answer - clear is kind, so choose courage over comfort. Which means stay curious with an open mind to seek to understand. So listen, ask short and clarifying questions to seek to understand the actions needed or skill adjustments required on your part to meet their expectations. Show your commitment to wanting to improve or show them your care and investment. Even if its not valid or you disagree, again thank them and show care and receptiveness as anything else might worsen their perception.
4. When putting in effort to satisfy your boss and the company, is it also important to make sure it's fulfilling you as well?
I'd say absolutely - its easier said than done as at the end of the day, we all need jobs to live and continue on BUT what you value deserves to be seen and reflected otherwise it takes a toll. Listen to your mental health and wellbeing and know your worth doing something that can be both fulfilling and in alignment with company goals.
5. How would you know if you've found a job that approaches not only the company's qualifications but also your own? (ex. time management, distance, pay, etc)
I always recommend outlining what your career motivators are before the job search - is it work life balance, flexible hours, close to home, incentives & rewards, mission driven companies etc. and always keeping these in the back of your mind when searching for a job. Use these as guidelines for crafting questions in interviews or at the offer stage or when researching the company or considering the role. Once you find a role if you checked off the boxes for most those things or at least the top few, you know you're looking in the right direction or found the one.
Nadia’s Answer
First, don't give up. Nowadays, finding a job is very challenging, and it takes a lot more time than expected. Try getting feedback on your resume and self-presentation skills. Ideally, from a professional; however, a second opinion or practicing answering questions with a friend also helps.
Additionally, try alternative ways of finding jobs: LinkedIn, job boards, job fairs, referrals, networking, etc.
What are some things to remember when being approached by an issue your boss has with your efforts?
Understanding what they mean and what kind of behavior or results were not appreciated is critical. Sometimes, we may misinterpret messages using our communication filters, or we take any negative feedback personally - it's not surprising, especially if this is someone's first job and they want to present themselves from the best possible side :) An honest conversation based on facts (not emotions) and asking about what can be improved could be helpful.
When putting in effort to satisfy your boss and the company, is it also essential to ensure it's fulfilling you as well?
One of the main reasons for burnout is the discrepancy between someone's and the company's values. When someone is constantly forced or feels obligated to do something against themselves, it can result in demotivation, stress, anxiety, etc. That's why it's important to identify personal non-negotiable ones and validate during an interview process if the employer has similar ones. Of course, it's not always about asking a direct question; for example, you can ask what kind of behaviors are expected from the employees, what things the company is the most proud of, how they support the local community, etc.
How would you know if you've found a job that approaches the company's qualifications and your own? (ex. Time management, distance, pay, etc)
As mentioned above - create your list of values and verify it against the company's values during an interview.
Good luck!
Yvonne’s Answer
great questions - very much what we all face as adults!
Regarding your job search - our advice is to be patient and not get too discouraged because there will always be some applications that you may not make the cut - just keep trying; sometimes jobs may not be a perfect match for what both you and the company are looking for.
Once you are in and hired and the company has various potential career paths, you could start exploring over time if there are other opportunities you'd like to consider if the first position turns out to be not the right match.
hope some of these pointers help!
Yvonne and team!
Kim’s Answer
Suppose you are a restaurant manager, faced with the following scenario. It is Thursday. You are preparing for the weekend rush. Your weekend chef just got in a bad car wreck, and you don't think the rest of the staff will be able to step up to fill the gap. You need an experienced chef. Right now.
Alternatively, suppose your restaurant is doing very well. You think you can afford to hire a second chef.
Do you see how the type of person you hire will be different in each scenario? In the first one, you have little time to train anyone, whereas in the second one, you do! Companies have different needs at different times. All of this is to say, if there is a particular company you are interested in, give them 3 chances to hire you. If after 3 interviews, you do not get hired, move on.
You have to tailor your resume for the job you are applying for, because they(often, a computer!) are looking for specific words. Each job is different. Please do NOT go overboard with this. If it is a job you really want, then, yes, of course. But, otherwise, I'd still be using my "master" resume for everything else.
If you are not doing so, consider using a cover letter. At least, sometimes. It helps to present yourself in a more personable manner.
Don't look at all the non-responses as "rejections." Just move on. And keep open to the possibility of opportunities from the least likely places! I once had an unemployed person offer me a job! Yes, for real. And, it was a good one!