Recently, we had someone post a question on our LinkedIn Group, Network of Educators, asking "What is the best way to get that interview? I have just started sending out my resume and cover letter but worry that it will look like all of the others." Here is our response. Everyone knows the competition for jobs in today's market is fierce. So, I won't bore you with the "job market" stats., outlook, predictions etc. Here are some things you can do, and should do, in order to have your resume rise to the top and get the interview. 1. Proofread your resume and cover letter (again and again) to make sure it is flawless. This may seem like an obvious thing to do however, out of the hundreds of resumes I review each week, more than 60% have spelling, punctuation, grammatical etc. errors! It's easy to miss errors in your own work. You might want to consider using a resume writing service. They typically range from $50-$90. 2. Edit your resume and cover letter each time you apply to a job. Sending the exact same cover letter to everyone often leads to mistakes and it is apparent to the reader it is a "canned" letter. 3. Pick out the "key" or "buzz" words mentioned in the job description and be sure to include your experience/knowledge using the same terminology. Recruiters scan through resumes seeking out these "key" words. If they see you have the skills, they spend more time reading your resume. When they like what they read, your phone rings. 4. Use your contacts in your network. If you know someone who works at the company where you have applied, depending on how well you know them, contact them and let them know. 5. Be sure your resume/cover letter reflects how you can help the company and what you can "bring to the table". 6. This next suggestion is something I wanted to mention because the first time I saw it on someone's resume I was at first "turned off" by it. However, I've taken this idea and used it on my own resume with tremendous success! Here it is... After the "Summary" section at the top of my resume, I've included an actual quote/e-mail from one of the managers I supported. “I wanted to pass along to you what a great job Tim Weidner has done for me. Tim is a great communicator and has screened several candidates so that I did not have to get involved. He is also personable, quick to return calls or emails, and generally just a pleasure to work with.” - IT Process & Quality Mgr. (Dec. 1, 2008) I then mention my Experience, Education etc. I've had other recruiters tell me how it caught their "eye" and how much they liked my resume format. I'd be interested in hearing from others on this idea. If you need a Free resume template, please visit us at http://www.networkofeducators.com and click on the "Resources" tab. Thank you again for your question. We hope these suggestions bring you success. We would like to keep in contact with you and hear about your progress. Sincerely, Tim Weidner Network of Educators

Posted: 2010-02-07

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What do you get when you combine the talent and (15) years of experience of a Ph.D. in Education and professional development with a senior corporate recruiter with (15) years of talent and experience in recruiting, job boards, job fairs, and social networking? Network of Educators! We are a truly unique “job board” which offers a complete job board, professional development for educators, full life cycle recruitment services, job fair postings, tutoring postings, and has added the “Social Networking” component to give job seekers, employers, and tutors maximum exposure on the internet and opportunities for success. No other “job board” offers the truly unique products and services of Network of Educators. We welcome questions in regards to interviewing, job searches, resumes, reading curriculums, reading strategies, and questions on professional development in reading. Send us your questions at: Interviewing questions etc: recruiter@networkofeducators.com Professional development questions etc.: pd@networkofeducators.com

Posted: 2009-06-22

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