Applying for a job in this tough economy is not easy particularly if you are (like me) in the over forty crowd. It's time to make "forty the new thirty"..well at least that's my opinion anyway.
Consider YOU as the product you are marketing... Focus on your work experience. A potential employer wants someone with the right skills to match the position they offer. That means you will need a resume specific to each job you apply for, in a sense your resume is "targeted" to the unique position. While you want to list your accomplishments, it is important to focus on your work experience.
Saving Money...If you've worked for a company and saved them money, worked as a supervisor or in a supervisory position, remember to specifically state these achievements. Undoubtedly, a potential employer will look favorably upon the fact that you implemented changes resulting in savings of operating expenses in the course of a year. If you know the dollar amount, state it in writing!!!!
Looking for search terms or "key words" in your resume.... As stated above, targeting a resume for each position you apply for will allow you to place "key words" in a targeted manner. In that way, companies using programs that scan databases for your resume will check for these words...if you're not sure of what key words to use, ask your friends, previous co-workers or use the computer to search for key words.
Don't overlook the obvious.. This goes back to what my 11th grade English teacher always said, proofread your work!!!!!! There is no reason your resume should have any typos...Make sure that your contact information is up to date and don't forget to include your website if you happen to have one and it is appropriate to the position you apply for. It goes without saying; however, if your website is not suitable (including accounts such as Twitter) by all means, leave it OUT!!!
Here's my Favorite topic....the over Forty crowd... I think 40 is the new 30 myself, but that's just me. This is a great opportunity to re-invent yourself, take a look at the clothes in your closet, update your resume, focus on what you've done recently (i.e., the more recent your achievements and successes have been the better). If you've been a stay-at-home mom who volunteers at school, running the concession stand, capitalize on that experience...
Get educated and show you're technology savvy.....if you've kept a website or personal blog, use it to your advantage to show you've kept up to date on technology trends. Read, read, read...I can't focus on this enough. Being well-read shows your in touch with what's going on in the world and makes a great impression. Update any expired certifications or sign up for a class at your local community college to bring yourself up to speed with some of the popular software being used today.
Updating your closet doesn't mean you need to spend tons of money on clothes, just make sure you look the part you're applying for... I'd love to cite suggestions on where to shop, but that's a whole new blog!!
You can't buy enthusiasm ...you either have it or you don't.
Good Luck!!
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