Five Don'ts for Candidates in
Today's Job Market
By Johnna Major, President, Cornerstone HR
In today's tough job market, you need to differentiate yourself from the competition in order to get that plum job. With more applicants vying for fewer positions, avoiding these common mistakes will help you stand out in the crowd.
#1: Don't leave a recruiter or hiring manager guessing about your job history
A recruiter doesn't have time to figure out why there may be gaps in employment or what you've been doing since your last job. A two page resume that tells the story of your job history and key accomplishments is more effective than a one page resume that leaves the recruiter guessing about what you did for 10 years and what you accomplished. If you are unemployed, explain what you've been doing since you left your job, especially if it's been a number of months since you left.
#2: Don't miss the opportunity to include a cover letter or email note with your application
A customized note lets a potential employer know why you're interested in their company, a particular position, etc. and that you're not just applying randomly to any job that is available.