Job Seekers, the best story is sold, not told.

Meaning it’s up to you to:

• Find or be found by a prospective employer
• Convey your information in an easy-to-follow structure
• Uncover & understand the motivation for their hiring
• Communicate in a way your decision-maker relates to & understands
• Negotiate a win-win situation for all parties

Steps for Getting a Job

1. Resume, Cover Letter/Email/Intro Message, Portfolio Links Creation (update to speak to the position)
2. Interview Consideration (Be recruited, apply, referred, apply & be referred)
3. Interviewing – Initial Interview (phone/video, in-person), SME/technical interview(s), Final Interview
4. Contract Offer, Negotiation, Acceptance
5. Give notice to current employer
6. Job Contingencies – Background Check, Relocation (if applicable)
7. Start (Add value, Make a difference, Ascend in your career)

RESUME

Goal

The goal of your resume is to provide enough information to your reader that they decide to schedule an interview without turning them off.

Make your Resume:

• Engaging and friendly
• Easy to read format (good spacing, font formatting, concise)
• Easy to understand (What you do, what was the goal and the result, what tools or SME did you utilize, who did you work with, what was the reporting structure)
• Concise
• Length can vary (it’s not necessary to limit to 1 page, but 5+ pages may be excessive.  Sweet spot is 1-3, unless you have significant experience that may want to be seen)

You Only Need 1

• Although getting a job is thought to be a numbers game (the more you apply, the greater your chance of consideration), you only need 1 company to say yes, so each resume needs to speak to the Reader.

Resume Errors

There are many reasons why job applicants are rejected for a job on paper:

• Resume Inconsistencies: Spelling errors, Grammatical inconsistencies (verb tenses), Inconsistent spacing and formatting (applicant appears uneducated or not detail-oriented)
• Font is too small to reader (difficult to read)
• Too many font types, styles, colors (difficult to read)
• Not enough space between Experiences (difficult to read)
• Your resume is difficult, your choice of language makes it hard to follow, (i.e. Listing all job description sentences together vs. using bullet points and lists)
• Your resume is too long (not worth the reader’s time & attention)
• Your resume is vague, lacks details and depth, and doesn’t fully articulate if your experience, accomplishments, and capabilities (the reader can’t determine if you are qualified)
• Your resume’s vocabulary and verbiage don’t match the Employer’s job descriptions (the reader/recruiter who knows less about the subject can’t determine if your experience is a match)
• Information is omitted, causing suspicion and assumptions about your character

Resume Length

There’s a debate on how long a resume should be.  Some say 1 page, others say 2 pages, and there’s the other school of thought that you should include everything and let the reader choose.

At BR, our opinion is that as long as the reader is engaged and can easily find the information they’re looking for, the length is secondary (although less than 3 pages is preferred, unless your listing Recognition, Awards, Publications, Speaking Engagements, etc.).

Ultimately it comes down to the number of jobs you’ve held and how can you concisely articulate your experience, responsibilities, tasks, and accomplishments.

• If you have 1-3 years of experience, you’ll typically have a 1 page resume
• 4-6 years of experience, 1-2 pages, but 3 may be ok
• 7-10 years (1-3)
• 10+ years (up to 3-5 pages)

Resume Content

Your goal is to get the reader to read your resume, so tailor each resume for each type of job you’re interested in, highlight what’s most relevant for the reader, paint a clear picture, and list it in order. (more below)

Formatting

Font Size

• Make your font type readable
  • Not too big or small, 10, 10.5, 11
• Font size 9.5 for some larger font types (possibly)
• Font size 12 is ok for individuals with less experience

Font Type

• Readable and desirable for your reader

Unify your formatting

• Make your font type the same throughout
• Make your font size the same throughout (Possible exceptions – Your Name, The resume section Summary, Professional Experience, Education, Skills, Recognition, …)
• Make sure vertical spacing the same between jobs
• Make sure you Job Description Heading has the same Vertical Spacing (i.e. Single Spacing OR Multiple 1.1)
• Make the bullet points (lists) spacing the same (i.e. .25″ left, .25″ hanging)
• If you use periods in your bullet points, make sure each job description has a period.  If you don’t use periods, make sure there are no periods.
• Make sure your Degree and School of where you got your degree match the formatting for your Job Company and Title

Resume Layout

The resume layout depends if you are an: Experience Hire, Executive Hire, First-Time Hire, Experienced individual looking for a new field or function.

• There’s no right way to format a format, so below is a suggestion of how to order your resume
• If you don’t have a section like portfolio links, publications, achievements, etc. just omit

Make your Job Experience Heading the same for each job (if possible):

• Company
• Job Title
• Dates of Employment
• Location

If a company may not be known to the reader, put a description giving the context of:

• What the company does and who their clients are
• Type of company – Public or Private
• Size of company, # of employees and geographies
• Revenue (if known)

Job Descriptions

Verb Tenses

• Verb Tense (Current role in current verb tense, Previous roles in past verb tense)
• For roles with projects or deliverables that have already been met and isn’t continuously done, past tense is ok.

Verb Choices

• Your choice of language informs the reader specifically if you were hands-on, hands-off, if you took the initiative and created or were passed the baton to lead, etc.
• It is strongly suggested to use Power Verbs or (Powerful) Action verbs, which are verbs that imply positive actions
• Specifically use Power Verbs that are Industry-Appropriate or Appropriate for your function

The best way to find these are to Google “Power Verbs” or “Action Verbs” AND (your_industry or function)

Upon doing a quick search, here’s a list of 185 Power Verbs

Here’s another Power Verbs PDF to download as well to add to your toolbox

Job Description Details

• One popular method for sharing information, which has many applications, is the STAR method.

• (Situation, Tactics, Actions, Result)

• However, many omit the Tactics to evoke curiosity so the reader will schedule an interview, and then will share the details.

This results in the acronym:

SAR – Situation, Action, Result or the variation PAR – Problem, Action, Result

1. This was the Situation / Problem
2. Here’s the Action I took
3. This was the Result

Whether you share Tactics or not, the key is to pique the readers’ interest while showing you’re knowledgeable.

Topics to share:

• Situation/Problem/Challenge, Action, Results
• Goals
• Milestones
• Responsibilities
• Tasks
• Duties (day-to-day, weekly, monthly, annually)
• Objectives
• Initiatives
• Problem-Solving Skills
• Skills & New Skills Acquired
• Accomplishments
• Positive Results (Quantify with Numbers & Job / Industry-Specific Metrics)
  • Metrics – Time, Volume, Money
• Recognition

–  Show that you have Subject Matter Expertise (if not, show a comparable situation or skill that is transferable)

–  Share Results that are quantifiable and understandable

–  Convey that you have a positive attitude and awareness to do what’s needed by taking the initiative

–  If you received recognition, share the social proof (not only are you saying it, but it must be true if you were recognized for your efforts)

Why? 

Why do you do what you do?  What’s your function, goal, and role as to your why?

Questions (in no particular order)

What? 

What do you do? What’s your subject matter expertise?  What are your goals and results?  What you are responsible for?  What tools do you use?

How?

How do you do it?

Who?

Who do you do it with?  What’s the size of the team?  What’s the reporting structure?  Do you have direct reports?  Indirect Reports?  Do you mentor or train?  Are you cross-functional?

When? 

When do you it? How often – Daily, Weekly, Bi-monthly, Monthly, Annually?

Where?

Where you do – In-person, phone, email, remote, client-facing?

Resume Order of Information

Inexperienced Hires (1st or 2nd professional job)

1. Summary Overview – Summary of education, internship/experience, industry/functional passion/interest, type of company/position/opportunity you are interested in
2. Education – Degree, GPA if the reader will think it’s good, scholarships, activities/contributions, coursework as it relates to the job)
3. Professional Experience or internships
4. Projects as it relates
5. Certifications
6. Skills/Core Skills/Areas of Knowledge
7. Portfolio Links
8. Publications/Speaking Engagements
9. Volunteering
10. Achievements/Recognition

Experienced Hire

1. Summary Overview – Overview, SME, type of company/position you want to apply your SME
2. Professional Experience
3. Education
4. Certifications
5. Skills/Core Skills/Areas of Knowledge
6. Portfolio Links
7. Publications/Speaking Engagements
8. Volunteering
9. Achievements/Recognition

Experienced Hire – New Function or Subject Matter

1. Summary Overview – Overview, SME, type of company/position you want to apply your SME
2. Professional Experience
3. Education
4. Certifications
5. Skills/Core Skills/Areas of Knowledge
6. Portfolio Links
7. Publications/Speaking Engagements
8. Volunteering
9. Achievements/Recognition

Executive Hire

1. Summary Overview – Overview, SME, type of company/position you want to apply your SME
2. Professional Experience
3. Education
4. Certifications
5. Skills/Core Skills/Areas of Knowledge
6. Portfolio Links
7. Publications/Speaking Engagements
8. Committees/Board of Directors
9. Volunteering
10. Achievements/Recognition

OPTIMIZING YOUR PROFILE

• Your profile is only as good as you can be found

Keywords

• Recruiters search for job candidates by location and keywords such as skill, title, certification, programming language, accolade.
  • Make sure that you have your job’s keywords and experience listed
  • Write variations of how recruiters might search

• i.e. Project Management, PM, Project Manager, Program Management, PMO
• Certified Public Account, (CPA)
• Financial Planning & Analysis, FP&A, Financial Analyst
• Node.js Software Engineer, Back-end Developer

• In LinkedIn, you can list up to 50 skills and you can type them in, so fill them up
• Also, fill in your job descriptions with keywords of skills and job titles that recruiters are looking for.  This includes variations when titles vary at different companies

• i.e. DevOps, Cloud Automation Engineer, Site Reliability Engineer, SRE (I realize that SREs focus on infrastructure automation & DevOps focuses on App & Infrastructure automation), but many recruiters might not be technical & your goal is to be found

Open to New Opportunities

• Most are aware that you can turn on new opportunities in LinkedIn, but if not, go into settings and turn it on (google for how-to)

Make Your Profile Easy to Read

• Make your profile easy to read or the reader will go to the next person.  We make decisions very quickly from scanning profiles and resumes.
  • Sometimes recruiters will comb through a profile and dig deeper, but if we see a mountain of words with no spaces, it’s probably indicative of the type of candidate you are and we’re onto the next person

• I would use a dash or bullet point symbol (copy and paste from Word)

GETTING AN INTERVIEW

Getting an interview can be done in a variety of ways, there’s many ways to do it.

1. 1. 1. Applying
      2. Networking at the company
      3. Networking in the industry
      4. Networking with family & friends
      5. Working with an External Recruiter/Headhunter

The keys to networking are the same as sales, so put yourself in their shoes.

• Contact the individual when you think they’ll be in a business mindset, and when the timing may be right to read your message / connection request
  • (before their day, end of lunch, afternoon)
• Don’t message them on Monday morning at 9a when they are getting started for the week and need to focus on their objectives
• After work can be seen, but may fall through the cracks and forgotten the next day
• Weekends are the same.
• Don’t pester someone.  Be casual and confident.  No one wants to work or help a nag, so don’t be one.  Give at least 3 days or for slower cycles, a weekend in between.

Applying

Solely applying for a job is the hardest way to get an interview, whether it’s for an experienced-hire or entry-level job

• For an experienced-hire job, not only does it require that your expertise matches the job, but that you also use title and job description keywords that the recruiter understands that you’re a match
• Additionally, you’ll have to have a job tenure that doesn’t disqualify you (if that’s important to the company)
• Further, you’re assuming that the job poster goes through the job applications, sees your resume, and likes you enough to contact you
• It’s still possible, but a harder path

Networking at the Company (you’re interested in working at)

HR

Networking with individuals at the company you’re interested in working at is a good route.

• After you’ve applied, go on LinkedIn and look up 1-3 Senior Recruiters or Recruiting Manager / Director, send them a connection request, and upon connecting let them know that you are interested in a specific role with your qualifications, and do they think you’d be a good fit?
• Alternatively you could ask for their consideration in reviewing your resume to bring attention to your candidacy.

Same Line of Business (LOB)

• Prior to applying, go on LinkedIn (or other professional social media sites) and look up other individuals in similar roles (same level or one above).
• Send them a connection request (i.e. I’m interested in expanding my professional network in your Industry/Function and would like to add you to my network).
• Once connected, you can message them and say that you’re interested in working at their company and saw a job post.
• Share a few sentences, 1-3 bullet points, a link to a portfolio, etc. (keep it short) about your skill set, experience, job-specific passion.
• Let them know you’re curious to know what it’s like to work, the and the pros and cons, and would they recommend it.
• If they would recommend working there, if they get a referral bonus, would they mind forwarding your resume to the hiring manager or who you could connect with?

That’s it.  Referrals are already entrusted, so that’s what makes this a strong strategy.

Networking with a Hiring Manager (CXO, VP of …, Director of …, Possibly Manager of your Function or HR)

(Regardless if there’s a job posting or not)

Use the same formula as above.

• Connect by letting them know that you’re interested in expanding your professional network in your Industry/Function.
• Let them know you’re interested in their company
• Share a few quick reasons why they would want you on their team
• Ask them if they are doing x, y, z (your expertise) or ever look for someone with your expertise/traits.
• You should get insight into if they do and if they’re hiring now or possibly in the future.

Networking in the Industry

(i.e. Private Equity Firm)

Similar to networking in a company

• Connect on LinkedIn by letting them know that you’re interested in expanding your professional network
• Let them know you’re expertise and value-add (or a compelling reason why they would want to add you to their team)
• Ask them if they are doing x, y, z (your expertise) or ever look for someone with your expertise/traits for their portfolio companies
• You should get insight into if they are responsible for hiring someone like yourself, when they would consider someone like yourself, and if they have an immediate or future need

Networking with Family & Friends

This one is common sense, but is still worth mentioning

• Networking with family and friends is similar to all of the ways mentioned above
• Whether you are messaging them online or meeting with them in person, you simply let them know that you are actively looking for a new job or are open to a new job, do you know anyone / or know anyone that’s hiring?

If they do, make sure that you do what you say you will i.e. Send them your resume, email they’re referral in a timely matter, etc.

• People can only help you if they know
• Just like the other methods, you already have an entrusted connection, so you are more likely to be received in a positive way

Working with an External Recruiter / Headhunter

Networking with Recruiters / Headhunters from recruiting agencies only works if you have subject matter / domain expertise for a position and a company is willing to pay an additional fee for your full-time hire.

• Additionally, you’ll most likely need a good job tenure, as companies don’t like to pay an additional fee for someone that is job-hopper.
• For a contract or very tough-to-fill position (that might be centered around the completion of a project), this can be overlooked.
• Lastly, if you’ve applied to a company within the last 3-12 months, a recruiter will most likely not get credit for your placement and won’t compete with themselves to refer you.

This route is easier if your profile is optimized and you receive inbound requests from recruiters who specialize in recruiting for your expertise.

INTERVIEWING COMPONENTS & STRATEGIES TO GET THE JOB

Remember that when you are interviewing, it’s not a one-way street. 

It’s equally important that you are interviewing them as well for your consideration of companies to help grow and contribute your energy to.

Question Methodology

(Feel free to ask any questions you like.  Below are just a sample of questions)

• Uncover Why they are hiring?
• When they need to hire?
• What (skills, experience, mindset) are they looking for?
• Who will you be working with and what will you be working on?
• What is their decision-making process and timeline?
• What action they will take if both sides agree the role is a fit?

Interviewing Strategy/Framework

Intro

• A little small talk and get rapport (find a common interest, make a comment about something in their office)
• Thank them for taking the time to speak with you & ask them to tell you about the company, the group, & why they are hiring

If they ask you about yourself

• Thank them for meeting with you & Provide them with an overview and
• Let them that you are happy to provide specific information as it relates to role, responsibilities, and expectations.

Body

• Ask what are the main responsibilities & goals of this role?
• Find out if there is room for growth, who’ll work with, you’ll report to, who’ll you’ll oversee
• Make sure you’ve done your homework about the company and have 3-5 questions prepared
• Tailor sharing your experience as it relates

Conclusion

• When the end of the interview is in 3-5 minutes, thank them for their time, let them know you this is a great fit/are interested/can immediately add value & ask if they feel comfortable recommending you move forward (i.e. Call with the team, final interview, in-person, start date & offer, etc.)
• Then find out Next Steps and Time Frame.  “Great, what are the next steps and time frame”

Sharing About Yourself in a Structured, Linear & Easy-to-Follow Format

Interviewer: “Hi, please tell me about yourself”

You: “Sure. Please feel free to stop me at any point or ask any additional questions.”

Give the Table of Contents

• Education, (GPA if it’s 3.5 or higher and relevant, Scholarships if of interest)
• Years of experience
• Progressive experience
• Number of years in current role
• Title and Position
• Managing/Reporting Relationships
• Accomplishments/Results
• Job Responsibilities
• Experience as it relates to the role or attributes that match the role
• Certifications
• SME Thought-leadership (Published, Speaker, Author, etc.) – That is interest
• Reason seeking a new role (always say growth, the experience you are seeking, or working with a thought-leader, never say compensation as that’s commensurate on the responsibilities and results)

Tell what makes your story unique, you interesting and unique while giving the information asked:

• I grew up in ______.
• I went to school at ______ where I majored in ______.
• I have ______ amount of years of progressive experience.
• I am passionate about ______ (as it relates to the role),
• My experience and expertise is in ______, ______, ______.
• I’ve worked at for X amount of years and months.
• I’ve directly managed X number of employees, indirectly X, and mentored X employees,
• I currently report to X.
• I am responsible for X, Y, Z.
• I support this amount of people, X number of application.
• On a regular basis I use these technologies/platforms/programming languages/methodologies/am responsible for X, I am also familiar with X, and have a strong knowledge base of Y from Y.
• I’ve had to learn a lot of new industry information, do self-learning, and get caught up to speed on ______.
• I’ve faced similar situations before and was able to succeed.
• I’ve face ______ and was able to overcome it.
• Other pertinent information includes ________.
• Lastly, my motivation for a new opportunity is _______.

You: “That’s a pretty comprehensive overview, if you could share with me area more about the company, the opportunity, and what specifically you would like or need this person to do, I can speak to these points.”

End of Interview Closing Strategy

• Below is a strategy for sharing with the interviewer that you are interested in the job, finding out where you stand, and asking to move forward.
• Feel free to use your own words or modify.

With a few minutes left in the interview:

• Once you have asked your last question or the end or your time deadline is near, I would ask if they feel comfortable recommending you move forward in the interviewing process.

• • • If the interviewer isn’t winding down the interview, read the situation, thank them for their time, let them know you are interested and confident you can add value to the team, and ask if they feel comfortable recommending you move forward.

Interviewer:

Do you have any more questions?

Candidate:

“At this time I do not have any more questions, but would like to thank you for your time.

This role sounds like a great fit and I am confident I can my experience to add value the team.

In making your decision, do you feel comfortable recommending I move forward OR

what additional information can I provide you with and to help make that decision?”

Interviewer:

If they say “Yes”

(they feels comfortable recommending you move forward)

Candidate:

“Great!  What are the next steps and what’s the timeline?

Interviewer:

The next steps are X, the next interview is with the hiring manager and we’ll reach out to you by X.

Candidate:

Great!  I look forward to the opportunity of working together (or at the company) and have a great day!

Interviewer:

Thank you, you too.

—

Interviewer (Alternate):

If they says “No”

Candidate (No Alternative):

Where can I provide you additional information about to help you make this decision?

(Address it and then ask if they now feel comfortable recommending you move forward)

Character Building

It’s equally important to share your character traits so the company knows WHO YOU ARE and HOW YOU BEHAVE in addition to being a Subject Matter Expertise (SME).

Therefore, it’s recommended to make subtle statements that tells the interviewer:

• You directly add value to their function and can do the work
• You take into consideration the bigger picture and micro when making decisions
• You are a self-starter without supervision
• Also can also interact well with a team, make a positive impact, lead and mentor (if applicable)
• Remain calm under pressure
• Fit the personality and ideals of the company

7 points to directly mention or subtly state:

(1)

I am familiar with the company, what the company does, and have a real interest in this space (or doing this function)

(i.e. I was looking at your website, I googled x and read your read the white paper on x, I saw in the news x )

(2)

I am energetic and have a positive attitude

(i.e. Tell me about yourself – “I am positive person, have a strong work ethic, was raised to see things through to completion, etc.”)

(3)

I am an SME in x and have a great deal of experience (share specifics) OR I have these core strengths, am a quick learner, and am interested in industry x

This will you share in the interview

(4)

I am a self-starter and also a team player

i.e. “I am a self-starter who can work independently, research and find answers without hand-holding, while also being a team player.”

(5)

I am organized and adaptable to change (as changes in consulting and this industry can occur quickly)

i.e. “I am organized, methodical, and adaptable”

(6)

I am very interested in this space and am striving to become an expert in this field

i.e. “I am passionate about the x space, know how integral it is for x.  I continuously monitor blogs and the latest industry and standard developments, etc.”

(7)

I am highly motivated and dependable

i.e. Tell me about yourself – “I am motivated and dependable”

NEGOTIATING COMPENSATION

• If asked about what you are seeking for compensation, I would say that you are very interested in the opportunity.  Before answering this questions, you’ll need to learn more about the job, responsibilities, and details about the company.
• Inquire about the structure of the compensation (is there a bonus, equity with cliff and vesting period)
• If asked about compensation prior to learning about the role, I would say that you would need to learn more information about the role, responsibilities, expectations, room for advancement, learning, tools/resources, however a similar role at a (Name a Competitor) would offer between X-Y (x is what you are aiming for, but offer a range to allow for a greater upside).
• Where is that within the range that you are offering?
• It’s always better to provide a range than a number, with the amount you want at the bottom or the range

Final Interviewing Tips:

• Communicate at a similar pace as you’re your interviewer (this is how they understand)
  • If they speak quickly, speak quickly.
  • If they speak slowwwly with lengthy pauses, speak slowwwly with lengthy pauses

• Match their tonality – Most of your inflections will be neutral and matter of fact
  • Inflect up (indicates a question)
  • no inflection (indicates a statement)
  • inflection down (indicates a command)

• Shake their hand firmly, look them in the eye, and smile when introducing yourself (in-person)

• Maintain a pleasant eye contact during your interview (in-person)

• Have your resume, write up, talking points/notes in front of you (phone interview)

• No filler words. If you are using filler words – “Um,” “you know,” “like,” slow your rate of speaking down.  Take your time.

• For closing, practice it out loud at least 5 times because it isn’t natural at first.
  • The key is to say to casually and as a matter of fact.

We hope this Information on Resumes, Formatting, Networking, Interviewing & Negotiating:

Good luck!

Brooks Recruiting