Your resume is frequently the first a potential employer will see of you. Ultimately, a good resume means a good first impression and often the difference between an interview and the trash can. Your aim is to create a well- crafted, impressive document that displays the experience, accomplishments and skills that make you the perfect candidate for the job. 

It starts when we apply to college and continues through job applications and work presentations. How do we differentiate ourselves?

If everyone is bright, dynamic with similar skills and experience, what is going to separate your application, your presentation...you from the myriad of others?

Your personal brand is formed when you understand why you stand out from the crowd. It's identifying and communicating an image of what's authentic to you.

Now that you know what to include in your resume the next important thing you want to learn is how you should have your resume look. Keep in mind that your resume is frequently the first a potential employer will see of you and you want what they see to be good! The first impression your resume makes can often be the difference between an interview and the trash can. 

Your interview is over, you’ve made the right impression and you receive that all important offer of employment. Congratulations! But the work isn’t over yet. Preparing for an offer is just as vital as the steps that came before it. Your first reaction may be to accept but it is important to evaluate every opportunity carefully before making a decision.

Your cover letter is your second and sometimes final opportunity to secure an interview after your resume. A well-written cover letter is your chance to distinguish yourself from other applicants, selling yourself as an intriguing candidate beyond the standard bullet-pointed accomplishments of a resume. 

No matter how well you’ve presented yourself in your resume and cover letter, it’s important to prepare and make the right impression at the interview. It’s the point at which the key impressions are given and decisions made. In fact, a recent study found that 44% of managers rely on their gut instinct to make a decision and 47% of managers make hiring decisions in 30 minutes or less so your first impression is critical.

You’ve accepted an offer of employment and you’re excited to move forward with your career. But before you can, it’s important to make a professional exit from your current employer. Maintaining positive relationships with former colleagues and employers is vital to a successful career. You never know who might become an important connection in the future.

Your opportunity to make a positive impression is not over once the interview is finished. You may wonder if following up with your interviewer is too forward but it isn’t.

Use these tips to be a top contender for any role:

A strong professional network is becoming increasingly valuable to the job search process so it’s important to consistently make and maintain connections. After all, you never know when a contact might help you towards your career goals.

Social media can make or break your job search. It’s easy to assume that its role is purely social but today many hiring managers and recruiters use social media to find and connect with prospective employees. A well- constructed social media profile could lead to a wide variety of excellent career or internship opportunities. But social media can also damage your chances. If your profiles are not professional and tailored to the opportunities you want, employers will bypass you immediately.

If you are new to working with an agency please know that agencies do not charge you a fee if you are referred to or placed at a company. The employer engages an agency to find the type of employee they are seeking and they pay a fee for doing so. Our role as a recruitment agency is to make a good fit to meet the employer’s objectives and the job seekers career goals.