Author: IPN

If you want the recruiters to find you, review the tips below.

• To search keywords, you may also go to job description, use the tool “WORD CLOUD”, available free of charge at – wordle.net.

• Your LinkedIn profile is very often your first point of introduction. Make it powerful, make it memorable and make it something that you’re proud to share.

• Use your own profile keywords, for your summary. This is where you summarize your professional brand, why you do it and what you are known for. Emphasize the areas you add value to and where your experience comes from utilizing the soft skills, which have supported your career thus far.

• In your experience section – using the keywords, start your job descriptions with a few short lines that define the overall scope of the position and your responsibility.

• Communicate important information and demonstrate the positive results you have delivered in each position; include all details that you would include on a two-page resume, because this is where you can expand on all your accomplishments.

• Choose your best head shot for your picture. A Graduation picture (the professional ones taken by the school) is a great option. Use a solid colored background and smile.

• Customize your LinkedIn URL and remove all numbers, keep it simple.

• Languages – Indicate level (based on five options) of proficiency and include Gujarati, Hindi, and Urdu – all recognized by LinkedIn.

• Add skills, honors, publications and awards to your profile as well as your volunteer work.

• Provide contact information that you are comfortable with – do not post your number if you are not ready for incoming calls and messages from numbers you do not recognize.

If you want to be found, through LinkedIn, use these strategies to optimize your profile.

Promote yourself and excite the employer to read your resume

Do’s: 

• Address to the real person’s name, if you do not do you can find it through the company website, LinkedIn or another channel
• Focus on specific opportunity
• Research the company and convey why you have interest for this position (i.e admiration for the company’s cause)
• Tailor your cover letter to each of the desired requirements
• Bring out how your background meets their needs in a comprehensive narrative
• Be specific positive, confident and brief
• Profile your top qualification, such as a high GPA, unique skill sets, professional advancement, etc.
• Show solutions for potential employers’ pain points and how you can meet their needs
• Mention the referral source at the top if you were referred
• Close with a call of action

Don’ts: 

• Do not address to “whom it may concern” in your salutation
• Do not say you are the ‘best candidate’ and ‘perfect fit’  (let the employer make that assessment)
• Do not make the letter about your wants, but how you can help
• Do not talk badly about the previous employer
• Do not forget to proof read

If you have any questions or need assistance please contact IPN Team.

Focus on knowing your worth and researching industry salary averages

Here’s a secret: Employers rarely make their best salary offer first, and job candidates who negotiate their salaries generally earn much more than those who do not. A well thought out negotiation makes you look like a stronger candidate and employee.

First, get the hiring manager to see your value.

• Demonstrate that your skills are valuable to the company.
• If possible, defer the salary discussion until the company has had a chance to understand the value you bring to the position. You need to establish trust and credibility and a rapport to convince the other party that they are making the right decision.
• Once this is achieved, it is generally easier to negotiate the appropriate salary package.

Do your research and understand your market value.

• Refer to salary survey sites such as salary.com, www.glassdoor.com and www.payscale.com.
• Before the interview, learn about the company’s salary ranges and benefits as well as industry salary averages.

Don’t discuss salary too early.

• If possible, wait until an offer has been made. Get the offer in writing or wait until asked about your salary requirements. If you are asked your salary requirements prior to receiving an offer, quote a range based on your knowledge of similar positions, or ask the hiring manager during your second or third interview what the salary range is for the job.
• Do not commit too quickly. Thank the employer for the offer and ask when they need a response by. This shows you are a thoughtful candidate and also allows you time to work on your negotiation strategy.
• Discuss salary in terms of your total compensation package rather than base salary alone. Benefits, bonuses, vacation time, and overtime are all part of your overall compensation package
• Negotiate extras. If base salary is fixed, things like additional vacation time, telecommuting, bonuses, and education reimbursement may be negotiable.

If you have any questions or need assistance please contact IPN Team.

Article by the Resume Support Team

Dress to Impress

·  Ask the Recruiter and confirm the dress code at the office. Show that you care about your appearance and take pride in yourself as you will also do in your work.

·  Be sure to be well-groomed and smelling good. First impressions are key for a successful interview.

Preparation and Communication is key

·  Prepare ahead of time by reading the job posting and company website and relate your skills to the position you applied to avoid rambling. Only answer the questions you are asked.

·  If you are not sure of a question that is being asked or get flustered or nervous be sure to clarify it and repeat the question back for example…so let me make sure I understood your question are you asking if I have previous experience in preparing….etc.

·  Match your interviewer’s style, pace and demeanor.

·  Do practice mock interviews to get feedback and work on your weaknesses.

·  Be sure to use appropriate language at all times. Don not become too friendly or familiar with the interviewer.

Ask questions

·  Ask the Recruiter and confirm the dress code at the office. Show that you care about your appearance and take pride in yourself as you will also do in your work.

·  Be sure to be well-groomed and smelling good. First impressions are key for a successful interview

If you have any questions or need assistance please contact IPN-PSP (Placement Support Program)

Article contributed by the Professional Support Program team.

• Set a Goal: Aim to reach out to one professional each day.  Slow and steady is the sustainable and realistic to reach your networking goals.
• Conduct Informational Interviews: Contact employers directly to set up interviews.
• Reach out to contacts in a meaningful way: Set yourself apart by building a trusting professional relationship with a positive attitude.
• Share your resources, skills, connections and ideas: Networking is a two way street.  Share your value-add connections and ideas instead of simply asking for them to share with you.
• Expand your Network: Networking is just that – a net. So when you meet someone, at the end of the conversation, ask them “Who else do you recommend I connect with?” They may just make the introduction that lands you a job.

If you have any questions or need assistance please contact IPN-PSP (Placement Support Program).

Article by the Professional Support Program team