LaSalle Network

Prior to the Great Recession, candidates displayed a multitude of skills and expertise to potential employers, but today’s job seeker needs to deliver only what the employer asks for in order to get noticed.

“Create a niche for yourself,” says Tom Gimbel, President and CEO of LaSalle Network. “Just as Pottery Barn caters toward home decorators or ESPN targets sports lovers, job seekers must do the same. Whether you are a .NET developer, customer service representative or an accountant, that recruiter or hiring manager is seeking something specific, so give it to them.”

Gimbel advises job seekers to create tailored cover letters and resumes, each highlighting a specific skill set and background. Then, spend considerable time and energy getting the information into the right hands. It’s more effective to exhibit passion and expertise about one or two skills related to the position than a multitude of unrelated talents.

Be Judged, by Your Cover Letter, That is

“One of the largest mistakes job seekers make is not dedicating enough time to their cover letter or introductory e-mail. Ninety percent of job seekers have generic cover letters that reiterate bullet points on their resume,” says Gimbel. A cover letter or introductory e-mail is the first document an employer reads; make it stand out. The key to a cover letter is to prove to the employer that you are knowledgeable about their company and industry and would add value from day one. Use the company website and research current events that pertain to the industry and incorporate this information. Doing this will allow you to stand out as a well-informed and valuable candidate.”

Know Your Audience and Yourself

Tweak your resume depending on the job; be certain to align your skills and experience on your resume with the job description provided. Remember your goal is to compose a resume that is congruent with what the company desires in an ideal candidate without fabricating your professional experience. Regardless of the vernacular used at your previous employer, always use verbiage future employers will recognize. For example, sales versus business development, telemarketing versus telesales, customer service versus account management. Companies will tell you what they are looking for in their job description, so use their words.