Landing Your Dream Job: Answers From 3 Experts

Did you miss the event? Here, you can learn more about the great advice from the recent Fairygodboss Live webinar, “Landing Your Dream Job: Advice From the Experts.”

Before we get started, let’s meet the experts:

• Britt Bloch, VP, Talent Acquisition Strategy & Recruiting

• Linda Nguyen, Senior Talent Acquisition Programs Manager, Early Careers

• Agatha Farngalo, Senior Talent Acquisition Partner

All About Your Resume, Cover Letter, and Thank You Note

What would you call a GREAT resume? How can I make my resume stand out? 

Tell your story! Your resume tells your story, so make sure that it is easily understood and has a great flow. Be the strong top-third. The top-third of your resume needs to sell yourself strongly. Also, make sure your resume is formatted for easy reading and skimming. Your resume will receive more attention if it's broken down into bite-size bullets and sections, rather than long drawn-out paragraphs of information. Use descriptive keywords, such as determined, competent, influential, passionate, inspiring, and accountable. Also, be specific with success in regards to rankings, dollars, percentages, and awards… Finally, ensure that there are no typos or grammatical errors. 

What is the recommended length for a resume? How many years of employment history should be included? 

One page is usually the rule of thumb. Exceeding one page may lose your audience. Typically, organizations go back 10 years (max). If you have history past 10 years, you can add a note: “Prior professional experience upon request.” 

Should LinkedIn URL be included on a resume?

Yes! 

Should an internal resume be different from an external one?

Internal recruiting processes should mirror external process efforts. It is equally competitive. Your resume should highlight the skills, knowledge, and competencies required for the role, even internally. Company vernacular and acronyms should not be in resume content.

When you see an applicant that may not have a college degree, does that make them less desirable even if they have a long work history in the field?

We have experience equivalences. Not having a college degree will not prevent you from being considered.

Do recruiters really read cover letters? Do the hiring managers see them?

A brief cover letter is fine. Many recruiters don’t read them and, instead, laser focus on the resume. However, if it’s requested, it’s always best to follow direction. I recommend investing your time in your resume content. In all correspondences, please ensure that everything is well written with no grammatical errors or typos. 

Is there such a thing as being overqualified? Isn't being molded to reflect the ideal candidate a plus?

Potentially, there could be a compensation mismatch if your expertise far outweighs the scope of the role. If you are passionate about the role, it is critical that you show your passion with a purpose. Hiring leaders will want to ensure that you are comfortable with the compensation and the responsibilities (challenged and rewarded).

Do you recommend listing references outright or listing something to the effect of "will respond upon request"?

The standard format is: "References furnished upon request."

What networking suggestions would you have for someone not active on social media? Any advice or suggestion is appreciated.

There are so many avenues to network without social media interaction. Scheduling meet-and-greets with leaders or teams in your areas of interest is a great way to network! You can also research professional affiliations and join their groups or identify a mentor who can introduce you to their network. 

What are your thoughts on "thank you" emails?

Thank you’s are critical! They are an opportunity to highlight an interview's discussion points, your expertise related to the role, and your opportunity to close for the job! And, it’s professionally courteous.

Applicant Tracking Systems

Do you use applicant tracking system (ATS) filters and/or algorithms to narrow down resumes for recruiters? 

Applicant tracking systems do find “high matches” to minimum requirements. Your resume should reflect relevant expertise as it relates to the role you’re applying.

If you see more than one job posting at a company you really want to work for, does it prejudice recruiters against you to apply to multiple positions at that company?

After reviewing the minimum requirements, if you are passionate about the role and meet the minimum requirements, then you should apply! There is zero bias for multiple applications. Use your best judgement and stretch within reason. 

Does the self identification (gender, ethnicity, race, disability, veteran, etc.) help in the application process? Should I share this information?

Self-disclosed and identifying information has no influence on the recruiting process. 

Do hiring managers or recruiters have access to previously applied positions for internal and external applicants? If so, would having a few positions that you weren't hired for hurt in any way?

Previous applications are visible to the Recruiting teams; however, the number of jobs you have applied for does not influence decisions. As a caveat, we recommend that you apply to roles that are reasonably within your scope of expertise. 

Resume Gaps and Career Pivots

Do you have any advice for someone who had to step out of the market for multiple reasons, (including taking care of family for over six years) but would now like to get back into full-time work?

Post-pandemic, employment pauses have been normalized (thankfully). It is about telling your story. ❤

Do certifications improve your chances if you don't have a lot of direct experience?

Certifications are awesome! Especially as skill-based hiring gains momentum. It shows initiative and drive, and, often, your certification opens the door to being engaged with practical, hands-on experience! A growth mindset and continuous learning are very attractive!

How do you view career changers? I am trying to transfer my skills from one industry to another and worry I can't compete. Any tips?

For the area you are interested in, identify a mentor who can help translate your skills to clearly communicate how they transfer successfully to the role.

Applying to Jobs at Navy Federal Credit Union

How important is it for you to get the feeling that the candidate wants to stay long term?

We hear a lot about the Great Resignation, but we prefer a different perspective: The Great Re-Engagement. We continually re-recruit our internal talent, and we elevate leaders who lead from heart-whole person leadership. Leaders who invest in the person — not just the work flow. Meaningful conversations with personalized development plans, which are customized plans that include new projects, development road maps, work-life harmonization strategies, recognition…..

Navy Federal invests in dynamic programs to nurture diverse, internal talent communities to elevate development, growth, and internal mobility. We have an integrated talent strategy to grow and optimize our internal talent. The key to retention is elevating programs that support the reallocation of talent across the organization — upskilling, reskilling, and flexing — creating a truly agile employee experience. We are also committed to transparent hiring practices. Our teams have visibility to opportunities across the enterprise, and we fuel a continuous learning culture.

We truly are a Great Place to Work, and our retention is a reflection of our culture. People stay, and there is joy at work. 

What happens if you put your resume into Navy Federal Credit Union's "Talent Network" on the Jobs Search page? (rather than apply to a specific position)?

The TalentNetwork is great! Once you opt in, you can set up alerts to be notified of jobs. Also, you will receive timely updates and Navy Federal Credit Union news! 

Have you noticed an increase in applicants for remote positions at Navy Federal Credit Union?

We have seen substantial spikes in application volume in the past six weeks across the board! 

Navy Federal Credit Union’s Employee Questions

As a current Navy Federal employee, how can I pivot or grow my career within the company?

Identify a mentor or participate in Navy Federal Credit Union University’s Career Guide program. Schedule meet-and-greets with individuals in areas of interest! You can also send a quick note to the recruiter, including brief introduction expressing your interest and sharing your LinkedIn Profile link! Please know, the recruiting team navigates a high volume, so please don’t be disappointed if you don’t receive a response. The team does their very best to respond to everyone; however, we do have high volume. 

Would you consider an internal candidate before an external? 

All applications are reviewed equitably. The most qualified candidate, whether internal or external, will be considered. TalentQuest, our employee referral program, is our top three candidate source! It’s an invaluable channel. Our teams know our culture and know top talent! Organically, there is a buddy system post hire, too.

Once we apply for a job, do we better our chances if we ask our supervisors to send a letter of recommendation? 

We don’t conduct references; however, testimonials are always a plus! 

What would be the career path to be part of the talent acquisition department? 

Talent Acquisition has many exciting career paths: Flexible Work Force (Staff aug), Experienced Delivery, Member Contact Hiring, Military Affairs, Early Career, Executive Search, Operations, an Brand Strategy. And, within all of those functional areas, we have robust levels for career pathing!

Are hybrid positions able to be remote positions? What is your remote work policy?

With hybrid, the expectation is one to three days a week in-office, depending on the role. We stress the importance of “work for your day” and being in-person for “Moments that Matter.” Permanent remote opportunities are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Our hybrid model enables flexibility and work-life integration.

Thank you to the experts for sharing your expertise! Fairygodboss is proud to partner with Navy Federal Credit Union. Find a job there today!