What am I doing wrong?

7 Comments

1. AnonymousMay 15,2024 at 2:05PM UTC

   I would suggest getting realllllly specific about what you want. Do you want to be in operations in healthcare, in for profit business, in non-profit business? Getting clear about narrowing the search and you'll net better results overall.

   I would also suggest having a resume tailored for each of your specific searches, if you're planning to look across those skillsets- one for operations, one for distribution, one for auctions, and maybe a functional one that shows the thread of management throughout your work history. This allows you to minimally customize your resume when applying for a new posting, so you keep your energy up. It also helps you paint a very specific picture to the employer about how you and your experiences can benefit them.

2. AnonymousMay 15,2024 at 3:11PM UTC

   Rather than dropping your expectations, ensure you are applying to equal or higher-paying jobs. Consider finding an executive recruiter who places people in the higher-paying senior (director-level) positions. Many of these are industry-specific, so you can also take into account what the person below said.

3. AnonymousMay 15,2024 at 3:54PM UTC

   How is your LinkedIn? And do you have enough key words and skills in your LinkedIn/Indeed (insert whatever other applicant software you are applying with) to get past the applicant tracking software? That is also a huge part of it.

4. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistMay 15,2024 at 6:28PM UTC

   There is no getting past the ATS. The objective is to get INTO the ATS so you can be considered as a candidate.

   The ATS is essentially an electronic filing cabinet - it allows us to view applicants, track them through the interview process, move them forward in the process, it's where we generate offer letters from.

   I know many "job coaches" and resume writers try to scare job seekers into thinking that your resume won't be seen unless you buy their secret sauce coaching coarse or their resume writing service but there is no such thing as an "ATS compliant resume" no matter how much someone wants to charge you $1,000 for one.

5. AnonymousMay 15,2024 at 7:28PM UTC

   So, I used the word “past” rather than “in”, but we are definitely saying the same thing. You have to get in there, and if you’re not, then you won’t be seen. But those coaches, resume writers, professionals, who charge all this money to every person trying to get a job are just selling something you can do yourself.

6. Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistMay 15,2024 at 8:06PM UTC

   So glad to hear that you get that. Unfortunately, there's now an entire industry that has grown up - most of it based on fear as a marketing tactic - that tries to make jobseekers believe they won't be able to get a job without paying for those services.

   Do some people need or want help with their resume? Yes, of course. Are there good resume writers and career coaches - again yes - but they don't use fear to get clients. I agree with you 100% that most people can do their own resume.

7. Eileen MMay 16,2024 at 4:29PM UTC

   Loving the crafty comments! Yes, build different resumes to fit the roles in various sectors and positions. Tailor the resume to match that of the salary range you desire. Don't sell yourself less though -- try for the same career level in the new area within their market range while also sourcing other options.

   Using a credible recruiting agency can be valuable. The last two jobs I landed was through an agency and although you have to advocate for yourself during the offer period because recruiters want to fill the role and get paid, they did make the process easier. Use different agencies again for the different roles or sectors -- recruiters don't want someone whose looking at 5 different role/career levels because they won't know what you're really serious about.

   Best of luck, you're going to land a role where you are valued!