Resume Drafting Services - A Professional Edge

Need help drafting a resume that will get you noticed? Take advantage of professional resume drafting services to help you stand out in the job market. Get the job you deserve with the help of an experienced resume writer.

Get the Job You Deserve: Take Advantage of Professional Resume Drafting Services

Are you unsure about how to apply for a job today?

If you are unsure about how to apply for a job, you are not alone. What seems like only a few years ago (it was more like 10 or 15!), I was the hiring manager who placed a job ad in the local newspaper or Herald Sun to attract talent for positions. Armed with a nervous smile, smartly dressed candidates would come into the office with a portfolio in their hands, to present me with a clear display book with their resume, certificates, and written references intact. Some would be asked to stay on for an interview, others would be added to a pile under the reception desk and called upon later. Today, it is not so simple.

How The Perfect Resume Drafting Services Help Clients Increase Their Interview Chances by 93%

Many job seekers do not realise that 75% of job applications are rejected by the Applicant Tracking System (ATS) before they even reach the hands of hiring managers. An ATS is a robotic software that quickly rejects the least-qualified candidates, rather than identifies the applicants who are the best fit. Therefore, if your resume is not written and formatted with the ATS in mind, yours will probably be one of those that will be tossed out.

As the owner of a resume drafting service, the Professional Resume Writers and I understand that applying for a job can be a stressful process. There has also been an increase in the unemployment rate as of late and increased competition for the role, thereby decreasing your chances of finding a job. Get ahead in your job search with a No-Charge Resume Review.

While there are many ways to apply for a job today, you should not start without a strategy in mind, including researching how you can take advantage of resume drafting services. Being well prepared begins with a great document management system! Your first job search step is to create a folder on your computer for every job that you apply for. The folder should be named ‘Organisation name – Position’ so you can quickly identify the roles you have already applied for. Within each folder, you should include the following:

1. The position description
2. A copy of the job advertisement
3. Research regarding the employer
4. Your resume
5. Your cover letters
6. A document outlining the questions/answers you asked the recruiter/hiring manager prior to applying. 

You should also have a spreadsheet with the following information:

1. Date applied
2. Company name
3. Position name
4. Hiring manager/recruiter name
5. A link to the company website
6. Details of the phone call made

If you do the above, you can be well-prepared for the out-of-the-blue phone interview or when you get called in to attend your job interview!

IS IT BETTER TO APPLY ONLINE OR IN-PERSON FOR A JOB?

With today’s technology and digital age, using online sites to do a job search has already been a trend, even before the spread of COVID-19. Online hiring and resume drafting services makes the application process easier for both the company and applicants. Some situations may require face-to-face interviews, depending on the role that you are applying for. Still, commonly, companies today opt to do a virtual interview with the help of online tools for video calls such as Skype and Zoom.

Using resume drafting services and LinkedIn is the best way to start your job search. LinkedIn is a powerful tool for every working person, jobseeker, and student, however, if you are a casual user, you may not know how to use its benefits to stand out, over your competitors. LinkedIn is a great place to start your job search because it can literally save your hours of searching, applying, and connecting with the people who make the hiring decisions.

What is LinkedIn?

LinkedIn is a job seeker's best friend! LinkedIn is a professional social networking platform, which has been around longer than Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, and Instagram! However, it is a critical platform to use in your job search plan and strategy because it has a massive database of over 500 million professional profiles. Therefore, there is nearly an unlimited supply of network connections and job opportunities. From seeking a new job to maintaining your personal brand, LinkedIn is an essential part of being a full-fledged professional in any industry today.

Before LinkedIn, you would have needed to get out the Yellow Pages, visit your local library, or try to get your hands on a corporate database to find a company’s contact details. Those are all slow, cumbersome, and ineffective research methods today. Using LinkedIn, you can easily see who your friends know, where people have been and what they are interested in. In the news feed, you can see what people are talking about and comment on people’s posts from your dream company. LinkedIn can save you hours of time that you would have previously needed to spend, researching who is who and who is where.

LinkedIn cuts through the administration and lets you find and connect with the exact person who is making the hiring decision. Before today, you may have only used LinkedIn to update your profile every now and then in the hope that a head-hunter or recruiting manager will reach out to you. The following guide helps you to maximise your job search by fully utilising all of LinkedIn’s features such as:

1. Expanding your professional network
2. Applying for an available position
3. Connecting with the hiring manager or recruiter to land your next job
4. Maximising your chances of being headhunted
5. Identifying companies who are close to home or abroad who are hiring.

WHAT DO YOU SAY WHEN APPLYING FOR A JOB IN PERSON?

In cases where you are expected to apply in person, it is essential that you are also prepared with what you need to bring, what you should wear, and the information you’ll need to complete a job application. Do not forget to bring a copy of your sample job application with all your data required for the job. If you did avail a resume writing service, make sure you ask for the digital copy and save in on a USB stick to bring along with you. Treat your job application like a job interview. Dress appropriately and be ready to answer questions professionally. Treat the rest of the company staff the same as they may provide their feedback to the manager.

Let us get you started on your job search journey with our resume drafting services!

• Step 1 was to create a spreadsheet to capture the positions you are applying for so you can be well prepared for your upcoming interview.
• Step 2 is to optimise your resume and cover letter!

Make sure that your resume is up to date. Review the job description and see if the skills are relevant to the role that you are applying for. Tailoring your CV is so important today. You want the reader to not only see you have the skills to do the job, but that you can excel in the role. This may mean you start to build up a collection of resumes for each of the companies you apply for!

Over 75% of companies utilise Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) for recruitment so you might also want to know if your resume is ATS compliant. Most resume writing companies nowadays provide a package with a ATS compliant resume, cover letter, and a LinkedIn update, however, to ensure your resume stands out from others, The Perfect Resume team also helps to optimise your content to be achievement-orientated, and keyword-rich. We also provide educational resources and guides to help you tailor each role with the ATS in mind.

7 Aspects to Consider When Creating The Perfect Resume

1. Content:Information needs to be easy to read and contain relevant experiences and skills. Do not get caught out with pages and pages of unrelatable information. Keep a master resume with all your skills and experiences, then remove any content that is not value-added to each role. 
2. Layout:The ATS cannot handle cursive fonts or anything that is outside of the norm, therefore, stick to distinct headings and consistent professional fonts, preferably Calibri size 11 for body text.
3. Design:Ensure there is adequate white space to increase the scan-ability of the content.
4. Length:Some ATS exclude people based on word counts – to remain safe, stick to 1 page for a graduate or entry-level position, 2 pages for a mid-level professional with less than 5 years of professional experience or 3 pages for an experienced professional or specialist, including C-level executives and project managers.  
5. Language: Proofread your resume and cover letter to ensure the information is clear, organised and adopts a formal tone, including the correct spelling, grammar, and syntax.
6. Relevance:All content should be tailored to the position being applied for. Include achievements regarding your education, awards, scholarships, grants, KPIs reached etc. to add credibility to your application. You could highlight how you saved money, improved workflows, or contributed to efficiencies etc.  
7. Quality: The final resume and cover letter should represent YOU as a person, yet still be a professional document which demonstrates individuality, customisation, and appropriate skills match towards the job. 

MASTER THE ART OF HIGHLIGHTING YOUR VALUE BY CUSTOMISING A COVER LETTER

Remember, the first thing that employers see when reviewing a job application is your resume and cover letter. You must make sure that your cover letter is as persuasive as your resume. Below are some of the things a customised cover letter can do for you, before the hiring manager investigates your resume, LinkedIn profile, Selection Criteria, and invites you for an interview:

• Let us the hiring managers know exactly how you can add value and generate positive results for their organisation
• Clarifies the position you are applying for and what you feel makes you different than the other candidates. It will make their job a lot easier.
• Introduces you to an employer through a personalised description of your qualifications and interest in a position.
• Offers insight into your soft skills, attitude, and motivation.
• Gives the employer a sense of how you would fit in with their company culture.
• Provides a connection between your goals and the company values.

Employers know that it takes time to research and hard work to be able to customise a cover letter accurately, therefore, they can take you seriously if you do. If you are not sure what to write, resume drafting services can help you to tailor your cover letter to your job application. Just send an email to info@theperfectresume.com.au, and we can get started.

What should you include and what shouldn’t you include in a cover letter?

In just the same way that your CV should be tailored for each application, so should your cover letter. A carefully targeted message can easily mean the difference between success and failure.

It is astonishing how many people use a generic cover letter and the same CV for every single application. If you are someone who sends the same cover letter to everyone, you only need to change a few minor details such as the organisation's name, hiring manager's name and role purpose to ensure the cover letter is tailored to them. 

Never lose sight of the fact that your cover letter is not intended to take the place of your CV; it is meant as an introduction. Generally, cover letters do not exceed one A4 page in length, unless there is an explicit instruction to the contrary, you should aim to keep your letters short and sweet. A handful of paragraphs usually are more than enough to whet the recruiter's appetite and entice them to read your CV. 

Focus on what the employer wants from you, not what you have done in your career so far. 

Now, do not forget! When you apply for a position, they already have a copy of your CV. Therefore, your cover letter should complement it, not repeat it.  

Your cover letter should introduce your CV, not replace it!

 Nobody wants to read the same thing twice.

Nobody wants to read the same thing twice. 

 

A cover letter is an opportunity to draw the reader's attention to some of your key selling points, such as skills, experiences, and achievements. You should do so in a way that makes it clear how these will be of interest and potential benefit to the reader. 

Snippets from your resume are OK, such as letting them know what you currently do for a job and how the skills obtained in the role transfer to the new position. Additionally, mentioning your education and other certifications may be essential. What you should avoid is repeating slabs of text as it will reduce the recruiter/hiring manager's time spent reading your resume. 

Are You Confident With Your Resume Writing Skills?

Your application will be assessed and weighed against other candidates, often hundreds of other candidates. Therefore, you must conform to the guidelines presented in the job advertisement and effectively communicate your experiences in terms of the job specifics. Also keep in mind that recruiters and hiring manager's unconscious and conscious judgement and decision-making processes apply when they read a resume and cover letter to determine if you are suitable for a position as advertised. 

Some people are lucky enough to submit one application, be interviewed and selected for the role. Other's take longer and get lots of practice in searching and applying for jobs. To fast-track the time, it takes to be shortlisted for an interview, it's an excellent opportunity to get training in preparing and writing practical job applications.

The effectiveness of your application, including the content, clarity, professionalism, and enthusiasm conveyed, will not go unnoticed if you create an excellent first impression. Before you hit "Apply", make sure you do the following:

1. Read the position description and advertisement carefully, ensuring you understand what the recruiter/employer is looking for in a candidate, and you know the instructions to follow. Such as including relevant information in your application, addressing selection criteria, or contacting the recruiter before you apply. 
2. Check that the job closely aligns to your desired employment/career path.The role may not be a perfect fit. However, it may serve as a steppingstone for future positions. 
3. Prepare a written application that includes a 1-page cover letter and resume, tailoring your profile summary, essential skills, and experience to match the job. 
4. Prepare the key selection criteria document if required.It is a good idea to have a library of criteria to draw on that you can copy and paste between applications. Each criteria should follow the Situation, Task, Actions and Results (STAR) approach. A selection criteria will commonly request a demonstration of experiences where you have displayed self-motivation, tenacity, time management, relationship development, networking, communication, teamwork, and customer service skills and a proven track in reaching and exceeding targets and goals. They may also be looking for technical, technology or learnt skills specific for the role, such as the knowledge of pharmacology. 
5. Check for formatting issues.Various phones and MACs create formatting errors. It is best to upload your documents to job portals in the latest version of Microsoft Office or a PDF unless the job portal says otherwise.
6. References: Generally, you do not need to add references to your resume. However, some positions request them. Therefore, in these circumstances, add your references to your resume. 

Tailoring a cover letter…where do you start?

The Perfect Resume team writes tailored cover letters in a systematic, proven approach, daily. This method lets the organisation know what you can offer, why it would be in their best interest to hire you and how inviting you into their team would add value to their organisation. All while correlating these aspects with the attributes of the role they need to fill. 

Depending on the role, a more professional approach may be required. Some positions may call for statements to be backed by real-life examples, rather than just speaking hypothetically. Illustrating your points with specific, relevant examples from your own experience will dramatically increase their impact. 

Stop Thinking A Cover Letter Doesn't Matter!

You would be surprised how many people think they can send off the CV on its own without a cover letter. Some recruiters do not read cover letters, some base their hiring decision on them. Why take a chance at all? 

Just like your resume, a cover letter should be tailored specifically for each job application. Research your target company!

Remember, the hiring process is not just about you. So, while you focus on your achievements and qualities, hiring managers are also looking for people who will benefit them in the long-term. The best way to help them to decide you are the proper candidate, is to read the company's mission, vision, and upcoming projects on their company websites. Use this information to connect your background and skills with the company's goals.

Put yourself in the hiring manager’s shoes, what would you like to read in the cover letter to hire you?

It is essential to structure your cover letter logically. Like all the best stories, the best letters have a strong, and clearly defined beginning, middle and end. Capture their attention, make an impact, maintain their interest and finish with a persuasive closing paragraph. With only one page of content to get a clear message across to the reader, you want to structure your cover letter carefully, otherwise, you will end up rambling, and the impact of your cover letter will be diluted. 

The word "I" is often overused in cover letters. Unlike a CV, a cover letter should, of course, be written in the first person. However, if you start every sentence with "I", then it can make for tedious reading. You also risk conveying an impression of arrogance and egocentrism. To cut down the use of "I”, look at each sentence that begins with "I" to see whether you can rephrase it so that it starts with a different word. For example, you may be able to turn round a sentence to start with "You" or "Your" which is ideal. In doing so, you shift the focus on the reader and not yourself. 

Finally, end your cover letter in a positive, upbeat manner. You can't exactly demand a response from the reader; however, you need to do everything in your power to encourage one. This is where a marketing trip, known as a "call to action" comes in hand.

A call to action is a term to describe a message to the reader of an advert or other promotional material that is specifically designed to motivate them to take some specific action, perhaps to pick up the phone and place an order - for example, "Call now while stocks last!"

The best call to action message for a cover letter is to ask for an interview. After all, that is why you are writing a cover letter in the first place. 

SNEAK THROUGH APPLICANT TRACKING SYSTEMS LIKE A PRO!

The Applicant Tracking System (ATS) is programmed to match or identify specific keywords and rank all resumes and cover letters accordingly before they even reach a hiring manager.

Keywords work in a couple of different ways, and there are many opportunities you can incorporate them in your CV and cover letter. The Perfect Resume team understands how important it is that you choose the right keywords to pass the ATS, however, most importantly, to attract the reader's attention. Therefore, when you are tailoring your cover letter, ensure every word counts and is strategically chosen. This way, you are letting the hiring manager know what makes you different from the other candidates and it will make their job a lot easier to choose you for an interview!

 

Apply These Techniques To Improve Your Interview Chances!

As soon as you hit "APPLY" for a role, your resume will be parsed, ranked, and filtered by an algorithm based on pre-selected keywords. If your resume does not include the specific keywords, your resume will be automatically rejected. The ATS will email you an unsuccessful email, usually set on a delay, so it does not look like a robot refused you! To ensure your application is not rejected, you also must carefully tailor your resume for each application to be noticed. The best place to incorporate ATS keywords is in your experience section.

ATS keywords are divided into three main categories: hard skills, soft skills, and other keywords

Hard skills are typically learned through education or work experiences, such as proficiency with specific software, tools, or specialised processes. Try to match your resume skills or experience section precisely to those in the job description.

Soft skills are skills such as "detail-oriented" or "team player" and are less likely to be searched for by recruiters, as such they are weighted less in the ATS match rate. We recommend focusing on the "Hard Skills" section when tailoring your resume.

Other keywords can be words that appear multiple times throughout the advertisement.

Remember, keywords are used to match an applicant with an available job. The closer the keywords are to those in a job description, the better a candidate's chances of being selected for a job interview.

ATS KEYWORD EXAMPLE

For example, the following advertisement is for a Project Manager. Hard Skills have been highlighted in yellow, and the soft skills have been bolded. The other keywords are highlighted in grey.

Do not Waste Time! Insert Action-Oriented Words Into Your Resume/CV Or Cover Letter

We often use job keywords that describe our skills and qualifications in our resume; however, it is also good to include a mix of action verbs in our cover letter. Action verbs are words that show your ability to succeed. They also describe what you have accomplished in the past. You can check below for some examples of action verbs that you can use to get your application noticed when applying for jobs.

Leadership	Teamwork	Training	Technical Work	Communication
Enabled	Acknowledged	Assessed	Accelerated	Addressed
Coached	Balanced	Advised	Applied	Advertised
Modelled	Collaborated	Demonstrated	Built	Branded
Motivated	Contributed	Educated	Calibrated	Communicated
Focused	Coordinated	Enriched	Cleared	Corresponded
Encouraged	Encouraged	Informed	Consolidated	Documented
Influenced	Joined	Instructed	Equipped	Edited
Advocated	Organised	Lectured	Implemented	Highlighted
Elected	Teamed	Trained	Launched	Liaised
Led	Volunteered	Tutored	Maintained	Presented

How you can proofread your resume and cover letter

Employers use resumes and cover letters to gain a deeper understanding of applicants' skills, strengths, and experiences. This allows them to move forward with the best candidate, so it is important that you have a strong profile from the start. While it might seem obvious to run a grammar and spelling check. It also might be hard to believe that people send out letters with mistakes in them. But believe me, it happens all the time! You want to make sure that your application is error-free!

Research uncovered 90% of resumes and cover letters had spelling or grammatical errors.

It is said that recruiters do not take more than 6 seconds to scan a resume, therefore, while proofreading your resume or CV, don’t forget to check if you have carefully included your important skills and experiences that align to the role you are applying for. Remember, your resume is also a reflection of your personality, therefore, speak to your talents, capabilities, and experience, yet eliminate everything that sounds unnecessary and redundant.

By checking and double-checking, there are no spelling or grammatical errors, you will set a positive first impression of your attention to detail and written communication skills, therefore, you will immediately be at an advantage. Luckily, you can use a spell check or grammar tools such as Grammarly to catch common mistakes in your resume and cover letters; however, do not depend on them too much! It is still more reliable to thoroughly edit each document yourself.

Tips for proofreading your own work

1. Prepare for your proofread

Set up a productive place where you can proofread your documents without distractions. You also need to set a time that is not immediately after you edited your proofread your resume and cover. It is important to have a refreshed mind, like after a good night’s sleep. This will help you establish a critical eye for detail. Also, if possible, print out your resume, cover letter, and selection criteria as well if you needed one. It is easy to check the consistency and detect errors when you have that one sheet (or two) of paper at your hands. Use a coloured pen to mark your changes.

2. Have a proofreading checklist

Write down a list of common resume mistakes (like the samples below) and review them. This will ensure you do not miss anything to look out for.

• Spelling mistakes
• Punctuation errors
• Grammatical oversights
• Consistency of fonts, headings, bullets etc.
• Check dates, contact information, and spacing
• Verify links such as your LinkedIn profile, emails, and other contact details.

3. Read it out loud – and backward

It is easier to catch errors when you hear the words that you are reading. This will allow you to understand how your resume will “sound” to a recruiter when they read them. Also, reading from the bottom up is another good technique as you can use to easily find spelling and capitalisation errors. That is because it will force your brain to slow down and see each word on its own.

4. Ask someone else to proofread it

Having someone else to be a second set of eyes on your resume can be particularly helpful. Without having read your resume before, they can more easily spot errors your eyes may have glazed over. If you are not that confident, you can opt for resume drafting services such as The Perfect Resume to do that for you. Click here to have your resume reviewed for free. 

Why is it better to get someone else to proofread your resume and cover letter?

If you are not a natural writer, or you are struggling to craft the right resume, it does not hurt to seek help from a professional resume writer. A well-structured resume and cover letter clearly highlight your most attractive skills and experience to potential employers. Seeking out professional resume drafting services will also get your resume in front of a professional proof-reader. Many resume drafting services such as The Perfect Resume provide a resume review and all you have to do is submit your documents to them for free objective feedback. In doing so, you will find out if your resume is grammatically and digitally correcting to increase your chances of being shortlisted for an interview.

Get the interview by being more than a name on a page!

Are you someone who applies for a job on Seek, LinkedIn etc. and never follows up on it? You might get an unsuccessful email and think.... which job was that for? Well, this lazy habit needs to stop. Today! If you are serious about your job search, The Perfect Resume drafting services team have created a nifty follow up email that you can quickly template out and send to your next employer: 

Example follow up email:

Subject: [Insert position title] opportunity,   Dear [Insert Hiring Manager's name],   On [insert date], I applied for the [insert position title] with your company through [seek, the website, etc.].   I would like to firstly thank you for the opportunity to apply for the position as I have been looking for one such as this for quite some time, as such, I am eagerly awaiting your response on whether I have been shortlisted for an interview.   I appreciate you have a hard decision to make, therefore I would like to reiterate the qualities which I can offer the role:   Extensive experience in… Adept in… Highly skilled in… Sound [insert] skills with the ability to…   I also have the required experience, qualifications, and attributes you are looking for in your candidate; therefore, please find my resume and cover letter attached and contact me at [insert number] or reply via email if you require any further information.   I look forward to hearing from you once a decision has been reached.   Kind regards [Insert your name]

 

Obviously, there are more proactive ways to follow up, such as going to the actual office and handing in your resume and cover letter, contacting them by phone, or even sending them a box of chocolates with your resume and cover letter in it, including a note saying, "While you are enjoying these chocolates, it would be an opportune time to read my resume and cover letter to consider me for an interview!"

In today's job market, it is more competitive than ever. Utilizing **resume drafting services** could be the crucial job search tip that makes the difference between you landing an interview or being rejected!

Why calling the recruiter before you apply for a job helps you land an interview?

This step is crucial! Calling before submitting your resume allows the hiring manager or recruiter to add a human element to your application. When they do receive your application, you instantly stand out from others. For all our introverted readers, this is a dreaded step you cannot afford to miss, no matter how uncomfortable it makes you feel. Here is a phone script that you can use:

“Hi [hiring manager/recruiters name], My name is [your name]. I am interested in applying for the advertised role of [your new job] that I saw on [advertised where].”

 

Sell yourself here by inserting your elevator pitch!] For example, I would say “I am an experienced professional resume writer who has written hundreds of resumes, cover letters, key selection criteria and a celebrity LinkedIn profile writer. I advocate for job seekers throughout Australia, encompassing all industries from entry-level, graduate, mid-level, and executive-level clients. I am extremely passionate about empowering job seekers to achieve successful employment and have provided them with the necessary tools, support and guidance to land a job they love.”

“I am confident I satisfy the requirements of the role; however, I’m hoping you could provide some clarity on a few things before I submit my application. Is now a good time for me to ask you a few questions, or should I call back at a time that is more convenient for you?”

 

[PAUSE and wait for their reply. If they give you a better time, stick to it and call them back! If they say you have called at a good time, carry on with the questions below] This step is crucial. You want to show your potential new employer respect for their time. You also want the employer/recruiter’s full attention. If they are busy thinking of something else, you will not receive the concentration you need from them. If they do set another time it is imperative that you get their best contact number and call them on the dot of the proposed time. This proves you have great time management skills.

Could you please tell me?

Choose relevant a maximum of four questions from this selection:

1. What challenges do you need this role to overcome? Sell yourself here. They sound like significant challenges that I believe I can overcome. At this organisation, I did XYZ to overcome similar challenges.

2. Is there something that the last person in the role did not do and you would like to ensure you get right in the next candidate? Be empathetic here. “That is so important, and it’s great that you are looking for this quality. It can be hard to find. I believe I can help! While I was working at this organisation, I was in a similar situation and was able to turn the tables around.”

3. What qualities are you looking for in a candidate? Sell yourself here. “I’m glad you mentioned that as these qualities are important to me. I have been known to demonstrate these qualities within my previous position while working at X.”

4. Can you please tell me why the position is being advertised? Is it due to business growth or restructure? This question helps you set up for a potential interview as you can then ensure you can address the challenges.

5. Are internal applicants being considered for the position and is an external candidate likely to be considered? This question can save you a lot of time. Many government positions and large corporations recruit from within, however, discrimination laws require them to advertise a role externally, even if they do not intend upon offering an external applicant the position.

6. When does the application close? Only ask this if it does not say anything on the job advertisement.

7. How many applicants will you be interviewing? Only ask this if it is a recruiter or recruitment agency (not the hiring manager).

START WRAPPING UP THE CALL

“It has been lovely to speak directly with you. I believe I can offer you the qualities you are after. Should I send my resume directly to you, or would you prefer me to apply via the website or both?”

 

This is a great question to ask – if you have piqued their interest, you may be able to circumvent the initial ATS screen and have the hiring manager/recruiter look at your documents straight away on their desktop.

“This role sounds like an excellent opportunity for me; however, I am also applying for other positions as well. Once I have applied, how long should I expect to hear about next steps?"

 

This step shows you are in demand, and the recruiter should not waste your time. After all, you are the perfect candidate so they would not want to miss out on hiring you to the competition!

 

“Thanks for your time – you’ve been a great help. I will submit my application shortly. If you could look out for it that would be amazing! My full name again is [Insert name]. Have a fantastic day [Insert their name]!!!”

[END CALL]

Remember to breathe!

I have had many candidates call me who read out a similar script and sounded like this:

"Hi Melissa my name is Sally and I am interested in applying for the advertised role that I saw on Seek I am confident I satisfy the requirements of the position however I’m hoping you could provide me with some clarity on a few things before I submit my application I want to make sure I’m addressing everything you are looking for could you please tell me what challenges do you need this role to overcome what qualities are you looking for in a candidate and when is the position closing?"

 

[INSERT A HUGE BIG SIGH OF RELIEF AND STOMACH LEVEL DEEP BREATHE IN]

And imagine me sitting at the desk, looking at the phone with eyes wide open, catching my colleague’s eyes and mouthing “Oh my gosh!”

It will take practice!

If you work in sales, a call like this will come naturally to you. Slow down. Think of it as a conversation. Even ring some recruiters for advertised jobs that you have no interest in gaining, to build up some confidence.

What to do After the call

After the call, if you have not already connected to them on LinkedIn, do so with an appropriately worded brief note of thanks, whether you intend to apply for the role or not. For example,

 

Hi [insert hiring manager/recruiters name]. It was great to put a voice to the name, and I look forward to meeting you face-to-face one day soon! In the meantime, let us connect on LinkedIn, and if I can help you further, feel free to send me a message! [Name]

 

You should make any changes required to your resume based on your conversation with the recruiter, and then submit your application for the role.

Once you get shortlisted for the job, are you ready for an interview?

You have worked hard to create an impressive image of your LinkedIn profile, cover letter and resume, with one focus in mind; You want to cement a coveted interview spot! To prepare yourself, think about your past experiences, determine your strengths and weakness, and remember your company research.  

There is nothing worse than being on the phone to someone who clearly does not remember applying for the job! These candidates do not promote to a face-to-face interview!

When you receive a call for a job, ensure you have access to the document we mentioned earlier, perhaps one fine-tuned by professional resume drafting services, and ask the caller to hold on for a couple of minutes while you find somewhere quiet. Alternatively, you can let them know that you are not available and ask if you could give them a call back in five minutes. Recruiters respect this as often they call you while you are at work, and there is nothing more unprofessional than taking a call at your current workplace with work noise behind you or at home with screaming kids or with traffic noise etc. in the background! Quickly refresh your memory about the details of the job, so you are ready with your answers!

Getting ready for the face-to-face interview!

Today, every job is applied for by on average, 300 other applicants, and with only one person lucky enough to get the job. When you are in the top 3% of candidates that have been invited to attend an interview, it is time to congratulate yourself!!! Secondly, you still have one hurdle to jump before the job is yours. Interview preparation is critical to land the job. Do you have any of these questions?

• What should I wear to the interview?
• How do I prepare for the phone interview?
• How do I prepare for a video interview?
• What are some common interview questions?
• How should I answer behavioural interview questions?
• What questions should I ask throughout or at the end of an interview?
• How do I know if they are interested in what I am saying?
• Should I send a thank-you email?
• I am having a second interview. What should I expect?
• How do I reduce my nerves at the interview?

The answers to these questions can be different for everyone. Some are more confident than others. Some people need a bit more help! A 60-minute interview preparation session has proven to give candidates the edge they need. If you have a question, simply email at info@theperfectresume.com.au  

Unlocking Your Career Potential: The Power of Professional Resume Drafting Services

In the rapidly evolving job market, standing out among a sea of qualified candidates is more challenging than ever. One key tool in your job search arsenal? A polished, professional resume. This is where resume drafting services come into play, offering a unique blend of expertise, customization, and strategy to elevate your job application.

The Need for Professional Resumes

A resume is more than a list of jobs and education; it's a personal marketing document. In an era where applicant tracking systems (ATS) and discerning recruiters decide your career fate, a well-crafted resume is vital. It's not just about what you say, but how you say it.

What Resume Drafting Services Offer

Expert Writing

Professional resume writers are adept at highlighting your skills and experiences in a way that resonates with employers. They use industry-specific keywords and formats that are more likely to pass ATS filters and grab a recruiter's attention.

Customization

One size does not fit all in resume writing. Professionals in resume drafting services tailor your resume to your industry, career level, and job target. This customization makes your resume relevant and compelling.

Strategy and Insight

These services provide more than writing; they offer strategic advice. From understanding job descriptions to aligning your resume with your career goals, they offer insights that go beyond the basics.

Success Stories

Many have seen significant benefits from using resume drafting services. John Doe, for instance, struggled to land interviews despite extensive experience. After seeking professional help, he received three interview calls within weeks. His story is not unique; countless professionals have similar success stories.

Choosing the Right Service

When selecting a resume drafting service, consider factors like industry expertise, customer reviews, and the level of personalization they offer. A good service will work with you to understand your career goals and convey your strengths effectively.

In a competitive job market, a professionally drafted resume can be the deciding factor in landing your dream job. Resume drafting services offer the expertise, customization, and strategy needed to make your resume stand out. Investing in such a service is not just about getting a job; it's about advancing your career.

You might have to send out several applications before you find the right job for you, but do not lose hope. Take every day as a new opportunity and be confident! You have a unique set of skills. Some of our candidates have landed the first job they applied for whilst others take a lot longer. Confidence focus and a tailored approach are your biggest keys to a successful job search! If you are finding any part of the job search difficult, please reach out to us. We are here to help! Click here to start the process with a free resume review. 

Other Resume Drafting Services and Blogs That May Help

Apply These 10 Secret Techniques to Create The Perfect Resume	Why it is Important to Tailor your Cover Letter