Ep. 067: Why Your Resume is Being Ignored, with Pete Mockaitis

Have you sent out 50 resumes, only to get 50 emails from automated system replies? If so, your resume might not have what it takes to get the attention of the hiring manager.

Pete Mockaitis says the main reason resumes are ignored is because job seekers don’t put in the proper time, effort, or consideration into these vital documents. Often, people send out the same resume for each job opportunity. To truly enhance your resume, Pete says you need to spend the necessary time to hone your story message, to match exactly what a potential employer is looking for.

Helpful guidelines to follow when overhauling your resume:

• Move away from listing previous responsibilities and showcase your achievements.
• Quantify your achievements with numbers and percentages.
• Bullet points should share results first and then relay how the result was obtained.
• If you’ve got it flaunt it, a resume is no place to be shy.
• Remove the objective.
• A two-page resume is acceptable if you are seeking an executive position.
• A resume should be in chronological format unless you are recently out of school, if so, a functional format may highlight your talents efficiently.

Pro Tip — Recruiters may have a specific profile in mind when they are filling a position so make sure your resume fits that profile.

Pete Mockaitis Bio

Pete Mockaitis is an award-winning trainer who has served clients in over 50 countries. His work has enhanced Fortune 100 corporations, high-growth startups, and major nonprofits. He began his career at acclaimed consulting firms The Bridgespan Group and Bain & Company. Pete is also the host of the podcast, How to Be Awesome at Your Job, and the author of the book, Team Up: Becoming Accountable to Your Dreams.

Ben’s Job Search Resource:

Ben’s resource this week is "Searching for Work in the Digital Era," from the Pew Research Center for Internet, Science and Technology. There are three trends highlighted by the report, and they are, the Internet is the primary form of research for job seekers, mobile phones are the primary job search tool, and social media is a growing research resource for finding jobs. The report is supported by quantifiable data.

Jenna’s Find Your Dream Job Listener Question:

Jenna offers her advice to listener Brett Williams, who asks: “How do you learn the typical salary local employers pay in your field?”

If you would like the team to answer a job-related question, email it to jenna@macslist.org, or call her at 716-JOB-TALK. If we use your question on the air, you will receive either a copy of our new book, Land Your Dream Job Anywhere (to be published February 1, 2017) or a Mac’s List Coffee Mug, your choice. Or, if you’ve found a job resource you think everyone should know about, send it to ben@macslist.org, and tell him how it has helped you find your dream job.

Ben and Jenna’s segments are sponsored by Land Your Dream Job Anywhere (to be published February 1, 2017). The book offers practical, actionable, and proven tools to help you get clear about your career goals, find hidden jobs, ace your next interview and more.

If you like this show, please help us by rating and reviewing our podcast on iTunes. We appreciate your support!

Opening and closing music for Find Your Dream Job provided by Freddy Trujillo, www.freddytrujillo.com.

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