KSC and Cover Letter Writing Guides

Writing Key Selection Criteria (KSC) responses that get you shortlisted

Posted on by Alpha Resumes
Writing Key Selection Criteria KSC responses that gets you shortlisted v2
17
Apr

Applying for jobs can be stressful and time-consuming – especially when you have to write not just a resume and cover letter, but also responses to Key Selection Criteria (known as KSC). But the ability to address KSC is crucial to being shortlisted for that all-important role.
Here is some advice on writing effective KSC responses. With a little practice, you will gain more confidence and the result…. You WILL get shortlisted for more interviews. We have helped candidates from lower APS roles through to EL1, EL2 and Director level positions.

Business Updates

We’re Certified… by Career Money Life

Posted on by Alpha Resumes
Were Certified… by Career Money Life
12
Apr

Have you ever booked a hotel online only to show up and find out that it wasn’t really what you expected? Your perception didn’t really match the reality? Those gorgeous photos on the Internet tuned out to be completely false and that delicious sounding continental breakfast was really just instant coffee and bland, white toast. It’s disappointing, it’s maddening and sometimes costly, but how can you be sure that what you’re buying online actually lives up to your expectations?

Resume Writing Guides

How To Greatly Improve Your Resume By Highlighting Your Achievements

Posted on by Alpha Resumes
How To Greatly Improve Your Resume By Highlighting Your Achievements
31
Mar

When clients ask us to improve their resume, there is one mistake we often see immediately – they have often written a reasonable list of their previous duties or responsibilities but haven’t mentioned their past achievements.
We don’t mean the debating trophy they won in Year 10 – we mean achievements in previous roles.
Your resume is your chance to sell yourself. So, like any sales content, you need to give prospective employers the benefits (your results) as well as the features (what you do).

Why employers want to see achievements

Prospective employers don’t just want to know whether you can do the job; they want to know how well you can do the job and whether you can add value to their organisation.

So just telling them what you did in a role isn’t enough. How did you make things better and easier for the organisation? How is the organisation better for you having been there?

Make sure the focus of your resume is your achievements, not your duties.

How to write achievements in your resume

Focusing on achievements can be more time consuming than just listing your responsibilities. However, you don’t need to throw out your current resume and start from scratch.

Start by looking at every duty or responsibility you’ve written on your resume and ask yourself ‘So what was the result of doing this?’ If the answer is ‘I got the job done’, you probably don’t have a handle on the achievement yet.

There are several formats you can use to write achievements:

  • Result and Action (R&A) – This is a simple format stating what the result was and what you did to achieve it. It works well for entry-level roles and is also great for sales positions.
  • Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR) – This is a common format and a good place to start. You may also find it useful for answering behavioural questions in job interviews, or addressing key selection criteria.
  • Challenges, Obstacles, Steps and Results (COSR) – This approach provides more detail, including the problem that needed fixing, the steps you took to fix it, the obstacles you had along the way and the result. It can be a bit more difficult to frame up but works well when you addressed an ongoing problem or led a complex project.

Examples of achievements

  • Sales target exceeded – Delivered 140% to 2020 sales target by prospecting into new categories, notably securing a deal with a key automotive player worth $1.2 million.
  • Cost savings – Saved $30,000 per year in leasing costs by analysing and reworking floor layout, and subletting unused space.
  • Successful campaign – Following a 6-year period of organisational decline, successfully strategised and launched a focused media campaign, securing a $15-million commitment at the May 2019 federal election. This was the most significant election announcement for any primary-based industry and bolstered the organisation’s financial viability.
  • Challenge addressed – Developed and led the campaign to increase the price of discount milk by 10 cents per litre in collaboration with Woolworths. This gave dairy farmers a $60-milion per year income boost across supermarkets.
  • Time savings – Reduced end-of-month reporting times from more than 5 days to fewer than 2 days by creating a set of new templates and training staff to use them correctly.
  • Innovation – Developed an online notes system for use by the administration team. Later rolled out to 400 staff companywide, resulting in stationery savings of more than $6000 per year.

No matter which method you use to write achievements on your resume, make sure a few things are covered:

  • Focus on what you achieved or the result, and the actions you took to achieve it.
  • Use metrics or a tangible result where possible (e.g. numbers, stats, percentages) to provide context to your achievements. (If you’re vague, recruiters will assume you’re padding your resume to sound impressive).
  • Where possible, try to forward-load the achievement. This means starting with the benefit or the gain.
  • Keep it brief – just a sentence or two unless there is significant detail that you feel needs to be demonstrated for the role.

At Alpha Resumes, we can help you write a resume that shows prospective employers who you really are. Contact us to find out more.

Resume Writing Guides

5 Steps to Creating the Perfect Resume

Posted on by Alpha Resumes
5 Steps to Creating the Perfect Resume
26
Mar

Creating a resume is something that most of us must do at some point in our lives, but when was the last time somebody sat you down and showed you how to make it pitch perfect? With a myriad of different templates online and many vague instructions of just “list out your employment/education”- there is a lot left up to the imagination. From the basics of having your contact details up the top, to how to best display your credentials, let us show you how to put together the perfect resume.

1. Tell Them Who You Are

Of course, after listing your contact information at the top, the first section of your resume should read as an opening profile or mini-elevator pitch. The idea is to curate this section, so it sums up your background and is relevant for the types of jobs you are applying for. This is the place to tell your potential employer just why you are an amazing candidate, with a story aligned to the role. It is also the section where you can provide a concise overview of your skills and experience- tell them what makes you unique and just what you can bring to the table. This is not the time to go into detail, just keep it short, snappy and take the opportunity to sell yourself.

2. Key Skills & Strengths

A key component of your resume is to include your key skills. This can include technical and non-technical skills but always keep them relevant to the job you are applying for. Take the time to highlight any unique skills as well- you want to be able to stand out from the rest of the applicants. You do not have to go into too much detail, as there is time for that later on- but you want the person reading your resume to know you are experienced from the first glance. You will also need to include many of these to pass through the ATS (Applicant Tracking Software) that most recruiters use.

Immediately under this section is also a good place to include tertiary education or other relevant qualifications. Keep these relevant however and save the extended professional development and other training courses you have completed for the end of the CV.

3. Include A Career Summary Snapshot

One of the best ways to condense your resume and make it easier to read is to include a career summary on the first page. Again, curate this to the position you are applying for. This snapshot means that even if somebody is just skimming your resume, they can see your experience and previous roles without having to sort through multiple pages and larger chunks of text. It gives them a quick timeline, information on your previous employers and how long you were in those positions. No need to include duties or responsibilities, that is for later in the resume. Also, if you have quite an extensive career, then only include relevant positions, or limit this to the last 10 to 15 years.

4. Then Provide Them With Highlights & Relevant Detail

Once you have developed a strong, clear and concise opening page- the next step is to delve into that detail a little more. Ideally, the profile, skills summary and career snapshot should have enticed recruiters to read on, so this is where you can strengthen your case of why you are the best candidate for the job.

Starting with your recent employment history and moving back, highlight your achievements and anything that gives further proof of your worthiness. Focus on quantifiable achievements wherever possible, for example, did you put together a timesaving measure in your previous role that not only made your company more time-efficient but saved them money? That is something to highlight and ensure you mention the numbers/percentages to strengthen your claims. Do this for every relevant job that you have included. You can also check out our new article soon on how to write a knockout achievement.

Once you have highlighted your career achievements and responsibilities, then you can also list any professional memberships/associations that you are a part of, professional development you have undertaken and other areas such as extracurricular activities. As always, keep it relevant! Also, do not feel the need to list your referees – unless the job description asks for them specifically.

5. All Too Much? Hire a Professional

If the previous four steps still have you a little lost or if you just want to avoid the stress and leave it to the professionals, then hiring a credible resume writer is your best option. A professional resume writing service is a great option for those who may not have the confidence to write, feel that they are missing something or just don’t want to leave things to chance and would prefer to put their faith in a professional. At Alpha Resumes, it is our job to ensure that you can put your best foot forward. We will work with you to create a resume that is sure to wow any recruiter.

When writing your resume, confidence is key. Whether you are writing it yourself or using a professional resume writing service, the role of a resume is to show any potential recruiter/employer just how much of an asset you are. Get this part right and you can assure your career will prosper.

Interview Preparation Tips

Video Interview Tips That Will Land You The Job

Posted on by Alpha Resumes
Video Interview Tips That Will Land You The Job
25
Mar

With everything moving online during the pandemic, it was inevitable that we would start attending job interviews online. However, some companies have gone a step further and are now conducting interviews without any interviewer at all!

In a recorded interview, you record yourself on video and answer questions that appear on the screen. There is no personal contact, and these are typically automated by platforms such as HireVue and many emerging others.

A recorded interview can feel like a video audition – probably because it is. It enables recruiters to learn more about you without a face-to-face interview. (Though an in-person interview will often follow.)

Here are some tips to help you ace a recorded job interview.

Note: This is different to a face-to-face online interview, which is more like a Zoom meeting with your interviewer or panel on the screen. Read our tips for online interviews.

What is a recorded interview?

When you apply for a job, the organisation or recruitment agency will send you an email with a link to an app that you’ll need to download. You can usually do this on a computer, phone or other device.

When the app opens up, you’ll get instructions and a practice question, so you can get used to talking to your camera before the real interview questions start.

When you’re ready, you just press ‘Start’ or ‘Record’ to go to the first question. You usually get a time limit for answering a question – perhaps two minutes – and this could make you feel stressed at first. But you’ll get better at judging your time as the interview goes on.

Preparing for a recorded interview

As strange as it seems, recorded interviews are real job interviews, so you should prepare like you would for a face-to-face meeting. Our article on online interviews contains many tips for getting ready, which also apply here.

You’ll be given a practice question to get used to the system, so definitely use this. Take all the time you need to get used to the buttons and the camera.

Some software packages even use AI (artificial intelligence) to assess your recording before a recruiter looks at it. It assesses things like body language, tone and certain words or phrases.

We don’t mean to stress you out by telling you this! Just be yourself and try to relax.

Tips for recorded interviews

  • Practise creating videos on your device before the interview if you don’t have experience talking to a camera.
  • Try to imagine you’re talking to a real person.
  • Don’t get distracted by how you look on the camera. Just be yourself.
  • Breathe and get calm before you press ‘Start’ or ‘Record’ for each question. You don’t have to go until you’re ready, so give yourself some space between the questions.
  • If you’d feel comfortable with someone you know standing behind the camera – so you can talk to a real person – try that in the practice part.
  • Don’t panic if you mess up a question or two – just like in a real interview, it may happen. Just take a moment to regroup before starting the recording again for the next question.

Want more help?

Talking only to a camera can seem intimidating or even impersonal at first. Some people are experienced at creating videos, such as for YouTube, but others have never presented on video.

We can help you with that. Here at Alpha Resumes, we run one-on-one interview preparation sessions and personal coaching to help you practice and gain confidence. In addition, we offer professional resume writing services that are sure to get you noticed.

Contact us for a free initial chat and to find out more about how we can help.

Interview Preparation Tips

How To Succeed In An Online Interview

Posted on by Alpha Resumes
How To Succeed In An Online Interview
25
Mar

COVID has changed the way we attend job interviews. Rather than going into an office, now we’re increasingly attending interviews online. This isn’t going to stop after the pandemic, so you can expect more of these virtual interviews in the future.

Online interviews can feel intimidating at first, but it is possible to get skilled at them. This article will give you some tips for successfully navigating online interviews.

Note: This is different from a recorded interview where you film yourself on video and record answers to questions that appear on the screen. Read our tips for recorded interviews in this article.

What is an online interview?

A face-to-face online interview is where your interviewer or panel is on the screen in front of you.

Most of us have attended an online meeting over the last year due to COVID, so we’re starting to get more comfortable with them. You might have attended via a Zoom, Skype, Teams or even a Google Meet invitation in your email.

If you’re asked to attend an online interview, you should prepare well in advance to make sure all goes smoothly on the day.

Check your technology works

See the interview invitation for the app you’ll be using – e.g. Zoom or Skype. These apps are simple to install on your computer or phone if necessary. When you click on the invitation link, your device will tell you if you need to install anything and should lead you through the process. Do this well before your interview.

Once you have the application, set up a mock interview with yourself or, ideally, a friend or family member. They can get on their device and tell you how it’s looking. Check your microphone and speakers or headphones if you use them.

If your webcam is quite blurry (which happens with older laptops), consider using a phone camera instead, as they’re usually better quality. Make sure your battery is charged.

Check your environment

Turn on your camera and see what is around you. Is there an inappropriate poster? An open clothes cupboard? A toilet with an open door?

Place your camera facing a wall, plant or other nice background.

Try out different lighting options until you find the most flattering combination of natural light and artificial light. YouTube has great advice about lighting for video.

Block out the time

If the location for your online interview – often your home – is noisy, you may need to re-organise things to ensure you have peace and quiet during your interview.

Of course, you can’t stop the neighbours deciding to mow the lawn during your interview, but you do need to control what you can. If you would usually get a babysitter to travel to an interview, consider doing it for an online interview as well.

Just treat the online interview as you would a normal interview.

Prepare as you usually would

Don’t be tempted to dress down or more casually for an online job interview. Prepare your appearance just as you would for an in-person interview.

And, as an extra check, see how the outfit looks on camera. For example, a bright red shirt in a room might look great, but it might be too distracting on a small screen. Similarly, some textures and patterns can be hard on the eyes on a screen.

Remove anything that jumps out or makes noise (like jangly jewellery).

Take a breath

Use the hour before the interview to make sure you’re all set up with:

  • water, a pen and notepad
  • the questions you want to ask
  • the answers to the questions they’ll probably ask you.

Turn off the television, your phone and anything else that could be distracting. Take a breath and get prepared mentally.

During the interview

Note your interviewer’s names when they’re introduced. In an in-person interview, you can just turn to them to ask a question. On camera, you’ll need to get their attention by saying their name.

Let a person finish speaking before talking, as it’s easy for confusion to occur when it’s not clear who is speaking. Especially if there is a delay.

Look at the camera if you want to seem like you’re making eye contact.

Don’t focus on your own image. If you’ve done the work, you don’t need to worry about what you look like in the interview.

Don’t panic

Try not to stress if the technology doesn’t play the game. Just check what you can and they will check on their end. If you need to, shut it all down and restart. Your interviewers will usually understand – it’s an inevitable part of online interviews.

Want more help?

Online interviews may suit some people, but others may struggle with this new normal. However, it is going to become commonplace, so it’s worth learning as much as you can about online interviews, so you can ace your next one!

We can help you with that. Here at Alpha Resumes, we run one-on-one interview preparation sessions and personal coaching to help you practise and gain confidence. We are also offer an amazing resume writing service.

Contact us to find out more.

Referees and Resignation Advice

Guide to Resigning Professionally (plus Free Resignation Letter Template)

Posted on by Alpha Resumes
Guide to Resigning Professionally plus Free Resignation Letter Template
23
Mar

Starting a new phase in your career is exciting. But after the decision to move on or the initial celebration of your shiny new job comes the dread of having to resign from your current role. Despite all those dreams you’ve had of enthusiastically quitting your job, doing the real thing is nowhere near as exciting. Suddenly, you realise that dramatically quitting like they do in the movies is not a great idea. Unlike movie characters, the way you resign can have some unexpected consequences.

If you are reading this, congratulations. You are probably ready to close the current chapter of your life and start a new one. However, it’s time to resign. Regardless of your circumstances, there is a way to resign in style. Let Alpha Resumes show you how.

Get all your ducks lined up

Before you make things official, it is important to sort out the logistics of your resignation. Have you confirmed a starting date in your new role? It is also important to check the amount of notice you need to provide your employer. Notice periods vary depending on your company and type of employment. In Australia, most workplaces require at least 1 to 4 weeks’ notice. However, if you are in a senior leadership position, that notice period could be longer. Some workplaces let employees use annual leave as part of their notice period. It may be a good idea to apply for annual leave if you require an early exit. Once you have all the details of your transition sorted, it is time to put everything in writing.

Write up your resignation letter.

Nowadays, most workplaces require your resignation in writing. In 2021, it is perfectly normal to submit your resignation through email to your boss or HR team. However, you may also choose to present them a physical letter.  Writing resignation letters are not as daunting as they are made out to be. Resignation letters are quite short. All they really need to include is:

  • Addressing your boss or HR representative.
  • Your intention of resigning from your current position.
  • The last day/shift you will be working.
  • A polite thank you message.

Alpha Resumes has a free, accessible resignation letter template for you to use.

word doc icon

Free Resignation Letter Template Download

Despite the common belief, you do not need to explain where you are going or why you are resigning in your letter. The only exception when you may need to explain where you are going is if you are changing jobs within the same company.

Set up a meeting with your manager.

Ask your manager if you can take a moment to talk in private – face to face. When resigning, one of the most important things is to make sure you tell your manager first. Most bosses will not appreciate being blindsided or hearing about your resignation through an unexpected email, or even worse, via workplace gossip. Timing is also critical. The best times to approach your manager can be at either the start or end of the shift or during a quiet period at your workplace.

Start the conversation with your manager.

Verbally tell your manager that you are resigning. If you have not already done so, now would be a good time to hand them a printed resignation letter or let them know to expect one via email. Be clear with your manager that you are resigning and when your final shift will be.

Be careful if you are asked why you are leaving. Being too truthful about how much you dislike your boss, colleagues or workplace can cause unwanted conflict or damage your reputation. Truth is, you don’t have to disclose exactly why you are leaving. It can help to practice a respectful answer like ‘I want to pursue a new opportunity’ before the meeting so you aren’t put on the spot. Also listen to what your manager has to say, it may take some time for them to process your news.

Be sure to end the meeting on a positive note and regardless of your relationship, thank your boss for their time during your employment. Small necessities like this make a big difference when handling a resignation.

The light at the end of the tunnel

Congratulations, you have now officially resigned! But it’s not over yet. Just because you are leaving the job does not mean you should slack off. Be sure to do these things until you clock out of your final shift so you can leave with your head held high.

Don’t burn your bridges

Be modest. Avoid excessively bragging about your new job or how you are leaving. Be civil with your colleagues and managers, regardless of how they have treated you in the past. You might end up needing these people as references or for future employment. Also, you never know when you might see someone again.

Stay on top of your responsibilities

Just because you are leaving, it is not an excuse to be unprofessional. Now is a good time to focus on tying up loose ends and preparing your workstation for your replacement. Don’t slack off with any safety aspects of your job either. Getting injured on your last shift for ignoring safety protocols could sabotage your new role.  Remember to stay on top of all your tasks, you are accountable for your work until the final clock off.

Don’t take anything that doesn’t belong to you.

Taking work property – both physical and intellectual – is stealing and your employer can threaten legal action or police intervention. It really isn’t worth it for a stapler, or a few documents that you will probably never look at again.

Reread the Employee handbook

Or your workplaces enterprise/union agreement. Know your entitlements or benefits. This handbook should cover how much notice you need to provide and other important aspects such as Non-Compete clauses. You may also be entitled to a payout for leaving.

If you are fortunate enough to receive a going away party or parting gift on your final shift, you can be proud knowing that you are leaving on good terms and resigned in true professional style. If you are thinking about resigning and need a professional resume writer to assist, Alpha Resumes is here to assist.

KSC and Cover Letter Writing Guides

How to Write a Knockout Cover Letter

Posted on by Alpha Resumes
How to Write a Knockout Cover Letter
22
Mar

When applying for any job, putting your best foot forward from the very start is always the best approach. That is the purpose of a cover letter. Whether you have found yourself sweating profusely at the “add a cover letter” option or have just accepted that cover letter writing is part of the whole job application process, there is no doubt that many applicants have had similar thoughts.

Is the cover letter worth writing? Will recruiters read it?

It is always safer to assume they will, so putting your best foot forward from the get-go is the safest option. You want them to be able to open the document, skim through it and be able to decide at that moment that you are worthy of consideration. There are a few approaches you can take when writing a cover letter and while the process may seem like an exhausting one, there are ways to make it easier. Creating a bespoke cover letter may seem like the smart thing to do to stand out and if you have the time to do so, then go right ahead! The perks of creating a general cover letter (that you can adapt) though means you will save a lot of time and effort- something that you will be thankful for if you are applying for many roles!

How to Get it Started

Always start with your own details. As soon as the recruiting team read it, you want them to know who you are and how they can contact you. If possible, address the cover letter to the contact person listed on the job advertisement. If there is no name, that is an opportunity to familiarise yourself with the company. Do not hesitate to be proactive in finding out any necessary information about the role. To find out the name of who will be viewing your application, be proactive and try to give the company a call. That way not only will you be able to find out the name of the person who will be reading your cover letter, but you can start building a rapport. Adding that bit of personal touch will give you an edge on the competition right from the start and almost guarantees your application will be read.

Once you have addressed the cover letter, if you were able to make contact, give yourself the opportunity to personalise the letter by referencing the discussion you had. If you did not make any prior contact, that is okay, just address the advertisement.

Why Should a Recruiter Read Your Resume?

Overall, the aim of a cover letter is to demonstrate interest and to have the recruiter read your resume. Having one that is too long-winded, goes into too much detail or does not entice the recruiter to keep reading is what you want to avoid. When writing your cover letter, a good structure is key. Break it down into these three steps.

A Strong Opening

Think of the opening of your cover letter as a mini-elevator pitch. The cover letter is where you want to be adding in those little teasers. It is your first impression to convince the recruiter that you are suitable for the role. Whether it is the person whose task it is to create a shortlist of candidates to pass onto the hiring manager or to the head of the company themselves, you want them to keep reading. Make it interesting.

Relevant Achievements and Strengths

In the opening, you have started to communicate your value and why you are suitable for the role. The next step is to demonstrate some of your strengths or achievements that are directly relevant to the position. Using bullet points here is a great idea. Keeping to between 3-6 highlights ensures your letter remains short, sharp, and relevant. Read the job description carefully and feel free to change these to suit the position you are targeting. The objective here is to prove that you have the relevant skills needed to succeed in the role, making a stronger case than just writing down previous job titles. Remember this is a cover letter, do not go into too much detail that you have already covered in your resume. Another advantage of having just a few bullet points is that you can always go back and adjust your letter to make it more relevant to the roles you are applying for.

Note: When it comes to requirements like Key Selection Criteria that typically come with Government roles and some other professions, stay tuned as we will be showing you how to tackle them soon.

How to Close it Out

Once you have said all you need to say, you want to close out strong. After you have addressed all the important information and checked you have kept it to less than a page- nobody looks forward to reading a long-winded cover letter, it is time to close it out. Wrap it up courteously but also confidently! While it is always polite to say thank you for viewing your application, you can finish on a stronger note. Phrases such as “I look forward to hearing from you” or “I look forward to arranging a time for an interview” are a great way to show confidence and that you believe you are a worthy contender for the role.

Still a Little Lost? That is Where We Come In.

Even with a concise guide, creating a cover letter can be an overwhelming task. It can be hard to know what to talk up, what experience is relevant and just knowing what to include. If you are still struggling to write that cover letter, then that is where we come in. At Alpha Resumes we want you to succeed, so our professional team can help. With our professional resume writing services in Melbourne, we can arm you with a cover letter that is going to knock any recruiters socks off. Do not hesitate, get in contact with us today.

LinkedIn and Developing your Online Brand

Livin’ La LinkedIn Loca: or, how not to be invisible! (Part 2)

Posted on by Alpha Resumes
how to be invisible without even trying pART 2
21
May

Part 2

In Part 1 of our Livin’ La LinkedIn Loca series (see here) we went through the detail of how to flesh out your LinkedIn profile to give yourself an all-encompassing online makeover.  In this part we’ll go through the “About” and “Skills” sections, which are the two sections that recruiters and employers hone in on.  We’ll also give you a final few tips on how to really stand out from the crowd.  So, to get the right attention for your profile, pay attention to the following!

So….what do I say?

A strong About statement is critical, as it’s essentially your elevator pitch. It is your opportunity to speak directly to the employer to convince them you are absolutely the right candidate for the role they’ve got.

Think hard about capturing the essence of your skills and experience and summarising them in a neat written snapshot.  It’s basically the words version of your profile pic.  So, think through your career to date, and work out the key three or four skills and qualities that really set you apart.

Dorothy, I don’t think we’re in Kansas any more…

Put yourself in the shoes of the employer you want to land.  Think about what they are going to be looking for.  What are the key skills and experience that the role you really want needs?

A good way to pick up on the latest lingo recruiters are searching for is to search on a range of jobs similar to the one you’d like to land.  Pick out the common themes and keywords used in the job descriptions, and then reflect them back in your About statement.

So that’s the what – now how about the how?

Now how you convey those sought-after key skills and experience will vary with the role you’re looking for.  Every word you use has to justify its existence, so cut the waffle and the jargon and get to the essence of who you are and what you offer.

If you’re at the executive end of the market, go with a more formal third person summation of your skills and expertise, and why they make you a valuable asset for anyone to have.  You can stretch it out to anything up to 200 words or so, just make sure it’s crisp and cuts to the chase.

If you’re not quite at that end of your career yet, keep it a bit shorter, and get it to match the role you’re after.  If you’re in a customer-oriented role, maybe show a bit more of your personality, and go first person.  If you’re in a compliance role, think about being a bit less on the informal side and signal more of the steady, stable candidate inspiring quiet confidence.

Everyone is different, and the key is to make the tone and style of your “About” section suit both the you as you are, as well as addressing the next role you want.

Now closely tied to this section are the “Skills” you nominate, which brings me to my next point:  skills and the dreaded ATS review.

Filling a thrilling skills section

The “Skills” section is the second most critical part of your profile.

A large number of recruiters and employers are now including an “easy apply” link to the jobs they advertise on LinkedIn.  Handy, you think.  Well, don’t be so hasty.  There’s a more invidious reason:  automatic skills matching to sift out the wannabes from the want-to-haves.

In addition to picking up on focused keywords in your About section, the “easy apply” link will use AI (Artificial Intelligence) to assess the skills you include and check them off against the recruiters list.  If there’s a lack of alignment and you don’t score high enough, it’s the big round file for you.  So, this is where you really need to work hard at matching the skills you put in your profile to the skills that recruiters have on that check list.

Keep it real

Now, obviously you can’t just add skills you don’t have. You’ll need to at least be able to back up the claims you make with examples (because you’ll be asked to).  But be very careful to include all the ones you can demonstrate and also as many of the ones you see repeated throughout the jobs you have reviewed and want to apply for.

For tips on how to beat them at their own game when they’re after using automated software, the dreaded ATS, see our article about winning over Applicant Tracking Systems. 

LinkedIn Premium insights

Another big way you can beat the automated gatekeepers is with LinkedIn Premium.

As with most things in life, if you pay that little bit extra, you get better service.  If you’re serious about looking, think carefully about getting LinkedIn Premium.  It allows you to silently tag your profile as “open” to recruiters.  It also gives you “insights” into the roles you are suited for, and gives you a ranking of where you sit compared to the candidates (read the competition) who’ve applied for the role.

Most helpful of all, it tells you what skills you have that match what the recruiters are looking for in the role, so you can make sure you match them as closely as possible before applying.  It all helps to get you over the ATS hurdle by knowing what they’re after.

And here’s one for the road…well a few for the road…

One final tip – LinkedIn lets you put up a background image behind your profile shot.  Not many people go to the effort of doing that, but it will make all the difference and really make you stand out.  For an example, go look at this profile and see what an impact it can have.

Also, remember – just like real estate, it’s all about location location location.  Don’t put in your suburb, it’s far too limiting.  Instead, include the main city or rural region that you are based in.  Employers search on “Melbourne” not “Caulfield”, so unless you’re in horse racing, go with Melbourne.

And, a crucial tip – make sure you have the “notify my network of changes” set to “off” or you’ll flag to the world that you’re undergoing renovations.  Unless you’ve recently left a role and want to be in the flashing lights, it may not be a message you want to signal to your current employer or network.

Enough already!

There is actually a lot more you can do with a LinkedIn profile if you take some time and concerted effort – things like adding in your volunteering roles, or your community involvement.  It will all go towards painting the perfect portrait of you so that the prospective employer checking you out is left with the feeling they really must contact you to discuss their role.

Spend some time going through every section that LinkedIn has, and consider whether you need to put anything in that section.  Once you’re done, sit back, and take a long hard objective look at your profile, and think about whether you’ve captured your best you.

In short, be your new employer, and see what you think about you through their eyes.

Help is at hand

If this all seems a little over the top to you, it isn’t.  Employers are using LinkedIn more than ever to pre-screen and to search for potential employees.  So, unless you’re in the game, you’re going to be left on the bench just taking the drinks tray out to the real players.

Alpha Resumes offers an in-depth resume writing service and LinkedIn preparation service that will prepare your personal branding suite and a professional online persona, so you can maximise your skills and experience and get noticed by those who are looking.  Get in touch with us and we’ll leave you in a position where new employers will want to get in touch with you.