You wrote your resume and cover letter to search for the perfect job. After you completed your third job interview of the week you feel like you nailed it. Now, you are waiting for the hiring manager to call and offer you the job of your dreams. However, that phone never rings, or when it does, it’s just to hear that you’ve been passed over once again.

Are you tired of being rejected over and over again?

Are you ready to give up? Well don’t!

You must not allow yourself to sink into this quicksand of rejection. Never give up, because that perfect job opportunity may be right around the corner.

Trying to land a job or switch careers in today’s job market can be very difficult. There are many competitors, and fewer jobs. For any given employment opportunity, there are usually hundreds of applicants, which allows prospective employers to be very choosy. They will narrow down the applicant pool to those they want to interview, followed by a second round of interviews if necessary, and then finally the single candidate they want to offer the position to.

How Do Some People Get Hired and Why

Decisions are usually made based on the applicant the employer deems to be the best fit for the company or school district. Each organization will have a philosophy and a set of goals or targets it hopes to achieve. The hiring manager will make his or her choice based on who will fit into the organization culture, can meet their standards and achieve the best results. If you find your phone is not ringing off the hook with job offers, you may want to contact the company and try to gain some feedback. Sometimes the manager is not willing to provide feedback, as this can take up a substantial amount of time. However, other individuals might be willing to offer help, particularly if he or she was on the fence about offering you an interview. Take the feedback to heart. Use the advice you are given, make sure you take it seriously, and apply it to your next job application and/or interview.

The following are a few questions you may want to consider before embarking on your next job hunt:

Has the job market changed since you began your search? Canvassing input from those in your field of work would give you great insight into what to expect.

Are the skills required for the position you want the same?

Do you have the required background and communicated your relevant skills and accomplishments?

How Job Search Documents Reveal Your Value

The key documents in the job search process are a resume and cover letter. Your first impression hinges on the development of these important pieces of paper or the online transfer of the file containing them.

They are snapshots of your professional experience, including formal education, job responsibilities and achievements, professional development, skill sets, personal characteristics, and the like. These job application documents are used to market you as an employee and garner the attention of potential employers.

How To Make A Killer Resume That Gets Results

An effective resume is one that grabs the reader’s attention and leaves him or her wanting to read on and learn more. Employers take approximately 15 seconds to scan a resume; therefore, it is crucial that you stand out immediately. Your resume must include keywords, be visually appealing, easy to read, and demonstrate your key qualities in an effective manner. It needs to sell your value to the reader to generate a phone call for an interview.

9 Quick Steps to Developing a Quality Resume

1. The main thing that must stand out on a resume is your name, contact details and the position you are applying for.

2. Develop a focused introduction or career profile about you as a professional.

3. List your areas of expertise or core competencies in an effective bullet point format - bullets draw the eye to them - they are the hooks. This is one great place to include keywords.

4. Incorporate formal education, certifications, and credentials.

5. Describe in a paragraph your current and past job responsibilities - the scope of the position.

6. Highlight, using a bullet list, career achievements, using figures, stats, and details as much as possible while still making it very concise.

7. List professional development, professional affiliations, publications, community involvement, and technology expertise.

8. Incorporate quotes or testimonials from references.

9. Quad-triple check the contact details... and proofread… proofread… proofread!

How Your Cover Letter Need To Show Your Personality

First question you may ask... Do I need a cover letter. YES, if you don't send one it is unprofessional, a sign of laziness... and shows your lack of knowledge of how important a cover letter is to your job search success.

You just don't apply for a position without a well-written cover letter.

A successful cover letter is one that is NOT generic, rather it is unique to what you can offer and conveys your passion and drive. You must really speak to the reader and entice him or her to look at your resume. This introductory document should capture you in a nutshell and advertise you as a highly desirable candidate for an interview.

7 Easy Steps to Writing an Exceptional Cover Letter or Introduction Letter

1. Tailor the cover letter based on the company or school district’s specific requirements and needs. Do some homework, so you can catch their attention. Your cover letter needs to "seal the deal" and ignite the reader to go to the resume. Get the name of the individual you wish to address the letter to.

2. You don't want to repeat the resume, but at the same time, briefly list relevant education, job positions, and skills.

3. Showcase a couple of career accomplishments that the potential employer would find applicable.

4. Highlight desirable characteristics such as being creative, diligent, enthusiastic, approachable, and passionate.

5. Demonstrate the unique selling point / value proposition you bring to the table.

6. Persuade the hiring manager to give you the opportunity for an interview by including a call to action at the end.

7. Proofread… proofread… proofread!

When the first draft of your resume and cover letter are complete, go through the list below to ensure you are prepared.

Did you clearly demonstrate in your resume and cover letter that you meet the criteria for the job?

Were there errors in your application or was it hard to read?

Did you have friends, relatives, or colleagues critique your resume and cover letter?

Did you hire a professional resume writer if you were still in doubt?

Have you been using the same approach every time without success? If you find that something is not working, change it.

How To Successfully Hunt For A Job

When you feel you are ready to start applying for a job, the tricky part can be finding the actual positions. Use job search websites, company pages, online community boards, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Facebook to identify and apply to career postings. Don’t be afraid to get the word out there that you are in search of a job. The more people that know you are looking, the better your chances are for finding your dream job. However, if you are looking to change jobs or careers, be careful about how you broadcast this news, as you don’t want to end up in hot water with your current employer.

Is Your Job Search Checklist Complete?

Do you have a clear job target?

Have you established a job search plan?

Have you researched your potential jobs, employers, and work locations?

Have you established a job search tracking system to keep you organized in your search?

Do you have a professional sounding email address for your job search?

Have you researched your online reputation...or lack thereof?

Have you written a strong, keyword rich LinkedIn profile that shows your passion?

Have you enhanced your online reputation?

Have you increased your online presence?

Do you have a fully complete LinkedIn profile to All Star rating?

Do you have support in your job search from your network of family, friends, colleagues, etc.?

Are you taking advantage of the hidden job market?

Have you been cold calling companies to find out potential opportunities?

Are you a member of local professional and business organizations?

Are you effectively using social media channels to increase your networking opportunities?

Are you using a strong combination of a few job websites, company websites, professional association websites, chamber of commerce websites, college websites, etc. to leverage your online job search?

Have you attended any career fairs?

Have you considered or reached out to a recruiter?

Are you utilizing Google Alerts?

Are you utilizing other Job Alerts from job websites to ensure you know when a job in your target area is posted?

Are you searching target company websites for job opportunities?

Are you following up with employers by email, as well as by phone?

Have You Considered Hiring A Interview and Career Coach?

Once you have landed a job interview, it is time to prepare – the key to success is preparation! An interview can be one of the most daunting tasks we will ever undertake; however, if you know what to expect, and are well-practiced, it will seem much less scary. If you are uncertain about how to answer potential interview questions, you may wish to consult with an interview or career coach.

If you invest in yourself now, you will invest in your future!

13 Moves To Position Yourself To Ace Your Next Job Interview

1. Make a list of questions you could be asked in the interview.

2. Formulate answers to the interview questions using the CAR acronym: Challenge, Action, Result.

3. Practice in front of the mirror to understand how you truly look during an interview.

4. Practice with family members or friends, and ask them to provide feedback.

5. Map out the route to your interview well in advance.

6. Layout your clothes the night before. Remember to make sure they are clean, pressed, and professional looking!

7. The day of the interview, leave home early, in case of construction or detours.

8. Greet the interviewer with confidence, enthusiasm, and an honest smile.

9. Take your time answering questions; ask for clarification if necessary.

10. Maintain good eye contact, but do not stare. Remember to smile occasionally as well.

11. Be truthful and remain positive; spin negatives into positives.

12. Shake the interviewers hand as you leave (and enter!), and demonstrate true appreciation for the chance at an interview.

13. Send a thank you letter within 24 hours of the interview, highlighting excellent points about yourself that were discussed in the interview.

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If you don’t like where you are in your career YOU have the power to change it. Ask yourself what is important to your career then make the resolution to create a life around your response.

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Candace Alstad - Davies, CEO of A+ Resumes for Teachers is a Global Career Management Professional dedicated to assisting educators and other job seekers worldwide to leverage their strengths, accomplishments, and unique selling points to capture their dream career. Over 15+ years, her team has successfully assisted 6500+ professionals by transforming their talents into concise documents that secure numerous interviews.

If you need help getting your LinkedIn profile, resume, cover letter put together or any other job search documents let Candace know via email at candoco@telus.net or call toll-free 877 738-8052 (North America) or 780 513-0010.