Back to Basics, Three Tips for HR Jobseekers

Julie Shenkman
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When it comes to a job search in the human resources industry, many jobseekers tend to overthink the process. Because HR professionals are accustomed to the hiring process, it is easy to forget about the basics. By ensuring that your applications are built on a solid foundation, you can gain the competitive advantage over other candidates.

According to a recent article from Mediabistro, the 2014 employment outlook in the United States is expected to be stable. While the job reports are positive, it's unlikely to result in a major rise in job numbers, meaning that jobseekers in all industries will still need to deal with competition. Until job growth increases significantly, human resources professionals can expect to vie for jobs with a number of other professionals. In such a competitive climate, a solid foundation can improve your job search.

Human resources professionals are required to work with careful attention to detail, particularly when it comes to legal and employment forms. To set yourself apart from other jobseekers, it is crucial to follow one of the most basic job hunting tips: proofread. If your resume or application has even a single error on it, it can cast you in a bad light. When it comes down to two equally qualified candidates, a typo has the potential to be the deciding factor. Before you submit your resume, run it through a spell-checking program and send it to at least two people for review. The more people who see your documents, the more likely you are to catch errors.

When it comes to human resources applications, many jobseekers simply list their duties in previous positions. Chances are, the person who reviews your resume already knows the basic duties of HR jobs. One of the most useful job hunting tips is to add details that create a well-rounded view of you as a professional. To help the reviewer see you as an excellent candidate, add to your resume the things you accomplished in each position. By doing so, you can demonstrate how you will add value to the company in question.

Each company you apply to is different; therefore, each application you submit should be different. Though conventional wisdom advises that jobseekers tailor their resume and cover letter to the individual job, many people ignore the advice. Stand out from the crowd by updating your materials to suit the company you are applying to. In doing so, you can indicate that you are serious and dedicated.

In a tough economic climate, successful jobseekers are those who pay close attention to resume, cover letter, and application basics. By creating a strong, honest set of materials, you can create a lasting impression with the people who review your resume.

 

(Photo courtesy of freedigitalphotos.net)

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