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Writer's pictureJames Johnson

Candidates: News from the final stretch of 2021

As we round out the year, I don’t know about you, but I’m looking forward to a little R&R over the break. I don’t think I’m alone in having learned the importance of self-care in the past year or two. And having a job that makes you happy is a big part of that.


On that note, in this month’s newsletter, how to make your resume super scannable, why you shouldn’t avoid negotiating, and whether you should consider boomeranging back to your last job — plus my top three favorite reads of the last month.



Does Your Resume Pass the 6-Second Test?


You spend 20-40 hours on your resume, getting it just right.


The hiring manager spends 6 seconds reading it.


This is not just an exaggeration — these figures come from an actual independent study. Recruiters and hiring managers often have hundreds of applications to weed through per job opening. They have time to glance at each resume before making a decision which pile to sort it into.


If someone is going to spent 6 seconds with your resume, what’s most important? A few things rise to the top of the list:


  • The format must be impeccable so it’s easy to scan and visually clean

  • The content should clearly surface your impact in previous roles, along with the scope of your experience

  • Keywords are everything! Tune into the keywords in the job description for clues


If you get past that first gate, your resume might get a deeper read. But hiring managers don’t have a lot of time to give you the benefit of the doubt if your resume doesn’t pass immediate muster.



Do You Hate Talking About Money?


“James, I know I should negotiate, but I really hate talking about money.”


This is an attitude a lot of people suffer from, and it holds them back from making the money they are worth.

You might be particularly resistant to the idea of negotiation once you’ve you’ve received a written job offer, but ironically, that’s the perfect time to ask for more. Why? Because with a written offer, you know they’re serious about you.


Keep in mind that there is more to negotiation than just straightforward salary figures. Up for discussion are signing bonuses, benefits, work flexibility, and other elements of the offer.


When you work with a recruiter, we can help you with this phase of your job search. But even if you don’t, don’t sell yourself short when it comes to money negotiation.


This Month’s Must-Reads



To Boomerang or Not?


As people quit their jobs in droves last year, we started hearing grumbling in the recruiting world about the likelihood of a Big Boomerang — people begging for their old jobs back.


Whether or not this trend will prove a reality remains to be seen, but the idea of returning to a job you’ve left doesn’t have to have negative connotations. Sometimes, it can actually be just the opportunity you need to negotiate for a better position and benefits. Of course, this is typically only true if you left your job on good terms. And I don’t recommend angling for your old job back unless you really want it.


If you’re still hoping to make a shift, and you’re looking for guidance and support, get in touch. I can give you the objective advice you need on what you’re qualified for and what’s out there right now in terms of open jobs.


Your old job was nice. Your new job could be even better — beyond your wildest dreams, in fact.


James


Johnson Recruiting Group


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