Hot Trends in Job Searching

The more you know about new technology, trends and future advances in the field, the better off you’ll be when it comes to looking for your next job. Keith Greene, director of organizational programs at the Society for Human Resource Management, and Gerry Crispin, an HR consultant and co-author of CareerXRoads, share what’s new in the HR industry and what the trends mean for job seekers.

The Scannable Résumé
Greene says that the biggest development in the industry is the increased use of technology by HR practitioners. Today, more companies are relying on computer programs to perform the first level of résumé screening. This means that your résumé will likely be read by a computer before it reaches a real person.

Applicant tracking systems are making it easier for hiring managers to pinpoint qualified candidates and sift through the thousands of resumes received each year. Computer applications review emailed or scanned resumes and pick up on pre-set key words that describe duties that are essential to the job. That means that if a position requires someone with specific computer skills or certifications, the software will scan resumes for those terms and automatically turn down any resumes that do not include the key words. Greene says it is, therefore, important for job seekers to understand the technology and use it to their advantage. “With the sophistication of search engines, job seekers need to make sure they have key words in their resumes,” he says.

Greene also notes that job seekers can help themselves by carefully reading job descriptions and tailoring their résumé to the job. “Matching words in a résumé to key words in a job ad becomes really critical,” he says. This also means that it is more important than ever to customize your résumé. “Job seekers need to have fluid resumes. They need to be able to update them at the drop of a hat,” he says.

If you are unsure about what key words to include in your résumé, Greene suggests networking to find out what the company is looking for. “Talk to people at the company and ask them about their key words,” he says. The bottom line is that you must give thought to what words are included in your résumé.

Improved Cover Letters
Another trend Greene has observed in the industry is the prevalence of “Q-letters.” These letters are cover letters that are designed to address skills asked for in a job description or help wanted ad. The letters are typically set up in a two-column format. One column is the “needs” side that lists the skills or experiences requested by the job description. The second column is the “what I have” side that lists the applicant’s skills. Writing a cover letter in this fashion is an efficient and direct way to demonstrate just how you meet the company’s needs. “HR people really like these letters,” says Greene.

Enhanced Tools on Job Search Sites
Online job search sites, continue to offer new and enhanced features for both individuals seeking jobs and companies searching for qualified candidates.

Company Web Sites
Both Green and Crispin say that another trend in the industry is a focus on company Web sites to accept job applications. These sites require applicants to cut and paste information directly into the site, rather than sending in a résumé document. “This is again where key words come into play,” says Greene. Crispin agrees, and says that the industry as a whole is becoming more customer oriented. “There is a trend to provide more and better information to job seekers through the company Web site,” he says. Many companies now have full sites dedicated to giving candidates information about the company and positions available, feedback to applicants and more. He says that, in light of this trend, it is even more important for job seekers to research company Web sites before applying for positions.

The Basics Still Rule
Despite any new advances, both Greene and Crispin say that some rules never change. Networking, personal contacts and employee referrals still stand as the best ways to get your foot in the door. And, says Greene, the rules haven’t changed when it comes to what not to do. No matter how or where you send in your résumé, “No typos,” he says. “That’s a cardinal rule. A typo is the ultimate deal breaker.”