Searching for a job while employed?

Discreet Job Search Tips for Employed Professionals

Searching for a new job while you’re currently employed requires a bit of extra caution. Here are some tips to help you keep your search under wraps and avoid raising any suspicions with your current employer.

1. Make Job Search-Related Phone Calls Away from the Office

It’s essential to make all job search calls away from your workplace. Even if you’re using your own cell phone and data plan, there’s still a chance someone could overhear your conversation. Avoid making calls in places like the break room, where coworkers might walk in unexpectedly. Instead, head to your car, or find a quiet spot at a nearby coffee shop not frequented by colleagues.

2. Use Former Employers as References

If a prospective employer asks for a job reference, avoid involving your current boss to keep your job search confidential. Most employers understand this situation and will be satisfied with a reference from a previous supervisor. Having a few past managers or colleagues prepared to vouch for you can be just as effective without jeopardizing your current position.

3. Dress Appropriately for Work

If you usually dress casually, showing up in formal interview attire might raise some eyebrows. To avoid this, plan a quick wardrobe change before your interview. A coffee shop restroom or similar location can serve as a discreet spot to switch from casual to professional attire. This way, you can attend an interview without raising suspicions at the office.

Following these steps can help you maintain your current job while exploring new opportunities, keeping your job search as private and professional as possible.

12 changes to make your resume easy to read

12 Tips to Make Your Resume Easy to Read and Visually Appealing

When recruiters review resumes, they often skim for key details. Using a clean, readable format increases the chances that they’ll notice your most relevant skills and experience. Here are some formatting tips to ensure your resume stands out and makes an impact.

1. Align All Text to the Left

Left-aligned text improves readability, as the eye naturally returns to the left margin when moving to the next line. Avoid centering any text, including section headings, to create a more organized, professional look.

2. Right-Align Dates and Locations

Separate the company name, job title, location, and employment dates by aligning dates and locations to the right. This approach keeps your information organized and allows recruiters to easily spot your employment timeline. Most word processors allow you to set up a right-tab to make this adjustment.

3. Skip Justified Alignment

Justified text can create uneven spaces between words, which may hurt readability. Stick with left alignment for your bullets and text to maintain a neat, easy-to-read layout.

4. Use a Uniform Font Size

Except for your name, which can be slightly larger, keep the font size consistent throughout your resume. Instead of using different font sizes for emphasis, try bolding, italicizing, or using all-caps sparingly to highlight important elements.

5. Choose Either Roles or Companies to Bold

Bolding certain information helps with skimming, but avoid overdoing it. Choose to bold either your job titles or company names based on what you want to emphasize. If your job progression tells a story, bold the titles; if your experience is mostly internships, bolding company names may be more effective.

6. Use ALL-CAPS Sparingly

All-caps can help draw attention to key sections like headers, but it’s harder to read in large amounts. Reserve this for headings or your name to ensure readability.

7. Lead with Strong Words in Bullets

Recruiters often skim the first few words of bullet points before deciding to read further. Start each bullet with impactful, concise language to capture attention immediately. Action verbs like “Led,” “Managed,” or “Developed” can help make a strong impression.

8. Keep Bullet Points Under Two Lines

Aim to keep your bullet points short and to the point. Two lines per bullet is ideal; this way, each point remains digestible and easy to skim.

9. Use Numerals for Numbers

Quantify your achievements to give context to your impact, and use digits instead of words (e.g., “30%” instead of “thirty percent”). This approach saves space and improves readability.

10. Include a Dedicated “Skills” Section

Listing all relevant skills in one section ensures they won’t be overlooked. Highlighting skills both here and within job descriptions gives recruiters a clear view of your abilities.

11. Maintain Consistent Formatting

If you’re using creative ways to fit information onto a single page, be sure formatting stays consistent across sections. This makes skimming easier and helps recruiters quickly locate details they may want to review.

12. Leave Some White Space

White space, or empty space on your resume, enhances readability by providing visual breaks between sections. It signals transitions and helps important areas, like your name and skills, stand out.

By following these formatting tips, you’ll create a resume that’s both easy to read and visually appealing, increasing your chances of making a strong impression on recruiters.

Sending your resume via email? Read this…

When sending your resume to potential employers or recruitment agencies it’s important that you pay attention to the style and tone of your email. Besides, this is their first impression of you so your email etiquette MUST be right if you want to be successful!

  1. Remember that applying for a job is a formal process and your manners should be formal. ‘Hiya’ or equivalent is not the way to address your email. Use the individual’s name if known, ‘Dear Jane’ or ‘Dear Jane Brown’. If you do not have their name, use ‘Dear Sir/Madam’ or ‘Dear Recruitment Manager’ or equivalent. If you write ‘Dear Sir’ when you do not know who will be opening your email, then you run the risk of offending any female who receives your email and vice versa.
  2. In your covering email, write in full sentences, but use bullet points to emphasise any key points.
  3. Never use text-speak as you would on your mobile.
  4. End the message formally, e.g. ‘I look forward to hearing from you’ rather than a ‘Thx!’ type ending.
  5. Always check and double-check the spelling in the main body of your email and any attachments. Spelling mistakes mean landing on the reject pile 99.9% of the time. Remember the spell-checker won’t pick up every spelling or grammatical error so proof read it yourself.
  6. When sending your resume as an attachment, always label the attachment with your full name and reference number or date to keep track of the version you have sent.
  7. Don’t use your work email address. Set up a private email address specifically for job-hunting which includes your name. You can obtain free email addresses from Hotmail, Google and Yahoo among others.
    • Be aware that employers are likely to monitor the email and internet use of their employees on their work computers so if you use work facilities or work time to apply for jobs then be prepared to explain why to your boss.
  8. Exercise caution in sending out your personal details. Is this a company that you know or who you can verify independently? If you are unsure, take a look on the web and see if you can find out anything about the company before sending out your confidential information.
  9. Add a read receipt to your email to make sure your CV has reached the recipient. Or call the employer directly if you have their phone number to make sure they have received it.

Are you an Obvious Fit? Redmond Job Seeker

Make Yourself a “Smack-in-the-Forehead” Obvious Fit

When you apply for a job via an online application process, it’s very likely that your resume will first be screened by an applicant tracking system and then (assuming you make this first cut) move onto human eyeballs. The first human eyeballs that review your resume are often those of a lower level HR person or recruiter, who may or may not understand all of the nuances of that job for which you’re applying.

Thus, it behooves you to make it very simple for both the computer and the human to quickly connect their “Here’s what we’re looking for” to your “Here’s what you can walk through our doors and deliver.”

Tip

Study the job description and any available information you have on the position. Are you mirroring the words and phrases in the job description? Are you showcasing your strengths in the areas that seem to be of paramount importance to this role? Line it up. Line it up.

5 Tips for a Successful Online Job Search

Effective Job Search Strategies Beyond Online Applications

Before the internet, job seekers often relied on classified ads in newspapers to find job openings. Today, job boards like Monster, Indeed, and SimplyHired make it easy to search and apply to dozens of jobs with just a few clicks. While convenient, applying exclusively through online job postings can be limiting and lead to a lengthy and frustrating job search with lower chances of success.

Consider this scenario: A job seeker recently shared that he’d applied to over 80 jobs on Indeed over several months, selecting only roles he felt were a good match. When asked about his results, he replied, “Nada. Zilch. Zero… not a single interview.” Unfortunately, this experience is common, as many job seekers don’t realize how intense the competition is for online job postings. Each online listing can receive hundreds of applications, and only a few candidates make it to an interview.

So, what can you do to improve your chances of landing a job? Here are some targeted strategies that often yield better results than simply applying en masse through job boards.

1. Build and Leverage Your Network

Networking, both in-person and online, is one of the most effective ways to find job opportunities. Attend networking events, join professional organizations, and practice the art of conversation. Every new connection you make expands your network and increases your chances of learning about job openings that aren’t advertised. Building a strong network can also lead to valuable referrals.

2. Focus Your Applications

Rather than applying to dozens of jobs, concentrate on positions where your skills and experience truly align with the employer’s needs. Avoid “Hail Mary” applications to roles you’re not well-suited for, as these are unlikely to result in interviews. Instead, focus on positions where you can demonstrate specific value to the employer.

3. Research Each Company Before Applying

Before applying, take time to research the company thoroughly. Check the latest company news, visit its website, and explore its LinkedIn profile to understand its goals and challenges. Use this information to craft a cover letter that shows how your skills and experience can help the company address its needs. A tailored approach shows employers that you’re genuinely interested and well-prepared.

4. Network Your Way In

Instead of applying cold, see if you can connect with someone inside the company beforehand. LinkedIn is a powerful tool for finding people who work at your target companies. Reach out to employees for informational interviews—not to ask for favors, but to learn about the company and build a relationship. This proactive approach often leaves a positive impression, and in some cases, they may offer to help when an opportunity arises.

5. Inquire About Employee Referral Programs

If you establish a connection within the company, find out if they have an employee referral program. Many companies value referrals, and employees are often rewarded for referring strong candidates. If they’re open to it, ask if they would be willing to submit your resume on your behalf. However, keep in mind that most companies won’t allow the referral if you’ve already applied, as the employee won’t get credit.

The Bottom Line: Quality Over Quantity

Remember the story of the tortoise and the hare—slow and steady wins the race. A job search focused on fewer applications, backed by thorough research, networking, and strategic communication, can yield much better results than mass applications. Though it may feel tedious, taking time to build relationships and present a targeted case for each job will ultimately improve your chances of landing a fulfilling position.

Stay Connected while working remotely

15 Tips to Stay Visible While Working from Home

Working remotely offers flexibility but can make it challenging to stay visible and relevant within your team. Here are practical ways to maintain your presence and ensure your contributions don’t go unnoticed when you’re not in the office.

1. Check In Regularly

Without the opportunity for impromptu chats in the office, frequent check-ins with your team are essential. Keep communication lines open to stay on everyone’s radar.

2. Share Updates Often

To ensure your role and achievements stay visible, make an effort to share updates frequently. Whether you’ve landed a new client or hit a project milestone, keeping your team informed helps highlight your ongoing contributions.

3. Know When Your Team is Most Active

Every workplace has its peak productivity hours. Determine when your team is most active, and make sure you’re available and responsive during that time.

4. Set a Dedicated Time for Emails and Calls

Maintaining a structured schedule for communication can help you stay organized and reduce distractions, ensuring timely responses and consistent availability.

5. Connect on Social Media

Adding coworkers on social media, particularly LinkedIn or other professional platforms, can help build rapport. Engage by liking, commenting, and celebrating work-related posts to show support and stay connected.

6. Make the Occasional Phone Call

Sometimes, a direct phone call can be the most efficient way to resolve issues or clarify details. Don’t hesitate to pick up the phone when a quick conversation is needed.

7. Set Up Video Conferencing

Having reliable video conferencing tools, like Zoom, enables more personal connections. Use video calls for team meetings or check-ins to help keep relationships strong.

8. Attend In-Person Company Events

If you’re local, try to attend important team meetings, annual gatherings, or holiday parties in person. These events can strengthen your presence and help you stay engaged with your team.

9. Join Virtual Lunches or Coffee Breaks

Many teams hold virtual hangouts or coffee breaks to simulate office camaraderie. Joining these informal gatherings allows you to stay connected in a more relaxed setting.

10. Volunteer for Projects

Take the initiative by volunteering for new projects or team tasks. Proactively offering your help not only demonstrates commitment but also keeps you involved in key activities.

11. Share Wins and Challenges

Communicate both your accomplishments and the hurdles you’re facing. This openness shows accountability and allows your team to better understand your work.

12. Be Mindful of Communication Tone

Without in-person interactions, the tone of your messages becomes even more important. Stay positive, clear, and concise to avoid misunderstandings.

13. Send Out a Weekly Update

A brief, end-of-week summary of your progress and key achievements helps reinforce your contributions and keeps everyone informed on your work status.

14. Offer to Train or Mentor

If you have skills or knowledge to share, offering training sessions or mentorship can increase your visibility as a valuable resource within the company.

15. Recognize and Celebrate Others

Acknowledging your colleagues’ achievements fosters goodwill and strengthens team bonds. A simple congratulatory message for their successes shows that you’re engaged and supportive.

By following these tips, you can stay visible, build stronger relationships with your colleagues, and ensure your contributions are recognized, even from a distance.

Writing Cover letters for Sales jobs in Seattle

Essential Tips for Writing an Effective Cover Letter

Crafting a cover letter that stands out can feel intimidating, but a few key strategies can make it both memorable and effective. Here are some practical tips to help you write a compelling cover letter that resonates with hiring managers.

1. Focus on the Employer’s Needs

Your cover letter shouldn’t just be about you—it should be about how you can benefit the company. Show that you understand the organization’s challenges and goals, and explain how your skills and experience make you a valuable asset to their team.

2. Write with Confidence

Imagine that the hiring manager already appreciates your potential. This mindset can help you write with confidence, showing enthusiasm without sounding desperate.

3. Adapt Your Tone to the Company Culture

Treat getting to know a company like getting to know a person. Is the company serious, quirky, or innovative? Tailor your tone to reflect the organization’s style. This can help your cover letter feel like a natural fit.

4. Imagine You’re Writing an Email

To ease any nerves, think of your cover letter as a friendly yet professional email to the hiring manager. This can help you keep your tone conversational and engaging.

5. Complement, Don’t Repeat, Your Resume

Your cover letter should add depth to your application, not just repeat what’s on your resume. Use it as an opportunity to highlight specific achievements or skills that are especially relevant to the role.

6. Avoid Overly Formal Language

Phrases like “To Whom It May Concern” can feel impersonal and outdated. Whenever possible, address your letter to a specific person. If you don’t know their name, use a warm, professional greeting like “Dear Hiring Team.”

7. Keep It Professional, Not “Salesy”

While it’s important to advocate for yourself, avoid a sales pitch tone that might come across as pompous or aggressive. Let your qualifications and enthusiasm speak for themselves without overstating your case.

8. Don’t Apologize for Gaps in Qualifications

If you’re missing a specific qualification, don’t draw attention to it by apologizing. Instead, focus on the relevant skills and experience you bring and how they align with the role’s core requirements.

9. Show Genuine Interest Without Overdoing It

While expressing enthusiasm is great, avoid over-the-top statements about how the company’s mission is your lifelong passion unless it’s genuinely true. Authenticity is more persuasive than forced excitement.

5 way to keep engaged in your current job

5 Ways to Reignite Your Engagement at Work

Spending a significant part of your life and energy on a job should ideally mean you’re at least interested—if not passionate—about what you do. If you’re finding it hard to stay engaged, here are five strategies to help you rediscover that level of commitment and enthusiasm.

1. Know Your “Why”

Understanding your purpose is key to staying engaged. Reflect on why you chose your career path and what aspects of your work genuinely interest you. Defining your “why” can give you a renewed sense of purpose, making day-to-day tasks feel more meaningful and aligning your role with your values.

2. Set Digital Goals

Once you’ve identified your “why,” set both short-term and long-term goals to keep you focused. Use digital tools and apps to set reminders for important milestones. For example, if your goal is a promotion within 12 months, break down the steps needed to achieve it and add them to your calendar. Having clear goals can give you a sense of progress and accomplishment, fueling motivation.

3. Pick Up a New Skill

Challenge yourself by learning something new that’s relevant to your career. Look for training opportunities at work or ask to attend a conference. Select skills that push you out of your comfort zone, adding value both to your team and to your resume. This kind of professional development can help you stay intellectually stimulated and open new career opportunities.

4. Ask for Feedback

Feedback is essential for growth and can help you feel more valued in your role. If feedback isn’t provided regularly, take the initiative to ask for it. A good manager will recognize your commitment to improvement. Regular feedback can help you avoid stagnation and inspire continuous learning, which is key to maintaining long-term engagement.

5. Practice Mindfulness

Start your day with a positive mantra and be mindful of the thoughts and words you use throughout the day. Avoid negative self-talk, steer clear of office gossip, and try not to take things personally. Fostering a positive mindset can help you manage stress, stay motivated, and bring a more optimistic outlook to your work.

Keywords Matter

How to See What Recruiters Notice Most on Your Resume Using a Word Cloud

If you’re curious about what stands out most on your resume, here’s an easy trick to identify the keywords and themes recruiters might notice first: try using a word cloud generator.

Here’s how it works:

  1. Copy and paste your resume into a word cloud tool like TagCrowd.
  2. The app will generate an image that highlights the most frequent words on your resume, with more common words appearing larger and bolder.

By taking a quick look at the word cloud, you can see which terms are most prominent and make adjustments if needed. This insight allows you to align your resume with industry-specific keywords, helping recruiters associate your skills and experience with the role you’re targeting.

Multiple ways to apply for jobs

Don’t Limit Your Job Search to Online Applications

If you want your job search to drag on indefinitely, relying only on online applications is a sure way to do it. To accelerate the process and improve your chances, don’t stop at submitting an online application. Take proactive steps to connect with people working at your target companies.

Here’s how:

  1. Schedule Informational Interviews: Reach out to potential peers within the company for informal conversations. These meetings help you learn more about the organization while making a positive impression.
  2. Engage with Internal Recruiters: Approach a recruiter from the company and ask insightful questions about the role or hiring process. This can get you on their radar.
  3. Network with Key Contacts: Build relationships with employees or decision-makers who could potentially influence hiring decisions.

Pro Tip

Building connections within your target companies can set you apart. Decision-makers are more likely to consider candidates who come recommended or through a personal referral before they start filtering through resumes in the applicant tracking system (ATS). By networking effectively, you can gain an edge in the hiring process.