Four Steps to Success in the Job Market

A recent survey of hiring managers reveals four findings important to

job seekers. Outplacement firm Drake Beam Morin found:

Network. Almost all—90 percent—of hiring managers said they prefer

networking for recruiting new employees to paying for an
advertisement or using a search firm. Two ways to build your network
include joining a professional association in your field and telling
friends and business associates of your job search.

Differentiate yourself. In a tight labor market, you need to stand

out among like candidates. While it's important to write a great cover
letter and practice articulating your skills and experience for the
interview, you should familiarize yourself with the company and
industry you're targeting. Almost 80 percent of hiring managers say
they are impressed by job seekers who demonstrate such knowledge.
The more you understand about the industry and a specific employer's
needs, the easier it will be to explain how your skills and experience
will add value to the organization.

Less is more in a resume. Forty-percent of hiring managers prefer

one-page resumes; 41 percent say two pages should be the
maximum. The message: convey your experience in a concise manner.

Skills matter most; age matters least. Hiring managers ranked

relevant skills as the most important quality in a job candidate. In
addition, the survey found that hiring managers use four other factors
in deciding whether to pursue a candidate: functional experience,
employment history, industry experience, and measurable
accomplishments. If you're already employed, write your resume to
highlight your skills and experience. If you're a student or new
graduate, an internship will help you gain this valuable attribute.