ET Now Hangouts: Career Growth Hacks To Stand Out With Your Resume, LinkedIn Profile & Job Hunting!

Introduction

In this exciting episode of ET Now Hangouts, host Anita Saka engages in enlightening conversations with D. Gangwani, founder of D Decodes and a recognized career coach and LinkedIn Top Voice. The discussion revolves around essential strategies for accelerating career growth, making your resume stand out, optimizing your LinkedIn profile, and effectively approaching potential employers.

How to Build a Stand-Out Resume

A resume is the first tool an employer uses to assess candidates, yet many confuse it with a CV. It's crucial to recognize that a résumé is tailored specifically for job applications, focusing on skills, work experience, and the impact created over time. Here are some key elements to make your resume attractive:

1. Reverse Chronological Order: Always present your work experience starting with the most recent job, as recruiters focus on your latest qualifications first.

2. Articulate Impact: Instead of merely listing duties (e.g., “responsible for business development”), articulate the results of your work. Focus on the impact you had in your previous roles and quantify those achievements when possible.

3. Simple Formatting: Avoid overly fancy or colorful templates. A well-structured, professional-looking resume is always more effective.

The Debate Over Resumes and Photos

Many candidates ponder whether to include a picture on their resume. It often introduces bias—consciously or unconsciously—so it's generally advisable to avoid photos. Additionally, most Fortune 500 companies use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to filter resumes, and non-text elements can be discarded by these systems, which makes keeping it purely textual essential.

The Importance of LinkedIn

LinkedIn has emerged as an essential platform for job seekers and a marketplace for talent. Unlike other platforms, LinkedIn allows users to exceed the limitations of a resume by showcasing their personality, projects, and depth of knowledge through posts and interactions.

Why is LinkedIn Crucial?

• Over 65 million users are decision-makers, and many top-tier executives frequent the platform, seeking talent.
• LinkedIn serves as a professional portfolio, enabling users to share deeper insights about their work, experiences, and expertise.

Building an Effective LinkedIn Profile

To attract potential employers on LinkedIn, focus on the following areas:

1. Professional Profile Picture: Use a clear, professional image that represents your work persona.

2. Engaging Banner: Your banner space can attract attention and should convey who you are, what you do, and how you can help others.

3. Compelling Headline: Ensure your headline contains keywords that potential employers would search for. This will improve your visibility on the platform.

4. Skill Section: Complete your skill section, focusing on your top three skills, as this will be what recruiters notice first.

5. Recommendations: Positive testimonials from past employers or colleagues can greatly enhance your credibility.

6. Posting Content: Regularly sharing content about your professional journey or knowledge can distinguish your profile from others.

Approaching Recruiters and Employers

When reaching out to recruiters or potential employers, it’s essential to establish a genuine connection:

• Engage with their content beforehand to create familiarity.
• Send personalized connection requests that highlight your interest in their work.
• Build a professional relationship via messages, and express how you can add value to their team if hired.

Creating a Digital Presence as a Creator on LinkedIn

LinkedIn is evolving into a platform for creators, allowing users to share engaging content. By turning on Creator Mode, users gain access to various tools that enhance their content creation and networking capabilities. The platform regularly organizes programs and events to support creators, further broadening their reach.

Conclusion

The insights shared in this episode serve as invaluable resources for anyone looking to create an impressive resume, develop a strong LinkedIn presence, and successfully navigate the job hunt.

Keyword

• Resume
• CV
• LinkedIn
• Applicant Tracking System (ATS)
• Profile Picture
• Networking
• Creator Mode
• Recommendations
• Keywords
• Professional Branding

FAQ

1. What’s the difference between a resume and a CV?
A resume is tailored for job applications and emphasizes skills and work experience, while a CV is used for academic applications and usually contains more detailed life accomplishments.

2. Why should I avoid photos on my resume?
Including a photo can introduce bias and distract from your accomplishments. Additionally, images can hinder compatibility with Applicant Tracking Systems.

3. How can I get noticed on LinkedIn?
To stand out on LinkedIn, maintain a professional profile picture, create an engaging banner, and regularly post valuable content that reflects your expertise.

4. What is Creator Mode on LinkedIn?
Creator Mode is a LinkedIn feature that allows users to build a more engaged audience by providing access to additional tools, including a Creator dashboard, to enhance content visibility.

5. How do I effectively approach recruiters on LinkedIn?
Start by engaging with their posts, sending personalized connection requests, and then build a professional relationship before discussing job opportunities.