AB Test Your Resume
There have been two times in my career when I felt stumped with job searching. I would meet with recruiter after recruiter who would share the same negative feedback on my experience. It left me feeling like I didn’t know where to turn. If you’re in that spot, I hope to provide a little help today.
Part of my career has been as a digital marketer. In short, I help companies generate sales and revenue online. Digital marketing is both an art and a science, as you are continually exploring ways to increase sales.
Early in my digital marketing career, I learned about something called AB testing. Digital marketers will test out different pieces on a web page. They will switch out things as simple as the color of a button. Or, they will alternate which photo they use. Or, they may try different headlines on the page. Then, they measure to see which option helps to drive sales. This is the process of “AB testing.”
On its face, it doesn’t sound like it would really work, but hear me out. Something as simple as changing a submit button from one color (for example, blue) to another color (for example, green) can drive up sales by thirty percent or more. No kidding.
The first time I remember feeling stuck with my job own search was in 2019. I remember it clearly. It made me wonder if the same principle that applies to a webpage just might apply to a resume. After all, when someone looks at your resume, they only scan it for approximately seven seconds before they make a judgement and move on. Recruiters don’t initially read your finely crafted resume in detail. They glance at it.
To test this theory, I started with a completely different resume template. One site that has inexpensive templates is Etsy. I didn’t change any of the facts on my resume. But, I reorganized the information using the new template. It was more pleasing to the eye. And, when someone glances at the new resume quickly, they notice different things. In fact, they notice really great things.
And suddenly, all of the questions that were creating a hurdle stopped completely. Instead, the conversation shifted to my experience. And, I began receiving positive feedback about how well done the resume was. On top of these things, I also began to get my foot in the door for more job interviews. And, you guessed it. Those additional job interviews resulted in more job offers.
What I found through my experiment is that AB testing really does work on resumes too. This is great news. If you find yourself receiving the same feedback over and over, but you know you have great experience, it may be time for a resume redo. Making some simple and inexpensive changes to your resume has the potential to positively change the outcome of your job search.
I hope these tips have helped you. Visit CopelandCoaching.com to find more tips to improve your job search. If I can be of assistance to you, don’t hesitate to reach out to me here.
Happy hunting!
Angela Copeland
@CopelandCoach
This is not a breakup
There’s a theme that surprises me every time I see it. When a person changes jobs, their old manager often decides to excommunicate them. Given how common it is to have more than one career, this adds up to a lot of professional hate. But, why are we treating job changes as a breakup?
Earlier in my career, an employee came to me. This person presented a case to give them a promotion and a raise. And, they weren’t wrong. They were doing a great job. They deserved more money. Unfortunately, giving a raise isn’t always possible. I was honest with the person that a raise wasn’t in the cards right now. I shared that if they need to make more, I would support them in a job search. I would be a reference. And, I committed to not holding a grudge. Although the person was disappointed, they were also relieved. They were allowed to pursue their own needs without the fear of rejection or retaliation.
When employees seek new employment, it can be because they hate their manager. But, there are a number of other reasons someone may also want to leave a job. I once left a job to go back to graduate school. I once left a job because a promotion became available at another company, and there was no opportunity to grow at my old company. I once left a job when the company decided to transition from a for-profit to a non-profit.
There are many reasons people leave that have nothing to do with their manager. But, somehow, many managers take it as an insult when an employee leaves. I’ve observed managers share terrible, sometimes untrue, stories about once beloved employees. I’ve seen managers try to stop an employee who has left from getting another job. When their feelings are hurt, it seems some managers will stop at nothing to get revenge.
It’s really unfortunate. In this thing called life, you never know who may be the more senior person later. Or, you never know when you may end up working together again. Or, you never know when you might need a reference from that person.
I know that it hurts when someone leaves. You depended on them, and they’re leaving a gap. You have to tell your boss that someone quit. You have to help do their work until you find someone new, if you are able to backfill their role. I get it. It feels bad. But, it’s not always personal.
If you are the manager, be the bigger person. Congratulate them. Take them to lunch to celebrate. Say the same kind words after they have left that you would have shared prior to them leaving. Starting a new chapter in their life doesn’t negate all of the great work they have done for you in the past. And, who knows, you may want to work together again in the future.
I hope these tips have helped you. Visit CopelandCoaching.com to find more tips to improve your job search. If I can be of assistance to you, don’t hesitate to reach out to me here.
Happy hunting!
Angela Copeland
@CopelandCoach
Just Keep Going
Layoffs and scary headlines are all over the news right now. From the looks of things, you might think there’s no hope. And, if you were recently impacted by a layoff, things may feel pretty bleak. But, don’t give up hope.
When you are impacted by a layoff, it can legitimately feel worse than you had even imagined. It can be hard for friends or family to relate to what you’re going through unless they’ve been through it.
These days, it’s not uncommon for an employer to lay off workers with no notice and no severance. It’s like a breakup, except there may also be an immediate loss of income, healthcare, and other benefits.
On top of the financial loss, there is often a loss of identity. Until it happens, many people don’t think about how much of their identity is tied up in work. But, if you’ve worked at your company for fifteen years, for example, you may be used to introducing yourself with your job title. It’s who you are, and what you do every day. It’s where your friends are.
A sudden lack of purpose and structure can get anyone down. Even those who are the most resilient may find themselves in a slump. And, it’s an easy thing to have happen. When applying for jobs, it may feel like there are countless applicants for very few jobs openings.
In an effort to be supportive, a friend or family member will often offer advice. Sometimes, that advice is that you should consider becoming self-employed. You could make your own hours, and earn way more money. And, it would be easier than finding a job, right? Think again.
Being self-employed is a tremendous amount of work. This is especially true early on in your entrepreneurial journey. Sure, other business owners make it look easy. This is because they don’t want to be perceived as a failure. They want their business to appear to be on solid ground. The reality is that being an entrepreneur is hard work. Rarely can you get by with just one client. Typically, you need at least five clients at any given time.
Imagine how hard it is to find one job. Then, multiply that times five. And, subtract out things like business expenses. Plus, there will also be times that you may make no money at all, such as over holidays.
Don’t get me wrong. For some people, entrepreneurship is in their bones. If that’s you, you probably already know it.
For everyone else, keep applying to job openings. Keep revising your resume. Keep updating your LinkedIn profile. Keep scheduling networking meetings. I know it’s hard. But, eventually you will find one job. And, that one job will likely provide more stability and more money in the long run than being self-employed.
I know it’s hard. Starting over always is. But, the only way is to go through it. Keep going.
I hope these tips have helped you. Visit CopelandCoaching.com to find more tips to improve your job search. If I can be of assistance to you, don’t hesitate to reach out to me here.
Happy hunting!
Angela Copeland
@CopelandCoach
You’re Not Too Old
Looking for a job can be a difficult process. This is especially true if you haven’t looked in a few years. In fact, if you’re been working at your company since 2002, your job there is officially older than LinkedIn. It goes without saying, but the job search process has completely changed in the last twenty years.
If you’re like most people, there is something you fear the most when it comes to looking for a job. You might be afraid that employers will think you’re too old. Or, you might think employers will think you don’t have enough education.
I see this pattern in job seekers every day. They begin to apply for jobs. When they don’t get interviews, they try to make sense of it. They begin to think, “The hiring manager saw my resume and had no interest in me because I’m just too old!” These stories allow us to understand why we aren’t hearing back.
But, what if those stories are simply fears? What if they aren’t the truth? Don’t get me wrong. Age can be a factor in hiring. But, it’s very possibly not the first issue.
If it’s not your age, then why aren’t you getting any interviews? Sites like LinkedIn have made it incredibly easy to apply for jobs online. Companies also want you to apply on their websites. Because of this, the volume of job applicants is much higher than it would have been twenty years ago. These days, it’s not uncommon for a job to receive hundreds of applications for one job posting.
Then, your application must go through a computerized process to be selected. So, if you’re applying through the internet only, the chances that anyone ever sees your resume are low. The issue might not be your age. It very well may be that the hiring manager doesn’t know that you exist.
So, what can you do? If you want to be cautious, start by applying online. Then, keep going. Look to see if you know anyone at the company. If so, reach out and ask if they will give you a referral for the job. Often times, they may receive a referral bonus if you’re hired. So, they likely won’t mind helping out.
Then, brush up on your research skills. Try to find the hiring manager on LinkedIn. In other words, if you are looking for a role in IT, you may report to the CTO. Or, you might report to a vice president of technology. If you can locate that person on LinkedIn, you can send them a message via LinkedIn. Or, you can try sending them an email. If you do send a message, use a cover letter for the body of the email. And, attach your resume.
By following these steps, you greatly increase your likelihood of landing an interview. And, you may just find out that you aren’t too old after all.
I hope these tips have helped you. Visit CopelandCoaching.com to find more tips to improve your job search. If I can be of assistance to you, don’t hesitate to reach out to me here.
Happy hunting!
Angela Copeland
@CopelandCoach
HR Is Not Your Friend
What’s the biggest misunderstanding in the modern workplace? It’s that HR is your friend.
You’ve probably heard the rumors. HR is there to help you. If you’re having a problem with a coworker or your boss, you should call HR. They’ll sort it out for you. They’re there to help the little guy. HR will stick up for you.
Does this sound familiar? If so, your HR department has done a great job with their own PR. And, it makes sense. HR departments want you to feel comfortable with them. They also often help to facilitate things like company holiday parties. They help with responsibilities that almost feel paternal, such as helping with health insurance, performance reviews, and vacation.
But the truth of the matter is a little different. HR is there to protect the company. You heard that right. HR is responsible to protect the company, not the employees. And, in situations where the company is protecting an employee, it’s because they are hoping to protect the company from a potential lawsuit.
You heard me right. I know it can be shocking, but it’s true. So, how can this impact your job, and what should you do?
Many employees who are having a problem with a colleague or boss will turn to HR for help first. They’ll call at the first sign of trouble. HR will welcome the employee in with open arms. The employee will feel comfortable to vent all of their frustrations about their boss.
The problem is, this can backfire fast. One minute, you feel like they’re enlisting the help of HR. The next minute, they’ve got their eye on you, and your boss isn’t happy. I don’t think I’ve ever heard of a situation where going to HR resulted in an improved situation with a boss. But, I’ve heard of many situations where someone was fired or pushed out shortly after talking to HR. On top of looking out for the company’s best interest, HR is not made up of therapists. They’re not there to help sort out personality differences.
Now, don’t get me wrong. If you are being harassed or something illegal or dangerous is going on, HR may be the answer. But, for many other issues, they are not.
Rather than go to HR, you should start by trying to talk to the person directly. Although it can be hard, direct conversations can sometimes help to resolve problems and increase trust. If this doesn’t work or is not an option, you may want to consider speaking to the person above your boss. Or, you may want to talk to someone else in a leadership role. Sometimes, those in leadership can help you to navigate a tricky situation.
I know work can be tough. I’ve been there. But, call a friend. Call a therapist. Call your mom. But, think hard before you call HR. They are not there to be your friend.
I hope these tips have helped you. Visit CopelandCoaching.com to find more tips to improve your job search. If I can be of assistance to you, don’t hesitate to reach out to me here.
Happy hunting!
Angela Copeland
@CopelandCoach
Copeland Coaching Podcast
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