Learning how to write concisely is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself during a job search. Here are a few tips and tricks to use this skill to land the job you want.
The ability to be brief is crucial in a job search. Knowing how to convey your main points in a few impactful words is important, especially if you want to make a positive impression. Some people are clear and concise thinkers, yet they convey their thoughts in an unfocused way.
To avoid falling into an overly wordy trap, here are some ways to train yourself to get your point across clearly, verbally, and in writing:
Narrow your job search. If you haven’t looked for a job in a while, it may be difficult to decide which job search resources are reliable and worth your time. The key is to know exactly what job you are looking for. You can set up free job alerts on several websites that will update you on openings in your chosen industry.
You can use HotJobAlerts, Monster and CareerBuilder as a start. Make sure you go out and meet people socially and professionally to build your network.
Resume. Quality wins over quantity — always. (This includes your cover letter as well.) Trim your resume and cover letter to one page. Keeping both to one page will force you to focus on your greatest strengths and most relevant experience.A cover letter and resume that sum you up as a candidate in just two pages area blessing to overworked recruiters.
It’s a different story when it comes to resumes and CVs for academic and medical fields. For this category, you are expected to include more information about your work and background, including your publications.
Cover letter. A well-written cover letter is not a rehash of your resume. It’s an introduction — the goal is to describe in just a few words what you can offer the employer, and, ideally, provide a sense of who you are. (This will make you stand out among the other candidates.)
To help keep your cover letter down to one page, use bullet points to showcase your accomplishments. Include the most important qualities you can bring to the position.
Interviewing. When answering questions, focus on using one or two examples to highlight your skills or qualities. An example doesn’t have to be detailed; the action you had to take and the end result are what the interviewer is looking for. Be sure to pause — for yourself and to give the interviewer a chance to process the information.
These tips should able to help you write and speak more concisely during the job search process. Knowing how to process information and get it across in a clear and succinct manner is a skill that is useful in any company.
