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Why an Outstanding Resume is Not Enough to Get an Interview: Reason 4

Written by: Tom Hannemann

Article Overview: Many people think that a powerful, well written résumé is sufficient to give them the edge needed to secure a job interview. While an outstanding résumé is absolutely necessary, it may not always be sufficient. This is the fourth in a series of short articles which outlines the factors, other than your resume, which could determine whether you will be amongst the chosen few from the multitude.

Why an Outstanding Resume is Not Enough to Get an Interview: Reason 4

Applying below or above your “level”.

Many people are surprised that they don’t get interviews for jobs they could do blind folded with one hand tied behind their backs, standing on their heads. We are not sure why they are surprised that employers favour employees who are more likely to stick around, see the job as a forward career move and will be challenged by the opportunity. Employers think that people who apply for jobs 2 – 3 or more levels below their most recent position will want to leave as soon as something better comes along. Why do they think that? Because that’s what often happens. It’s very difficult for someone who has been a Director of Finance in $500m corporate for the past 5 years to convince an employer they would be willing to take a job as an Assistant Accountant in a $5m business. In addition, there is always the totally irrational and unreasonable fear that they might want “my” job!

Of course, it is obvious that if you apply for a job above your current level in a different employer, you are less likely to get interviews because you are likely to be competing with people who have already been operating at that level for years. Why would an employer consider you if there are a dozen applicants who can demonstrate that they can operate at that level. If you are applying for roles in organisations other than your current employer, consider applying for positions at around the same level of responsibility, proving yourself in the new organisation and then applying for internal promotions. Although it will take longer to get to the level you want, it may prove to be a more successful strategy than consistently missing out on opportunities because you are up against people who can prove they are capable at that level.

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Article Tags: assistant accountant, career move, director of finance, dozen applicants, favour, internal promotions, job, jobs, opportunity employers, unreasonable fear
Referred by: http://www.kyliehammond.com.au



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