Resume Tips: Overcoming Lack of Experience Rejection Letters
“Your credentials are impressive, but we are considering candidates with more experience.”
This rejection statement means one of two things. The HR person chose a poor template for their standard rejection letter. Or more likely, your resume did not demonstrate enough relevant experience. This rejection is commonly seen by recent graduates, people changing careers, or retirees reentering the work force.
In today’s market, employers have the ability to be picky and hold out for individuals with more experience, but there are a few ways to spruce up your resume to avoid this type of rejection. In this case, the most appropriate resume format is likely to be a functional resume. Typically, this style of resume is best suited for recent grads seeking entry level positions. However, it can come in handy if experience is the primary reason for rejection. Before using this type of resume, check out the following tips.
The pitch – In a functional resume, you can’t depend on a detailed list of employers, title, or past duties to catch the hiring manager’s eye. Instead, you must construct a solid pitch that quickly states your best values. Further, this pitch must be tailor made to each industry and/or job title to ensure it is truly effective. The typical pitch will include any relevant or transitional experience, but to truly shine it should also be laced with examples of your unique strengths and characteristics. I.E. Passion, Experience, Motivation, Dedication, Relationships in the local community, etc…
Understand the employer – Before writing your pitch, do your research. Look up the company and the industry on the web. Try to find or compile a list of key terms and jargon used in the industry. Understanding these buzz words will give you a bit more experience in the industry. This extra experience will show through. While you are doing your research, also look for places where your unique skills intersect with things missing from the company or industry as a whole. For instance, if the company is dependent on sales and you are established locally, mention how you are connected to people in the community. If you are targeting a marketing job, mention your passion for commercial art early in the pitch.
Demonstrate success – Successful people are more likely to be successful again in the future. Identify those things that you have succeeded at in the past. Pick the 3 – 5 that are most relevant to the job and / or the biggest successes. Craft these into a past successes section. When possible use numbers: Percent growth, $ saved, # of people helped, etc…
Keep it Short & Sweet – The length of a resume depends on the job and the format of resume. However, no one wants to read an hour long epic about your life. If you talk yourself up for more than a page, you run the risk of appearing arrogant or self centered. If you can, keep it down to one page.
If you remember these simple rules, a functional resume could very well help you past the “Not Enough Experience” Rejection. Then it’s up to you to sell the company face to face.
Related posts:
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading ...
Leave your response!