The Financial Executives Networking Group (FENG) is known for its thought-provoking chapter meetings. At a recent gathering of the Philadephia-Center City, PA Chapter, the spotlight was on strategizing successful job hunts, with industry veteran Debra Franke, a Career Coach with Career Transitions, who previously held the position of Associate Director of Alumni Career Programs at La Salle University in Philadelphia.
The crux of the presentation was centered around crafting a targeted resume for a specific job posting. With Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) paving the way in screening applications, Debra Franke illuminated how customizing a resume according to specific job requirements can boost visibility among hiring managers.
In the era of digital job applications, challenges are numerous. However, a combination of strategic networking and an optimized resume can potentially bridge the gap between an applicant and their target job. Franke emphasized the vitality of a keyword-rich resume – one that closely aligns with the specificities of the job posting, thereby increasing the probability of being noticed.
To enhance this probability further, Franke introduced the concept of color-coding job requirements. This neat little trick can help applicants identify their strengths (green), areas that can be swiftly improved (yellow), and the skills they lack (red). By doing so, job-seekers are encouraged to not shy away from applying to jobs even if they don’t meet all the requirements.
Franke left the audience with a novel concept to develop their CAR stories. Standing for Context, Action, and Result, CAR stories are a potent way to showcase real-life instances where candidates have put their skills into play, thereby setting them apart from the crowd.
Moreover, the importance of cover letters was underscored. Franke advocated for using them as platforms to highlight specific accomplishments and address the hiring manager’s pain points, thereby making the application more compelling.
To summarize, the presentation offered a step-by-step guide to creating a targeted resume, the significance of networking, and the power of illustrating real-life examples through CAR stories. By following these strategies, aspiring candidates can better navigate the job application process and increase their chances of securing an interview.
For those interested in gaining comprehensive insights, watching the full presentation is highly recommended. Delve into the detailed resume creation process and strategize your job application journey effectively.
About Debra Franke
Debra Franke — Job Search and Career Transition Coach, brings nearly a quarter of a century of progressive achievements in career coaching. For the past thirteen years, Debra has held progressive responsibilities within the Alumni Career Coaching function at LaSalle University, in Philadelphia, PA.
