Job Readiness - Explanation

I know how to evaluate myself and research which jobs I should apply for.

It is important to apply for jobs for which you are a good fit, and jobs at which you can truly succeed. The best way to do this is through proper evaluation of your own skill set, and through researching both the job and the employer.

I know what Applicant Tracking Systems are, and the best ways to use them.

Applicant Tracking Systems are computer systems that allow employers to automate the process of receiving and screening job applications. If you do not know how to properly format your resume, it may end up in the "black hole" of an applicant tracking system.

I know how to customize my resume for every job that I apply to.

You must tailor your resume for every job you apply to. Do not use one resume for every job. You need to know how to emphasize your relevant experience for each job.

I know the current trends in resume formatting.

Trends in resume formatting change often, and they are very different than they were several years ago. It is important to understand things like what typefaces you should use, whether or not to use shading and borders, and how many pages your resume should be.

I know the best ways to set up and optimize my LinkedIn profile.

LinkedIn is being used by many recruiters to source and screen job candidates. A properly optimized profile can make the difference in whether or not you get found by a recruiter on LinkedIn.

I know how to conduct the research necessary to be successful in job interviews.

Job interviews are more complicated than they used to be. Something that recruiters and hiring manager frequently bemoan is that job applicants do not perform the desired research. You need to find out about the company, what they do, know who your interviewers are and what they do at the company, etc. Doing research is crucial to succeeding in the interview.

I know how to answer behavioral interview questions.

Behavioral interviewing has been the trend for several years. The interviewer will ask questions that are designed to see how you think, and if you can think on your feet. The questions also emphasize how you have handled certain situations in previous jobs. Successfully handling behavioral interview questions is very important.

I know how to successfully handle the question of salary in a job interview.

The question of salary may be the most difficult part of a job interview. You must know how to prepare for this question, and know how to answer it without undercutting yourself.

I have the up-to-date professional skills required to be competitive in today's job market.

Having skills that are up-to-date is very important, especially if you were laid off from a job that you held for many years, or if you have been out of the workforce for a while. Here are some additional reasons to consider upgrading your skills.

I have the professional certifications that employers are looking for.

Many industries look for people who have updated certifications, and who continue to get new certifications. This is especially the case in I.T.