by Jill Lopez, Recruiter

When it comes to job hunting the biggest challenge is getting an interview. How can you increase your response percentage? Look carefully at your activities in these four areas:

Research
Start by sending well thought-out letters and resumes to true job opportunities for which you are qualified.

Research the company offering the job; do more than just scan the website. Make notes about the plusses and minuses of working with a company. Search the company on the internet and read all the articles you find. Use LinkedIn; see who works there. Build your knowledge of the company with concise meaningful notes that you can access quickly upon receiving a phone call. If the minuses outweigh the plusses, don’t send the resume.

Customize
Customize the most important document in getting an interview -- your resume.

Create a laundry list of relevant accomplishments from your career. Pick and choose the appropriate accomplishments to grab the recruiters’ attention. List these first on your resume titling them “Professional Accomplishments.” Now your resume begins with qualified achievements that showcase your strengths for the position.

Deliver
Get your resume seen by the right person.

While it often seems like you have no choice but to follow the instructions when applying for a position - you frequently can find other avenues to express your interest in and desire for a job. LinkedIn is a great resource that allows you to seek names or paths that can be used to connect you with the position you are seeking.

Follow up
No matter how you get your resume to your targeted company, always include in your email or cover letter what you will do next.

“Thank you Mrs. SoandSo for reviewing my background and related accomplishments as they relate to your company. I will follow up with you on xyz day. I look forward to speaking with you.”

Bottom line - do what you said you would do – follow up. This is your first chance to display, in real-time, one of your outstanding qualities – credibility.

When sending resumes to companies it pays to be thoughtful in your approach. You will stand out if your background and accomplishments are truly a match for your targeted company.