Amazon recently hosted a virtual Career Day to support job seekers, many of whom have been impacted by COVID-19. The event included 1-on-1 career coaching sessions, workshops and three hours of informative career-related programming. It was designed to support job seekers of all experiences, backgrounds, and industries—regardless of whether they’re looking for a role at Amazon or not.
More than 300,000 people attended the event to get practical tips and inspiration from a lineup of speakers, including Amazon leaders and career development experts. ZipRecruiter CEO Ian Siegel was among this group of professionals who shared their knowledge and insights on an array of job seeking topics from identifying transferable skills to reimagining their resumes and tips on acing a virtual interview. For those of you who weren’t able to tune in, we’ve rounded up a few top takeaways from Ian’s panel below.
Job Seeker Tips + Advice
1. When it comes to your resume, simple is better.
According to Siegel, 75% of all resumes submitted by job seekers are filtered out by a robot before they even make it into the hands of a human. So how do you pass the “robot test”? First, use a simple resume template that is easy for software or a busy human to review. Then, list your title and level of experience right at the top. And finally, make sure you outline your skills and qualifications as clearly as possible to show you have the right background and qualifications for the job. One additional tip—tailor your resume to each role for which you are applying. Be sure to cross reference the job description and, wherever possible, use the same terminology in describing your experience to reflect what the company is looking for.
2. Be honest about gaps in your work experience.
If you are returning to the workforce, don’t be afraid to be transparent with employers. Many people have gaps in their resume, especially now. If you were laid off or removed yourself from the workforce for personal or family reasons, keep a positive attitude in sharing your story and highlight what you have to offer – including that time away from the workforce—that helps you add value to the company. If you are asked about the gap in an interview setting, it’s most important to demonstrate to your potential employer that you are ready and committed to return to work. A question about a gap in your resume is also a chance to open up and share more of your story which can help you to better connect with your interviewer.
3. New qualifications or certifications can help with career transitions.
If you’re exploring a career change, consider getting some additional training to ensure you have the skills you need to qualify you for a job in a new field. There are plenty of certifications and courses available that can help you quickly acquire a new skill that is in high demand, whether that’s flying a drone or becoming proficient in a popular software tool. These single skill or “new collar” jobs are on the rise and can be great well-paying options for anyone looking to transition into a new career.
4. The interview isn’t all about you.
One of the biggest mistakes candidates make in an interview is focusing entirely on themselves. Employers are looking for a candidate who will be a great fit for their organization, so that means showing your passion and knowledge about their business as well as demonstrating why you are the perfect match. One easy tip: start every interview off with the sentence, “I’m so excited to be here because…” and then fill in the blank with something relevant to the organization. It requires doing your homework and putting in the preparation time, but it will pay off in the long run.
These are just a few tips from Career Day’s “Reimagining Your Resume” panel featuring ZipRecruiter CEO Ian Siegel, The Muse CEO Kathryn Minshew and Talent Research Lead at Accenture Kelly Monahan. To watch the panel in its entirety, check out the rest of the Career Day programming, or learn more about the tens of thousands of available roles at Amazon, visit www.amazon.jobs/careerday.
