Even in choppy waters, recruiters are still angling for the perfect job candidate.
But employers don't have the time or resources to sift through all the applications churned up by the recession. California's unemployment rate hit 10.5% in February -- the highest in nearly 26 years -- while the national rate stands at 8.1%.
To boost your chances of getting plucked, you'll need a top-notch resume. That means one that combines eye-catching details and a fast, modern pitch with old-school basics, including impeccable grammar and spelling.
Today's successful resumes are marketing tools, not encyclopedia entries. They're capable of selling your story on paper or online.
Here's how to get a recruiter to fall for your resume, hook, line and sinker.
Be a profit center
In these tough times, many companies are concerned with just staying afloat. Show how you can boost revenue, increase productivity or cut costs for your prospective employer.
"Focus on accomplishments, not responsibilities," said Doug Hardy, a resume expert for job search website Monster. "Look for numbers and put them up high."
Mention how, as a purchasing agent, you sought out bargains and negotiated millions of dollars of savings on supplies. Or show how, as a sales manager, you were responsible for 80 employees and helped double their sales figures in just two months. Even busboys and bank tellers can demonstrate how they boosted efficiency.
Remember to quantify the results. Dollar amounts are the most effective, followed by time saved, then percentages, Hardy said. Employers often search resume databases for candidates who "saved 20%" or "increased revenue $100,000."
But don't act like a hot shot and list your salary demands right off the bat. Unless you're Manny Ramirez, you're likely to turn off employers in the current environment if you appear pricey and inflexible.
Go digital
Many employment applications now consist of online forms. But that's just the first round. If you hope to be seriously considered later, have a resume handy. And be prepared to send it digitally.
More employers are using computers to scan resumes for certain keywords and phrases before any human recruiter sees them. The trick is figuring out the code. Here's one strategy: Browse job search engines such as Monster.com, Indeed.com or CareerBuilder.com (which is part-owned by Tribune Co., the parent of the Los Angeles Times) and search for positions that match your skills. See what terms employers are using and start using those in your resume.
