Too many resumes?

A recent survey by College Grad.com indicates that most job seekers expect to send out more than 30 resumes during the course of their job search. As you can imagine, this practice can be problematic on several fronts:

Time. Tailoring a resume and cover letter to a particular job and company can take hours. Doing it 30 or more times can take days. Nonetheless, customized applications are far more effective than generic ones, so it’s critical that you come up with a reasonable schedule for your pending job search. Set a simple weekly goal – say three applications a week – then stick to it. You’ll feel better about your job search if you know that you’re accomplishing something.

Details. When you’ve got 30 “irons in the fire,” it’s hard to keep track of everything. Why not create a spreadsheet to monitor your efforts? List details like the position you applied for, when you submitted your application (and to whom), if and when you heard back, next steps, etc. That way, when the recruiter from XYZ Corporation calls for a screening interview in two months, you won’t be caught off guard!

Energy. Applying for the job doesn’t end when you hit “submit.” It’s important to manage your job search by networking with peers who are in the industry, keeping current on trends and best practices, managing your online presence, and following up with recruiters once you’ve initiated contact.

Although numbers are important when it comes to the job search, so are preparation, quality, and perseverance. Remember: You’re not just looking for a job, you’re building a reputation!

Have you ever been arrested?

If you've ever had a run-in with the law, chances are this is the most unsettling question you'll ever come across on a job application. Fortunately for you, it's illegal. Employers should not ask candidates about their arrest records; however, it is legal for companies to ask about convictions, especially if the offense is relevant to the job in question. For example, it makes perfect sense for a bank to ask potential tellers if they've ever been convicted of theft or fraud.

So, what should you do if you're asked about arrests during your job search? Here are several options to consider:

• Fill in the blank with "N/A" (“not applicable” or, in this case, “not appropriate”) and hope that answer suffices.
  
• Answer “yes” and jot a brief explanation on the accompanying line (e.g. “I was detained during a peace rally and the charges were later dropped”).


• Ignore the original question and write in: "I have never been convicted of a felony (or misdemeanor)."

Some applicants choose to skip the question altogether -- an option that could raise a red flag for the employer. Regardless, your answer should be honest and one that you're comfortable sharing. USA Today covers this and other illegal interview questions online.

What to expect from a background check

More and more companies are screening job applicants through the use of background checks. Employers use these investigations to verify identity and formulate predictions about performance, integrity, and ability to “fit” into an organization. In short, the background check is an effort to minimize a company's risk by ensuring productivity, security and safety.

So, just what does a background check involve? The employer usually hires an independent agent to collect an array of personal information, from employment history and places of residence to credit reports, court records, and insights from family, friends and coworkers. The process can take anywhere from a couple of hours to several months to complete (depending on the nature of the position and/or organization).

For more information about background checks, view the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, Fact Sheet 16.

If you've got it, flaunt it!

The job market is much like any other retail environment: To sell your "product," you've got to know what the "buyer" wants. Find out what employers are looking for in recent grads and new-hires by checking out these resources:

College Grad ranks the top eight criteria employers consider when hiring recent college graduates. (Keep in mind that this survey spans the spectrum and isn't focused on technical jobs and/or technology companies).

Tech Republic identifies the top 10 soft skills IT pros need to advance their careers.

Highlighting such attributes and abilities will convince recruiters that you're a good fit for their company and improve your chances of securing that important job offer!