With the current job market becoming more competitive, it’s critical that you differentiate yourself from others. This might mean doing things differently than how you’ve always done them. A great way to begin this process is with resume and interview assistance.

On May 24, Career Coach Jessica Winder led the “Resume and Interview Tips to Get Noticed and Get the Job” webinar offering tips for resumes, interviews, and negotiating benefits. Here are some highlights from the session:

Career Coach Jessica Winder

Improve Your Resume:

• Don’t dump all your past experiences and job duties into a resume. Instead, list the skills and experiences that demonstrate who you are and why you are the right fit for the job.
• Tailor your resume to the job description by adding the common phrases and key points from the job posting.
• Employers are drawn to quantifiable achievements and data-driven results. Include specific examples of accomplishments, such as increasing sales by a certain percentage or completing projects within a specific timeline that catch the readers’ attention.
• Structure your resume to be visually pleasing. Ensure key points stand out to capture the attention of recruiters.

Presenting Value During the Interview:

• You offer something no one else has. Practice presenting your unique value proposition to the recruiter or hiring manager.
• Ask relevant questions during the interview process to better understand the job and the company. This helps avoid situations where the job turns out to be different from expectations.
• If you are going through a career transition, emphasize transferable skills that demonstrate your ability to adapt and succeed in the new role such as problem-solving abilities or leadership skills.

Negotiating Compensation and Benefits:

Winder says, “Don’t leave money on the table!” You can negotiate vacation time, parental benefits, commuting costs, moving costs, signing bonuses, stock options, and more!

• Don’t be afraid to negotiate your compensation package. It may be uncomfortable at first, but it’s important that you get the best possible offer.
• Do not reveal your current salary. (Note: It is illegal in 22 states for potential employers to ask about your salary history.) Salary discussions should be based on the value you bring to the company, not your previous salary or how much money you made in the past. Research the salary for the desired role through sites like Glassdoor and PayScale.
• Ask what the salary range is for the role. It’s ok to do this up front to ensure you aren’t wasting your time or theirs.

If you’re currently looking for a new role, watch the webinar replay to learn more. Don’t forget to register for the AWIS Virtual Career Fair on August 24, 2023!

Behnaz Akbari received her BS in chemistry & MSc in analytical chemistry in Iran. In 2019, she joined the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and obtained a second MSc in chemistry (2021). To advance her career in medicine, she pursued her interests at Boston University School of Medicine and received her third MSc in 2022 in bioimaging. She also has hands-on experience with cutting-edge mass spectrometry technology. Her most recent publication is The role of plantderived natural antioxidants in reduction of oxidative stress.

This article was originally published in AWIS Magazine. Join AWIS to access the full issue of AWIS Magazine and more member benefits.