How do I get an interview?

Lots of changes in the field.  Nonprofits laying off staff; for-profit businesses laying off staff; businesses closing and new opportunities appearing daily.  Different services and skills are needed and organizations are continuing to hire.

So how do you get to the interview?

It’s a tough question when you see and hear about everyone looking for and applying for positions.

But, the basics you know still hold:

Read the job description—what are the key areas of responsibility?  What are the pain points this organization is trying to solve?  How do your skills help them meet their goals?
Read your resume—how does your resume match the job description?  Are you using words, examples, metrics that show your ability to solve their problems?
Write a cover letter—actually write a cover letter.  Pick out key words and key examples from the job description and provide 1-2 paragraphs on how your experience can match those needs.

Look at your previous work experience from the lens of a new employer:
What did you learn in this position?
What skills did you gain—both specific skills as well as the so-called “soft” skills that are so important
What is your story of your work experience—positive, negative, frustrated, excited?  How are you sharing that story to the interviewer?
How was success measured at your previous location?  How did you measure yourself?  Metrics matter.

Resume basics:
No more than 10 years of work experience on your resume.  If you have something special earlier than that, figure out a summary.
After your first job:  no GPA listing,
No salary listings—In Oregon employer’s can’t ask your previous salary and you shouldn’t display it.
Check spelling and then check it again.
No references on the resume.  The organization should ask for references later in the process and may have specific requirements.  Use this space on your resume for something else.