RECRUITMENT GUIDE
3 tips to to update a resume to align with the modern job market
The job market can be unpredictable. Though reports on jobs suggest the market is now flooded with openings, working professionals looking to change careers or switch firms know the reality of modern job hunting is no walk in the park.
Reports indicate that there was an average of one opening for every two applicants on the professional social networking site LinkedIn at the onset of summer 2023. Professionals also are contending with a job
market in which firms that hurried to hire applicants during the pandemic are now being more deliberate with their hiring process, sometimes interviewing candidates as many as six times before concluding the process.
In addition, a 2023 survey from TIME/Harris Poll found that 52 percent of applicants with a bachelor’s degree or higher completed an interview process without receiving a job offer.
There’s no denying the difficulty professionals seeking new jobs
face when they begin their search. Though there’s no guarantee the right opportunity will come along quickly, professionals can update their resumes in three notable ways to increase the chances their applications are seen.
1. Write a new summary.
The professional resources experts at Indeed recommend individuals write a new summary of their work history that reflects their qualifications for any job they intend to apply for. Consider past accomplishments, tasks
and responsibilities that are applicable to each opening and emphasize those in the summary. For example, individuals aspiring to move up to management level can emphasize past experiences in which they took on a supervisory role to complete a project.
2. Include important keywords. The frustration many modern professionals feel when looking for new opportunities may stem from how easy it can be to apply for a job but never hear back. Indeed notes that many hiring
managers utilize applicant tracking system (ATS) software when considering applications. Such programs scan resumes for predetermined keywords, discarding applications that do not include them. Reading each listing carefully can shed light on which keywords to include, as the right terms tend to be right there
in the job description. Indeed also advises mentioning the company’s name and exact position title in the summary statement or career objective section.
3. Don’t forget the person who will read your resume.
Though ATS software plays an integral role in modern hiring,
eventually a human being will see the resume if it gets past the ATS portion of the vetting process. Before submitting a resume, read it several times to ensure it reflects your accomplishments, talents and aspirations and not just the keywords that will get the document seen by human eyeballs. Numerous resumes will get past
the ATS software, so it’s imperative that the resume illustrates a candidate’s qualifications and talents.
Modern job seeking is timeconsuming and often frustrating. Getting past the vetting process involves updating a resume so applicants can use the modern hiring process to their advantage.
How to land a job after graduation
The road to graduation can be long and winding. Graduation often is an exciting time in a person’s life.
However, it also may spark some anxiety as newly minted grads prepare to look for jobs and begin their careers.
An unpredictable economic climate coupled with the rising cost of education can make soonto-be graduates curious about what awaits them after graduation. According to the market data reporting firm Gitnux, 86 percent of college graduates can expect to find jobs within six months of graduation.
While the economy can affect how quickly new grads begin their careers, it’s not the only variable that affects where grads go after tossing their caps in the air. Students on the cusp of graduation can employ various strategies to increase their chances of finding a job.
• Start while in school. It’s never too early to think about the hiring process and what can be done to improve your profile as a candidate. Maintain a grade point average that will impress employers, suggests Indeed. Also, part-time jobs and internships in your field will help you gain valuable experience
and determine if working in a particular field is a good fit.
• Select an off-peak time to search for a job. Many people start searching and applying for jobs at the same time, typically after graduation ceremonies in December and May. That floods the market with applicants.
Increase the chances your résumé is read by staggering when you apply for jobs and sending out inquiries before you graduate.
• Streamline your résumé. Many companies receive thousands of applications per position, so it is essential to cater your résumé to the specific job to which you are applying. Include key words
that match those in the job listing and will attract the attention of hiring managers. If you do not yet have experience, replace that section on the résumé with your accomplishments or special projects you have worked on.
• Network as much as possible. Many job openings are learned about through personal relationships. Employers may not advertise widely and hope that word of mouth will bring applicants to their doors, or through recommendations from other employees. Reach out to academic advisors, former professors and colleagues in your academic department. Be sure to maintain these networking relationships.
• Consider growth-stage companies. The University of
Springfield Plastics, Inc. Expansion Bringing 65 New Jobs to Auburn
Missouri Career Center says growth-stage companies tend to hire entry level professionals who do not necessarily have a lot of experience. These are fastgrowing companies looking to expand their operations and build company culture.
• Utilize networking social media apps. Indeed and LinkedIn enable people to network and make it easy to apply for jobs directly through their sites or apps. There’s even the option to passively apply for jobs by having a résumé uploaded where companies can search and find you if your skills are a match.
Finding a job after graduation is a priority for graduates anxious to begin their careers. Various strategies can help new grads find work sooner rather than later.
After breaking ground in April 2023, Springfield Plastics’ 63,000-sq.-ft. building expansion in Auburn, Illinois, should be completed soon. Along with the expansion, Springfield Plastics will be hiring for as many as 65 new full-time positions.
“We are excited to begin this new era at Springfield Plastics,” said Steve Baker, President of Springfield Plastics “Our board, executive team, and staff have been working tirelessly to put this plan in place and bring a disciplined approach to our growth plans ” Tremendous growth in the agricultural industr y, specifically within the tile drainage industr y, has led to this new construc tion.
Over the past several years, Springfield Plastics has expanded to deliver its 100%-virgin-resin made produc t to a nine -state area and added a second location in Humboldt, Iowa, to ser vice customers far ther to the nor th and west The company is also building a new distribution facility in Nor th Manchester, Indiana. To accommodate these growth plans, staff additions are expec ted in customer ser vice, sales, shipping, accounting, engineering, and manufac turing.
“Our customers have come to expec t a high level of ser vice from our committed front-line and suppor t staff,” said Jennifer Furkin, Vice President of Springfield Plastics “By adding depth to nearly
ever y depar tment, we will be able to provide that same ser vice to more customers across a larger geographic area.”
Produc tion of Springfield Plastics tile and fittings is handled at the Auburn location. New and expanded areas that will be par t of this growth plan include produc tion, raw materials, management, quality control and assurance, and warehousing. To get the new Auburn location off to a successful star t, Springfield Plastics is currently hiring customer ser vice representatives, engineers, accounting staff, fac tor y workers, janitors, and maintenance workers
“Having the expanded manufac turing capabilities along with implementing even newer technologies will allow for significant growth in our produc tion capacity,” said Doug Baker, Engineering Manager at Springfield Plastics. “Our new facilities and staff additions to operate them will fold seamlessly into our continued commitment to provide more produc t on time to our loyal and new customers.”
A histor y of success
Springfield Plastics is a leading Midwest manufac turer of corrugated plastic drainage pipe. In 2000, the company became the sole U.S. manufac turer cer tified as using only 100% virgin material in its drainage pipe.
“ This company began with a few simple thoughts,” said Steve Baker “A commitment to manufac turing the best produc t on the market, delivering a high level of ser vice to our customers, and a steadfast dedication to our employees and the communities in which we operate For ty-five years later I can say with confidence that these are still our guiding principles ”
NO W HIRING
Springfield Plastics is currently looking to fill several full-time positions. To learn more, see job openings, or apply for a job, visit spipipe.com/careers.
Common workplace benefits
Salary is just one component of the package that businesses may offer their employees. Though salary is important, an honest comparison of companies can benefit from a look at the larger picture — and that includes an analysis of what companies offer in addition to financial compensation.
Some people feel that certain perks outrank salary on their professional priority list. The Society of Human Resource Management indicates 92 percent of employees feel employment benefits are important for overall job satisfaction. They’re also a driving factor when candidates
read job postings.
Certain benefits are standard offerings, while others take perks a step further. The following are some of the benefits job seekers may encounter in job listings and during the interview process.
• Health insurance: Offering health insurance is mandatory in certain areas, while in others it is up to the employer. Insurance costs may be taken care of by an employer, while in most cases employees have a portion of those costs deducted from their paychecks. Health benefits also may be extended to employees’ family members. Large organizations may allow employees to choose their health insurance provider, while small firms may only contract with one company.
Memorial Health Blog
August 2024
• Flexible health spending account: A health care spending account, sometimes called a health savings account, enables employees to set aside a portion of their incomes before taxes are deducted. That money can be used for qualified health purchases. Employees submit receipts for these health needs, which can include copayments, over-thecounter medications, sanitary products, or first aid equipment, and then get reimbursed up to the amount they had deducted for the year. HSAs are one way to reduce tax burden.
• Paid time off: Often referred to as “PTO,” this is a benefit that enables employees to schedule personal days off from work. Typically, PTO accrues each pay period by a set number of hours.
PTO may occur in place of or in conjunction with separate vacation time. PTO can be a negotiating point with prospective employers who do not have wiggle room on salary offerings.
• Life insurance: Many employers contract with life insurance companies to offer their employees discounted rates on life insurance premiums. Employees typically pay these costs out of pocket, but the employer facilitates the relationship with the insurance broker.
• Retirement savings: Employers may offer pensions or other retirement savings plans such as 401(k) and 403(b) accounts. Employees contribute a percentage of their salaries and employers may make matching or discretionary contributions as
Applying for a Healthcare-Related Job? Top Interview Tips
Applying for a new job, especially in healthcare, can feel a little overwhelming. Here are some tips to quiet those interview jitters.
• Be prepared. Research the organization, its history, values and culture. Prepare questions to ask about the mission and vision of the organization. Bring extra copies of your resume and any examples of your work.
• Be engaged. Stay relaxed and maintain steady eye contact. Ask your prepared questions at the appropriate time. Don’t be afraid to ask follow-up questions.
well.
• Flex scheduling/remote work: Many employers recognize the advantage of allowing employees to work from home all or a portion of the week. An alternate work schedule also may be offered to help employees. With an alternate work schedule, employees may eschew the traditional 9 to 5 schedule for an 8 to 4 or even 11 to 7 schedule.
Flexibility is something employees covet, as it can help them achieve a work/life balance.
These are just some of the benefits professionals can consider as they search for a new job. Additional benefits include bonuses, stock options and tuition reimbursement.
• Be professional. Pay attention to hygiene and cleanliness. Respect everyone no matter what their title. Be genuine and show integrity throughout the process.
“When people interview for positions at Memorial Health, we want them to show us they know who we are and what we stand for,” said Katherine Beveridge, system director for talent acquisition at Memorial Health. “We want to hire individuals who are passionate about our mission to improve lives and build stronger communities through better health.”
Interested in joining us at any of our five hospitals or Memorial Care locations? Visit jobs.memorial.health to review current openings throughout Memorial Health.
How to modernize your résumé
Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic more than two years ago, businesses, especially small firms, have struggled to find employees to fill vacancies within their companies. A survey from CNBC/Survey Monkey released in May 2022 indicated that 52 percent of small business owners reported it had grown more difficult to find qualified people over the previous 12 months.
The difficulty many businesses are having in regard finding qualified applicants can be seen as a great opportunity by skilled professionals looking for a new job. Qualified job seekers can take advantage of the lack of competition to land their dream jobs. Prior to beginning a new job search, seasoned professionals might want to consider some strategies to modernize their résumés and improve their chances of finding a dream job.
• Reconsider your résumé template. If it’s been awhile since you looked for a new job, chances are strong the design of your résumé could be viewed as
outdated. Fairly or unfairly, an old template could give prospective employers the impression that your skills are as outdated as your résumé. Jobscan.co/ resume-templates offers a host of Microsoft Word-compatible free résumé templates. These templates are categorized, with some specifically for senior- and executive-level positions and others based on how job seekers want to list their skills and experience (i.e., chronological, hybrid, etc.).
• Prominently display your abilities. The job-seeking experts
at Jobscan indicate that the average recruiter spends around six to seven seconds glancing at a typical résumé before deciding if an applicant could be a good fit. With such little time to make a strong first impression, applicants will want to emphasize their skills at the top of their résumés. Recruiters and human resources professionals who see an attractive skillset might then be compelled to explore the document further to determine how those skills were acquired.
• Avoid information overload. If HR professionals and recruiters
are only spending a few seconds scanning each résumé, applicants will want to keep job descriptions short and sweet. Condense responsibilities into bullet points, ideally using just a single line for each point. Avoid listing too many bullet points for each job, as that could affect the likelihood that the résumé will get more than a passing glance.
• Remove outdated information. The online jobs resource Indeed notes that seasoned professionals who have been with their current employers for more than five years can remove certain sections on a résumé. Sections like internships, awards received early in a career, volunteer gigs from years ago, and pre-college educational background do not need to be listed on experienced professionals’ résumés.
Now could be a good time for experienced professionals to look for a new job. The first step in a successful job search could be modernizing a résumé to more closely reflect where candidates are in their careers.
A well-edited résumé can go a long way toward helping job candidates make a strong first impression with hiring managers. A recent survey of hiring managers and human resource professionals across companies of various sizes and in an assortment of industries conducted on behalf of CareerBuilder found that certain mistakes were deal breakers for a large percentage of individuals tasked with helping to find new hires. Seventy-seven percent of hiring managers indicated typos or bad grammar on a résumé were enough to disqualify a candidate from consideration. An
Did You Know?
unprofessional email address (35 percent) and a résumé with long paragraphs of text (25 percent) are some additional mistakes that hiring managers consider deal breakers. This information can prove useful for job seekers, who should know that 39 percent of hiring managers indicated they spend less than a minute looking at a résumé. That brief chance to make an impression should not be undermined by preventable blunders like typos and poor grammar.
How to negotiate a job offer
J ob offers can spark a whirlwind of emotions. After spending weeks or months trudging through job postings, remote interviews, phone calls, and reference requests, individuals may be eager to sign on the dotted line and get to work. Though it’s easy to let that excitement take over, professionals must carefully study a job offer to ensure it’s in their best interests.
It’s not uncommon for professionals to worry that careful consideration of a job offer can make them appear greedy or unappreciative. However, any firm worth working for will allow
candidates ample time to consider an offer and even negotiate terms if the need arises. In such instances, professionals can consider these negotiation tips.
• Work with a recruiter. A professional recruiter can be your best advocate. Recruiters function as the intermediary between candidates and companies. These individuals can help professionals negotiate a fair offer and benefits in line with market compensation levels and current trends, according to LinkedIn. Employers may take recruiters seriously, and recruiters will have no qualms
negotiate for a larger match to your 401(k) plan? Focus on one or two negotiation points to get the best employment terms.
• Verbally negotiate with the hiring rep. It’s important to negotiate before a written offer is presented. This is when you have the most leverage. Once an offer is put on paper, managers may be more reluctant to change terms. Take a day to mull over the offer and make a list of wants; then ask for a call with the recruiter. You never know what you can get if you don’t ask.
about negotiating because they are third parties in these conversations and can serve as the proverbial “bad guys” if need be.
• Think about what you want most. Negotiation terms should reflect what matters most to you, which may differ from person to person. Salary is not the only negotiable. Perhaps a certain amount of vacation time is important because you routinely travel to visit with family? Maybe you need an alternative start time to accommodate childcare needs? Or you may want to solidify retirement savings and can
• Expect some give and take. An employer likely will not cave to all of your demands unless they are desperate to fill the role. Negotiations often are marked by trading one thing for another. For example, an uptick in personal time off may come at the compromise of having to work longer hours each day. While you may not be able to get a big salary increase, the employer may be able to offer you a better title, which can translate into more upward growth in the industry when you move on to another job. Again, if money is an issue, an employer may be willing to make up for a certain salary by offering stock options, expense account allowances or other perks.
Job seekers shouldn’t be afraid to negotiate offers with prospective employers.
CERTIFIED STAFF VACANCIES:
Elementary Special Education Teacher (3 positions)
Science Teacher at Jacksonville Middle School
Elementary ELL Teacher and ELL Teacher at Jacksonville Middle School
Special Education Teacher at Jacksonville Middle School (3 positions)
Science Teacher at Jacksonville High School
Special Education Teacher at Jacksonville High School (4 positions)
Math Teacher at Jacksonville Middle School
Benefits:
NON-CERTIFIED VACANCIES: Paraprofessionals
Bus Drivers
Bus Monitors
Parent Educators
Food service worker
SUBSTITUTE VACANCIES:
Teachers: $125 per day for first 19 days – then $150 per day
Paraprofessionals: $112.50 per day
LPN Paraprofessionals: $20 per hour
Custodians: $15.50 per hour
Secretaries: $15.00 per hour
Nurses: $25.00 per hour
Food Service: $15.00 per hour
100% paid employee medical insurance (medical/vision/$40k in life insurance)
dental insurance available
sick/personal/vacation time for 12 month staff
sick/personal time for less than 12 month staff
IMRF/TRS retirement
JACKSONVILLE SCHOOL DISTRICT #117