Congratulations on your new resume! To make sure it achieves the best value, use these resources on the job application process for your next steps.

Following up

Once you submit your next application, consider following up in 5 business days by providing additional useful information (your references sheet or a pertinent work sample) or simply letting the HR know, in a friendly manner, that you are still interested and available.

Assume the best: they are busy and want to interview you; other projects may have caused a delay; they need a candidate like you but perhaps have not received/seen your resume (a tech issue). The hiring process includes many variables: the hiring manager may have gone on vacation or had a work emergency on a major project; maybe they need the executive’s approval to go ahead with interviewing. Other issues like budgeting and COVID-related regulations may have interfered.

To get more clarity, make it your responsibility to follow up in a way that strengthens the relationship. Here’s an article I wrote with two colleagues on how to follow up.

Interviewing

Once selected for an interview, chances are you will hear “Tell me about yourself.” Here’s what this question means.

In this podcast episode, interview coach Thea Kelley talks about the elevator pitch (“Tell me about yourself”), illegal questions, salary questions, and body language during interviews.

Are you interviewing during the pandemic? My colleagues and I collected answers to commonly asked questions about job interviews and the latest trends in 2021.

Offer Negotiations

This podcast episode has excellent examples of phrases to use to negotiate a salary increase. Think of this in terms of negotiating your overall compensation package, not just salary, and finding a solution that is right for both you and your new employer. Depending on the situation, you can negotiate paid time off, insurance, stock options, pension plans, bonus amounts, remote work options, commuting costs, professional development/training/education, number of people on your team, internet/phone/equipment fees, and/or your title.

Self-Employed Editors and Writers

If you are in the early stages of self-employment, make sure you know what to charge and be firm about your rates. Learn more about the concept of an effective hourly rate.

Applying online as a freelancer? Choose several ways to promote your services online, build a stable workload, and learn more about the job application process for editorial freelancers.

Industry Information about Resume Services

How much does a Canadian resume cost? This 2017 article by Career Professionals of Canada outlines rate ranges for resume packages across Canada.

This resource by Career Though Leaders in the US describes what career professionals do and how much they charge.

Podcasts about Career Development

Marie Zimenoff, CEO of Career Thought Leaders, runs an excellent podcast The Career Confidante, with episodes on everything from job applications to leadership development.