Today’s job seekers are routinely instructed to submit applications online. A lack of human interaction can discourage individuals who have been submitting resumes for a long time if they still have not secured a position. However, candidates who develop a revised strategy for finding a position can achieve better results. Breona Larmore established B. Larmore Professional Services three years ago to support clients navigating the job market. The career services consultant from Anne Arundel County shared insight about resumes and cover letters—two foundational tools that today’s job seekers must polish to tell their work story.

A Good Resume

When she first started her business, Larmore was convinced that every resume had to be two pages or less, but the career services consultant changed her opinion.

“The more experience I gained, the more I realized there isn't a one-size-fits-all rule. For someone early in their career, one page is often enough if it adequately highlights their qualifications. Two pages are perfectly appropriate for experienced professionals, as long as the content is relevant and adds value. Then there are federal resumes, which sometimes feel like they want to know what you did on your 4,377th day of work. Those, along with academic resumes and curriculum vitae, can easily extend beyond two pages because they're designed to capture much more detailed information,” Larmore said.

Rather than focusing on page count, she encourages job seekers to ensure every word earns its place on the page. Larmore further advised job seekers to follow several standards to craft a “good” resume. It should be targeted to the role, easy to scan, focused on accomplishments rather than copied duties, accurate, specific, and free of avoidable errors. Job seekers can benefit from help polishing their resumes. A career services professional can help a frustrated job seeker write or revise their resume.

Build Genuine Relationships

It is easy to feel overwhelmed or isolated during a job search while sitting behind a computer. Larmore explained how to still meet people in person to gain job leads.

“I think networking has evolved, but it is just as important today as it has ever been. When people hear the word ‘networking,’ they often picture walking into a room full of strangers and trying to hand out business cards. In reality, networking is about building genuine relationships. Some of the best opportunities come from former coworkers; supervisors; alumni groups; professional associations; community organizations; faith-based groups; conferences; and even casual conversations with people you already know. Employee referrals continue to be valuable, and thoughtful engagement on platforms like LinkedIn can also help expand your professional network,” she said.

Larmore added that CareerOneStop is a resource that also encourages job seekers to activate their networks, noting that professional contacts can provide introductions to hiring managers, recommend candidates, or share resumes with decision-makers.

“In my experience, the strongest networks are built long before you need them,” Larmore stated.

Informational Interviews

Larmore encourages job seekers to request informational interviews. These conversations are not about asking someone for a job, but a chance to ask people in prospective industries questions to learn more about an industry, a company, or a career path while building authentic connections over time.

Use LinkedIn

“My first tip is to make sure your LinkedIn profile tells the same story as your resume. Use a professional headline, complete your experience and skills sections, and include keywords that align with the type of position you are seeking. This can make it easier for recruiters to find your profile when searching for candidates,” said Larmore.

If you are seeking a job, do not abandon your LinkedIn account. Remain empowered to actively build your network. Connect with colleagues and other professionals in your field, engage thoughtfully with industry content, and keep your profile up to date.

“You never know who may come across your profile or when a new opportunity might arise. While not every employer reviews LinkedIn profiles, many recruiters use LinkedIn to search for candidates and identify professionals whose experience matches their hiring needs,” Larmore further stated, mentioning tips provided by LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/help/recruiter/answer/a412125).

B. Larmore Professional Services can be found on Facebook at https://facebook.com/BLarmoreProfessionalServices. Reach Larmore by calling (667)- 232- 0095.