I am frequently asked how to follow up after submitting a resume. Actually, if you plan on calling the employer, it’s better to call before submitting your resume. This allows you to establish rapport with the hiring manager, address the person by name in your cover letter, and may give you an edge over other candidates (calling is not recommended if a company specifically requests “no phone calls”).

To follow up after submitting your resume, call the hiring manager to ensure that your resume was received and to see if there are any questions you can answer. Reiterate your strong interest in the company and position, and let them know you are very interested in an interview. By building rapport with the hiring manager and stating your strong interest in the position, you can increase your chances of getting the interview (and the offer!).

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Robert wants to know what to do about the fact that he doesn’t have a degree, but he has tons of relevant experience. He writes, “Job postings in my field say that a degree is required. What should I do?”

Robert, you’re not alone! I hear similar concerns from many accomplished professionals who lack a formal degree. Develop a strong resume that shows a potential employer the value that you bring to the table. Your resume should be selling your career achievements, track record of results, and industry knowledge. Concentrate on your skills, expertise, and years of hands-on experience.

Also, if you have participated in ongoing training, consider listing all of your courses, seminars, conferences, and training in the Education section (create a list called “Professional Development”). This might seem so impressive that a lack of a formal degree is overlooked.

Good luck, and please email me again if you have additional questions.

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Job seekers frequently wonder how they can highlight accomplishments on their resumes, when all they do is show up and do their jobs. Well, I firmly believe that everyone has accomplishments. You just might have to dig deep to uncover them. Here are a few questions to get you thinking:

- Did you solve any challenging problems, and what was the result?

- Did you put any procedures into place to improve efficiency?

- Were you part of a team that was recognized with awards/accolades?

- Were you known for fast or accurate work output?

- Did you receive positive commendations by your supervisors (or clients, vendors, etc.)?

- Did you consistently perform your job at or above company expectations?

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You have to be careful if you use a functional resume, as this has been the format of choice for people trying to hide something about their backgrounds (usually job-hopping or employment gaps). Recruiters and employers realize this, so many of them review a functional resume looking for what the problem might be (not a good way to make a first impression). I only recommend using this format in cases of excessive job-hopping, a radical career change, or very long employment gaps.