Jeff Martin ⋅ Ashburn, VA The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System ⋅ 25 years experience

I’d suggest that you network at the target company or industry. Use LinkedIn to find people already working there and reach out to them. Ask them the process they used to get hired and ask them to help you navigate the hiring process and if they are willing, ask them to submit you as a referral. These activities require much more time on your part but in my opinion would greatly increase your chances for success. Good luck!

Henry ("Dr. Hank") Stevens ⋅ Fort Lauderdale, FL Human Resources Quality Assurance, LLC (Now Retired) ⋅ 50 years experience

Two thoughts: ONE: To what professional organizations do your targeted hiring managers belong and what meetings do they attend? Go there and chat 'em up.

TWO: Identify and focus on your TALENTS. Sell those. A good education means that you can learn. Experience in the field means subject-matter exposure - that's all! Focus on your talents.

Gail Baccetti ⋅ Lake Geneva, WI Retired ⋅ 42 years experience

I'd be happy to take a look at your resume and make suggestions, and/or discuss positive ways to position yourself. I have my Master's in HR, and have also worked as a Career Consultant. Most of my time, however, was spent in sales, and you are now trying to sell yourself! If you want my assistance, please send me your resume in Word format to gbaccetti@hotmail.com.

Joy Montgomery ⋅ Pleasanton, CA ReBoot Camp ⋅ 30 years experience

I know you asked for responses from HR professionals but I'll take a chance. This has worked for many. Put yourself where you come into contact with hiring managers in the industry you want to be in.

Bob Molluro ⋅ Wilmington, DE Benchmark Consulting Services ltd. ⋅ 30 years experience

My experiences have shown that the resume has very little to do in getting an interview. I would emphasize how you have applied your education to produce results. I suggest spending your time finding the person who can open the door for you. Tell everyone you meet what you are looking for and why. You may be pleasantly surprised when someone reaches out to help you. I gave the same advice to my son in law who was released when the French owned company he worked for decided to withdraw from the US market. Mike was the number 1 producer in the US and needed to find a high paying position. One day he was having lunch and struck up a conversation with the guy sitting next to him. After about 30 minutes this guy said I know a billionaire who could use a guy like you. Today Mike is a partner and earns in excess of $700,000. All because he was willing to do the hard work and talk to anyone who would listen.