Copybook or template resumes may look good, but these are the sort of resumes that are already flooding your prospective employers’ offices. An effective resume, meanwhile, is one that really attracts readers and imparts a positive message.
In times when the economy is weak, top employers seek the most cost-effective employees — $100K jobs are for those who can prove that they are different from the herd.
Customize Your Profile When Applying for $100K Jobs
It is better to have your resume focused on the given job and company you’re applying for, rather than submitting the same resume everywhere. During a recession, companies generally tighten their budgets and use more strict criteria for hiring employees. For example, they look for people who have plenty of experience in their specific industry and fit the given job profile perfectly.
So, instead of trumpeting how good you were in a particular past job, be sure to communicate specifically how the potential employee would gain by hiring you. After all, when it comes down to it, a typical employer will care less about what expert skills you possess than about how you would use them for the benefit of their company.
Assertiveness Is the Key to Winning $100K Jobs
$100K jobs are usually leadership positions. As such, employers usually look to fill such positions with people who are assertive (which will be reflected in your resume and, to a greater extent, during the interview process). A recession is a time when companies are especially eager to recruit tough guys, people who can thrive under pressure.
Keeping these tips in mind, let’s take a look at some industries which are particularly likely to offer $100K jobs. Typically, doctors, lawyers, and senior executives at top companies can expect to draw six-figure salaries. For others, though, there are many thriving industries, companies, and specific job types which offer the possibility of salaries in excess of $100K.
Technology Companies
Technology companies employ the highest number of people with six-figure salaries. Even starting salaries for DBAs, project managers, and systems analysts at top corporations can fetch $100K. Senior web producers and aerospace engineers with some experience can also command six-figure salaries.
Financial Services Companies
Managers at top finance companies like banks and insurance corporations pocket an average $120,000 per year. Though the real estate sector is currently down, salaries of top executives here are still well over the $100K mark.
The Hospitality and Entertainment Industry
$100K jobs are often found at top hotels, restaurants, and resorts, places where hospitality managers have lots of responsibilities. Casino pit managers are not far behind those managers in terms of earnings — almost a fourth of them get paid more than $100,000 per year.
Hazardous Jobs
Those who work in hazardous environments typically earn higher salaries, many of which go beyond the $100K mark. Top oil rig workers, for example, typically get a six-figure salary. So do the security guards of celebrities; they get paid hefty salaries to shield their bosses from crazy fans and paparazzi.
Government Jobs
$100K jobs are found in abundance within the federal government. Jobs that fall under the GS-14 and GS-15 grade levels generally are $100K positions.
Conclusion
Studies have indicated that only about 5% of individuals in the United States make more than $100,000 per year. However, when entire households are taken into account, 16% of them nationwide earn more than $100,000.
