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  • Job Descriptions Prioritized on a Resume




    Qualification listings

    The most difficult and time consuming section of any resume is the listing of your work experience, no matter the level you’ve reached in your professional career. If you recently graduated college and lack full-time professional experience, you may be concerned about whether or not a part time job and/or summer internship will be enough to get your foot in the door; and if you are a seasoned professional with extensive work experience, you are worried about how to fit all of your hard work on a single page.

    Furthermore, if you are changing careers, you might very well be unsure about which skills best showcase your qualifications. Even with all these worries and concerns, listing work responsibilities on our resumes still does not get easier as our careers move forward. That having been said however, the key is to consider your career objective and prioritize the work in accordance to your goals.

    When some individuals are asked about work responsibilities they have a tendency to disclose the routine items first; but this method can create the costly mistake of listing professional experiences on your resume, because it leaves all the important and key qualifications at the bottom. To avoid falling into this practice, a job applicant should first put together a rough draft – in list form – of his/her responsibilities on a sheet of paper consisting of everything s/he does in a current job, or have done in previous jobs.

    Setting the resume priorities

    Once your list is completed, consider all of the responsibilities included and make a determination of what the three most important items on the list are for each job. Then consider how those items relate to the stated career objective. Are there any other responsibilities listed that better support that career objective than the three selected? If they are better, are they also most critical to the job? An applicant must consider all these questions in order to prioritize his/her job descriptions on a resume.

    It may be helpful to begin each description with a power word such as managed, developed or communicated; and make sure that any statements listed first quantify your achievements; but– don’t be afraid to list descriptions like sales figures, customer acquisition rates, budget and timeline successes, or other figures which help put your responsibilities in context of the business or field in which you are working. Also, these statements should be aligned with your career objective.

    If, for example, you want to get a job in project management, letting your employer know that you managed a team of 20 people will effectively highlight your qualifications. The importance of quantifying your job description statements on a resume cannot be overstated. However, as a word of caution, do not quantify all statements, just one or two that are goal driven and most critical to your job. This shows potential employer that you think in terms of exceeding your goals. Keep in mind that all subsequent descriptions of your responsibilities should support the first one or two items on your list.

    Achievements & qualifications

    Prioritizing doesn’t only apply to your job descriptions, although it is the most commonly disregarded element in this particular area of the resume. Achievements and qualifications are often misrepresented because they are not ordered properly; but the same rules apply.

    Make a determination as to which of your achievements and qualifications are most complimentary to your career objective, and list them first. For example, if you are applying for a job in customer service, it helps to list your communication skills before your computer skills.

    While both the achievements and qualifications are important, communication skills are more in line with your career objective, and therefore should take priority. As a final test, put yourself in the shoes of your employer. Cross-check the job description and make sure that you’ve addressed the qualifications required for a specific job with the information on your resume. Let your potential employer know you have what they are looking for, and you’ll be sure to make a great first impression.

  • Customizing Your Resume to the Ideal Job




    Similar look, different resume

    While the look of most resumes appear similar to each other on the surface, there are key areas that differentiate well-written, winning resumes from those that never make it into the hands of hiring managers. To customize your resume for that ideal job you want, it is important to direct your attention to the following three elements:

    • Resume Style
    • Career Objective, and;
    • Personal Profile.

    The layout and style of your resume are as important as the information you include about your experience and qualifications. The two most commonly used resume styles are chronological and functional. A chronological resume requires you to list your professional expertise in order – much like the name implies – and is used by those applicants with extensive professional experience. Functional resumes showcase an applicant’s experience based on the type of qualifications s/he has, and is typically used by those lacking professional experience or those changing careers.

    While there are no set rules in determining the best resume style to use, it is important to keep in mind that the resume format can help or hurt your chances when attempting to put your best foot forward. It is therefore of the utmost importance to pick the format that will best highlight your qualifications and your experience. It is also important to understand the difference between the two; which is why a little research into which format is more preferred in the field of your choice is something that should be done.

    Career objective

    Career objective of the professional resume – This is a very important component in the preparation of your resume; and while there have been extensive debate about the need for listing your objective on any resume you prepare, choosing to include this goal statement shows that you have given your professional growth some serious thought. Consider your career objective as the first impression you make on your potential employer. Make sure your goals are specific and directional in terms of industry, position title, and future professional achievements.

    Most people make a mistake of including generic statements under their career objective; but you should make every effort to avoid this mistake. To be effective your statement must tell a potential employer that you know what kind of job you want and what experience you have in order to get the position, as well as what you are willing to do in order to become a successful professional with the company.

    While the career objective section tells your potential employer why you are applying for the job at their organization, the professional profile section sells your expertise and convinces the employer that you are the best candidate for that job. Your professional summary/profile gives you the opportunity to differentiate yourself, and give your employer an insight into you. Two frequently repeated mistakes for this section of the resume are poor writing and inclusion of personal information.

    Not personal, but impressive

    Note that your age, ethnicity, gender, religious affiliations and such personal information do not make a difference on how you handle yourself as a business professional. Such information should never be included in a resume, or any job application materials (even when asked on a job application, such information is optional and is for demographics study only). Make sure this section is well written and error-free, since strong positive statements about your expertise will give a good first impression to your employer.

    Make sure to proofread the whole resume, with emphasis to this section, as it appears at the start of your resume. An effective personal statement must leave your employer with an impression that you are confident, credible, and professional. But keep in mind that– any resume you prepare is your sales pitch which demonstrates your qualifications and experience to a potential employer; so seize the opportunity to put your best foot forward and you will reap the excellent rewards you aspire to.

  • Adapting Your Resume to a New Job


    Switching jobs

    How to adapt your resume to your new career choice

    Changing jobs has to be one of the more difficult decisions a person can make; staying in the work environment we are used to can sometimes be easier than having to embrace uncertainty, and having to prove your professional qualifications and credibility in a new workplace. The decision for change becomes that much more difficult if the new job you want means changing your career. While you will face a challenge in trying to get the job that meets your new career objectives, writing your resume should not be one of them.

    On the Internet alone, there are numerous resources for career changers. From helping you decide which career you are best suited for to providing helpful advice on how to succeed in your new job, you will find an overwhelming amount of resources to help you in your new journey. While most of the information you find will be helpful, be careful about the sources you utilize in order to put together the most persuasive resume for your new career choice.

    There are really two basic elements to successfully creating a resume for a career changer: research and transferable skills. Most people put a lot of thought into changing careers. They consider their families, their living and financial situations, their competitive advantage in the new field, etc.

    Research is key

    After you convince yourself that changing careers is the right thing to do, you will have to convince your potential employers to give you the job you are seeking. To do so, you have to do your research. Demonstrate to your employer that you have an extensive knowledge of the industry, even if you don’t have the accompanying experience. Before you begin your new career, make sure that you understand what professional paths are available for you, and determine what your ultimate goal is. This will help you form the career objective for your resume.

    Additionally, make sure to do your research on the company you are interested in, as well as their competition (if you are interested in non-profit organizations, make sure to brush up on other organizations with similar missions); if invited for an interview, you will want to appear very knowledgeable not only about their company, but about the industry as a whole.

    You will have to convince your potential employer that you the best person for the job, better than the candidates with experience to do that, you have to showcase not only your enthusiasm for the opportunity, but your eagerness to learn and your knowledge about the field.

    transferable skills

    Transferable skills, those skills that can be utilized in numerous fields, are also a key to a successful career change. Consider your qualifications to date. What experience have you acquired that can be transferred across industries? Transferable skills include verbal and written communication, people management, customer relations, organization and project management, development of new processes, generation of new ideas or concepts, etc. Such skills can be adapted to all organizations, and you should utilize them to showcase your qualifications for the job you are seeking.

    This scenario serves as an example: If you would like to ditch the 9-to-5 desk job for a hectic, unpredictable life of a high school teacher, let your potential employer know that your previous experience in leading by motivation makes you a perfect candidate for the job (even if that marketing project you managed has nothing to do with teaching English composition).

    Making a list of all your professional experiences and the qualifications needed for the job you are seeking will help you in determining which skills are transferable to your new career. Once you define your transferable skills, use a functional resume to assure most (if not all) of the qualifications needed for the new job are met in your resume.

    In addition to your resume, use your cover letter or email to let your potential employer know why you are changing careers, and that your new interest is not a passing one. Make sure that your resume reflects your newfound interest in a genuine and professional manner, and you are sure to have a successful career change.

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  • Resume writing from scratch


    Getting started

    Facing a blank page when you are trying to write a resume can be very scary. You may think that you don’t have enough to say about yourself to fill a page; you may be wondering just how to list all of your skills and experience within a single sheet of paper. To get started, ask yourself some questions about your past jobs and your career goals.

    Before you even begin writing a resume, define the exact reasons why you need one. While this may sound simple, it takes more than saying, “I want to get a new job.” Consider your career objective first. Make sure that your goals are specific in terms of industry, position title, and future professional achievements. Once you are clear on the type of job you are seeking, it will be much easier to compose a resume that highlights your expertise in the area of your interest.

    Research on format

    Once you have your career objective developed, do some research on a resume format that is most commonly used and may be most appropriate for your industry. Search the Internet or check out the books in your local library to get a better idea of what well-written professional resumes look like. Once you find a format that best suits your field and your career objective, use the same layout to get started.

    When listing your personal information at the top of the resume, include your address, home and/or mobile phone number, and your email address. A helpful hint about listing your email address make sure that it contains your name, as this helps you appear more professional. You can create a free Yahoo email account; it also maybe helpful to have one email address as a point of contact for your job search.

    Experience & education

    Before you begin listing your experiences, make sure to list them out on a separate sheet of paper, in chronological order, starting with the most recent job you had (possibly the job you are presently holding). List up to five previous jobs you have held, although make sure that your resume does not exceed two pages in length. Make sure that are listed in order; don’t skip any of your employments as this will create gaps in your professional history.

    When listing your education, start with your college attendance and move to your most recent accomplishments. If you never attended college, make sure to include any courses, even if they were taken as training at your previous jobs, which will help in showcasing your qualifications. In terms of skills, make sure to list, in bullet point form, all of the abilities that confirm that you are the best candidate for the job you are seeking.

    References upon request

    You can omit references from your resume, but let your potential employer know that you can provide them if necessary. You can do so in the cover letter or by including a line at the bottom of your resume that simply states, “Professional references available upon request.”

    As your final check point, ask a friend or a family member to review your resume, and give you feedback. Having a second pair of eyes can help you correct any typos, or even bring to your attention anything that appears unclear or confusing. A well-written, error-free resume will help you put your best foot forward and get the job that exceeds your career goals.

  • Four Great Books On Resume Writing


    Resume writing is a difficult task. While you can research information online, or seek assistance from a professional resume services, it is always helpful to have resources on hand that can assist in writing a new or rewriting your existing resume and/or cover letter. The following four books can provide you with a wealth of information on resume writing:

    On resume style

    The first book you should consider is called The Elements of Resume Style. It was written by S. Bennett – This book, as its cover states, will provide you with great advice on writing resumes and cover letters. Here, you will find valuable advice of working through and setting your career goals, marking your qualifications, delivering your resume to your employers and composing your cover letter. The author is not afraid to discuss the commonly made mistakes, the importance of knowing what you want to do in your career, sentence structure, and even salary requirements. This book makes for a great resource for both beginners and experienced resume writers.

    Related to competency

    The second book is titled Competency-Based Resumes and was written by two writers, Kessler and Strasburg – Competency-Based Resumes is a great resource for professionals that are confident in their career objective and are searching for a more targeted way to develop their resume in order to get noticed in the specific industry of their interest.

    The book discusses techniques used by employers at various industries that scan resumes in order to determine applicant’s experience based on their work habits and skills. The book offers you a new and effective way to create resumes that makes your skills and your education the number one priority, and provides you guidelines of highlighting specific areas in order to create a winning resume.

    Best resume ideas

    The third book contains 101 Best Resumes and was written by Block and Betrus – Members of the Professional Association of Resume Writers have come together to provide 101 best resumes for this book. The sample resumes included in this book will show you what winning resumes look like, and help you in creating an effective resume of your own that will get you the interview and the job. The book discusses personalizing your resume to positions that you want, highlighting your qualifications, developing your resume and writing cover letters. In addition, you will get some great advice on what to do once your resume is ready and how to win over your potential employer in an interview.

    Knock ’em dead resumes

    The last book of choice has Resumes That Knock ’em Dead and was written by Yate – This bestseller will teach you everything you need to know to get started in resume writing. It is a perfect read for beginners as well as those who have not written a resume in a long time. The author discusses how to gather all the information you will need to get started with writing a resume, how to chose the verbs you include in your statements, select the appropriate format and how to go about submitting your resume via email or the Internet. In addition, this book provides a great sag-way into cover letters, and how to create one that best compliments your resume.

    Each of these books can be found in your local bookstore or your library. They provide more than a great starting point; you can hold on to these books and use them as ongoing resources as you move forward in your career.

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  • Pros and Cons of the Printed Resume

    Fashion world descends upon us

    Your resume

    When a printed resume is needed – Tasks pertaining to job searches and job applications by many of today’s professionals are performed primarily with the aid of Internet locations (websites of potential employers and headhunters) and email (for cover letters and other communicative formats); and as such resumes and cover letters are created to fit these electronic formats; so it is no surprise that having to print out a resume can result in errors of both the human and machine variety.

    So let’s take a closer look at, and discuss circumstances when, a printed resume is needed; because although a job seeker may complete a number of job applications online, s/he still needs to have a printed resume to bring along to an interview. If, for example, you are that job seeker, it is important to keep in mind that it is very likely your potential employer will print out your resume from a job search website or from the message you sent expressing your interest in the job.

    With that in mind, it is therefore very important that you print out a test copy of your resume before submitting it to employers. This way you’ll be assured that the layout is what you want it to be. As a rule, when printing out your resume, make sure to use white or ivory paper; and since you can get a stack of resume paper at any office supplies store, it should be rather easy to make your resume look as clean and professional as it can be.

    Professional you!

    Your neat, clean resume – What you should not do it use color paper, or change the font color in order to make your resume stand out; because your employer is more likely than not to find this unprofessional and childish, which is not the first impression you want to make. If your resume is longer than one page, print out multiple pages; but do not print on both sides of a single page. Instead, you should include headings in your resume file indicating page numbers and print each page on its own sheet of paper.

    Additionally, you should not have any handwriting on your resume; but make sure that page numbers are in fact printed along with the rest of the resume content. Be mindful that you don’t grab the document off your printer in too immediately a fashion, since this could cause smudging of the ink and create a mess, especially if you are using an Ink Jet printer.

    You certainly don’t want smudging any more than you’d want stains, creases or crumpling when you are handing it to your potential employer. First impressions are important –and you difinitely don’t want yours to be that of someone who is sloppy and careless.

    Intact

    Interviewee, resume and references – Of course it doesn’t hurt to bring multiple copies of your resume when going in for the all important interview. Some people think this is not necessary because your potential employer already has a copy of your resume. But this is a common misconception because after all, it is your resume and not the potential employer’s; therefore you should always have several copies of your resume printed out and with you when at an interview.

    Often times, the hiring manager may ask another associate to meet you during the interviewing process, and s/he may not have a copy of your resume. Having extras will make you look professional, prepared and organized, which ultimately helps you set a positive, confident tone and put your best foot forward.

    Additionally, it is helpful that the copy of your resume you brought along for any interview has a complete list of references. You can include the references directly on your resume (typically at the bottom of the page), or you can include a separate sheet of paper with that particular reference list. The first option is preferred, because it provides potential employers with all of the critical information about you in one place.




    Take the initiative… resume style

    Including your references preempts a potential employer from asking you for this information; this also shows that you are seriously interested in the available position. Having a well-formatted, clean and professional resume will go a long way in helping you make that very important first impression a great one, and help you get the job you are truly interested in. Good luck!

  • eMail Your Resume with Thought and Care




    Use diligence in formatting your resume

    In order to seek out and apply for the jobs in which you are interested, it might be necessary to post your profile and resume on a job search web site such as monster.com or hotjobs.com. These search engines allow you to upload your resume in a Microsoft Word or text file format, or create one using their forms.

    Outside of job search web sites, e-mailing your resume as a form of application has become commonplace. However, each employer or headhunter has different rules on the file types they will accept via e-mail; because while most companies will accept an attachment in Microsoft Word–, you’ll have to be conscious of the font type and size, as well as margins you are using to compose your resume.

    If a company requires a text file, you should follow these steps to convert your Microsoft Word document into a text resume:

    • Select File, Save As
    • Name the file (as a best practice, use your name as the file name, and use underscores as spaces);
    • Under Format, select Text Only
    • Select Save.

    Carefully review resume before sending

    Now that you have converted your file to a text file, make sure to open it and review how the spaces, tabs, and bullet points have transferred over. You may need to do some editing in order to format your resume so that it fits the file type. Note that a plain text file doesn’t allow for bold, italicized or underlined fonts, but you can make sure that all your text is left justified and the spacing is correct.

    That having been said, if an employer asks you to include your resume in the body of an email, you should treat this as a text file when formatting. Copy and paste the entire resume in an email and keep the font styles basic; use Arial or Times New Roman fonts and keep the size in the 10 or 12 point range; you can also adjust all the spacing and bullet points as appropriate.

    A good rule-of-thumb to follow is to keep the email simple and– avoid bolding or italicizing text, since you don’t really know the type of email software your recipient is using, if they accept HTML, or only text emails. If you are sending your resume as an attachment, format the email body as a cover letter. At the top of the email, include your name and address, as well as the address of your recipient. Typically, the address can be found either on the job listing or at the employer’s web site.

    Adhere to employer’s website requirements

    If you are sending your resume in the body of an email, follow the same guidelines in terms of the email content; however, don’t assume that including a resume in the body of an email is the only information you should include in your message to a potential employer. Even if the resume is copied into the email, you still need to let your employer know a little bit more about yourself via a cover letter.

    Moreover, since you will include your address at the top of the email, feel free to start your resume with a career objective instead of including the heading with your name and address. Much like proofing is critical in perfecting your resume, testing how your resume is displayed in a body of an email or how it opens as an attachment via another computer is important.

    Rally your friends or family for help, and send them sample emails with your resume included in the body of a message or as an attachment. This will provide a great opportunity for you to insure that your resume is reaching your potential employers in a format that is clean and professional.