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  • The Pros and Cons of Electronic Resumes


    New era resume versions

    The two most frequently used methods of resume submissions are:

    1. To upload them to employers’ websites and/or resume banks; and
    2. To e-mail them directly to employers who offer the jobs/positions that applicants have interest in.

    In this era of “high speed” Internet connections, “instant” messaging, and “e” interactions of every other kind, faxing a resume or sending one via “snail mail” has been rendered virtually obsolete; especially since employers are relying heavily on software programs that scan resumes for key words related to the available positions at their organizations.

    However, printed resumes are necessary for interviews; and therefore, as professionals, we essentially must have two different versions of our resume; and while there are numerous resources for composing a more traditionally formatted resume, many professionals are not sure how to create electronic resumes that will get noticed. In view of this practical and seemingly required skill – or lack thereof – we thought it would be helpful to provide a few of the pros and cons involved in creating and submitting electronic resumes.

    Resume formatting and sending

    Pro – Create a plain text file of your resume. While you want certain items on your resume to stand out, you should still have a plain text file (.txt file) of that resume, keeping in mind that most employers request a plain text file, because they can run the file through computer software that scans resume for key words related to the available jobs. When creating a text file however, make sure that you take the time to format the resume; and check spacing while adjusting any lines of text that seem out of place.

    Pro – Follow the instructions of your potential employer. If a potential employer is asking that resumes be sent in the body of your e-mail, do not send them an attachment. Just copy and paste the plain text resume you have created into the body of the email; but take the time to check for potential formatting changes, and do not try to format the text by making portions of your resume bold, or change the font size or type. While you may have the email editor which allows for this formatting, your potential employer may only accept plain text messages. Stick to the basics for a successful transmission of your resume.

    Testing and saving the resume

    Pro – Test your electronic resume by sending it to a few friends via email. Because they may be using different e-mail providers, or have different software than you do, they can let you know how your resume appears to them. This will help you in uncovering and correcting potential formatting problems, thereby making sure that your resume is in great form by the time it reaches potential employers.

    Con – Saving your resume in PDF format. Avoid using his file type for your resume, as it typically makes the fonts larger in size, and is not very common for an electronic resume. A resume sent in this format could be the reason that leads a potential employer to completely discard your email.

    Emailing your resume

    Con – To assume that your email body should include only the resume. Make the assumption that a resume in the body of an email is the only information you should include in your message to potential employers is not the way to go; because even if the resume is copied into an email, you still need to let a potential employer know a little bit more about yourself via a cover letter. However, since your address will be shown at top of the email, your resume could begin with a career objective instead of a name and address heading.

  • Keeping Your Resume Short and Concise


    Appropriate resume length

    One of the most common misconception of resume writing is that a person’s entire professional history has to fit within one page of white paper; and while the resume length may seem to be a rather basic understanding of how to prepare and properly format a resume, the question which persists is, does everything have to be put on the same page? The truth is, you should present a well-written resume that is concise, and it should promote your qualifications in the best possible manner.

    That having been said, if making the very best presentation is impossible to do on a single page, by all means, extend it to multiple pages with the appropriate consideration, depending on your career level. Understanding that resumes cannot be designed in a cookie cutter fashion where one size fits all, it may be helpful to adhere to a few guidelines when preparing your own resume. Here are some helpful tips:

    Chronological Resume Template: Resume Solution, What you Need to Creat your US and Canadian Resume (Template, Resume, Functional, Jobs, Opportunities)

    A few resume-shortening tips

    Be concise – Being as concise as you possibly can is critical, and therefore you should avoid using lengthy sentences and paragraph forms to disclose your experience and education. Employers want straightforward statements that highlight your qualifications; so keep in mind that a resume is no place to showcase creative writing skills.

    Perfect your resume – Since you have only a second or two to catch your potential employer’s attention, you must make sure that your resume is properly formatted, and you are not trying to fit too much copy on a single page of paper. Create appropriate and professional sections for your resume because your potential employer is more concerned with your resume content – and perhaps its look – than with its length.

    Knock ’em Dead Resumes: A Killer Resume Gets More Job Interviews!

    Longer is not better – When you don’t have the experience to meet your career objective, don’t try to embellish the resume with irrelevant information. If you are new to the job market, changing careers, or have had only one job, stick to a one page resume; and if you don’t have the experience to meet your career objective – for whatever reason – do not apologize for it, simply do your best to highlight your transferable skills, and stick to the “short and sweet” resume version.

    Write enough to meet career objective

    Unless you are applying for an executive-level job, or are composing curriculum vitae, your resume should not exceed two pages, because the purpose of a well-written resume is to sell yourself as the best candidate for the job with a confident and a straight-forward approach. Do not oversell your skills; and do not list more than three to five previous positions you’ve held. Stick to those skills and experiences that best meet the job requirements and your career objective.

    The most relevant information has to be included on the first page, and the second page should be numbered, with your contact information included as well (just in case the pages are separated when printed, you don’t want your potential employer to discard the second page of your resume completely). If you find yourself going over two pages, review your resume and make sure that you are not including information that is irrelevant to your goals or to the position you are seeking.

    Pages commensurate with history

    Make sure that your professional history warrants a resume that is three pages or longer, before you start adding information that could be viewed as an attempt to embellish. As mentioned above, unless you are a senior- or executive-level professional, or you are composing curriculum vitae, your resume should not extend to over two pages; but if you have a longer resume, you will have to make sure that every statement on the resume is applicable to your career goals and objective.

    If you have had decades of leadership experience for example, demonstrate that by using the reverse chronological resume style and only list those jobs that best qualify you for the position you are seeking. If you need to include an extensive list of publications or certifications, your resume can take up more than three pages; so make sure that the important information is still listed on the first page. This includes your career objective and professional profile, and your current or most recent professional experience. All subsequent pages should be numbered, and include your contact information in the heading.

  • Your Resume Format Can Set You Apart


    When formatting your resume

    In today’s job market, having a well-formatted resume is almost as important as having a well-written resume, as most employers receive a stack of resumes from qualified candidates and scan them quickly before they decide whether or not they want to read further. In addition to key words, the thing that stands out most about any resume is its format, which is essentially the first thing people will notice, whether the resume is formatted on paper or in electronic form.

    With that in mind there are a number of rules you should adhere to when formatting your own resume. First among them is to avoid using templates that are already available in Microsoft Word, as these templates are outdated and therefore will make your resume appear generic and unattractive; and while the generic templates may be well formatted in Microsoft Word, they will not translate well when emailed or uploaded to job search websites.

    About resumes, cover letters and interviews

    Of course you can always find resume samples on the Internet by running a simple search for resumes as they relate to your industry, and these samples might also make most sense for the job you are seeking. Then all you will need to do is work on a blank page to replicate the look and feel of a particular resume style which appeals to you.

    Keep it neat, clean and simple

    Ideally, your well-written resume should fit on one page; but if you have extensive experience simply limit your resume length to two pages, while listing only experiences and skills that are relevant to your career objective. Even if you are applying for a job in a creative field, avoid inserting images or pictures into your resume, since showing off your creativity – if that is your intention – can be done in a separate portfolio of your work.

    The page on which you’re structuring your resume should have one inch margins all around: top, bottom, right and left; and as a rule you should use left justification; so do not center the content of your resume. The font and font size should be consistent, while your name and headlines (if any) should be displayed in the same manner. Typically, the headlines will be bold and in all caps; and avoid underlining any of the information in your resume.

    Chronological Resume Template: Resume Solution, What you Need to Creat your US and Canadian Resume (Template, Resume, Functional, Jobs, Opportunities)

    In the world of Internet-driven job applications, underlining in a document implies a web link, making the use of any underlining for emphasis inappropriate. The font size for headlines should not exceed 14 points, while the remaining text in your resume should be no larger than 12 points; and when trying to align your resume, be aware of spacing and tabbing; and stay consistent in the way you are spacing out information on the page.

    Review for accuracy and consistency

    Use tabs rather than spaces, because you always have to anticipate that the person to whom you are sending your resume may have a different version of the software than you do, and therefore may not see exactly the same resume you are sending, since it is possible the margins will reset, paragraphs will shift, bullet points will change shape and so forth. This is why it’s important to keep the spacing consistent, while attempting to keep the font and bullet points as basic as possible.

    Knock ’em Dead Resumes: A Killer Resume Gets More Job Interviews!

    As a last formatting check point, ask your friends or your family for help in reviewing the resume you’ve just put so much time into structuring and formatting. Send the resume file via email to a few of your friends ask them to review the resume and make sure nothing seems out of place. Print out the resume on paper and review it to make sure that margins are accurately set, and the content doesn’t appear crowded on the page. Keep in mind when it comes to your resume, sleek simple appearance combined with great writing will give you the best chance of securing the job you’re interested in.

  • Conveying Your Transferable Skills in a Resume


    When making a career change

    Many of us, when faced with career changing decisions, put a lot of thought into the steps we need to take in order to make the very best decision possible, because a career change can be one of the most important decisions we make. Since such decisions involve our families, living and financial situations and competitive advantages in the new field, among other such concerns, making a career change typically means starting with a blank canvas.

    Of course, an individual may have the freedom to paint that canvas any way s/he wishes; but while doing so, it is important that s/he invests the time and energy, as well as make the sacrifices necessary to prove that s/he’s a credible professional in the new field. S/he also needs to be competitive, motivated, and be able to sustain the drive that is necessary to be successful. And after s/he’s convinced that changing careers is the right thing to do, s/he will then have to convince potential employers that s/he is the best person for the job being sought, and get hired.

    If you are that job seeker faced with a career change – or you are able to put yourself in such a job seeker’s stead – the first thing you should acknowledge is the necessity to do your research; because you must demonstrate to your potential employer that you have an extensive knowledge of the industry you’re interested in entering, even if you don’t have the accompanying experience. Before you begin your new career, make sure you understand what professional paths are available for you, and determine what your ultimate goal is, as this will help you form the career objective for your resume.

    Identifying your own transferable skills

    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), because if you are invited for an interview, you will want to appear very knowledgeable, not only about your potential new company, but about the industry as a whole. Keep in mind that you will have to convince your potential employer that you are the best person for the job; even better than the candidates with experience. You’ll do this by showcasing your enthusiasm for the opportunity, as well as your eagerness to enhance your knowledge about the field.

    about resumes, cover letters and interviews

    If you possess transferable skills, you know that such skills can be utilized in numerous fields, and can be key to a successful career change; so consider your qualifications to date. What experience have you acquired that can be transferred across various industries? Transferable skills include verbal and written communication, people management, customer relations, organizational and project management skills, development of new processes, generation of new ideas or concepts, and other such skills, both acquired and innate. Skills which can be adapted to all organizations that you should utilize to showcase your qualifications for the job you are seeking.

    Defining your transferable skills

    Consider, for example, that you would like to ditch a 9-to-5 desk job for a hectic, unpredictable life of a high school teacher; you’ll have to 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); and make a list of all your professional experiences and the qualifications needed for the job you are seeking, as it will help you in determining which skills are transferable to your new career.

    Chronological Resume Template: Resume Solution, What you Need to Creat your US and Canadian Resume (Template, Resume, Functional, Jobs, Opportunities)

    Once you define your transferable skills, use a functional resume to ensure that most (if not all) the qualifications needed for the new job are met in your resume. In addition to your resume, you should 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 fancy or simply an act based on impulse. Make sure that your resume reflects your newfound interest in a genuine and professional manner, and you will give yourself the best chance to make a successful career change.

  • Utilizing Resume Banks for Optimum Results


    Sources of job listings

    In today’s technology driven society most job seekers search for work on the Internet whether they’re looking to change jobs; in between jobs and looking for a new opportunity; or fresh out of school and brand new to the job market. There are two ways a job seeker can find job listings on the Internet: company websites and resume banks; the former is evidenced by the fact that most companies now have a special area on their websites which is dedicated to careers.

    These days the perusal of a typical company website mentioned earlier will reveal listings of available positions from entry level to higher management, with the exception of executive positions which are often filled through head hunters and/or personal recruitment. And larger, more sophisticated companies allow a job seeker to create a professional profile on their website and upload his/her well-written resume.

    This allows you – if you are in search of employment – to apply for an available position in which you are interested, while allowing the company’s recruiting team to match your resume to an available position they are looking to fill. Most companies list contact information for their available positions, so that you can reach out to the appropriate person and submit your resume for consideration.

    Resume banks fill the job void

    However, unless you are targeting a handful of organizations, consider the amount of time it would take you to review web sites and job postings of all the different companies in your area of interest. You would probably get frustrated and give up before accomplishing the goal. It is for this reason that resume banks – more commonly known as resume databases – have grown in popularity and are considered the better resource for job seekers.

    Curricula Vitae

    These databases have two functions: first, they allow you to search a comprehensive listing of available jobs from a large number of companies; and second, they provide the facility by which you can upload your current resume and make it available for many of the same same employers you would have applied with to find you.

    Popular resume databases such as monster.com and careerbuilder.com have been successful in building their online presence because they responded to the growing needs of companies looking for qualified personnel and professionals to fill their openings, as well as meeting the needs of busy professionals looking to expand their careers. Resume databases are usually free, and although you will be asked to register with the website, you should not have to pay any membership fees.

    Register • Upload • Search

    Of course there are a few sites that will allow you to search through a resume database without having to register; be mindful though, that these sites may restrict the number of jobs you can view, or the amount of details you can get from a job posting. In terms of convenience it can be said that registering with a resume bank has its benefits, in the sense that the amount of time, effort and frustration which many job seekers experience will be greatly reduced, because making your resume available to a large number of employers will no doubt, speed up the process.

    When registering, include your contact information and your most up to date resume; but do not post a sample cover letter. Although they are mostly discarded from resume banks, cover letters are meant to be personalized, so posting a generic cover letter along with your resume doesn’t help you get noticed. More important than the cover letter is If you are seeking a new job while still working, which would justify any concerns you have about your employer finding your resume in one of these databases.

    Some people recommend leaving current job information off the resume, but many professionals don’t want to do so because it is their current job that serves as that stepping stone to the next point in their careers, so it can create a dilemma in that respect. You can however, include a title and omit the company name, which would serve both purposes at the same time. Also, consider posting a functional or chronological resume, and make a note in your profile that a detailed and well-written resume can be emailed upon request.

    Keeping your undated resume current

    Make sure that the resume you have posted in the database is current; and make sure not to date your resume; –this way it will not appear outdated to potential employers. Log into the website once every few months and update your profile and your resume if you are actively looking for a job (always provide most up-to-date contact information, even if you don’t have time to update the complete profile).

    about resumes, cover letters and interviews

    Resume banks, or databases as they are called, can help you gain access to a large number of job postings, so don’t avoid utilizing them; but make sure your profile and your resume are posted on reputable sites such as monster.com. If you are unsure of the credibility of the site, do a little research online and see what others have to say about it; and don’t rely on employers to find you. If you are actively searching for a new job, review the listings regularly and seek out the opportunities that best meet your career objectives.

  • Taking Steps to Quantify Your Resume


    Focusing on career objective

    Resume writers of all calibers will probably agree that the most difficult and time consuming section of any resume is the listing of their work experience, regardless of the level reached in their professional career. That having been said, there are steps that can be taken to make such a listing more interesting, if not less difficult and time consuming; and the first and most important step requires the writer to focus on his/her career objective, and prioritize work in accordance with the goals s/he has previously set.

    If you are preparing a resume and want it to best represent you, it is of significant importance that your professional experience not only showcase the activities in which you have participated while in your previous jobs, but it must demonstrate your qualifications in the way that motivates employers to want to know more. Of course, what is being referred to here are results: any tangible, measurable items that have, and will continue to, impact the bottom line must be conveyed in your well-written resume.

    Let potential employers know:

    • That your project came in under budget;
    • That you adhered to the timeline;
    • That you acquired X number of new customers, and…
    • That you increased sales by a double-digit percentage; plus any other positive results.

    Quantify with numbers and specifics

    Approach your resume preparation with the thought in mind that employers can wrap their minds around numbers, because they work with them on a daily basis; and using this approach you want to let your potential employers know that you can think in the same way as they do, and that you take results into serious consideration as you perform your job on day-to-day basis.

    functional and chronological resumes

    To get started with your work history, you should begin each description with a power word; such as managed, developed, communicated, etc. And do some research on the use of power words and phrases that are appropriate for your industry. Make sure also, that the statements you list first under your job responsibilities quantify your achievements and– don’t be afraid to list sales figures, customer acquisition rates, budget and timeline successes, or any other figures which help put your responsibilities in the context of your business and/or field.

    It is important that you be specific, because the only way your statements would truly be quantified is if you include numbers. In other words, saying that you acquired new customers is significantly different from saying that you increased the customer database by 10%. As mentioned above, this is the most critical aspect of listing past job descriptions on your resume. Your potential employer wants to know what you did, as well as how proficient you were at doing it.

    Convey achievement and make a great impression!

    All these statements should be aligned with your career objective you included at the top of the resume. For example, if you want to get a job in project management, letting your employer know that you managed a team of 20 people and the overall results you achieved will effectively highlight your qualifications. It is important to quantify your job description statements on your resume; however, as a word of caution, do not quantify all statements, just one or two that are most critical to your job and are goal driven.

    about resumes, cover letters and interviews< /p>

    Doing so will show potential employers that you think in terms of exceeding your goals; and all subsequent descriptions of your responsibilities should support the first one or two items on your list. Be sure to put yourself in the shoes of your employer. Cross-check the job description and make sure that you address the qualifications required for the particular job with qualifiying information on your resume. Let your potential employer know that you have what they are looking for, and you will certainly make a great impression.

  • Making Your Resume Uniquely Personalized


    Of your resume’s uniqueness

    In view of the fact that a resume is limited to only one or two-pages in length, and yet must summarize a person’s career objectives, professional experiences/achievements and educational background, very important that you present a well-written resume that is also well formatted and free of errors. What may be as important, however, is to make it stand out from resumes of other candidates; and to do so you should consider the information in your resume carefully and make sure that it is unique to you (uniquely yours?).

    That having been said, the following suggestions are provided in the way of tips on how you can go about making your resume unique to you:

    Customize your career objective

    To best accomplish the customization of your career objective, you should think of your overall resume as a sales tool in which your career objective is your opening statement. You want your potential employer to know what you want, not just restate what other people say they want; so state your commitment to your career goal, because if you are unsure of what you want, how is your employer expected to believe that you really want the job at their organization, and not that you are just applying because you want to get out of your current work environment?

    Don’t be afraid to state what you want from a job and from an organization, because while you want to state your commitment, you also want to show that you are willing to take action to achieve your goal. Indicate what direction or action you are willing to take in order to accomplish your career objective; and be specific about what you are looking for in a work situation.

    functional and chronological resumes

    While you can say that you are looking for a “challenging” environment, this doesn’t mean anything to your potential employer, as people define challenges in various ways. So avoid using generic terms that are too broad defined. Simply state what you want, and what you are willing to do to get it, and in most cases that will be enough to give any potential employer a good enough idea of who you are and what you want.

    Highlight best elements of your experience

    This may be the most commonly overlooked aspect of writing a resume; understanding of course, that the entire professional experience section on your resume is, and should be, unique to you so you should take advantage of that particular aspect. Also, try to use power words wherever you can to list your responsibilities, while making sure that you have a winning attitude with each statement.

    Focus on those responsibilities that best describe the skills you acquired while in each job that make you the most qualified candidate for the position you are seeking; and quantify your responsibilities when possible to showcase to your potential employer that you are driven by results, and you are capable of exceeding goals; but don’t be shy about promoting your qualifications, because you earned them with your hard work and dedication.

    Personalize your cover letter

    The biggest mistake many professionals make is not spending enough time on their cover letter; but your cover letter should receive the same attention as your resume as they go hand-in-hand. Address your cover letter to the appropriate person at the company (contact info is typically listed in the job description); and make sure to mention what position you are applying for, while demonstrating how well the information in your resume aligns with the job requirements.

    about resumes, cover letters and interviews

    Your cover letter also allows you to address any information in your resume that may raise questions; so– take the time to do it right, as you don’t want your resume discarded because you chose not to create a uniquely personalized cover letter. Overall, make sure that your cover letter supports your resume and presents you as the most qualified candidate for the job.