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Category: Job Search

A job search, also referred to “job hunt” is basically described as an individual’s desire to work for someone else – usually a large company or corporation – in return for money (wages, a salary, etc.) which can be paid in regular intervals – weekly, bi-weekly – in the form of a pacheck.

  • To Write the Professional Summary of a Resume


    Your resume-projected personality

    Employers rely on well-written resumes to screen potential job candidates, as well as to determine how they will fit into their work environments; especially in today’s competitive job market where, in many instances, employers look through job search web sites such, as HotJobs.com and Monster.com, to find job applicants with the skills, education, experience and professionalism that fit their staffing needs.

    These employment search web sites, along with many of the hiring companies’ own online applications, require candidates to upload their resumes in order to express interest in a specific position. Without an opportunity to send a personal email or a cover letter, a job applicant must make sure that the resume s/he uploads expresses his/her personality in addition to listing professional and educational experiences and achievements.

    Adherence to this guideline will mean that the applicant must include a professional profile or summary to begin the uploaded resume. This allows said applicant to market him/herself through a narrative. If, for example, you are the applicant in search of a position that meets your requirements and suits your qualifications; this section will allow your potential employers to learn something unique about you and your career, as well as to get a good feel for your communication skills.

    Exclude non-career related personal info

    To write an effective summary, you should first understand what information should not be communicated in your resume. While a summary provides an insight into what is unique and competitive about you, it is not a place for you to convey any personal information (PI) that does not relate to your career. Information such as ethnicity, marital status, sexual orientation, religious beliefs and affiliations, etc. should be left out of your resume.

    While descriptive of who you are, this information is not relevant to your potential employer for the purpose of pre-screening your qualifications for their opportunity. Additionally, the summary should not contain your previous professional experience, unless you can clearly demonstrate how such background can be of value in your future career development.

    Beware of generic statements such as, “I am well organized and detail oriented” since employers want to hear your unique voice and get a sense of your communication skills while reading the summary portion of your resume. So using generalizations about your abilities will lead potential employers to believe that you are either a poor communicator or are using such statements to fill up space on your resume.


    Big, bold, well-crafted, professional you!

    Your summary should be in the form of a short paragraph, or bulleted statements containing only several sentences; and while there isn’t a sentence limit, as a rule this should not use up more than one quarter of the page. More specifically, your summary should begin by a headline that summarizes your professional title and/or your professional statement, while emphasizing your title by featuring the headline in bold and larger font, as it allows your potential employer to grasp who you are in a direct and succinct manner.

    Consider, for example, the following structure:

    Financial Planning Professional
    Achieved Double-Digit Return for All Clients through Well-Balanced Financial Portfolios

    It is also important that this title is well crafted, as it is the first impression your potential employer will have of you. Keep in mind that there are three things a well-written summary should address:

    1. Your experiences and skills as they relate to your ideal job
    2. What you can bring to the organization and the open position that no other candidate can…and;
    3. Your professional goals

    Even though your resume summary is written by you, it should be composed in third person vernacular and present tense; and as such it should be thought of as a summary of what one of your best colleagues would say about your professional achievements. It is also important to reinforce your title, and sell only the experiences and skills that meet your career objective.

    Customize, review, upload, hook, done!

    If you have multiple career objectives such as, you wish to get a position in either marketing or public relations, you should develop separate resume summaries for each of the objectives. A summary can also include a brief bulleted section highlighting only a few vital competitive skills that you bring to the table. An example of an effective summary would be as follows:

    Successful financial planning professional with over 15 years of personal and retirement planning experience. Managed a small financial planning firm, achieving double-digit financial returns for all clients by developing personalized investment portfolios. Leader in development and professional growth of four other financial planners in the firm through effective and motivating mentoring strategies.

    Key competencies include:

    • Personalized portfolio development
    • Financial forecasting
    • Retirement portfolio management
    • Development on-going professional growth strategies

     

    Much like your overall resume, your summary should be well-written and error-free; and you make sure to review your summary and customize it as necessary for the various opportunities of interest. An effective summary will help you “hook” your employer, and it should sell you as a primary candidate for the particular job, while leaving your employer with a great first impression of you.

  • Structure and Objective of an Internship Resume


    Aligning education with experience

    There is a special style of resume known as the Internship Resume; and as implied by its name, this style of resume is composed with the goal of obtaining an internship in a desired field. While Internship resumes are known to be chronological in format, they have a different set of goals than a resume created for purposes of acquiring a full-time professional position.

    First and foremost, the objective is not to further an individual’s career, but rather, to gain experience and skills in a given field in order to expand on his/her education, an asset which will later be instrumental in obtaining a position in that particular industry.

    Second, internships do not require professional experience; they are simply a way for college graduates and other youngsters who lack experience to gain such experience which can later be utilized to obtain a full-time job using what was learned during the internship.

    Third, these types of resumes are more focused on academic achievements than on work background, because applicants must demonstrate that the desired internships are logical extensions of their studies. With this in mind, college students – new or returning – typically utilize this resume style to get their foot in the door with companies they might ultimately desire to work for after graduation.

    Resume conveyances of priorities

    Much like any other professional resume, the internship resume should contain an objective with which the applicant conveys to a potential employer how such an internship aligns with his/her studies; what s/he can bring to the table; what s/he hopes to gain out of the experience and how s/he will apply the newfound skills once s/he is out in the professional world. Essentially the applicant is convincing a potential employer that s/he is the best candidate for the internship, and that s/he will learn the most, as well as the fact that the experience is integral to professional growth.

    If you are, or will soon be the subject of an internship resume, keep in mind that when composing your resume for an internship, you will need to highlight your education first. However, you should do more than just list your previous degrees, or degrees in progress. Point out the classes you have taken that qualify you for the internship, and indicate how your major is in line with the internship and how this experience will help you in your future studies.

    After you indicate your objective and your education, list your qualifications, and make a list ahead of time of all the skills that qualify you for the internship. Review your list and prioritize it because most frequently made mistake in resume writing is in not prioritizing the supporting information and allowing most of your strongest skills to fall at the bottom of the list. Consider what qualifies you for the internship and list those qualifications first so that your employer recognizes that you are a great fit for the position.

    Resume should include all your skills

    Your work experience can help, but is typically not a make or break point in getting an internship, but if you have any work experience, go ahead and include it in your resume. You should also make sure to prioritize your responsibilities as they relate to the given internship and be mindful to indicate any experience you have in sharpening your inherently employable skills: skills which extend beyond your education and technical abilities, such as communication, customer relations, team work, taking charge, etc.

    As indicated earlier, applying for an internship is somewhat different than applying for a full time job; but along with your internship resume, you will want to submit references. For any employment experience you’ve had to date, include your supervisor’s name, title and contact information so that your potential employer can obtain any information that might prove helpful to you, like recommendations.

    In addition, it will be greatly benefit you to have recommendation letters from your professors, because they can identify your skills in terms of your dedication, work ethic, enthusiasm, interpersonal communication and interaction with others in your classroom. Employers look for these skills because they want to assure that you will be a good fit for their team, even if your role is short term.

    Ask for and include recommendations

    You might also want to ask two or three of your professors for their recommendation. Simply provide them with the contact information of your potential employer, including an email and a physical mailing address, so the letters can be mailed to that employer directly. Or, ask your professors to place their recommendation letters into sealed envelopes before giving them to you in order to assure that the information is confidential.

    If possible, include your transcripts with the resume as this will be a great indication of your commitment to your education, providing of course that your grades are good. Your transcripts can only help in getting you the internship. As a final step, proof your application materials; and feel free to seek assistance from your school’s career center. You have only one chance to make a great first impression so– do it well, and you should be in good enough position to get the internship of your choice.

     

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  • Evaluate and List the Qualifications Employers Want


    Guided by the job description

    When applying for a job it is important for an applicant to read the job description as thoroughly as s/he possibly can before submitting the application; because a lot of what employers are actually looking for in their potential associate is written right in the job description and requirements. In fact, an applicant should review his/her resume against the job description and requirements listed in order to make sure that s/he has covered everything the employer is looking for.

    If you, as a job applicant, can address all requirements of a potential employer with the information included on your resume or in your cover letter, you will be on the right track for getting that job. However, there is a whole list of skills employers look for that are never spelled out in the job description. These are a category of skills which can be described as inherently employable, which are certain skills beyond your technical knowledge and qualifications that make you a great professional in your field.

    Inherent employable skills

    Don’t panic because you already have employable skills inherently, although you just may not think of them as critical for getting a job. These inherently employable skills have been grouped in eight categories:

    • Communication skills
    • Teamwork skills
    • Problem-solving skills
    • Initiative and enterprise skills
    • Planning and organizing skills
    • Self-management
    • Learning skills
    • Technology skills

    Now that you have read the categories you are probably thinking to yourself, yes, I do have those skills! But did you ever think to list them on your resume? Most people focus on their professional achievements and responsibilities, and they often skip these skills in favor of those which are job specific. However, more and more employers look for these skills on a resume. Your potential employer wants to know that you are a team player, that you communicate well, and that you will show initiative when needed.

    Showcase all your valuable skills

    While you may think this is implied by your interest in the available position, employers like to see these skills to be specified on your resume or in your cover letter; and the best way to demonstrate these skills is through your experience and under your qualifications. Point out the initiatives you have participated in that required you to work in a team environment, under a deadline, or as a self-starter. Demonstrate your loyalty through pointing out your accomplishments at an organization and how they benefited your team as a whole (not just you).

    You can showcase these inherently employable skills in your cover letter by openly showing your enthusiasm for the available position; stating your commitment to your career objective; indicating your motivation and your integrity; and showing that you are, above all, unselfish and credible.

    These skills are as critical to your ability to do a great job as your professional experience and education are; and employers often look for someone who will be a great fit on their team and in their organization; someone who works well under pressure but also has a sense of humor and a good balance between their personal and professional life.

    Above & beyond the job qualifications

    Review your existing resume! Does it contain any inherently employable skills? If not, make revisions to incorporate this category of skills you believe are innate strengths. If you are unsure, ask your friends or family for an objective opinion so that you can get a better idea of how you are viewed as a person as well as a professional by people around you see you.

    Keep these attributes in mind as you compose your resume and your cover letter, and especially as you are taking part in interviews. These skills can be the difference between the ability to do a job you qualify for and exceeding goals to grow in your career.

  • Sources of Industry-Specific Resume Samples


    Resume writing: Investment in time

    If you’ve pursued more than one job or position in your lifetime, you’ll probably agree that writing a resume is a difficult task, regardless of your level of experience with the process; and while the content of your resume is critical to the effectiveness of your overall document, the layout and format utilized are equally as important. If you are about to write a new resume or update an existing one, you should start by researching different resume styles and find out which best represents your field.

    The biggest mistake made by individuals when composing their resumes is using a generic template that comes included with a given text editing software like Microsoft Word. These templates are usually outdated and very difficult to format – not to mention that they do not transfer well to online job applications. Avoid the quick-fix utility of such resume templates, and invest some time in finding resources that will provide you with up-to-date and helpful ways to compose a winning resume.

    The easiest and least expensive way to find samples of resumes in your specific industry is to run a search on the Internet; but before you get started, a word of caution: consider the sources of information before you decide to utilize any of their suggestions in your resume. You will come across web sites that promise to teach you how to write an exceptional cover letter in three and a half minutes. Don’t believe these gimmicky claims!

    Consider the resume sample source

    Just be mindful of anyone making promises that seem “too good to be true,” because unless you choose to hire a resume writing service, obtaining resources on resume writing should not cost you any money or obligate you to a long-term commitment. If you are unsure of the integrity of information you see or the credibility of any source providing it, simply find another source and compare your findings.

    A great online resource for resume writing and composition is Monster.com, who is mostly known for their job search database; but along with their database, they offer a variety of other information and services for individuals looking for employment. Under the Career Advice tab, you will find a wealth of information on your job search, salary requirements, advice by industry, and information about perfecting your resume.

    In addition to articles about your job search and resume-related message boards, Monster’s Resume Center includes a variety of resume examples for professionals in a number of different industries. From administrative assistants to web designers, everyone can find career management tools that best fit their career objectives at: Monster.com Career-Management

    Pros & con basics of resume writing

    This page shows you samples of functional and chronological resumes, traditional resumes and sample cover letters, so it is important that you take the time to review these samples; and don’t be afraid to copy the formatting for your own resume (of course, you are advised against copying the actual text from their resume sample). But proceed with confidence because the information is provided by a source that is most certainly reliable.

    If you are among that group of individuals who already have a draft of their resume, and are looking to make updates or revisions, check out the Resume Makeovers section of monster.com for a great look at the before and after resumes of real professionals: Go to Monster.com Resume Samples to take a look!

    It is important that you review these samples, even if the industry is not applicable to your line of work, because doing so will teach you the basic pros and cons of resume writing where you can see why some things work and why others don’t; and you will also be able to chose the best ways to highlight your qualifications. Of course the same rules apply to copying content: do not copy another person’s work. However, use these resources to your advantage and create the resume that best represents you in the eyes of potential employers.

  • 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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