Tuesday, December 27th, 2011
When you have only one chance to convince a hiring manager to review your resume, and the time given is a mere seven seconds before s/he moves on, then you don’t want to use the wrong format.
Most job seekers will use the popular reverse-chronological format. That is, you list your most recent job first, followed by the next most recent and on and on.
Others might opt for the combo format. It’s a mixture of reverse-chronological and functional. In it, you’ll list your skills in a functional style beneath the opening summary followed by professional experience in a reverse-chronological format. The functional skills are what you do in your job. For example: an accountant might list reconciliations, tax returns, AP/AR, etc.
Both the reverse chronological and combo type resumes give the hiring manager quick, easy access to what you can do.
However, the functional format hides important information from the hiring authority, mainly where you gained your experience. In a functional format, you’d list your skills, knowledge, abilities after an opening summary and then you’d simply list the name of your employers along with dates in the professional experience section. There would be no details as to where you did what.
When a hiring manager sees a functional resume, the first thought is that the candidate is trying to hide something. That might be job hopping, dated work experience, etc. What’s more, it’s impossible for them to know if you dealt with tax authorities (as stated in the functional section) at ABC Firm last year or XYZ Firm twenty years ago, as listed on your resume.
You see the problem. They don’t know you and you’re making it impossible for them to get a clear picture of your relevant and recent talents.
If you have been a job hopper or if your work experience is dated, it’s still better for you to use a combo type resume than a functional one.
One of the few times a functional resume can work is if you’re a contractor (self-employed) and the names of the individuals you work for (professional experience) isn’t as important as what you’ve done for them, especially if you’ve accomplished the same type work for each client.
Remember, you have seven seconds or less to compel a hiring manager to read your resume. Don’t put stumbling blocks in your path to an interview by choosing to use the functional format.
Tuesday, December 20th, 2011
What could be a better gift for the end of 2011 and the start of 2012 than the promise of job security?
Unlike the days of GM (once known as Generous Motors) or a time when you could simply list your experience on a piece of paper and expect a job offer, today’s work prospects can be few and far between. The only way to safeguard your future is to be prepared for anything and have an outstanding resume at the ready.
Even if you’re not about to be laid off or don’t want to move from your company to another, a resume will come in handy if you’re seeking a promotion. In many companies, senior staff are being let go because of bloated salaries. If you have the talent, skills and knowledge to step into those roles, prove it with an achievements-focused resume. And, if you’re not looking to climb the corporate ladder, you can use your resume during your annual performance review to remind your supervisor of the stellar work you’ve done during the year.
If you are facing layoffs or downsizing, then you can’t do without a professional resume. In most industries, the newly unemployed will be competing with dozens, if not hundreds, of other equally-qualified candidates. A fraction of those individuals will get an interview and even less will be put on payroll. An impactful resume will give you a fighting chance.
At job fairs and even in your everyday life, having an up-to-date resume may be the difference between protracted unemployment and getting the job of your dreams. You never know who you’ll run into at social functions, church, your children’s afterschool activities. Those acquaintances and friends may be able to get you noticed with the hiring managers at their companies, if you have a resume that clearly showcases your skills and expertise.
Don’t make the mistake many do during this holiday season and tell yourself you’ll wait until New Year’s Day to worry about it. If you can create a stellar resume yourself, then start doing so now. If you can’t write the kind of document hiring managers want to see, then contact a professional resume writing service without delay.
This year, give yourself and your family the greatest gift of all – your job security and a solid financial future.
Tuesday, November 29th, 2011
Don’t make the mistake of many job seekers by thinking it’s impractical to look for a job during the holidays. Nothing could be further from the truth.
The wheels of commerce don’t grind to a halt in November and December. Job recruitment in healthcare, IT and many other industries is a constant.
Rather than taking it easy and thinking you’ll get back to your job search in January, consider this: A great deal of job seekers will be doing the same, thereby lessening your competition. While they cool their heels for January, you’ll be sprucing up your resume, honing your job interview skills and applying.
Wouldn’t one of the best holiday gifts be a new job?
Don’t wait and don’t kid yourself that it’s all right to delay the inevitable. Take charge today.
1. Review your resume and if it’s not up to par, have a professional work on it for you.
2. Sharpen your interview skills. Again, if you’re unable to do so yourself, engage professional services.
3. Apply, apply, apply. If you do so now, you may not have to wait until January to begin your new career.
4. Don’t fall for the herd mentality. The only word of wisdom you should be following is to make looking for a job your only job.
Those who keep at it will be the ones invited to interview. This holiday season, make certain it’s you.
Tuesday, November 15th, 2011
Seeking employment at any age and in a poor economy will be daunting to most. Add in the worry about being too seasoned and you may wonder if you have a chance.
You do. What employers want is quite simple:
1. An employee that requires little to no training
2. Someone who works well with others and fits easily into the company structure
3. An achiever rather than an individual who just puts in his/her time
Experienced professionals can easily meet the above ‘wish list’. However, to wow an employer it’s important to structure your resume in a certain manner to showcase what you can offer.
Begin with an opening summary that proves you are the ideal candidate for the position. Dovetail all that you know to what the employer needs. Add one, preferably two, recent/relevant/quantified accomplishments.
Follow that section with even more accomplishments. Most candidates won’t do that. So you’re already well ahead of the pack. Make certain that you add dollar figures of cost savings or earnings, time periods in which the achievement took place and how you managed to excel. Tell a story.
Your professional experience comes next. Don’t make the mistake of listing every job from college on. Go back no further than 15 years (10 for someone in IT). You’ll avoid age discrimination that way. Again, focus on the results of what you did rather than tasks. There are many individuals who can do the same job. There aren’t as many who can make the company money or save it money.
End with your education. If you’re 50 or older it’s best to leave off dates of graduation. Again, you don’t want to invite age discrimination. You want to compel the hiring manager to offer you an interview.
It isn’t always age that keeps a candidate from succeeding. It’s not knowing what to showcase in a resume or how to organize the document.
Keep the above tips in mind and you’ll stand out from the rest.
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