Tuesday, August 23rd, 2011
We all know it’s a poor economy for jobseekers. We also know that sending out hundreds of resumes in response to every opportunity doesn’t generally produce great results.
So what’s the secret to landing your next position or getting back in the work force?
Although there’s no one certain way for a candidate to gain that all-important interview, being visible to prospective employers and colleagues in your industry is always a plus.
Sites such as LinkedIn and BranchOut have added a new dimension to networking and the job search. On these sites and others, you’ll see individual profiles that look a lot like resumes. They have a qualifications summary, skills section, work experience and academic data.
And there are scores of individuals visiting these sites daily. Some may be seeking to connect with individuals they once worked with. Perhaps they attended the same school. Others, such as recruiters, might very well be looking for the ideal candidate for an open position that isn’t being advertised.
Think of the connections you can make on sites such as these, in addition to sending your resume out to published ads.
Knowing the importance of networking at all career levels, ResumeEdge is now offering a Social Media Profile Development that can be used on social networking sites such as BranchOut, LinkedIn and others.
Our professional team of certified editors knows the ins-and-outs of social media and how to capture a reader’s attention whether that individual is a recruiter, hiring manager or former colleague.
Today’s job search is complex. Why not use social media to your advantage and get your ‘brand’ out to those who can help you reach your dream job.
Tuesday, August 9th, 2011
Recently, I spoke to an individual who wanted to use her resume for a position as an office manager, legal assistant, customer service rep and retail associate.
She had all the skills and experience required for each of the above positions, so that wasn’t the problem. However, to submit the same resume to hiring managers in different industries is inviting failure.
Why?
First – an applicant who is applying for everything looks scattered – the proverbial ‘Jack of all trades, master of none’. Secondly, a hiring manager will wonder about an individual who’s had so many career changes. Does the applicant get bored easily and move on with little notice? Is the candidate incapable of holding a job for very long?
Whenever you’re applying for a position, it’s best to stay on point with that industry’s requirements and leave all the other data for other industries. It’s never wise to use a ‘one size resume fits all industries’. Resumes need to be tailored and targeted for each field – preferably for each job opening.
If you’re going after a legal assistant’s job, why would the firm’s hiring manager care if you’re great in the retail trade? Although your people skills there and in a customer service position might serve you well in the legal arena, it still dilutes your impact if you’re talking about another industry.
Even worse is if your resume makes you look desperate. Trying to write a resume to fit more than one, perhaps multiple industries is simply stating: “I’ll take anything. Anything – please.”
That’s not the image you want to portray. Your resume needs to show that you are the single best candidate for the position in a field overloaded with other equally, qualified applicants. It needs to show your commitment to the position, the field, the employer and the industry. You can’t do that if you’re targeting several in the same document.
It needs to convey to the employer that you are interested in their opening and that you will do well at it.
Only a targeted and well-tailored resume will be able to do that.
Tuesday, July 5th, 2011
As we all know, the federal government is constantly tinkering with its rules and regulations, adding to the complexity of what one must do in order to succeed within its realm.
It’s no different for their resume process. For years, the government has required a separate document entitled KSAs – Knowledge, Skills, Abilities – to be attached with the applicant’s current resume (in proper Federal format).
The rules have now changed. I’d like to say it was straight across the board for every single agency of the government, but that’s not always the case. In some instances, a candidate will still be required to submit separate KSAs. In others – and these are the new rules for some – KSAs are incorporated into the actual resume.
Confused?
Don’t feel bad. Lots of your peers are facing the same dilemma. Should I include my KSAs in my resume or should I answer the qualifying questions in a separate document?
It’s enough to drive one to distraction.
That’s where a professional resume writing service comes in. At ResumeEdge.com, our editors are trained in the most current federal requirements and they keep abreast of all changes that relate to government positions.
It’s not an easy task, but our editors know that federal openings go only to the most qualified and to those that follow all the rules.
Whether these new regulations will last is anyone’s guess, but while they do it’s best that you follow instructions, and if you need help allow a professional resume writer to shepherd you through the government application process.
Tuesday, December 7th, 2010
When you’re unemployed, this time of year may be one of the hardest and not only because you’re afraid to spend money on presents…money that may be needed for your daily expenditures. During the holiday season, you may find yourself making excuses for not submitting your resume, for not networking, and for giving into momentary despair.
“I’ll start up fresh in January,” you tell yourself. “No one’s hiring at this time of the year anyway,” you reason.
Wise candidates avoid this type of self-defeating behavior. Time doesn’t grind to a halt, and bills most certainly don’t, during this season.
If you want to get ahead, if you want to land that new position, you have to treat each day and every employment search as your new job. For eight or more hours daily, you should be submitting resumes, networking, reviewing your prospects, making your plans. It will put you way ahead of your competition.
While they are succumbing to the Holiday Blues, you’ll be moving forward. With fewer competitors, you’ll stand out. With a ‘can-do’ attitude, you’ll be noticed.
And what better way to begin 2011 than with the prospect of a new position, a chance to succeed again, the opportunity to be gainfully employed.
