For the uninitiated, keywords are noun phrases that employment scanning software picks up on when a computer, rather than an individual, screens a resume initially. With so many applicants applying for the same position, HR staff are inundated and rely upon computers to eliminate job seekers who don’t match much of the position’s criteria. To... » Read Full Article
Many of us have experience writing a resume to use on online job boards or to email a hiring manager. Few of us are as experienced in writing a cover letter. A Few Tips on Making the Most of Your Cover Letter Use the same heading, font and general style that you do with your... » Read Full Article
When you consider that each hiring manager sees hundreds, if not thousands, of resumes a year, you have to take into account that some wording will lose its impact and meaning when used repeatedly by countless individuals. A recent article in PR Daily News focused on problematic words and phrases. The article quoted a survey developed... » Read Full Article
Ever since the boomers became an economic and voting powerhouse in the 60′s and 70′s, the youth culture has ruled. Decades later, we’ve all read horror stories about seasoned employees being let go in favor of younger staff who ‘think outside the box’, ‘are innovators’ and ‘aren’t afraid to take a chance’. We can’t deny... » Read Full Article
Given that many of us now look for employment online, we’ve come to believe that uploading a resume is the end of the matter. What you’ve accomplished, along with your skills, knowledge, abilities, is clearly spelled out on the document. What more could a hiring manager or recruiter want? The truth is that many would... » Read Full Article
As job seekers, we often become so focused on securing an interview, that when it does happen, we feel we’ve succeeded. There’s not much else to do. How wrong it is to assume that. Many applicants look great on paper, but when they’re face-to-face with a hiring manager or a recruiter, they fizzle out. Some... » Read Full Article
In a word – yes. Most of us are so focused on our resumes, we put little to no thought into a strong and effective cover letter. Don’t Make These Mistakes As a hiring manager, I’ve had applications where the cover letter is a simple note stating, “Here’s my resume. I need a job.” Trust... » Read Full Article
When you think of creating a resume, do you believe that all you have to do is list your experience in a reverse chronological order (that is, your most recent job first, followed by your next most recent, and so on),then follow it with your academic data and you’re through? Sadly, you’ve barely begun. What... » Read Full Article
Think about it. Most individuals face holiday job hunting with an attitude that could best be called defeatist. “Why bother getting my resume together during November and December? No one’s hiring now. It’s time to party. I’ll wait till January. All the good jobs will be posted then.” - or - “I’ve been at this... » Read Full Article
The holiday season is an excellent time to network with others at holiday parties and gatherings, whether you’re intending to stay in the same industry/position or you’re transitioning elsewhere. However, it’s important to know and adhere to the appropriate etiquette to make certain your networking is as effective as possible, rather than off putting. Networking... » Read Full Article
“My writer took the time to get to know me and was able to provide input in areas I had not thought of. It was tough because I had to let go of some of my old identities to start in a new career, but she took me over the hump and captured who I am--and what I can give.”
