Deadly Resumes

Humorous take on a deadly serious topic.

"Here lies Peter Professional’s career. A victim of the current recession, Peter’s career has been on life support since a layoff from a healthcare consulting firm. Prior to its final demise, Peter took his career through a stint as a personal fitness trainer and ended it working as a car salesman with a luxury-car dealership." - Does Your Resume Read Like an Obituary of Your Career? | CAREEREALISM

So how do you fix this? By making sure your resume isn't a biography of your life, but instead a targeted advertisement about what you can do. This of your resume like a movie plot. Your potential employer has a problem/conflict. He needs more sales. You are the hero. Tell him how you can get him more sales. Then present the resolution. Only include info in your resume that shows your selling capability.

Jobs few & Far between in Florida

"If you lose your job in Florida, chances are you won't find another one any time soon.

The Sunshine State has the highest rate of long-term unemployment in the nation. Some 53% of jobless Floridians were out of work for more than six months in 2011, according to Brookings' Hamilton Project, which crunched Census data. " - Long-term unemployed find few jobs in Florida - Jan. 31, 2012
All the more reason to spend time networking and polishing your resume now. Before you end up needing to look for work. Preventative action before catastrophe strikes is always better than damage control. Need help getting your resume in shape? That is what I am here for.

Federal Jobs vs the Private Sector

If you have anything less than a professional degree it seems like it pays to work for Uncle Sam.

"The CBO measured the differences in salary and benefits between the two workforces.

Federal and private-sector workers with bachelor's degrees earned the same hourly wage on average. But those working for the federal government enjoyed average benefits that were worth 46% more." - Which federal worker job pays better: Government or private? - Jan. 31, 2012
The lesson? Don't overlook government jobs when doing you job search. In addition to great benefits you often enjoy better job security as well.

Personal Branding is Hard Work

"Very often, when we look around at the things that we want to achieve or the people that we’d like to emulate, we fail to see all of the hard work associated with it. We see the polished speaker without the hours of practice and years of vocabulary training. We see the fancy title and corner office without hearing about the evenings spent in the office. And, we see the successful blogger without seeing the skipped sleep while they were writing their posts. In other words, what do you need to do, in the background, to make your brand look effortless? Even though, we both know, its not."- Your Personal Brand: Normal is Not Enough! | Personal Branding Blog - Dan Schawbel

Spreading a cohesive brand throughout your social media and offline world doesn't happen over night. However, the effort is worth it. Start with FaceBook and Twitter. Follow industry leaders. Start to connect. Start a blog and establish some authority within your niche. All of this takes time, work, sweat and tears, but in the end it could lead to a lot more career opportunities that you ever imagined.

Traditional ResumesStill Matter

"With so much job search activity taking place on the internet these days, it is sometimes difficult to remember even the most tech-savvy companies still like to receive traditional resumes. And there are many companies who do not ever search for candidates online, even at business-oriented sites such as LinkedIn.
Companies like to receive traditional print or electronic applications and resumes they can scan into their computerized Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS). Using an ATS, the recruiter, hiring manager or human resources personnel can quickly search through thousands of resumes for those job applicants who have the skills, experience, education and accomplishments the company is looking for."-Online and Traditional Resumes | CAREEREALISM

 This sin't just good news for me as a professional resume writer. The fact that paper resumes are here to stay means jobseekers are still in control of their own destiny. Make sure you plan ahead and have that resume ready for the next opportunity.

Potential Overrides Acheivemnents

"Your resume might be impressive, but bosses want to know else what you’ve got in store. Focus on the future.

Why It’ll Work: A 2011 Stanford study shows that we’re more excited about people’s potential than their achievements. So if you’re applying for a new job, don’t talk about what you did at your last job. Frame your value in terms of what you’ll do there, in the future. And when you’re angling for a promotion, think about how you’d help the company if you got it."-Career Tips for a Great 2012 | Men's Health:

This is something I harp in quite a bit here. You need to frame yourself as the solution to your target employers problems. Only include info that presents you as the fix. Do not make your resume a professional biography.

Skills-Based Resume Good for Grads

What if you’re a recent grad—with no work experience? What if you’re trying to change careers—and want to talk about your stellar project management skills before your experience as an executive assistant? Enter the skills-based resume. While most job seekers use the traditional reverse-chronological resume format, it’s not the only option—and there are times when an alternate format, one that highlights your skills first, might be a better fit.

- Is a Skills-Based Resume Right for You? - Forbes:

But...
While I agree that a recent grad may need to use a skills based, or functional resume, I wouldn't recommend it to anyone else. Often this type of resume is a red flag to employers. They assume you are trying to hide work gaps or awkward career miss-steps.

Focus Your Resume

If I have said it once...well, you know.

"When faced with a daunting and months-long job search, many candidates believe that the best way to go is to prove they have talent in numerous industries. In other words, they can wear many hats and do just about anything.
Unfortunately, that’s not the way to impress a hiring manager or a recruiter. In today’s job market, what you have to prove most is that you’re the ideal candidate for the position. That means focusing on one industry, one job (preferably from a posting you’re interested in) and dovetailing everything you’ve done toward that opening." -What Hiring Managers and Recruiters Look for in a Resume | The Resume Blog by Resumeedge

Employers want to know what you can do for then tomorrow. They care much less about all the amazing and unrelated things you have done in the past.

Ditch the Traditional Objective

In: branding statements. Out: objectives.
I have been advising clients to use branding statements over objectives for a while now. They are becoming more and more standard and expected. The benefit is that they allow you to showcase who you are and what you can do right at the top of the resume. It is a much better use of a piece of prime resume real estate.

"Your title/job target is the first impression a hiring manager will have when reading your resume. This short phrase provides a quick summary of what you’ve accomplished and why you are the right person for the job. It helps to set the tone for who you are as a candidate. This tone should remain consistent throughout the resume and any other information the manager receives about you." -5 Personal Branding Resume Techniques You Must Try | The Savvy Intern by YouTern:

Testimonials in Cover Letters

Not a bad idea. However, I would be careful not to overdo it. You don't want your cover letter to end up sounding like a late night infomercial. 

"Testimonials are another way of getting your cover letter to be different than that of others. Testimonials can be in the form of lines from recommendation letters, vendor appreciation notes and by way of performance evaluations, memos issued to staff or other types of acclamations. When compiled creatively, they can create a powerful impact on your recruiter or interviewer. It can send a clear message to the company that they can do better by getting you on their side." -How to Make Your Cover Letter Grab the Employer's Attention | The Undercover Recruiter:

Why Job Boards Are Not Great For the Inexperienced

"Identify the job sites that are most used by businesses in the geographic location you are looking. Also, find sites that focus on career opportunities in your industry. This is your primary source of vacant, advertised positions and is where you will spend most of your time. Be ready to fill your days writing cover letters and sending resumes that never get answered or possibly even read.

The job market is a touch awful, and overqualified candidates are applying for the positions you just qualify for. The people running competitions for positions you are overqualified for are hesitant to look at you, because they’re scared you won’t be around long. Job banks are pretty much a graveyard for the resumes of the inexperienced." - Dude Where’s My Job? Episode 1 – Where to Look | The Savvy Intern by YouTern:

There is some definite truth to this. Your best bet is also personal networking via social media or good ol' fashioned face time.

Career ADD

"The NUMBER ONE biggest mistake those of us with Career ADD make is having a lack of FOCUS on what we REALLY want in a job or career. When we are sitting in front of someone who has the potential to change our work lives and we are not able to articulate what we are really even looking for in a job, what kind of impression do you imagine that makes?" -Career ADD and the Job Search – Number One Mistake | CAREEREALISM:Does this sound like you? While I hope it doesn't, I think most of us can relate to this at some level. It may not be a full blown case of career ADD, but many of us feel a bit at a loss to describe exactly what we want in terms of our careers. Hopefully this conversation doesn't happen at an interview; ideally, it should happen much earlier, even before you write a resume and start looking for work.

This is why I like branding statements. This short sentence that sits atop your resume boils down who you are and what you are about in easy to understand language. While the main purpose is to allow a potential employer to be able to view you in a certain position, an added benefit is that the writing of the statement gives you an excuse to really spend some time thinking about your own talents and goals. Additionally, you can add your brand to all of your social media profiles to create a unified presentation of yourself.

Another added benefit of thinking long and hard about what you want from your career is that it will save you time in the long run. You won't waste time looking through or applying for positions that really are not a good match for you. Better to focus on jobs that will get you where you want to go than to create a career composed of regular job hops.

Do you have a branding statement? Feel free to email me what you have and I'll give you a free, no strings attached review. 

I seem to remember a pretty smart person once said that the most import thing was to "know thyself." Sounds like good advice to me.

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Don't Ask About Money in the Interview

Some good advice here. While everyone knows this question is in the back of your mind, it is best not to bring it up in the initial interview. There will be time for salary negotiation when and if you land the job.

"While not talking over or continuously interrupting your interviewer, it is to be expected that you will have some questions regarding the company, so prepare them ahead of time. This allows you to come ready to learn about the position you’re applying for, how your role will impact the employer and what the company can do for you.
One question that should not be at the forefront of your list is how much money the job will pay, as nothing looks worse than if you’re only interested in the salary. While it is only natural to want to know what your income will be with your new employer, don’t be overly aggressive in getting to that issue. "-Selling Yourself During a Job Interview is Critical - Secrets of the Job Hunt:

Age Matters For Job Seekers & Employers

Having just turned 40 I find this quote disturbing. At the same time, it is correct.

Hiring managers can view older workers as more expensive to hire, as having outdated experience or too much experience, or as not being current with today's technology and working environment. In fact, one of the recurring themes in the stories that unemployed job seekers have shared with us, is that age is an issue when you're job searching. Comments include:

• I think my age is my downfall right now.
• I have learned that age does matter in employment.
• My age seems to be my biggest enemy.

What's even tougher is that being consider old doesn't just happen when you're a senior citizen. You can be considered "too old" in your forties and fifties, sometimes even younger depending on the company or the industry.- Job Search Tips for Older Job Seekers

Don't "Perry" Your Interview

During the interview, it’s important to make sure you don’t forget important details about the company, including the manager’s name, the job you’re applying for, duties, and a brief company history. The manager wants you to know about the company you’re applying to, as you should. So take time to study this info before the interview.

Avoiding these mistakes may seem like a no-brainer to some, but they are actually easy to make. So to play it safe, take time to review this list when you score the next interview.- 6 Job Interview Blunders to Avoid | | CollegeRecruiter.comCollegeRecruiter.com

Searchable Resumes Are Key

Applicant tracking systems, or ATS software is becoming more and more important to prospective job seekers. Your resume now must pass an automated screening process before it even reaches human eyes. Ensure your resume will be searchable by ATS software. Here are some key things to remember if you will be applying online as outlined byAOLJobs:

1. Customize the resume for each position
2. Keep job titles fairly generic
3. Keep resume formatting to a minimum
4. Avoid functional resumes
5. Include full keywords and their abbreviated formats

-What You Need To Know About Applying For Jobs Online | nextchapternewlife.com

A Networking Myth

Networking, whether online or off can be awkward, but that is no reason to hold back from doing it. In fact, it is probably the single best way to find new work or to simply pave the way to future success.

Myth – Networkers are imposing on the people they ask.Fact – If everyone was imposed on when they were asked for a job, no one would ever volunteer a position to their friends and colleagues. Many people that you will ask got their job through networking. They may have felt like they were imposing but they did what they had to do to find a job, just like you should. -Networking Myths vs. The Reality - Secrets of the Job Hunt

Inevitable Interview Question #1

Interviews are inherently stressful, but there are things you can do to lessen the anxiety. One is to prepare for questions you know will be asked. One that everyone can prepare for is "the standard." You know it is coming, so be ready for it. When asked, "Can you tell me a little about yourself," have an answer ready.

Keep it brief- When telling the interviewer about yourself, it doesn’t mean you should ramble. Keep your answer short and sweet by addressing the employer’s needs, while selling yourself as the ideal candidate for the job. -Can You "Tell Me About Yourself?"

Don't Play With Fire

This advice is meant for the younger job hunters out there, but truth be told, it is something all of us could stand to be reminded of once in a while.

You know it’s dangerous, but you do it anyway. Your friends tag you in racy photos, you “wing it” in an interview, and you’ve struck an overall “Devil may care” attitude about your job search.
How to fix it: If you are serious about getting hired, you might want to pull the reigns in a little bit. You deserve to live the life you want, but pay attention to where it overlaps with your professional brand. Comb through your social media profiles and privacy settings to figure out what exactly you’re telling potential employers. Unify your personal and professional brand, and develop career networking and communication skills that demonstrate to employers exactly what it means to hire you. -4 Ways You’re Sabotaging Your Job Search (and How to Fix It!) | Career Rocketeer - Career Search and Personal Branding Blog

High Tech Interview Reminder

We live in a wired world. From smartphones to tablets, from Facebook to Twitter, the world is really at our finger tips. yet for all this inter-connectivity we often forget the most important connection of all. Even those in the high tech field need to remember that in the end what gets you a job is a personal relationship, or at least the potential for one.

Don’t Forget Communication. Your interpersonal skills should not be forgotten, as they are an integral part of any position, technical or non-technical. Think of the interview as a conversation – answer questions fully, ask questions of your own, smile, and say thank you. Interviewers don’t just look for the skills needed, but also screen if you would be a good fit and work well with others.- Prepare for Technical Interview | Come Recommended

How Many Jobs Will You Have?

Gone are the days when you got a job with a good company right out of college and stayed put until you earned that golden watch. According to David Schepp most workers will have as many as 10 jobs throughout their career. Sounds like a good reason to keep your resume updated to me.

A worker can expect to have 10 different jobs and employers during a lifetime. And workers will need to plan for continuous employment during longer life spans and make education an ongoing commitment. The proliferation of virtual organizations will accelerate this multiple-job trend as more people join work groups from remote locations or choose to work as contractors. Telecommuting is up 400 percent, and by 2015 there will be an estimated 14 million freelancers. Also, due to ongoing economic uncertainty, large businesses are postponing full-time employment, choosing instead to retain workers as contractors until the market recovers.- 5 Predictions For Careers And Business In 2012 - Careers Articles

Don't Make This Mistake

Curious what the number one complaint made by internship recruiters is? It should come as no surprise. The same thing that irked their profeeors in school bothers their would-be bosses as well.

1. Not doing your homework. There really is no excuse for not learning as much information about a company as possible before meeting a representative at a job fair, information session, or other recruiting event. Simply visit their website or do a quick Google search. Asking a recruiter a general question about what the company does is a quick way to fall off their list. - Recruiter Pet Peeves - LUCareerCenter To Go

Profile Picture Matter to Your Job Search

Smile for the camera. In an era of social media, how you present yourself is always important. Spending some time to make sure your profile picture is a quality one is well worth the time. 

While most know how to lock down their profiles through privacy settings on sites like Facebook and Twitter, LinkedIn is a little different. The point there being that the information you’re putting on the site is critical and relevant to your job search; therefore, your picture should also be professional and relevant to your job search. Even with your career transparency on LinkedIn, for all three sites (or however many you may be using), your profile picture is the one constant that’s nearly always visible. - 7 tips to make your profile picture professional : The Work Buzz

Interview First Impressions matter

People skills and presentation are always key. We tend to focus on the technical side of landing a job. But the personal is still of vital importance. So think back to all that advice you got from dad when you were 10.

No matter how digital our job search becomes, nearly nothing is more important than our first impression. Arriving on time, a firm (dry) handshake, shoulders back, eye contact, the ability to make effective small-talk until you sit down, and more… all matter. Why? Because failing in any of these areas shows a lack of confidence and/or respect for the recruiter – NOT a great way to start an interview.- The 5 Defining Moments of Every Job Interview | The Savvy Intern by YouTern

Do You Really Want This Job?

While in a down economy many people are tempted to take the first job they can get, if at all possible it may pay to wait a bit. Stop and think before you accept just any job offer. Choosing a career does not mean settling on a career path that is convenient or expected.

[A] recent survey showed that 84 percent of workers want to leave their jobs in 2012. How could that be so high in this economy? Well, it’s because people are taking whatever they can get, and not actually evaluating themselves before doing their job search to find out what type of jobs they should be searching for. You can take the initiative to find out what you are meant to do by taking self-assessments that will give you a better look at what you are meant to do. It’s not too late to do this if you haven’t accepted the job offer yet — and it is better to find out now, rather than later.- 5 Things to Consider Before Accepting a New Job | MBA Highway - MBA Job Search and Career Network:

Volunteering Can Land You a Job

Need a resume builder in a down economy? Try volunteering. Long gone are the days when volunteering meant working in a soup kitchen or taking part in a clothing drive. These days, non-profits need all types of skills from marketing to accounting. Sure you won’t get paid, but the experience you’ll gain can go a long way in landing your next paying job.

“Volunteering is a fantastic way to build skills, contacts and get your foot in the door,” says Sara Sutton Fell, chief executive and founder of FlexJobs. “It’s a great opportunity to show your motivation and contribute.”- Volunteering Your Way To A Job | Personal Branding Blog - Dan Schawbel

Why General Resumes Do Not Work

Sometimes I feel like a broken record I say this so often, but it always bears repeating. You resume needs to be targeted toward one particular job, or job type if you want to get hired.

One of the most common mistakes job seekers make is that they want their resume to be general enough to be used for a variety of unrelated jobs. When you focus on your past rather than the needs of the employer your resume is likely to simply disappear into their vast black hole of a database.- Employers Reject More Than 90% of Resumes | CAREEREALISM

The Future of Work?

This one is for you class of 2016-

In IFTF’s recent project with the Apollo Research Institute on the future of work skills, for example, possible new disruptions from emerging automation technologies, including microwork segmentation and plug-and-play robotics, came up again and again. In many cases, the work skills that will be most valuable over the longer term, as these creative disruptions take hold, will involve finding sweet spots where cooperation between humans and automated systems can accomplish far more than either by themselves. If you are a new graduate entering the workforce, collaborative automated systems are likely to blur the line between “tools” and “co-workers” during the course of your career. - The Re-working of "Work" | Institute For The Future

Job Fairs = A Captive Audience

Feeling stuck in your job search? Why not go where the jobs are. Job fairs are an excellent way to land a new job, largely because the companies there are heavily invested in hiring people, if not that day, then soon.

As a job fair attendee, you have a captive audience of recruiters who are ready to pay attention to what you have to say as you pitch yourself and your skills. What better opportunity to make important professional contacts, find out about job openings, and give yourself a competitive advantage in the job market? - What to Expect When You Attend a Job Fair | Daily Career Connection:

Size Matters

Couldn't have said it better myself. There is nothing that will kill a resume's chances faster than bloat. Keep it concise and if at all possible on 1 page.

The point of a resume is to score an interview. It’s a summary of your job experience with enough details to demonstrate you know your stuff, enticing the hiring manager to learn more about you as a candidate. It’s not a collection of your job descriptions from each and every employer. And it certainly shouldn’t be long enough to be a short story about your life.-
Resumes: Length Does Matter | The Savvy Intern by YouTern:

Industry Specific Job Searches

Job boards are great. They serve a purpose, but do not put all your eggs in this very imperfect basket. Don't spend all your time on Monster looking for that next great job.

Many employers will opt to post their job vacancies on industry or sector specific online recruitment agencies or jobs boards and whilst the quality of competition of job applicants may be higher, this delivers highly targeted and ideal employment opportunities. Researching relevant and associated industry, sector or niche specific job boards will yield a higher return of targeted jobs. Useful Tips for Searching for Jobs Online in 2012 | Career Rocketeer :

Best & Worst Salaries for Women

The geography of gender. Are you a woman looking for a job? Here is where to look and where to avoid, according to Forbes. Best-Paying Cities For Women - Forbes:

At No. 1, San Jose, Calif., tops the list. Women in this West Coast city earn an average of $67,052 annually for full-time work. That’s more than twice as much as the worst-paying city for women–McAllen, Tex.—where women earn a mean of just $31,287 each year.

Email Your Way to a Job

Martin Yate at Simply Hired Blog has some good advice when it comes to using email for job hunting:

With e-mail, the Subject Line is your attention grabber; it's your headline and your advertising pitch. In the same way that headlines on blogs, articles, books, and movies are used to grab readers' attention and draw them into the story, your subject line is what draws the reader into your e-mail. It needs to be intriguing, concise, and should allow the recipient to immediately recognize who you are and what you want, and you have to achieve this goal with limited space.

The subject line in an email inbox typically reveal about 60 characters, you need to take advantage of this advertising space and can do better than settle for subject lines that state, "Resume" or "Jim Smith’s Resume." If you are responding to a job posting, the job title and job posting number are useful as a start, you can add the credentials that you know are important from your reading of the job posting. For example:

Financial Analyst posting #MB450—CPA/MBA/8 yrs exp
Posting # 2314—MIT Grad is interested
Job #6745—Top performing sales professional wants to talk

What's Your (Career) Sign?

Could this be the new pick up line among the job seeking set?

The Work Buzz: “Sometimes in choosing a career we just don’t know where to start,” says Donna Stellhorn, an astrologer and author of “2012: Year of the Water Dragon.” “Many people in the world look to their Chinese Zodiac sign to find their talents, strengths and weaknesses. And this helps guide them in their career choices.”

Here is mine:

Rat (1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008)
Stellhorn says: “Rats are better suited to highly-active jobs, where making more effort and taking chances yields higher material rewards. Owning their own business or doing outside sales — especially of luxury items — is great for them. Rats should avoid jobs that isolate them or that are routine (things like night watchman, toll booth operator, etc.). On the other hand, they should avoid jobs where gambling is a main focus (such as working in a casino) because they may end up giving their paycheck back to the house.”
Personality traits*: Imaginative, problem solver, magnetic, observant, selfish, motivated by money and status.
Other possible job matches*: Manager, counselor, lawyer, broadcaster, writer

Writer you say? Interesting.

Beware of Blindly Sending Resumes

So says Dave Thomas at JobMob:

It is not uncommon for job ads, especially those online, to come with a P.O. Box or generic email with which to reply. For all you know, it could be your present employer posting an advertisement for help. Make sure you know the source of the help wanted advertisement so that you’re not caught inappropriately sending a resume to your current employer. If you do, chances are you will hear about it.

In other words, buyer beware. Sounds like good advice to me.

Education Section of a Resume

This short article will help you determine where to list your education profile and what to include. 

The education section of a resume is one of the few sections that can effectively be used in a variety of locations on the resume. It all depends on your level of experience and the specific brand you are trying to create. Newspapers use the term above the fold to denote those stories that show up on the top of the front page. Your education is listed above the fold in one situation, but below the fold in the other.


If you are still in school, or are a recent graduate you'll want to locate your education section immediately below the objective/branding statement. The reason for this is two-fold. First, as an entry-level applicant you will not have an abundance of industry specific experience so the education detail effectively stands in for what is (unavoidably) lacking in your history. Second, recent grads will have taken up to date courses that older applicants may not be as well versed in. Emphasizing your education plays to your strengths.

For job seekers with a bit more experience under their belt the education section of a resume should be listed below the fold, normally as the final section under work history. Generally, experience trumps education and therefore you do not need to take up valuable resume real estate to detail it.

Here is what should be included in the education section of a resume:

1. Name of the School
2. Location
3. Degree
4. University
5. Month and Year of Passing
6. GPA (if above a 3.5)
7. Honors
8. Activities

Exactly how this is formatted depends largely on how the res of your resume looks.  Want to be sure your resume has the right educational profile for your target profession? Send it to me today and I'll evaluate your resume for free, no strings attached.