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Are You One Of The Thousands Still Looking For A Job!
It's Still A Very Competitive Job Market
Make Sure Your Résume Is Working For You
Résume Differences | Formats ► I have been told I need an Executive Résume,
what is the difference in Résumes?
Executives tend to have multiple past positions, numerous credentials, achievements, multiple
department responsibilities,
and other diverse qualifications.
In order to reflect their experiences they need a custom crafted marketing document.
Their résume should demonstrate their record of profitability, career highlights, and expertise.
They need to be appropriately portrayed as a visionary leader, growth-oriented, and bottom-line
focused individual.
CV Uses ► What is a Curriculum Vitae (CV)?
A CV is similar to a résume but typically focuses on the credentials related to your field. It presents an ideal opportunity to
highlight and optimize your specific qualifications.
A successful CV will include not only education and experience but also publications, certifications, licenses, grants, awards,
and other appropriate experiences relevant to your industry / job search.
Individuals in the following fields might want to use a CV
- Publication
- Research
- Medical
- Dental
- Academic
- Scientific
Cover Letter ► Do I really need a Cover Letter?
A cover letter is a personal introduction designed to work with and augment your résume. It is the
most 'under-estimated' component of your resume presentation. Too often it is pushed aside until the last
minute and composed in a hurry with little purpose or focus.
A cover letter can sabotage your résume if it is a total disaster or put you at the top of the list with a clever
format and introduction.
It sets the tone of your résume and hopefully captures the interest of the reader. Without that introduction
your résume can fall into the lost forever pile of incoming résumes.
ASCII Format ► What is a Keyword ASCII Résume?
An ASCII résume is an electronic version of your résume that is suitable for on-line submission. Written in plain 'text formatting',
it is ready for pasting in a body of an email or other on-line forms.
ASCII résumes most often past through computer-based screening for storage and human review. Computers are
programed to pick out keywords relevant to a particular job category.
Keywords are typically nouns or verbs that reflect skills and experiences sought by a potential employer
by using the correct keywords, your résume will picked as one that will fill a specific job opening a company is
looking to fill.
Previous Employment ► How Far Back Should I go Listing My Experience?
The rule of thumb is when your experience stops being relevant. It is usually a 5 to 15 years in the past unless an older
experience is critical to your new job search.
Personal Photo ► Should I Put My Photo On My Résume?
Personal Photographs are discouraged in all but a few industries. If you are applying for a job as an actor, model, or
newscaster where your appearance is an occupational qualification, then a photo of yourself is appropriate.
References ► Should I Put My References On My Résume
Most employers do not expect to see personal references on the same page as the résume, nor take the time to
read them at the initial interview.
Other than being out of place, it will also take up valuable space on your résume. It is more impressive and
professional to have a completed printed list of your personal references on a separate sheet complimenting
your résume and application.
Jobs Requiring A Move ► Out Of Work And Looking For An Out Of State Job?
The fact that you are thinking of moving out of the state and leaving your home, friends, and relatives is a big decision.
An out of state job offer shouldn't mean that you are willing to take less money and lower your standard of living.
Review the expenses that are accrued in moving and possibily higher housing costs can be a big factor to think about.
Weigh the positives vs the negatives when considering a position that requires a major move.
Here a few things to take in consideration when taking a new job and relocating:
- Standard of living and salaries in that area
- Cost of selling your home
- The weather in the new location
- Culture opportunities or the lack off
- Transportation availability
- Leaving your friends and family behind
- The impact it might have on your wife and children
Managing Severance Pay ► I received a small severance when I was asked to leave
my last job, how should I manage that money?
No matter how much severance you received, don't think of it as a substitute for a paycheck. One of the
biggest mistakes a person can make is that there is no rush to find another job!
It could take months to find a job that fits your qualifications and interests, so hit the 'pavement running'.
Pretend that the severance isn't there and put it in the bank to be used for scheduled expenses.
Noticing Company Change ► My department seems to be shrinking into a sea of
empty cubicles, what should be my next step?
If suspect you might be the next to be axed, chances are you are probably right. Telltale signs to look
for are such things as reorganization, budge cuts, mandates to curb expenses, or hiring freezes.
If the worst does come your way, take inventory of how much severance pay you will receive and health
benefits available to you.
Unemployment lasts on an average 26 to 30 weeks. When whispers of layoffs become more than gossip,
discretely and quickly put your résume together. If you haven't updated it in awhile, now is the time to do so.
Résumes Online ► Should I send my Résume online to the companies and managers
I am interested in contacting?
Hiring managers are inundated with résumes they get online. It is difficult to stand-out from the crowd when all the
résumes look the same with no personal connection. It is like sending your résume to the 'Black Hole' of lost résumes.
Networking with a solid contact will be more effective and more likely to get the interview you are looking for.
Random mass emailing of your résume is a waste of your time.
Credit Scores ► Will my bad credit report hurt getting hired?
Along with your résume and references, many employers may take a peek at your current credit scores.
A blemished credit record could shut the door to a job you really wanted or desperately needed. If an employer
is on the fence about an applicant, a good credit report can be invaluable.
At times when people are struggling to find jobs, credit checks should not be used as a basis to deny employment
but they are. Review your credit report and make sure there are no errors that might penalize you unfairly.
Over Qualified ► Every interview I am passed over because I am over qualified.
I am getting so frustrated, how can I eliminate what seems to be a negative to many employers?
To help buck being branded overqualified here are a few steps you can take: Be the first to bring this issue up with a
potential employer. Because you are overqualified, future employers are afraid you will become bored and soon leave.
Discuss this issue openly and convince the interviewer that you will be a dedicated employee and have many skills that you
can bring to the table.
Rather than tooting your horn about your accomplishments in your previous positions, steer the interview on how your talents
will benefit the hiring company.
Remember, you are now looking to the future. Do your homework and figure out how to best serve this company's needs
with your skills and talents.
Job Fairs ► I attended a large job fair that resulted in no interviews and was overwhelmed when I left.
Job fairs aren't exactly come-as-you-are events anymore. A few résumes in a backpack just isn't good enough these days.
Here are a few pointers that can make your experience more rewarding.
► Know the companies that you want to visit and eliminate those that don't interest you, not every company will match your
job skills and qualifications. Most large job fairs have many diverse industries attending, map out the ones you want to visit and
organize a workable route.
► Know something about those companies you are going to focus on in advance, visit their website and educate yourself on
their product lines. If you sound knowledgeable about their company and services they offer, you will be on common
ground immediately.
► Introduce yourself by attaching a short cover letter to the résume you plan to leave behind. Include vital information about the
company's open employment positions and how your qualifications will match their needs.
► Look the part of a professional potential employee, leave the jeans, sandals, and baseball cap at home. Consider your
adventure as mini-job interviews when talking with the different company representatives.
Use this opportunity to make a personal connection with the interviewer minus the formal office visits.
Phone Interviews ► With the high volume of job candidates in the job market, many employers are
using a phone interview to make the first contact.
The first five minutes of the telephone interview are the most important. Often only two out of all the phone interview calls
are considered for an in-person opportunity.
You need to be prepared from the start to make the most of the limited time the interviewer will give you.
► Smile when you are talking on the phone which will convey enthusiasm, interest, and likability.
► Stand up while talking to better project your voice and confidence.
► Don't use a cell phone, instead use a land line to avoid dropped calls and a better quality of connection.
Laid Off ► I have been laid off from my previous job for almost a year now.
My job interviews never seem to go anywhere?
Remember when you interview with a company, it is the little things that count. Taking a well written presentation
of yourself and fostering a positive attitude is a must.
If you send out negative vibes or sound like a complainer it can ruin your positive image with others.
Here are a few pointers if you find yourself entering the 'negative feelings' zone
when interviewing:
Disagree agreeably. Watch your tone of voice, especially when their opinion differs from your own. Never tell
them they are wrong.
Correct others only when absolutely necessary. If someone makes a small misstatement in an interview
about a topic, time-frame, or project, let it go.
Don't be someone that always has to be right.
Use your words in a positive context. When you are talking in the interview put a friendly spin
on your conversations.
Watch your non-verbal communications. Be aware of frowns, excessive sighs, or body gestures.
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