Cassie, a veteran bank branch manager, lost her job due to company cut-backs. Before seeking out my career transition guidance, she'd already begun applying for positions using the resume that she'd attempted to update on her own.
Job opportunities, however, were not forthcoming.
Cassie is a dynamic professional whose genuine caring for her customers was evident in her conversations and in the activities she proactively initiated in her role as a banking professional. Her colleagues recognized her to be a conscientious contributor. Knowing what she had to offer, Cassie was consequently bewildered and frustrated as to why she was not getting measurable responses to her resume.
Cassie completed a career assessment and was consequently quite articulate in conveying her skills and strengths. Her verbal communication skill was not the issue. Indeed, upon examination of her resume I quickly discerned the disconnect between what she verbalized and what was written: Cassie's resume was undeniably the weak link in her job search.
WHERE'S THE "SO WHAT?"
Our discussions focused on transforming Cassie's resume from task-focused 'duties' to accomplishments-driven 'results'. The plan of action was to scrutinize each bullet point, asking the question So what? to define and demonstrate the impact of her actions.
We then strengthened the message of her Summary/Profile - the 'Features and Benefits' statement - with demonstrated by substantiation. We added to her Summary/Profile a collection of core competencies (specialties) associated with Cassie being a knowledgeable and credible banking professional. We met regularly to refine the editing process towards a quality resume product.
It was a challenge I'd grown used to, helping job seekers to overcome the mental hurdle of identifying career accomplishments vs. spouting out tasks. Job seekers are typically reticent to embrace accomplishments for what they are, mistakenly thinking that it's bragging. Cassie fell into that category (read my article Modesty Seen As Weakness ). Overcoming that mental hurdle of embracing one's career accomplishments is a crucial part of the process towards creating a compelling Marketing Tool.
Cassie reported an immediate and dramatic increase in the response rate to her resume. She began attending networking events and, with her easy-going personality and effortless communication style, generated ongoing discussions with industry colleagues.
Reaping the results of such effective job search principles, Cassie's confidence and natural enthusiasm rebounded. She regularly noted that the positive reinforcement of our consulting partnership reassured her that everything would be okay. And so it was. Within months Cassie was offered a position as a Branch Manager at a major banking & trust company.
Request a complimentary Resume evaluation or Coaching information by emailing Charlene at: chrleneh@verizon.net
Check out Charlene's LinkedIn profile: http://www.linkedin.com/in/charleneholsendorff
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