Grant Writing Made Easy: Transforming Words Into Actions

Are you lost for words in expressing your thoughts and ideas?

When was the last time you get an "A" for writing an essay?

Writing skill is a gift. It is a challenge to write compelling articles, poems, proposals, and other write-ups that connect with the readers' emotions and opinions.

Your Portfolio

Writing a proposal is a daunting task. Each funder provides specific guidelines to ensure that funds are to be used for meaningful causes. Grant is a financial aid provided by the government, foundations, individuals, and charitable institutions to cater to the needs of various underprivileged people or groups of people. It is a funding opportunity that has no interest and does not require payment. Proposals, however, should be submitted on or before the specified date for assessment. Apart from charitable organizations and educational facilities, financial aid may also be awarded to established non-profit organizations. These are affiliated groups that provide services to uphold the lives of less fortunate individuals from targeted communities. Among their tasks include:

- Meeting the needs of state or private sector

- Assisting the government in achieving developmental objectives

- Devoting time, skills, and expertise to vulnerable groups

- Providing trainings and/or services among less privileged individuals to uphold their roles in the community

Each year, hundreds of grant applications are submitted to different governmental agencies and private foundations. So, it is equally important to establish a positive impression not only to obtain financial assistance and capture potential funders' attention, but also establish its impact on the community. Well, it doesn't take a genius to accomplish a winning proposal. Grant writing is now made easy with these helpful tips:

- Read and understand the funding opportunity announcement (FOA)

- Identify the needs of your community

- Establish/formulate a specific plan

- Emphasize significant points of the project

- Set realistic goals and objectives

- Specify and elaborate methodology and program designs

- Discuss who would benefit from the project

- Provide a detailed information about the organization

- Include financial information and itemized budget plan.

A proposal has different sections. Each is equally important not only to achieve optimal success, but also to establish credibility, particularly in addressing individual and/or organizations' needs.

- Executive Summary. A well-written abstract entails significant details that convince reviewers. It has to relate reports and facts, concise analysis, and conclusion that give readers a glimpse of the project.

- Need Assessment. This part explains the importance of the request. It defines good project ideas, techniques, and potential risks to establish priorities for future actions.

- Goals and Objectives. It is significant to identify the goals and objectives of your request so as not only to communicate the overall purpose of an organization but also to suggest helpful steps and/or plans.

- Methods, Strategies, and Program Design. While goals and objectives provide the importance of your request, program designs and strategies convey best practices necessary in achieving the purpose of the proposed project.

- Budget Plan. It is considered as one of the most important sections because it provides a detailed budget requirement and justification to ensure that financial aid is to be used for its intended purpose.

Yet despite the complexity of the process, still, it is not impossible to transform words into opportunities. This guide will surely help as grant writing has somewhat made easy.

Erin Millano has always been passionate to improve the quality of life of marginalized, low-income individuals, and families. She is a lobbyist, freelance photojournalist, and proposal writer.

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Resume Action Words: The Cherry on Top of the Cream

How can you make a resume that is strong and appealing and that can convince a potential employer? In today's situation of the economy, employment seems to be very elusive. This is the reason why you, as a jobseeker, need to stand out among the rest of the applicants. Writing your application summary that uses resume action words can be effective in securing the desired job.

What they can really do

Verbs are a helpful tool to show the employer what actions you will take if ever you get hired. They are usually used to express previous job accomplishments. Using the appropriate and high-impact action words that are specific to your field of expertise can really impress a hiring manager.

You only have seconds to prove it

This is true. Hiring personnel only take a glance at your application for maybe a maximum of 20 seconds. Why do they do this? It's because they have to read hundreds of application documents submitted by other job hopefuls. This is the reason why it is important to place powerful action words into your application summary. Always remember to present an outstanding document for you to catch the attention of hiring managers, a sure way to have them go further and read the entire application. Reading, as performed by managers, has always been the crucial part of recruitment for this is the stage when they decide whether to invite the applicant for an interview or throw the document directly to a pile of other trashed applications.

The use of action words

The use of resume action words should match your objectives and the position you're applying for. Just make use of verbs in past tense in describing your previous professional experiences, accomplishments, and duties and responsibilities. Likewise, use verbs in present tense for your current experiences. Avoid using passive tense that ends in "ing."

Examples of high-impact action words:

· Deliver

· Achieved

· Design

· Administer

· Monitor

· Accumulated

· Organize

· Increased

· Acquired

· Provide

· Trained

· Constructed

· Process

· Screened

· Perform

· Assist

· Budgeted

· Communicate

· Delegated

· Forecasted

· Research

Choose any of these words wisely. Avoid using one word over and over. Be aware on the words you will use because every word has different approach and meanings. Use words that will only describe yourself. These descriptions can be very basic. Adding up a value to the phrase can help your application paper make it on the top.

Avoid nonsense words

Always try to be considerate on choosing the proper resume action words to use. Every professional writer knows this rule. Imagine reading an application full of jargon? The employer may get dismayed with this kind of document.

Do not use a single verb many times as it may seem to be meaningless. Furthermore, experts have stressed that good application documents use more determined descriptions of work rather than describing previous employment.

The goal

Your goal is to land a job. Before you achieve it, you have to undergo a step by step process-first is to get an invitation for an interview. Second, you have to prove yourself at your best. And third is to have a job offer.

Words play a big role in resumes. Using them correctly will surely help you get the wanted job sooner or later.

Nelson Mullins is a former corporate hiring and recruitment expert who regularly writes articles on resumes, resume writing, personality development, and career in general. He is a father of three who also enjoys photography and biking. Nelson believes that while the employment world continues to be a rat race for applicants, it is important to always be equipped with new ideas on sustaining career growth and opportunities.

Read more ...

Resume Action Words: The Cherry on Top of the Cream

How can you make a resume that is strong and appealing and that can convince a potential employer? In today's situation of the economy, employment seems to be very elusive. This is the reason why you, as a jobseeker, need to stand out among the rest of the applicants. Writing your application summary that uses resume action words can be effective in securing the desired job.

What they can really do

Verbs are a helpful tool to show the employer what actions you will take if ever you get hired. They are usually used to express previous job accomplishments. Using the appropriate and high-impact action words that are specific to your field of expertise can really impress a hiring manager.

You only have seconds to prove it

This is true. Hiring personnel only take a glance at your application for maybe a maximum of 20 seconds. Why do they do this? It's because they have to read hundreds of application documents submitted by other job hopefuls. This is the reason why it is important to place powerful action words into your application summary. Always remember to present an outstanding document for you to catch the attention of hiring managers, a sure way to have them go further and read the entire application. Reading, as performed by managers, has always been the crucial part of recruitment for this is the stage when they decide whether to invite the applicant for an interview or throw the document directly to a pile of other trashed applications.

The use of action words

The use of resume action words should match your objectives and the position you're applying for. Just make use of verbs in past tense in describing your previous professional experiences, accomplishments, and duties and responsibilities. Likewise, use verbs in present tense for your current experiences. Avoid using passive tense that ends in "ing."

Examples of high-impact action words:

· Deliver

· Achieved

· Design

· Administer

· Monitor

· Accumulated

· Organize

· Increased

· Acquired

· Provide

· Trained

· Constructed

· Process

· Screened

· Perform

· Assist

· Budgeted

· Communicate

· Delegated

· Forecasted

· Research

Choose any of these words wisely. Avoid using one word over and over. Be aware on the words you will use because every word has different approach and meanings. Use words that will only describe yourself. These descriptions can be very basic. Adding up a value to the phrase can help your application paper make it on the top.

Avoid nonsense words

Always try to be considerate on choosing the proper resume action words to use. Every professional writer knows this rule. Imagine reading an application full of jargon? The employer may get dismayed with this kind of document.

Do not use a single verb many times as it may seem to be meaningless. Furthermore, experts have stressed that good application documents use more determined descriptions of work rather than describing previous employment.

The goal

Your goal is to land a job. Before you achieve it, you have to undergo a step by step process-first is to get an invitation for an interview. Second, you have to prove yourself at your best. And third is to have a job offer.

Words play a big role in resumes. Using them correctly will surely help you get the wanted job sooner or later.

Nelson Mullins is a former corporate hiring and recruitment expert who regularly writes articles on resumes, resume writing, personality development, and career in general. He is a father of three who also enjoys photography and biking. Nelson believes that while the employment world continues to be a rat race for applicants, it is important to always be equipped with new ideas on sustaining career growth and opportunities.

Read more ...

4 Words You Shouldn't Use In Your Cover Letter

Certain words appear in almost every cover letter. I've explained below why you don't want to use 4 of these too-common words and what some alternatives might be.

If you want to make your cover letter stand out, do some editing and make sure to avoid these words completely. You might be surprised at the result.

1. HOPE

e.g. I hope to hear from you soon.

OR

e.g. I hope to be able to contribute my skills to ABC company.

Why not?

Hope springs eternal. The company doesn't care about your hopes and dreams. They care about what you can do for them.

Alternatives:

I look forward to speaking with you further regarding my qualifications.

OR

My ability to take clear, decisive action will allow me to make an impact at ABC company from day one.

OK, now we're talking!

2. HONE

e.g. This summer, I honed my research and writing skills through a position at XX law firm.

Why not?

You and every other person honed something. It's an outdated and overused expression. Tell them what you did and they will figure out that you honed your skills. If you absolutely must, use "strengthened," "developed," or even "sharpened."

Alternative:

My research regarding constitutional rights violations culminated in a report and recommendations that guided the ACLU in future actions.

It's obvious this person is using some powerful research and writing skills.

3. DRAWN

e.g. I am drawn to ABC company because of its outstanding reputation and high quality service.

Why not?

You get drawn to a person across a crowded room. Companies don't care to hear that you are drawn to them. And a bonus tip: companies with outstanding reputations don't need to be told that you want to work there because of their outstanding reputations.

Alternative:

The relationship management skills I built while working in a state office are a match for ABC company's commitment to outstanding customer relationships.

That's so much better, isn't it?

4. FEEL

e.g. I feel the relationship management skills I built while working in a state office are a match for ABC company's commitment to outstanding customer relationships.

Why not?

Can you see how adding "I feel" at the beginning of this sentence killed it completely? Tell a psychologist how you feel. Tell a company what you can do for them. If you must, use the word "believe" instead of "feel." But see if you can avoid this type of language altogether.

Alternative:

The relationship management skills I built while working in a state office are a match for ABC company's commitment to outstanding customer relationships.

Delete these four words from your cover letters and I promise you more creative and powerful language will show up.

http://www.theessayexpert.com/

For writing that gets results.

Brenda Bernstein, Founder and Senior Editor, BrendaB@TheEssayExpert.com

Brenda Bernstein, Certified Advanced Resume Writer and accomplished editor and LinkedIn trainer, holds an English degree from Yale University and a J.D. from the NYU School of Law. Over her 15 years as Senior Editor at The Essay Expert, Brenda has coached hundreds of professionals and companies to write resumes, essays and other materials that result in sought after job interviews, admission to top schools, and measurable business success.

Specialties: Resumes, Cover Letters, College Application Essays, Professional Bios, LinkedIn Profiles

Read more ...

4 Words You Shouldn't Use In Your Cover Letter

Certain words appear in almost every cover letter. I've explained below why you don't want to use 4 of these too-common words and what some alternatives might be.

If you want to make your cover letter stand out, do some editing and make sure to avoid these words completely. You might be surprised at the result.

1. HOPE

e.g. I hope to hear from you soon.

OR

e.g. I hope to be able to contribute my skills to ABC company.

Why not?

Hope springs eternal. The company doesn't care about your hopes and dreams. They care about what you can do for them.

Alternatives:

I look forward to speaking with you further regarding my qualifications.

OR

My ability to take clear, decisive action will allow me to make an impact at ABC company from day one.

OK, now we're talking!

2. HONE

e.g. This summer, I honed my research and writing skills through a position at XX law firm.

Why not?

You and every other person honed something. It's an outdated and overused expression. Tell them what you did and they will figure out that you honed your skills. If you absolutely must, use "strengthened," "developed," or even "sharpened."

Alternative:

My research regarding constitutional rights violations culminated in a report and recommendations that guided the ACLU in future actions.

It's obvious this person is using some powerful research and writing skills.

3. DRAWN

e.g. I am drawn to ABC company because of its outstanding reputation and high quality service.

Why not?

You get drawn to a person across a crowded room. Companies don't care to hear that you are drawn to them. And a bonus tip: companies with outstanding reputations don't need to be told that you want to work there because of their outstanding reputations.

Alternative:

The relationship management skills I built while working in a state office are a match for ABC company's commitment to outstanding customer relationships.

That's so much better, isn't it?

4. FEEL

e.g. I feel the relationship management skills I built while working in a state office are a match for ABC company's commitment to outstanding customer relationships.

Why not?

Can you see how adding "I feel" at the beginning of this sentence killed it completely? Tell a psychologist how you feel. Tell a company what you can do for them. If you must, use the word "believe" instead of "feel." But see if you can avoid this type of language altogether.

Alternative:

The relationship management skills I built while working in a state office are a match for ABC company's commitment to outstanding customer relationships.

Delete these four words from your cover letters and I promise you more creative and powerful language will show up.

http://www.theessayexpert.com/

For writing that gets results.

Brenda Bernstein, Founder and Senior Editor, BrendaB@TheEssayExpert.com

Brenda Bernstein, Certified Advanced Resume Writer and accomplished editor and LinkedIn trainer, holds an English degree from Yale University and a J.D. from the NYU School of Law. Over her 15 years as Senior Editor at The Essay Expert, Brenda has coached hundreds of professionals and companies to write resumes, essays and other materials that result in sought after job interviews, admission to top schools, and measurable business success.

Specialties: Resumes, Cover Letters, College Application Essays, Professional Bios, LinkedIn Profiles

Read more ...

Pimp Your Resume By Cutting Overused Words

I am a big advocate of non-traditional jobs. I think everyone should own some sort of business at some point -- but often on the way to starting your own business it's necessary to eat, and usually to gain some experience too. And in order to do that, you have to get in line with everyone else and play "the Resume Game!" It's like 52 card pick-up, only you can't also play poker with them, and often there are more than 52 applicants for any particular job these days. Heck, in Long Island City, recently, an estimated 2,000 people waited in line at the local employment office - some for as long as four days! - to apply for 100 elevator mechanic apprenticeship positions. Nevertheless, if you need gainful employment right now (and 1 in 10 of you does), then the following might be helpful.

10 Words To Strike From Your Resume

One of the biggest problems in getting your resume to stand out is that you're using the same "unique" words to highlight your "creativeness" that everyone else is using, usually in the same boring, bullet-pointed layout that everyone else uses. These words aren't very descriptive, and their ubiquitous redundancy means that reading one of them in your resume (or Linked-In profile) can cause eyes to glaze over. Some of the words to watch for:
DynamicCommunication SkillsProblem SolvingInnovativeMotivatedTrack RecordExtensive ExperienceEffectiveOrganizationalCreative.

The chief reason to avoid these words is clearly that everyone uses these same words over and over again! Using them just makes your resume that much more "blah", and sink that much further back into the stack of identical white papers. With some of these words, the reasons are pretty clear: Everyone has a "track record", so just shut up and tell them what you've done. And you really shouldn't have to tell them that you can communicate, or that you can be organized -- these are no-brainer "duh" issues. Don't tell them, show them!

What Words To Use Instead

1) Appropriate Jargon. This may seem obvious, but before you finish your resume - let alone your cover letter - go back and re-read the job description. If they use technical terms that you're familiar with, then pepper them where appropriate on your resume and cover letter. (If you're NOT familiar with them, then get familiar, because these same words may be used in an interview, should you get that far!) This will show you knowledgeable in your field, and relevant as a candidate. Don't vomit key-words on every line, but nonchalantly include them where they fit naturally. Don't fall into the opposite problem of making your resume a dense block of jargon or a technical manual(unless, of course, you're applying for the "Obscurator" position at a technical manual writing company -- then go all out).

2) Correctly Spelled Words. I've been in a hiring position a few times, and one of the biggest annoyances that gets you canned before you're hired (unless the resume pool is oddly shallow) is a hastily slapped together resume with typos and grammatical errors aplenty. If you want to show that you're "organised" and "effishunt", you can start by demonstrating your technical proficiency with the English language (or whatever language is the lingua franca where you are applying. Now, some understanding will be made if that lingua franca doesn't happen to be your native tongue. But 99% of the time, it is, and typos kill your chances.

3) Words That List What You've Actually Done, In Sentence Format. Another no-brainer that's often missed, rather than listing vague and nebulous words like the 10 listed above, show your effective creativity and organizational skills by listing the projects that you've done with a 1 or 2 line description.

The Three "S"s

Resumes don't have to be completely off the wall to be noticed. You might consider mild use of color (or an exorbitant use, if you're looking into a position involving art or graphic design!), but keeping your resume Simple, Sharp, and Stylish will make a good first impression, allowing them to see the unique content which doesn't use the same generic buzz words the last 10 and next 10 applicants will use. There's no guarantee that this will land you the job, but it will almost certainly increase your odds "dynamically."

Justin West is married with three kids, and enjoys spending time with his wife and children and not having to work an 8 to 5. He holds his Bachelors degrees in Philosophy and History, will have a Masters in Philosophy soon. Justin got fed up with the job market in '10, and began blogging at http://www.lifeafterliberalarts.com/, and started a couple of businesses he runs successfully from home. He's developed a free report, which he gives away on his website which will help average folks do the same thing. It can be downloaded by going to his website, http://www.lifeafterliberalarts.com/, and clicking the "get access code" button in the top right corner.

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YOU'RE HIRED! How To Hear Those Two Precious Words!

"You're Hired!" People wait all season to hear Donald Trump utter these two very precious words.

But... the drama in someone's real life when they are looking for a job is more than intense than you'll ever find on a in a TV reality show.

People looking for a job eat, sleep, and dream (literally) about hearing these two little words. Hearing these two precious words can change their life more than just about anything else.

I work in a job center and I've had clients who used visualization methods to help them get a job. It's sometimes hard to understand how the human brain works but it seems if you visualize yourself getting job you'll find a way to do so. Part of this visualization technique seems to revolve around focusing on hearing those two precious words.

I've shared this technique with many of my clients and I have seen it positively affect their attitude which of course is going to positively influence their ability to get a job. This is especially true when it comes to performing well during the interview.

However, FIRST, we have to get you some interviews don't we?!

I often work with people who have been looking for work with no success for months. When I get them in the door they often already have a well-written and well-formatted resume and they've often already started the process of networking. However, as good as things look on the surface, they still don't always get interviews.

Instead of changing the whole game plan, I often focus on making "simple" changes that can bring about a a big difference. I talk with them and look over the application and determine what we can tweak in order to help them start getting called in for the interviews.

By far, the most effective change I have found is CHANGING the cover letter.

Most people, when they come into my office, already have a cover letter and they've already learned that it needs to look and sound professional and it needs to be formatted neatly. Most already understand the importance of brevity and not restating what's on the resume.

However, what most of them DON'T realize is the importance of making their cover letter completely unique and unlike any of the other candidates' cover letters! Usually they've used some kind of template and modified it to create a cover letter that, while professional, is actually rather dull. It literally bores the hiring manager because it looks and sounds like all the others in the stack of applications. The "template" style cover letter, even when it has all the elements most talked about, will never inspire the hiring manager to pick up the phone and call the applicant in for an interview.

Given how busy hiring managers tend to be and also the fact that they get so many more applications now for every job opening, if you just include a "professional" cover letter that isn't totally unique and full of some pizazz, your chances of actually getting noticed by the hiring manager is close to zero.

Because it can be exceedingly difficult to write a really unique cover letter and still maintain a professional tone, I started looking around for some help.

I discovered a very effective tool for my clients that you can also use to easily write a unique cover letter. Best of all, it only takes a few minutes with this tool!

It is cover letter software that was creating by one of the most talented sales copy writers in the marketing industry. You answer some questions and it will produce you a cover letter that is sprinkled with marketing magic and tailored to your specific job industry. The resulting letter is one that really sets you apart from all the other applicants.

Read more ...

YOU'RE HIRED! How To Hear Those Two Precious Words!

"You're Hired!" People wait all season to hear Donald Trump utter these two very precious words.

But... the drama in someone's real life when they are looking for a job is more than intense than you'll ever find on a in a TV reality show.

People looking for a job eat, sleep, and dream (literally) about hearing these two little words. Hearing these two precious words can change their life more than just about anything else.

I work in a job center and I've had clients who used visualization methods to help them get a job. It's sometimes hard to understand how the human brain works but it seems if you visualize yourself getting job you'll find a way to do so. Part of this visualization technique seems to revolve around focusing on hearing those two precious words.

I've shared this technique with many of my clients and I have seen it positively affect their attitude which of course is going to positively influence their ability to get a job. This is especially true when it comes to performing well during the interview.

However, FIRST, we have to get you some interviews don't we?!

I often work with people who have been looking for work with no success for months. When I get them in the door they often already have a well-written and well-formatted resume and they've often already started the process of networking. However, as good as things look on the surface, they still don't always get interviews.

Instead of changing the whole game plan, I often focus on making "simple" changes that can bring about a a big difference. I talk with them and look over the application and determine what we can tweak in order to help them start getting called in for the interviews.

By far, the most effective change I have found is CHANGING the cover letter.

Most people, when they come into my office, already have a cover letter and they've already learned that it needs to look and sound professional and it needs to be formatted neatly. Most already understand the importance of brevity and not restating what's on the resume.

However, what most of them DON'T realize is the importance of making their cover letter completely unique and unlike any of the other candidates' cover letters! Usually they've used some kind of template and modified it to create a cover letter that, while professional, is actually rather dull. It literally bores the hiring manager because it looks and sounds like all the others in the stack of applications. The "template" style cover letter, even when it has all the elements most talked about, will never inspire the hiring manager to pick up the phone and call the applicant in for an interview.

Given how busy hiring managers tend to be and also the fact that they get so many more applications now for every job opening, if you just include a "professional" cover letter that isn't totally unique and full of some pizazz, your chances of actually getting noticed by the hiring manager is close to zero.

Because it can be exceedingly difficult to write a really unique cover letter and still maintain a professional tone, I started looking around for some help.

I discovered a very effective tool for my clients that you can also use to easily write a unique cover letter. Best of all, it only takes a few minutes with this tool!

It is cover letter software that was creating by one of the most talented sales copy writers in the marketing industry. You answer some questions and it will produce you a cover letter that is sprinkled with marketing magic and tailored to your specific job industry. The resulting letter is one that really sets you apart from all the other applicants.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Cynthia_Baxter

Read more ...

When Crafting Your Resume, Avoid Meaningless Words

You've just crafted your resume, and upon further review, you determine that it needs an extra boost.

Are you just a general manager, or an "outstanding" general manager? You're not just a hard worker; you're an "exceptionally" hard worker. Instinctively, you're now confident that you've added the eye-catching punch that will boost your resume and differentiate you from the other candidates, right? Wrong!

Substantiate the added 'spice'

The fact is, these very same power words are also incorporated on the majority of resumes received by the company. Such vague and overused hyperbole is appropriate when employed by marketers to brand boxes of cereal and power drinks. Meaningless and overused adjectives such as exceptional, energetic motivated, effective, strong, good, excellent, outstanding, driven and seasoned do not belong on your resume unless you can substantiate the claim. Otherwise, it's in your best interest to leave out the added "spice."

So you're a team player

Some phrases should be avoided because they convey attributes that employers consider standard for any job applicant. Anyone who has ever worked in an office with at least one colleague can easily attest to being a "team player." Intuitively, if you aren't "results-oriented" and can't perform your duties in a "multitasking" environment, why should they bother recruiting you?

It's expected that you're "motivated." If you profess to be "effective" or categorize yourself an "excellent manager," how would a hiring manager know? Try to focus on why you are well-suited for the position. If you're over 50, "seasoned" is as commonplace as "energetic" is for inexperienced candidates. Beware: The savvy and discerning hiring manager can smell a spin in seconds.

Let manager judge your merits

The preferred route is to highlight your achievements and allow the hiring manager to make his or her own judgment call regarding whether or not you are actually a "strong leader." Provide specific and preferably quantifiable examples of your accomplishments to underpin your qualifications.

Incorporate terms that will inspire the reader and motivate him to take a much closer look at your resume. Such terms include: developed, researched, increased, reduced, improved, created, accomplished, won, on-time, and under budget.

Place yourself in the shoes of a hiring manager.

Would you be motivated to contact a job-seeker who described himself as a "strong manager" or someone who "increased division profits by 12 percent" and whose "diplomatic complaint resolution reduced employee attrition by 20 percent?"

Instill confidence

Your resume is your promise of value to a company. When crafting a resume, your challenge is to incorporate words that will positively influence the prospective employer by instilling confidence in your abilities.

A hiring manager needs to feel comfortable that you are the right choice, and that and that if hired, you will get things done with minimal fuss.

Lenny Keitel runs Hudson Valley Resumes in Monroe, NY, a premier nationwide Resume Writing Service with a penchant for crafting compelling resumes which inspire and motivate the hiring manager through its inspirational content, clarity, and visual appeal.

http://www.hudsonvalleyresumes.com/

info@hudsonvalleyresumes (email), (845) 782-6714 (phone/fax), (914) 782-6714 (mobile)

Read more ...

When Crafting Your Resume, Avoid Meaningless Words

You've just crafted your resume, and upon further review, you determine that it needs an extra boost.

Are you just a general manager, or an "outstanding" general manager? You're not just a hard worker; you're an "exceptionally" hard worker. Instinctively, you're now confident that you've added the eye-catching punch that will boost your resume and differentiate you from the other candidates, right? Wrong!

Substantiate the added 'spice'

The fact is, these very same power words are also incorporated on the majority of resumes received by the company. Such vague and overused hyperbole is appropriate when employed by marketers to brand boxes of cereal and power drinks. Meaningless and overused adjectives such as exceptional, energetic motivated, effective, strong, good, excellent, outstanding, driven and seasoned do not belong on your resume unless you can substantiate the claim. Otherwise, it's in your best interest to leave out the added "spice."

So you're a team player

Some phrases should be avoided because they convey attributes that employers consider standard for any job applicant. Anyone who has ever worked in an office with at least one colleague can easily attest to being a "team player." Intuitively, if you aren't "results-oriented" and can't perform your duties in a "multitasking" environment, why should they bother recruiting you?

It's expected that you're "motivated." If you profess to be "effective" or categorize yourself an "excellent manager," how would a hiring manager know? Try to focus on why you are well-suited for the position. If you're over 50, "seasoned" is as commonplace as "energetic" is for inexperienced candidates. Beware: The savvy and discerning hiring manager can smell a spin in seconds.

Let manager judge your merits

The preferred route is to highlight your achievements and allow the hiring manager to make his or her own judgment call regarding whether or not you are actually a "strong leader." Provide specific and preferably quantifiable examples of your accomplishments to underpin your qualifications.

Incorporate terms that will inspire the reader and motivate him to take a much closer look at your resume. Such terms include: developed, researched, increased, reduced, improved, created, accomplished, won, on-time, and under budget.

Place yourself in the shoes of a hiring manager.

Would you be motivated to contact a job-seeker who described himself as a "strong manager" or someone who "increased division profits by 12 percent" and whose "diplomatic complaint resolution reduced employee attrition by 20 percent?"

Instill confidence

Your resume is your promise of value to a company. When crafting a resume, your challenge is to incorporate words that will positively influence the prospective employer by instilling confidence in your abilities.

A hiring manager needs to feel comfortable that you are the right choice, and that and that if hired, you will get things done with minimal fuss.

Lenny Keitel runs Hudson Valley Resumes in Monroe, NY, a premier nationwide Resume Writing Service with a penchant for crafting compelling resumes which inspire and motivate the hiring manager through its inspirational content, clarity, and visual appeal.

http://www.hudsonvalleyresumes.com/

info@hudsonvalleyresumes (email), (845) 782-6714 (phone/fax), (914) 782-6714 (mobile)

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CV Buzz Words

There is a lot of talk in Professional CV Writing of CV Buzz Words, also known as Keywords. The need for these came about originally with job applicants recognising that equipped with an interview buzz words list, they could potentially get a job just by sounding right for the job.

As a Professional recruiter, CV Writer and trained job interviewer, as I have said many times before, the hardest thing for an employer or recruiter to explain to a job seeker is what it is like on the far side of the job interview desk. But, do buzz words work? In the right context, if you have the basic skills and understanding for that job, then yes they do. But if you are a weak job applicant, and don't have the basic skills for that job, then no. Either you will sound like the Duracell Bunny, and/or a good interviewer will find you out.

But if you have the skills to do the job, the right buzz words will help you. What are they, how do you find out what they are, and how do you use them?

Buzz words for CVs
In background, buzz words also known as keywords are according to dictionaries:

An important-sounding usually technical word or phrase often of little meaning used chiefly to impress laymenA voguish word or phrase -called also buzz phrase

Hence, used in the first context, they are useless. You need to have the basic skills to make them work in the second context.

Buzz words for job applications
But the problem for job seekers and job applicants now, is that we have job applicant tracking systems, and they actively search for CV Buzz Words! Its why most technical job CV's have keywords sections, specifically to allow their scanning systems to easily see and find them.
However, there is no point in keyword stuffing your CV or job application. A good Professional CV has to read right for both human beings and computers. Generally, that means that the biggest companies will use ATS systems, but for smaller companies keyword stuffing makes little sence.

How to you find keywords?
So, you are applying for a technical job, and you want to add some buzz words: how do you find out which to use? You have three main sources:

The job advert itself: the actual job adverts will mention the key skills, qualifications and experiences that the job holder will requireThe local magazine display: specialist sector magazines are highly researched pieces of media, and better than books are the guide to the latest what's new/great and hence in vogue in that market. A quick stroll to your local newspaper shop should provide a great guide on what's in, trendy and hence a buzz wordThe internet: tap in the keywords for that job or market, and see what your favourite search engines provides

I prefer this method of researching trends over any of the published lists. These are words and phrases which are in vogue now. Hence much like fashion, words and phrases come into as well as out of style.

Buzz words for CV
Once you have your keywords, how do you use them? Remember, that who ever or what ever reads your Professional CV, its wording has to work being read by both human beings and computers.

The best way hence to insert buzz words into your Professional CV is to add them within the text. This means that they look natural and in context, and not placed. The downside of this method is that they may not be that easily found by a computer. You hence have two options, should you conclude that a computer (ATS) will be scanning your CV or job application:

Highlight or bold the keywords and skills: I have never seen this done well, and it makes you look like you are shouting these words out. Remember, its your SQE that will get you employed, the buzz words just add to thatAdd a keywords section: place all the SQE words in a keywords section, just below your personal statement. This can look a little bit robotic, but its clear and makes a human-level reader difference as well

Buzz words for interview
Do buzz words work in an interview? Unless you place them in context and understand both what they do and what beneficial affect that they have within business, then no!

Plus, what buzz words that were in trend two weeks ago, may not be now. Further, they may not be the buzz words within that employer.

CV buzz words are not an essential thing to learn or understand when you are writing a Professional CV or applying for a job. But of you have the right skills for that job, and know or can find out what the keywords are, then they can confirm you as a candidate worth interviewing.

Good Luck!

Ian R McAllister is the founder of a UK group focused on recruitment and employment in skills-short professional employment sectors, presently covering IT, telecoms and project management. The group also provides job applicant information and services via a series of online resources, engaging Professional CV Writers via their website at CV4.biz

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7 Words You Can't Say in a Resume

You won't impress hiring managers with bland language. Show them, don't tell them

what you have donewhy your experience is phenomenalhow you can hit the ground running on the first day of your new job.

You're an extraordinary candidate: Present your career history in extraordinary terms!

Want to amaze your reader? AVOID using these 7 words in your resume-choose action-oriented, powerful verbs that demonstrate why you're the best person for the job.

1. Responsible for

Responsibility is a good thing. Taking responsibility is also a good thing. Passively suggesting that you were somehow involved in some activity at your place of work? Not such a good thing. Explain how you project managed a sales project yielding 35% ROI, jump-started new a new promotional technique, or delivered top-line revenue increases.

2. Managed

To manage a task means to control it, guide it, or, in the case of people, coach or mentor them. To manage to do something, however, implies just getting by, a capability that no job candidate wishes to offer a hiring manager who doesn't have time to waste on apparent slackers.

3. Acted as

This one makes one wonder if the candidate was really doing X or Y, or was he simply acting that way. Substitute engaged as, in the case of a candidate's being asked to do something apart from his standard job description (think: consulting engagement).

4. Grew

Flowers grow, and gardeners grow flowers. I tend to think that if it's not organic with stems full of leafy greens, it's not going to grow. Try increased or generated. Even enlarged will work, in the case of territories or markets. Developed is a good possibility as well.

5. Was involved

Like "responsible for," this one brings to mind someone who stood and watched from the sidelines. Spice up your accomplishments by telling the recruiter or hiring manager how you identified a new sales opportunity, introduced a new method of communicating across silos, or piloted an investigative project that ultimately yielded $5 million in new business.

6. Bring

"Bring" implies hand delivery, but your resume is a professional, not personal, document. Give displayed, demonstrated, arranged, or exhibited a try to emphasize your strengths in accomplishing any of the foregoing.

7. Assisted

Even if you think you only helped to accomplish a project, demonstrate through careful and strong writing how you teamed with executive management or collaborated with division director to introduce a new product or process.

Contact Inscribe / Express for a free analysis of the language you use in your resume. Is it powerful enough? Will you convince a recruiter or hiring manager to call?

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Does Your Resume Have A Strategy Or Is It Just A Pretty Format and Fluffy Words?

By Jessica M Holbrook Jessica M Holbrook
Level: Platinum

Jessica Holbrook is an expert resume writer, career and personal branding strategist, author, and presenter. She has written more than 100 articles that are featured ...

In the last couple of years resume writing has changed dramatically. We've seen a shift in formats, trends, content, and positioning. Gone are the days of objective statements and lists of duties in short bullet point format. The drive for branding, positioning, compelling presentations, and captivating content have taken over.

I started Great Resumes Fast after 10 years working in human resources and staffing. I saw a desperate need with job seekers-so many had no idea how to develop an interview-winning resume, and I was on a mission to help educate them! I think that's one of the reasons why so much of what we do offers free tips, advice, and resources to job seekers. I'm still on that mission to educate the masses. Be that as it may, I started this journey with a passion to help, and my team has grown by a few people, but they're as equally passionate as I am.

Our writers are some of the most sought after, elite writers in the industry. Highly credentialed and trained by the prestigious resume writing academy, our writers do more than just develop resumes and cover letters. They craft career documents that position our clients as leaders in their industry, they create strategies that produce immediate results, and they develop and incorporate personal branding into each and every resume.

Yes, there is a difference between that $150 resume service and our service. We are not a budget resume service. When you hire us you get quality time and attention. But far more important, you get immediate results. In the past month alone more than 90% of our clients have had 3 or more interviews within the first two weeks of using their new resume and cover letter. Our clients get these results because of our exclusive resume development and branding process. When we craft a resume and cover letter for you, you're not just getting any resume and cover letter-you're getting a branded, bold, and authentic document developed with a customized and targeted strategy catered to your specific job search. Our strategy development and branding process is exclusive to our service; you won't find it anywhere else, and It's the main reason why our resumes and cover letters are significantly more successful than the other guys'.

So my question to you-does your resume have a strategy? If it doesn't, then it's directionless and will most likely stumble, fall short, and be a source of disappointment for you. If your resume has no clear direction, intention, or mission, then you have no edge in the marketplace and will ultimately find your job search taking significantly longer than it should. Take some time to think about what it is you want from your job search, what positions you're looking for, what the requirements are for those positions, and how you can brand yourself. Then develop a strategy for how to best communicate that information in your resume.

Jessica Holbrook Hernandez is an expert resume writer, career and personal branding strategist, author, speaker and President/CEO of Great Resumes Fast. She creates high-impact, best-in-class, resumes and cover letters that transform job searches into interviews and ultimately job offers. For more information about professional resume writing or to read more career and job search related articles visit http://www.greatresumesfast.com/ or call 1.800.991.5187.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jessica_M_Holbrook

This article has been viewed 6 time(s).
Article Submitted On: December 06, 2010

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