Equipping a Basic Resume for LGBT Job Hunting

Discrimination is everywhere.

Despite the existence of anti-discrimination laws that are in effect in the country, it can't be denied that discrimination is one of the leading concerns of many individuals. This is prevalent particularly in the workplace where unsuspecting applicants are already judged based on their race, gender, ethnicity, and even religion.

In addition to the tedious job search, an applicant belonging to the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community has to worry if the company does not have a welcoming environment for employees who have decided to "come out" at work. Such transition or coming out sometimes stirs negative reactions from fellow employees and even superiors. As such, aside from prepping up a basic resume, LGBT job hopefuls should also exert extra effort in searching for the best company for them.

In order to ensure the success of a job application, members of the LGBT community should consider doing the following:

Prepare an Irresistible Resume

Long before you start handing out your application, you should first consider crafting an effective resume that can help you in your job search. Make sure that you properly equip your application with the much-needed information such as specific skills, transferable abilities, technical and language proficiencies, and accomplishments.

Never settle for a basic resume. Your application is your personalized marketing tool, thus, using basic applications can only prompt you to sell yourself short of what you actually worth. You already have discrimination hanging on your head. Don't make it worst by submitting a second-rate pre-employment document.

Name to Use

One of the frequently asked questions by LGBT job hopefuls is whether it is advisable to use their preferred name on their application. Using your preferred name in your resume is okay as long as you're comfortable in disclosing your sexual orientation.

Moreover, you can also freely use your preferred name if you have already secured a court order for your name change. If you are yet to secure one, you might want to stick with your given name for some time.

Discretion during Application

Your LGBT affiliation can make or break your job search. As such, make sure that before improving your basic resume and submitting it, you have thoroughly conducted a search of the companies that are known to accept job candidates from LGBT organizations. Doing so will not only decrease the time spent on your search, but it will also increase your chances of being hired.

It is your choice whether you would like to "come out" during your job search or be discreet about your gender orientation. You should not let yourself be deprived of your right to feel at ease with your own skin. Everyone has the freedom to express himself. As for your job search, don't lose hope and stay positive. It may be tough to find the right company for you with your orientation and a simple application document. However, with your determination and willingness to improve, you can certainly get the job that you've always wanted.

Melinda Edwards works as a career consultant and has been invited in many forums and events on human resource management. She is also a time management expert who effectively performs her roles both as a career woman and a mother.

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Basic Resume Writing Tips

There is one tool that you might take for granted but if you use it correctly, it could land you your next big career opportunity. That tool is your resume. Some people think that creating a resume just involves filling up a document with contact information and a bunch of random work experience. The thing is, today's hiring managers and HR departments don't have enough time in their day to read every single detail on the resumes they get. They might get flooded with hundreds or even thousands of resumes for one open position. So they're not going to have time to read about your first high school job or any job that doesn't apply to the position they are seeking to fill. As you sit down to write your resume, keep in mind that this document will serve as your first impression. You need to grab employers' attention and spell out why you are the right person for the job. You can achieve this by spotlighting pertinent information and leaving all of the unnecessary details out.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when writing your resume:

Choose the Right Format

Resumes come in a variety of formats. The three main ones are chronological, functional and chrono-functional which is a combination of the two. With a chronological resume, you will list your work experience in a reverse chronological order with the most recent job listed first. This is a good choice if you want to show career growth in the same field. Functional resumes categorize your skills by function and emphasize your abilities. This format is good if you want to change careers and show how your skills could apply in a new role. And chrono-functional resumes show off your work experience in chronological order and your abilities in a functional section of the resume. This format is good if you have a solid work history and want to change careers.

Remember to Use Keywords

Many companies are turning to digital databases to search for job candidates. They can now find candidates based on specific keywords. If you don't have those keywords on your resume, you might not even have a chance of getting an interview. Improve your chances by working some of the qualifications listed in the job posting on your resume. For example, if they are looking for a copywriter with three or more years of experience in a professional setting, include that on your resume if you meet that qualification.

Keep the Tone Positive

Including negative and irrelevant information in your resume could hurt your chances of even getting to the interview stage. Potential employers might assume that you are very difficult to work with. So be positive. You might not have agreed with the way things were done at your last job, but you don't need to include that in your resume. You want to put your best foot forward and show employers that you truly are a team player.

Jaime Cooper Consulting offers professional resume writing and editing services for a variety of industries. The resume writing team at Jaime Cooper Consulting is comprised of professional writers who have spent years in staffing, human resources, and the job placement industry. Each writer has at least three years of experience in professional staffing and has edited and reviewed at least one hundred resumes during that time. Our resumes are highly personalized and targeted to specific audiences. At Jaime Cooper Consulting, your satisfaction is guaranteed. If you do not see a significant improvement in your resume, we will revise it for free. Visit us today to learn more about our professional resume consulting services.

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

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CVs and Resumes - The Basic Facts

INCLUDE

These basic facts you need to include on your CV are:

Your nameYour addressYour phone number (home and mobile, but be wary of putting your work number in, unless you are happy to be called at work)Your email addressYour career history in detailYour educational recordAny professional qualifications you have achievedAny professional membershipsYour relevant skillsAny relevant training and development.

With regard to career history it is important to write about your most recent posts in some detail. The further back in time you go, the less detail you need to give. The exception to this is if a role further back in time is more relevant to your current application than more recent jobs.

Always put your university degree and grade achieve. Listing your 'A' level and GCSE passes is essential, but you need only put the grades if the results have been achieved in the last five years or so. After that your university education or job history becomes more important. However, with regard to education, you should include any awards you gained, whether you were head girl or boy, whether you were on the school council or took part in special projects - anything like that.

DO NOT INCLUDE

As well as essentials that you should include (above), there are some things that you do not need to include. These are:

Date of birthNationalitySexWork status (include this if you are not from the EU)Marital or family statusReligionSexualityPoliticsDisabilities or ill-healthReasons for leaving jobsConflicts at previous jobsCaring responsibilitiesCriminal convictions (see separate article).

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