Resume & Cover Letter Writing: Critical

Showing posts with label Critical. Show all posts

8/16/11

Why Writing Targeted Resumes Is More Critical Than You Think

When applying for a job, you are immediately handed the responsibility of proving you're the best candidate, which can be challenging if you can't provide examples showing that this is indeed a fact. A great way to show your worth is by focusing on what the employer needs most from the candidate who will fill the position, then writing a targeted resume that addresses those needs specifically.

Targeting Your Resume Proves You Are the Best Fit for the Position

Employers absolutely need to know that the candidate they choose for a job is the best fit, which they do by confirming that a candidate's past accomplishments and current skill set fall in line with the important day-to-day tasks and overarching goals of the position.

If you write a generic resume that doesn't take into account the specific needs of the company or showcase your professional capabilities, you are failing to prove that you are right for the position. Unfortunately, another candidate would be more than happy to pick up your slack-and take your job while they're at it.

How Can You Ensure Your Resume Is Targeted?

So how can you create that targeted resume that will show the employer that you deserve the interview?

1. Research the company and position: A great way to target your resume is to dig in and learn about the company and what the employer wants from its candidates. Once you acquire this information, you will be armed with specifics that can help you determine what contributions you can make to the company.

2. Customize a job target/title, branding statement, and career summary: Instead of writing a bland objective statement, place a job target/title at the top of your resume that defines who you are as a professional. Also, create a branding statement (a one- or two-line statement that sums up the value you can offer each employer based upon their needs and how you can meet them) that is customized to the specific job. Then write a career summary (most commonly a bullet point list that shares your career highlights) listing accomplishments most pertinent to the position at the top.

3. Utilize keywords throughout: It's also important to utilize specific keywords in your resume. For example, if you are applying as an executive chef in the hospitality industry, you might incorporate keyword phrases like "menu planning", "kitchen equipment", "banquet meal production", and "procurement of food supplies" as indicators of your knowledge of the field. Keywords should be used in your job target/title, branding statement, career summary, and most other sections in your resume.

Targeting your resumes requires a bit more effort but offers a lot in return. By taking time to tailor resumes for each company to which you apply, you give them no doubt that you are the best person for the job.

For additional tips and advice on resumes and cover letters, follow @GreatResume or visit our blog.

Global resume authority Jessica M Holbrook of http://www.greatresumesfast.com/ is a former HR Manager who partners with professional- and executive-level candidates to create authentic, branded resumes and cover letters. An international resume columnist and resume expert for JobTalkAmerica radio, her work opens doors to lucrative positions at Fortune 500 companies.

7/8/11

Why Writing Targeted Resumes Is More Critical Than You Think

Targeting Your Resume Proves You Are the Best Fit for the Position

How Can You Ensure Your Resume Is Targeted?

So how can you create that targeted resume that will show the employer that you deserve the interview?

For additional tips and advice on resumes and cover letters, follow @GreatResume or visit our blog.

2/9/11

5 Critical Areas of Weakness With Your Resume

Each week, I critique a new resume on-air over at jobtalkamerica, and over the past couple of months I've started to notice some of what I like to call "terrible resume trends." They're common mistakes that everyday job seekers are making-and they have no idea that they're making them! (How can you fix what's wrong if you don't even know what that is!) Well, I'm here to open your eyes and (hopefully) start getting you some interviews. Below is a list of weaknesses (the five most common) that people tend to overlook on their resumes.

THE FONT

You may not think the font you choose for your resume is very important, but it communicates more than you think. Use a font that's too small, and the documents will be too hard to read-and the hiring manager won't even invest any time in it. Use one that's too large and you'll seem inexperienced and juvenile. Use Times New Roman and you'll send a subliminal message that you're boring-a mediocre lemming-that you're just like everyone else. Just as the outfit you wear to the interview provides a first impression for the hiring manager, so do the font and design on your resume.

SUBPAR SUBTITLES

Using the terms "SUMMARY", "PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE", and "WORK HISTORY" are becoming sorely overused. Not to mention they waste space and don't tell the hiring manager ANYTHING about what you've really accomplished. Instead, use very specific subtitles. At the top of your resume, instead of using the term "CAREER SUMMARY", use your target job title. That way, every time you apply for a job, it's customized to that particular position. Do the same with "PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE". If you are in IT and work as a project manager, change the title to "PROJECT MANAGEMENT EXPERIENCE". One more thing: If you're an executive, do not use the header "PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE" on your resume. This is a HUGE mistake. You're sending a mixed message; in one portion of the resume you're stating you're an executive, but in another you are stating you're professional. Be consistent throughout the resume.

POWERFUL PERSONAL BRANDING

If the world realized how powerful a personally branded resume was, everybody would use one. But the majority of the population is clueless. So here's your insider tip: GET A CLUE! Underneath that shiny new job target/title that you'll be putting at the top of your resume, include a brief one-liner about why you're the best (insert job title here) there is (or ever was)! Use the opportunity to briefly highlight why you're the perfect fit for their opening.

GENERIC COVER LETTERS

What a waste of space and time! Do you want to bore the hiring manager? Or engage him and give him a reason to read your resume? Your cover letter should NOT be a reproduction of your resume. Spend some time researching the company to which you're applying, find out what their needs are-then specify in the cover letter how you can help them meet their needs. It will certainly set you apart from all the other candidates. While you're at it, don't start your cover letter with the predictable "Please accept this... " "In response to... " You're not a mainstream candidate; you don't run WITH the crowd-you STAND OUT! So... show the hiring manager!

REFUSING TO THANK

How many people miss the boat on this one! Take the time to thank the hiring manager for his time and to reiterate why you are excited about (and the best fit for) the opening. I can tell you right now, most people don't send a thank you letter. In fact, in more than 10 years of working as an HR manager and recruiter, I can count on one hand the number of thank you cards or letters I've received. Make your mark; be memorable, be polite, seal the deal-write and send the thank you letter.

Take a more strategic approach to your job search and start thinking about what sets you apart-instead of just doing what you've always done-or what everyone else is doing.

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

3 Critical Elements in a Job Winning Resume

Most resumes appear to be the same, but there are important differences between resumes that are quickly eliminated and those that catch the attention of employers. A resume designed for the job you are interested in should include the following:

a relevant resume stylecareer objectiveprofessional profile

Resume Style:

The arrangement and style of your resume are as important as the content included regarding your experience and qualifications. Two resume styles that are most commonly used are chronological and functional. The chronological resume is characterized by listing your professional experience in order and showcases your expertise. The functional resume lists your experience by the qualifications you possess and is used by those without much experience or by those seeking a career change.

The type of resume style you use is your choice, but you must realize that the style you choose can affect how you are presented to the prospective employer. You will want to pick the layout that features your experience and qualifications in the best light. Knowing which format is used in the career you are seeking will be very important, as well.

Career Objective:

Career objective is a significant part of your resume. Aside from the ongoing debate about whether the objective should be included, this statement gives the employer insight to the goals you desire to achieve. Your career objective will be the first impression the hiring manager and potential bosses will have of you.

Your goals should be specific and focused of the type of business, position title, and future professional goals your desire to achieve. A common mistake people make in their career objective is make general statements. Your statement should convince the employer that you know what kind of job you want, the experience you have for this position, and what you want to do to become a part of the employer's professional team.

Professional Profile:

While the career objective tells the employer why you applied for the job, the professional profile displays your expertise and shows the employer you are the best candidate for the job. This profile allows you to set yourself apart and give insight into who you are and what you have to offer.

Two common mistakes in this area are poor writing and irrelevant personal information. Age, race, religion, etc. should not be a part of any resume. Personal information does not affect how the professional performs their job. This section should be well written and without error.

Powerful positive statements regarding your expertise will make a lasting impression on the prospective employer. Proofread the entire resume with special attention to this section as it will be presented first. Your profile should express confidence and professionalism to make a good first impression to the prospective employer.

1/25/11

Most Critical Resume Errors

Most recruiters are busy people and they don't have the whole day to consider your resume. Do you think your resume is good enough to make it to the collection of resumes being considered? Or will it directly go to the trash can? Does it work in your favor or is it a burden?

Victoria Potter, Edina's (Minn.-based Princeton Search Group, veteran recruiter, goes through a number of 300 resumes every week and offers opinion on all kinds of resumes, be it the better ones or the ones that don't work. According to Ms. Potter, most common errors are:

Error 1: A deficient beginning

There are hundreds of resume responses to an online job advertisement, and if you want your resume to stand out and make a strong statement, you better start it with a punch line, but most people don't realize the importance of that. According to Potter, of the hundred plus resumes recruiters receive, only less than a dozen leave a strong impact on the reader.

The best way to get your resume noticed is to top it with a prominent objective. There are no second chances or revisions, either you make your mark or you don't.

The thing to keep in mind is that the first line of your resume should be appealing enough to motivate the reader to read the rest of your resume. It should be impressive and strong enough for the recruiters to call you immediately.

Error 2: Inconsistency and lack of clarity

According to Ms. Potter, a resume which doesn't maintain consistency and doesn't provide a clear insight into the mind, objectives and area of expertise of an applicant fails. Applicants should not try to overstate the number of areas in which they excel and be all kinds of people. Don't confuse the reader by mentioning every little detail you believe you have mastered.

The solution to this problem is just getting a professional to review the resume for you and check whether the resume answers core questions about your work. Try to bring order and focus to your resume.

Error 3: Lack of important information

In Potter's view, applicants need to use accurate statistics and their specific accomplishments to support the statements their resume makes. Your qualification won't work for you if your resume lacks the verification of your theories.

This error can be avoided by answering specific questions about your projects and schemes

Error 4: Information in Excessive Amounts

A resume that goes on forever and has pointless amounts of extraneous information can work negatively for an applicant as well. You might think that it looks pleasing if you overstuff the resume with more and more details, but irrelevant data will do you no good. No employer is interested in going through an endless tale which doesn't serve their purpose.

This error can be avoided by omitting the kind of irrelevant experiences and detail that doesn't fit into the sort of job you are applying for. Remember, it is very crucial to maintain conciseness and accuracy

Bryan Goldberg is a professional writer who has helped numerous applicants with their resumes, CVs and cover letters.He is a regular contributor to online article directories for instructional articles about resume, CV and cover letter writing.

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

1/12/11

10 Critical Mistakes to Avoid When Writing Your Resume

After talking with so many people, I know many of you work and work to create the perfect resume, only to look it over when you are finished and realize your resume doesn't say, or reflect, just what you want it to. And often times, that keeps you from being called for interviews.

I've included a list of "deal breakers" that might hinder your chances for an interview:

1. Mizspelld Words or Bad Grammar

While spell-check is good, it doesn't catch everything - there could be a word that's spelled right, but not the right word for the context of the sentence. Keep that spell-check in action but don't rely on it exclusively. Misspellings can be the death of your application, no matter how qualified you might be. Think of how embarrassing it would be if you have been a mechanical engineer for 30 years and spell it 'michanical' engineer on your resume. Lots of times we accidentally misspell words that are actually words themselves i.e. "manger" instead of "manager".

There can be other consequences, as well-misspelled words could interfere with resumes being found in the key word search of a resume database. So, proofread your resume yourself - it's important.

*Be sure to keep tenses consistent and check for the correct word usage (such as "counsel" versus "council").

2. Using a Vague Job Focus

Be clear on the type of position you want to target - your resume should be geared toward that. If you just say "Medical Field" or "Manufacturing," the reader does not know what type of position you want, so your resume will probably not be considered. Make sure you are specific as to the type of job you want, such as "Accounting Professional", "Senior Management Executive", or "Educator."

3. Not Including your Personal Brand, or your Value

In today's challenging job market, showing your uniqueness - your personal brand; and letting potential employers see the value you bring to a new position is essential. Your resume must reflect why an employer should pick up the phone and call you for an interview over the hundreds of other resumes sitting on their desk. You ultimately get hired for the value you contribute to a company, so make sure it shows on your resume.

4. Including your References on the Resume

YOU NO LONGER NEED TO ADD REFERENCES UPON REQUEST on your r?sum?. It is a given that you will bring a list of references to the interview. Only provide references when they are asked for. Never include them on your resume. It's understood that if a company wants your references, you'll provide them.

5. Adding Pictures to your Resume

This might sound like a good idea if you are good looking, but it can also work against you. Unless you are applying for a job as a model or actor, pictures on your r?sum? is not a good idea.

6. Making Reference to Political or Religious Organizations

A GIANT NO-NO!! Don't scare off prospective employers by referring to your political or religious opinions or affiliations that do not directly relate to your ability to do the job. An employer might not agree with your politics or might feel that the workplace is nowhere to display attitudes that might alienate others.

7. Including your Salary Demands

This should not be put on the resume - it's only used to screen a candidate out of the running or influence the employer to offer less money. Salary should not be discussed until you have had the opportunity to explain your value - in person or over the phone

8. Creating a Resume that's Too Long

People do not have the time to go over resumes that state everything you ever did in your career. Edit your profile down to the most relevant experience for the job at hand. Employers often gauge whether an applicant can deliver information about themselves in a quick, clear and concise manner to sell themselves.

Your resume must be long enough to show your value, but not too long, or the reader will lose interest.

9. Using Incompatible File Types and Formats

Electronic resumes should be created in the most readable file for most [Internet-recruiting] systems, which is plain text or Microsoft Word.

Today's resume needs to be readable by machines, which means text needs to have a font size between 10 - 12 and a simple font style, such as Arial, Verdana, Helvetica or Microsoft SansSerif.

10. Stick to the Truth

We've seen what happen with CEO's who embellish on their r?sum?s. If you lie on your resume, you will have to defend yourself and your r?sum? in an interview. Employers also do background and even credit checks, and inaccurate info could come back to haunt you.

Plus a few more...!

11. Don't Put your Reasons for Leaving on the R?sum?

Save this for the interview. It doesn't need to be on the r?sum?.

12. DO NOT Make Changes to the R?sum? in Pencil or Pen

Add it to the document on your computer, not jotting it down or crossing something else out. This is never acceptable on a r?sum?.

13. NEVER send a r?sum? without a cover letter!

You must always have a cover letter. It states your intention to the reader. It's expected and is important in job search etiquette. This is a powerful tool that can give you the competitive edge

Erin Kennedy, CPRW, CERW, BS/HR, is a Certified Professional & Executive Resume Writer/Career Consultant and President of Professional Resume Services, Inc. She is a nationally published writer and contributor of 9+ best-selling career books. She has achieved international recognition following yearly nominations of the prestigious T.O.R.I. (Toast of the Resume Industry) Award. Erin has written thousands of resumes for executives and professionals.

As a proud member of PARW, CDI, AORCP, Erin also sits on CDI's Credentialing Committee for new certification candidates and serves as a Mentor for CDI's Member Mentoring Committee. She also is a featured blogger on several well-known career sites. Reuse of this article is encouraged but must include a link to http://exclusive-executive-resumes.com/.

Want to know more about Erin Kennedy, CPRW? Read her LinkedIn profile at: http://www.linkedin.com/in/erinkennedycprw

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