5 Resume Writing Mistakes That Will End Your Job Search

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5 Resume Writing Mistakes That Will End Your Job Search

Never underestimate the power of great résumé writing. It can be the difference between snaring an interview and being left wondering why no one is returning your calls. Admittedly, you could create the greatest résumé ever and it may not work because you might not be what the company is looking for but at least it gives you the best possible shot of getting a job in what is an austere economy. Jobseekers have immense pressure on them as debts pile up and their need becomes ever more desperate. This leads to mistakes which prove costly. Continue reading to discover the 5 résumé mistakes that could kill off your chances of getting that interview.

1 -Obsession With Old Achievements
Employers are only interested with what you have achieved recently. To them, it doesn't matter if you were a managing director 15 years ago, especially if you are only an office boy today. Additionally, focusing on what you did many years ago detracts from what you have done recently. Keep your résumé current if you want to move onto the next stage.

2 - Including References
Admit it; you have placed references right at the end of at least one résumé right? This is a big mistake because employers only check references further down the line. Including them straight away is seen as presumptuous and makes it look as if you have something of an ego. Don't even add 'references available on request' because it isn't necessary. If they want references, they will ask you later on.

3 - Lengthy Work History
You don't really need to include more than three jobs on your résumé depending on the duration of each job. In most cases, there is no need to go back more than about 10 years. Adding anything extra either makes you appear to be too old or else it suggests that you don't stay in one place too long.

4 - No Impression
A common résumé writing mistake is to focus on the duties performed in previous employment. In most cases, this involves mundane details that don't interest the employer. Your goal is to show the hiring company that you left a lasting positive impression at your last job. This means you need to show what you achieved and how it impacted the company. For example, you can state that you helped improve efficiency and increases sales. If you have specific data relating to these achievements, include it. For example, 'Increased company profit by 14% via the implementation of a new sales strategy'.

5 - Lack of Specificity
Apply for any job with a one-size fits all résumé and your application will end up in the bin. Hiring teams see straight through such lazy attempts and will take about five seconds to scan the résumé before dumping it. Read each job application carefully and tailor each résumé to suit the job specifics. Include relevant keywords to ensure it shows up on search engine results in the event that you apply for jobs online.

Overall, there is no excuse to implement these resume writing mistakes because they are easy to avoid and can significantly improve your chances of being called to the second stage. The job hunting market is a dog eat dog world and if you aren't prepared to make an extra effort, you will either remain jobless or in your current vocation with no opportunity to make forward strides in your career.

Jason Kay is a professional resume writer recommends comparing online resume services at http://www.jobgoround.com/services/resume-writer-reviews/.

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What Does Your Email Cover Letter Say About Your Job Search?

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Is Having the Wrong References Hurting Your Job Search?

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Proper Writing And Editing Skills Are Essential In Your Job Search

Approximately 80% of all business emails sent out by people in a job search have no automatic email signature with all the senders contact information at the end. That is a shame. These email signatures are a must because normally a discussion has to happen to set up employment interviews. Something like this, I have some time available on Tuesday to interview you. Do you mean this Tuesday as in tomorrow or next Tuesday the 15th? Tomorrow. That works for me if we can start any time after 5:30 pm or any night after 5:30 is ideal. I am only available between 12 noon and 2 pm tomorrow, after that I am on a business trip to Tuscon, Arizona. Can you get away from the office for lunch tomorrow?

Busy people tend to prefer brief phone calls (instant two-way communication) versus exchanging dozens of emails, texts or instant messages. Another thing, in business most hiring managers are older, well-educated and they are paid to make judgments that protect and contribute to their company's success. Therefore, you the job hunter must cater to their needs and always anticipate what they would want.

Your emails should always have an automatically added signature with your full name, phone numbers, your personal email address, your LinkedIn profile or other helpful website address. Employers will seldom communicate with you through a work email if they are recruiting (no work emails are private). Go to your email settings to set up one or more email signatures, so you can automatically stamp all your outgoing emails (personal and work).

Next, all business emails should be written in business style that shows the readers you are an intelligent, highly competent professional. Using text message style communication (SMH, Holla, st8, gr8, LMAO, 3rd, <3, b4, T1, #*@!&$#@ etc.), misspelling words, grammatical errors, punctuation errors, usage errors and logical errors paints an indelible picture in the employer's mind. Make sure your first impressions are all positive ones while you are in a job search. If not, it is likely that you will be ignored, deleted or removed from contention.

In general, avoid discussing politics, sex or religion in business or recruiting emails, interviews or communications. Make sure you show some intelligence by using strategy that would be viewed as favorable by employers (stalking is frowned upon). Any type of exaggeration or grandiose prose will repel business people like the plague. Avoid it. Portraying yourself as a victim, cursing/swearing, being too emotional or showing desperation is also counter productive. Humor is terrific of course because it makes people smile and laugh, however obscene, racial or political jokes are strictly forbidden when auditioning for a new job.

Never email or fax your resume, cover letters or follow-up letters from your current employer or your business email address. There is no privacy in any case, you leave a paper trail, and it is normally against the rules of employment. Most employers view this as a great offense, being paid to work does not include job hunting for a new job at the local competition. You are being paid to work and produce only for your employer. Thus, you should never list your work phone or work email on a resume, cover letter or email. Be discrete and avoid obvious conflicts of interest in your job search, so hiring managers will respect you more.

Did you know that hiring managers, HR managers and supervisors will review your Google search results on your name? Make sure that your Google search results are all favorable ahead of time.

Copyright 2012 by Darrell Z. DiZoglio. Great writing on demand. Accelerate your job search. Dream jobs do come true for my clients every day. Resume good => Job good => Life good. Click here => http://righteousresumes.com/ To see all the tools your competition used to earn the job you could have interviewed for with a big fat raise, click here => http://RighteousResumes.com/services.html

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Is the Resume Enough for Your Job Search?

As recently as 10 years ago, the only thing most job seekers needed to prepare for their job search was their resume, and perhaps, a cover letter. Then, they would mail it or hand-deliver to the hiring company. Seems kind of archaic now, doesn't it? Today, the job search is much more complicated and hiring managers are using multiple tools to evaluate candidates and ensure they are finding the best possible people for their organizations. The Internet has completely changed the game and both hiring organizations and candidates are taking advantage of social media and other Web 2.0 tools during the hiring process.

Below is a list of things that the modern job seeker should have in his/her arsenal:

1) Cover letter: This is the most traditional document on this list and has been used as a complement to the resume for years. However, it is still surprising how often job seekers neglect to include a cover letter or don't use it to its full capacity. A cover letter is an incredible tool to make a personal connection with the hiring manager, which a resume must doesn't provide. Job seekers should be sure to create a cover letter and take advantage of the opportunity to stand out from the sea of other applicants.

2) LinkedIn: LinkedIn is the world's largest social network dedicated to professionals. As of July 2012, there are more than 200 million users on LinkedIn and job seekers can be sure that most employers will do a quick search for your profile at some point in the hiring process. The summary of the LinkedIn profile provides a great platform to show employers the value you can bring to an organization. Also, the recommendations from colleagues and clients are an excellent way to build third-party credibility.

3) Personal Blog: If a job seeker has a blog that is relevant to the industry they are trying to break into, this can be an excellent tool to get hiring managers' attention. For example, if a candidate were applying for a position as a financial advisor, having a blog that was centered on personal finance would tell employers that he/she was competent in the field and has a passion for the subject matter.

4) Networking Resume: Job seekers should consider putting together a condensed version of their traditional resume that they can pass off to friends and colleagues. Not everybody needs the full version and a one-page bio/resume combination has proven to be a winning tool for many job seekers as it works well for job seekers in the midst of person-to-person contact who want to avoid the hassle of tracking multiple sheets of paper. As clients rely more heavily on networking and other more personal approaches to their job search, the networking resume may even begin take the place of the traditional resume.

These are just a few suggestions to give job seekers a leg up on the competition. Those who are building a brand around social media will have an advantage over those who don't. As recruiters and hiring managers place a heavier emphasis on "social proof", job seekers who continue to just mail in their resumes will almost certainly struggle to win interviews.

And finally, if you are interested in hiring a resume review service or looking for guidance on creating these additional career marketing tools, please check out Resume Mastermind at http://www.resumemastermind.com/.

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How To Speed Up The Job Search Process With Your Resume

It's inevitable: word gets out that you're looking for a new job and someone, be it a colleague, family member or friend, takes it upon themselves to give you a "reality check". While the specifics of what they say might differ, the key takeaway is always something like: be prepared for a grueling process. Be prepared to send out hundreds of resumes before landing a single interview. Be prepared to wait, tear your hair out over unpaid bills, and wait some more.

Does it have to be this way?

When a jobseeker receives advice like this, it usually comes from a helpful place. But, as someone who's worked closely with hundreds of top-level professionals, I can assure you that a protracted job search is NOT a given.

You can land a new job in weeks, not months. The key lies in speeding up the traditional job search process using your resume:

1) Use A Single Version of the Resume that Communicates Unique Value

Few things are a bigger waste of time than endlessly rewriting your resume to fit individual job postings. Hiring managers aren't looking for resumes that read like carbon copies of a job posting. They're looking to be impressed by a unique background. They're looking for skills they might not have considered but which can be applied in a new capacity. They're looking for something special, and that means communicating your UNIQUE VALUE.

-Create a brief opening paragraph at the start of your resume describing 3-4 key attributes. Be selective. What truly makes you a special candidate? What personal abilities are you most proud of?

-Be sure to highlight the attributes mentioned in the opening paragraph FIRST when describing responsibilities at jobs you've held within the "Professional Experience" section. Provide greater detail here. This approach establishes a "personal theme" for the resume and significantly increases its overall impact both at-a-glance and during an in-depth evaluation.

2) Use a 2-Pronged Approach to Resume Keywords

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) such as Taleo and Kenexa are usually the first gatekeepers standing between you and an interview. These programs are designed to scan resumes to make sure certain terms (or "keywords") are present. Those that have them get evaluated by a hiring agent. Those that don't get rejected.

-Gather up job postings you're interested in applying for. Which skills are mentioned over and over again? Make a list of approximately 10 of these skills (which you actually possess).

-Create a "Core Competencies" section near the start of the resume that lists all of these skills (separated by bullets).

-Look for opportunities to expand upon these skills within the "Professional Experience" section. For example, if you listed "Staff Training/Mentoring" within the "Core Competencies" section, you could provide information on specific training initiatives and successes when describing jobs you've held.

-Using this 2-pronged approach increases the probability of successful scanning by Applicant Tracking Systems while providing enough context to pique a recruiter or hiring agent's interest.

3) Get Your Resume In The Hands Of Your Existing Network ASAP

Chances are, someone you already know holds the key to your next position. Reach out to them, be upfront about what you're looking for, and send over your resume for them to take a look at. Some of your contacts might get back to you with feedback. Use it. Others will, in essence, serve as ambassadors, connecting you with industry professionals and delivering opportunities you'd never have been able to discover through "blind" submissions alone. Don't be shy: your friends and colleagues will probably be more than happy to help!

Anish Majumdar, CPRW is a Career Expert and founder of http://resumeorbit.com/. 98% of clients report a significant increase in interviews within 30 days and all work comes backed by a 110% Satisfaction or Money Back Guarantee. Submit your resume for a free critique at http://resumeorbit.com/free_critique.php today!

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Is the Resume Enough for Your Job Search?

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How To Speed Up The Job Search Process With Your Resume

It's inevitable: word gets out that you're looking for a new job and someone, be it a colleague, family member or friend, takes it upon themselves to give you a "reality check". While the specifics of what they say might differ, the key takeaway is always something like: be prepared for a grueling process. Be prepared to send out hundreds of resumes before landing a single interview. Be prepared to wait, tear your hair out over unpaid bills, and wait some more.

Does it have to be this way?

When a jobseeker receives advice like this, it usually comes from a helpful place. But, as someone who's worked closely with hundreds of top-level professionals, I can assure you that a protracted job search is NOT a given.

You can land a new job in weeks, not months. The key lies in speeding up the traditional job search process using your resume:

1) Use A Single Version of the Resume that Communicates Unique Value

Few things are a bigger waste of time than endlessly rewriting your resume to fit individual job postings. Hiring managers aren't looking for resumes that read like carbon copies of a job posting. They're looking to be impressed by a unique background. They're looking for skills they might not have considered but which can be applied in a new capacity. They're looking for something special, and that means communicating your UNIQUE VALUE.

-Create a brief opening paragraph at the start of your resume describing 3-4 key attributes. Be selective. What truly makes you a special candidate? What personal abilities are you most proud of?

-Be sure to highlight the attributes mentioned in the opening paragraph FIRST when describing responsibilities at jobs you've held within the "Professional Experience" section. Provide greater detail here. This approach establishes a "personal theme" for the resume and significantly increases its overall impact both at-a-glance and during an in-depth evaluation.

2) Use a 2-Pronged Approach to Resume Keywords

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) such as Taleo and Kenexa are usually the first gatekeepers standing between you and an interview. These programs are designed to scan resumes to make sure certain terms (or "keywords") are present. Those that have them get evaluated by a hiring agent. Those that don't get rejected.

-Gather up job postings you're interested in applying for. Which skills are mentioned over and over again? Make a list of approximately 10 of these skills (which you actually possess).

-Create a "Core Competencies" section near the start of the resume that lists all of these skills (separated by bullets).

-Look for opportunities to expand upon these skills within the "Professional Experience" section. For example, if you listed "Staff Training/Mentoring" within the "Core Competencies" section, you could provide information on specific training initiatives and successes when describing jobs you've held.

-Using this 2-pronged approach increases the probability of successful scanning by Applicant Tracking Systems while providing enough context to pique a recruiter or hiring agent's interest.

3) Get Your Resume In The Hands Of Your Existing Network ASAP

Chances are, someone you already know holds the key to your next position. Reach out to them, be upfront about what you're looking for, and send over your resume for them to take a look at. Some of your contacts might get back to you with feedback. Use it. Others will, in essence, serve as ambassadors, connecting you with industry professionals and delivering opportunities you'd never have been able to discover through "blind" submissions alone. Don't be shy: your friends and colleagues will probably be more than happy to help!

Anish Majumdar, CPRW is a Career Expert and founder of http://resumeorbit.com/. 98% of clients report a significant increase in interviews within 30 days and all work comes backed by a 110% Satisfaction or Money Back Guarantee. Submit your resume for a free critique at http://resumeorbit.com/free_critique.php today!

Read more ...

How To Speed Up The Job Search Process With Your Resume

It's inevitable: word gets out that you're looking for a new job and someone, be it a colleague, family member or friend, takes it upon themselves to give you a "reality check". While the specifics of what they say might differ, the key takeaway is always something like: be prepared for a grueling process. Be prepared to send out hundreds of resumes before landing a single interview. Be prepared to wait, tear your hair out over unpaid bills, and wait some more.

Does it have to be this way?

When a jobseeker receives advice like this, it usually comes from a helpful place. But, as someone who's worked closely with hundreds of top-level professionals, I can assure you that a protracted job search is NOT a given.

You can land a new job in weeks, not months. The key lies in speeding up the traditional job search process using your resume:

1) Use A Single Version of the Resume that Communicates Unique Value

Few things are a bigger waste of time than endlessly rewriting your resume to fit individual job postings. Hiring managers aren't looking for resumes that read like carbon copies of a job posting. They're looking to be impressed by a unique background. They're looking for skills they might not have considered but which can be applied in a new capacity. They're looking for something special, and that means communicating your UNIQUE VALUE.

-Create a brief opening paragraph at the start of your resume describing 3-4 key attributes. Be selective. What truly makes you a special candidate? What personal abilities are you most proud of?

-Be sure to highlight the attributes mentioned in the opening paragraph FIRST when describing responsibilities at jobs you've held within the "Professional Experience" section. Provide greater detail here. This approach establishes a "personal theme" for the resume and significantly increases its overall impact both at-a-glance and during an in-depth evaluation.

2) Use a 2-Pronged Approach to Resume Keywords

Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) such as Taleo and Kenexa are usually the first gatekeepers standing between you and an interview. These programs are designed to scan resumes to make sure certain terms (or "keywords") are present. Those that have them get evaluated by a hiring agent. Those that don't get rejected.

-Gather up job postings you're interested in applying for. Which skills are mentioned over and over again? Make a list of approximately 10 of these skills (which you actually possess).

-Create a "Core Competencies" section near the start of the resume that lists all of these skills (separated by bullets).

-Look for opportunities to expand upon these skills within the "Professional Experience" section. For example, if you listed "Staff Training/Mentoring" within the "Core Competencies" section, you could provide information on specific training initiatives and successes when describing jobs you've held.

-Using this 2-pronged approach increases the probability of successful scanning by Applicant Tracking Systems while providing enough context to pique a recruiter or hiring agent's interest.

3) Get Your Resume In The Hands Of Your Existing Network ASAP

Chances are, someone you already know holds the key to your next position. Reach out to them, be upfront about what you're looking for, and send over your resume for them to take a look at. Some of your contacts might get back to you with feedback. Use it. Others will, in essence, serve as ambassadors, connecting you with industry professionals and delivering opportunities you'd never have been able to discover through "blind" submissions alone. Don't be shy: your friends and colleagues will probably be more than happy to help!

Anish Majumdar, CPRW is a Career Expert and founder of http://resumeorbit.com/. 98% of clients report a significant increase in interviews within 30 days and all work comes backed by a 110% Satisfaction or Money Back Guarantee. Submit your resume for a free critique at http://resumeorbit.com/free_critique.php today!

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The Job Search Challenge - Your Resume

I have found that for most of us, writing a resume with impact is is a challenge. A resume that truly reflects well on an individual is one of the most difficult challenges for my clients.

More often than not, resumes are the first part of the sorting process for most employers. A well written and to the point resume is a huge asset in your career search.

Your Resume - Stand Above The Crowd

As a personal business coach most of my clients have a resume. It gives a very detailed chronological summary of who they have worked for, the positions they have held and the length of time. The focus is to produce a chronological history that forces the potential employer to guess at what you truly accomplished.

The way to stand above the crowd and increase your odds of moving beyond the first cut it to recast your resume to make it accomplishments oriented. If you think about it, where you have been is important. But what really matters is what you have accomplished.

Resume - Accomplishments By Category

After you have settled on an objective at the beginning of your resume the next thing you must do is present some related accomplishments. For example, if your objective is to "Be part of a growing financial organization and contribute my expertise in marketing, management and sales support" then you must have some accomplishments that relate to that objective.

Your categories for objectives would be:

Under each category make sure to list at least 2 accomplishments and no more than 4.

Resume - How You Word Your Accomplishments

Once you have come up with your accomplishments it is important to use action verbs to start each accomplishment. For example: "Reduced marketing expense while increasing positive exposure for financial products in a large financial services company.

The word 'reduced' shows that you are a person of action and accomplishment. Notice that I didn't name the company where I reduced marketing expense. That is on purpose. We'll reveal that on page 2 of the resume.

The goal is to have this part of your resume along with the objective be on the first page. You want to catch your prospective employer's attention right away.

Resume - Career History

After your accomplishments your next category is Career History. All you do here is list the years, position and company. For example:

1996-2000 Assistant Controller XYZ Corporation

2000-2007 Controller ABC Corporation

After this list your education in the same format as your work experience.

At the end, let them know that references are available upon request. I have a suggestion here. Have your references ready in advance and written. If you have trouble getting people to write references ask them if you can write it and then have them edit it and sign off on it. You will be pleased at how this speeds up the process.

About Author:
The definitive guide to a better business and a better you for entrepreneurs, solo professionals and self-employed individuals striving to reach the top and who are serious about their success. For more information: www.businesskeystosuccess.com/resume-interviewing-promo/.

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A Web Ready Resume Will Provide You Innumerable Advantages When You Search for Jobs

While job seekers used to send out printed resumes for job applications in the past, it has become necessary today to have web ready resumes which are created with HTML. There are a number of tools which are currently available for creating these resumes in order to reach out to more potential customers and to create a strong impression on recruiters.

The Advantages

There are several advantages of creating a web ready resume. It allows employers to access your resume any time they want. It also allow passive job seeking and allows you to provide links to your work samples and portfolios. This will allow you to demonstrate your skills easily to potential employers. A resume of this nature is also very important for anyone involved in graphic design, copywriting and web design. However, you will need to ensure that you have the right means and the place to publish your resume in order to benefit from it. It will ultimately allow you to expand the audience accessing your resume so you will have more job interviews and opportunities. It will act as the perfect supplement to your existing resume.

Use A Sample

Creating a web ready resume is not very difficult with so many samples available on the internet. You can browse the selection to find something with the format and design that would fit your needs. You can simply save the resume by using an HTML section and use an HTML editor or Netscape for putting in your own information and making it your own.

Converting Text Resumes

If you already have a text resume then you can easily convert it to a web ready resume. Simply paste the resume in an HTML editor or in Netscape Composer. You can use the in-built editing functions and make formatting adjustments to fine tune it and make it perfect for your use.

Use Web Building Services

Probably one of the easiest ways to create an easy to use online resume is by using one of the web building services available online. There are dozens of well known online applications and services which allow you to create a web resume of your own within minutes. These websites offer you templates, editing tools and easy publishing features which will ensure that your resume is available and accessible to potential recruiters and employers around the world. Many of these websites offer free registrations while some charge a nominal fee.

Using any of the methods listed above, you can easily create a web ready resume.

To learn more about web ready resume and to build your own career website, please visit http://www.opresume.com/.

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Is Your Resume Helping Or Hindering The Job Search?

How long have you been searching for a new job? What kind of feedback have you been receiving? If you've been submitting for multiple positions and getting little interest in return, the culprit may very well be your resume.

In my experience as a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) who has worked with clients spanning all major industries, I've found that a powerfully worded and targeted resume serves as the foundation for a successful job search. Here are some of the benefits:

-A simplified job application process (i.e. less tweaking and editing between submissions)

-A steady stream of interviews.

-Providing an interviewer with a selection of career highlights that can easily become talking points, allowing you to elaborate on what you do best.

Here are 3 common scenarios that befall most job seekers, along with the inside scoop on what it means about your resume:

1) No Interviews

While every job seeker has a different sense of what constitutes an acceptable number of interviews, none is never okay and points to significant issues with your resume. Be on the lookout for the following:

-Ineffective Targeting: Is your resume one-size-fits-all? Overly general documents rarely receive interviews. Boil down your job target to 1-2 positions and make sure every aspect of the resume highlights in-demand skills.

-Unacceptable Structure: Recruiters and hiring agents are very specific when it comes to the structure of a resume. Basically, your document needs to have an opening paragraph, a work history that separates responsibilities (in paragraph form) from accomplishments (in bullets), and brief closing sections listing education, training, etc. If your resume does not conform to this structure, it will be rejected.

-Incompatibility Issues: Complex MS Word templates can cause a host of issues when viewed by different types and versions of software. Remove any complex graphics and logos and remember: a resume succeeds or fails based on content alone.

2) Interviews That Don't Result in Job Offers

A great resume sets the foundation for a great interview. In fact, many of the complaints job seekers have following a lukewarm interview, including not being able to connect with the interviewer and having to elaborate on non-relevant topics all boil down to problems with the resume. If you fall into this category, analyze your resume for the following issues:

-Lack of Concrete Successes: Recent jobs, particularly those held within the past 10-12 years should each have a "Key Accomplishments" or similar section listing major successes. Take the time to dig up metrics (if available) for these accomplishments- it can have a huge impact during an interview.

-Too Many Non-Relevant Jobs: While it's perfectly acceptable to hold jobs spanning multiple industries and types, no one says you have to give each of them equal importance on a resume. Which jobs are the most important? Allow these to take up the bulk of the resume's space and streamline non-relevant ones.

3) Low-Ball Job Offers

The phone rings: it's a job offer! Only problem? The salary is less than what you were making at your previous job. Don't make the mistake of taking something that undervalues your skills: tighten up your resume instead. Be on the lookout for the following:

-Wording that's Light on Leadership: There are 2 ways to think about wording on a resume. The first is to simply state things as plainly as possible, such as "Managed multiple projects within deadlines and guided various teams." The second is to tailor every idea with an eye towards leadership, such as "Spearheaded multiple projects within aggressive deadlines, mentoring project teams and offering key insights." Which approach do you think results in higher job offers?

A well-written resume has been shown to consistently reduce job search times and result in higher salaries. Feel free to reach out to me with any questions or concerns you may have. Best of luck!

Anish Majumdar is a nationally recognized Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and founder of http://resumeorbit.com/. 95% of clients report a significant increase in interviews within 30 days and all work comes backed by a 110% Satisfaction Guarantee. Submit your resume for a free critique at http://resumeorbit.com/free_critique.php today!

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The Magic of An Executive Biography in Your Job Search

If you're an executive or rising leader looking for your next choice opportunity, you've probably shined up your resume and cover letter in anticipation of calls from recruiters.

But have you considered using a biography as well?

A narrative of your career designed as a short, yet powerful summary of your accomplishments, a career biography can help different members of your target audience (such as CEOs, networking contacts, or Boards of Directors) grasp your value proposition and personal brand.

In fact, you'll find that some interviewers will react more positively to an executive biography than they will to your resume, favoring the bio because of its brevity and narrative flow.

Here are 3 reasons to add an executive biography - as well as your resume - into your leadership job hunting portfolio:

1. A biography is more succinct than a resume and this works to your benefit.

Who has time to read a full resume? Many HR professionals, recruiters, and CEOs don't.

The next time you're in an interview, notice the interviewer's finger tracing down the second (or perhaps third) pages of your executive resume because they haven't fully digested the contents of it yet!

Most biographies are a just page in length (although very senior executives may have a multi-page bio); making them simpler to skim for pertinent detail. However, just like a resume, a career bio can incorporate keyword and achievement details that demonstrate your skills in action.

2. Your professional bio can be a powerful networking tool.

In cases where a multi-page resume is too cumbersome, a career biography makes for a door-opening, concise introduction.

A bio is a perfect fit during networking events, expanding upon the traditional elevator pitch by outlining your brand message in more detail.

If you are meeting (or conversing online) with someone other than the hiring decision-maker, try presenting your professional bio instead of your resume. It's less likely to overwhelm your contacts, and provides just enough data for someone who isn't calling the shots... but who might be impressed enough with your background to carry it to an employer.

An executive biography is also a great leave-behind document after the interview. When written strategically, it can offer a slightly different perspective on your leadership value, as well as an indelible impression.

3. Executive biographies often captivate different audiences.

Many of the people you'll meet during a job search will form an opinion, positive or not-so-great, of your resume, especially if they believe it should be formatted or written differently. Executive resumes are often filled with analytical detail, which can also be information overload for some interviewers.

A professional bio, on the other hand, employs a different, softer tone, while still delivering a compelling story. This is why a Board member might find your biography intriguing, but skim over your resume just to hit the high points.

To decide if you should present an executive biography at each stage of the job hunt process, first identify the parties that you're likely to interface with, and then gauge their tolerance for technical detail. As a general rule, the higher-up and more strategic the decision-maker, the more likely your biography will suffice as a welcome introduction.

In summary, consider including an executive biography as part of your job search plan, not to replace your resume, but in addition to it.

A well-written, powerful professional bio can showcase your personality and career achievements, all crucial parts of the brand value that you offer prospective employers.

Executive resume writer Laura Smith-Proulx is an award-winning Executive Resume Writer, biography writer, and former recruiter with a 98% success rate winning top jobs through personal branding. The Executive Director of An Expert Resume, she partners exclusively with CIO, CTO, COO, CEO, CFO, VP, VP, and Director candidates.

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Creative Job Search - Google Yourself

There are so many ways to use the internet to find a job. We already discussed how to use Ego Surfing to target potential employers. But how do you target people who don't Google themselves on the internet?

If we look at statistics on what employers do when they hire new employees, we will see that there is a very similar technique we can use to reach the majority of employers. Have you heard people say that you should be careful what you put on the internet, especially if you are looking for a job? Well, that happens to be very good advice because most potential employers these days will search the internet to find out more about what a person is really like.

Employers typically do these internet background checks to filter out candidates that display a less than positive image online. But it can also work the other way. If an employer sees a lot of impressive things about a candidate, that person will move up on the list. So how can we create a positive image online that an employer will see?

Social media sites like Facebook are probably the first place an employer would look. So you should create a page for yourself, if you don't already have one, and put some content on there about what you do (or did) for a living. Mention some of your accomplishments. Talk about what you really enjoy about your job and how it feels to contribute to an organization's success. Tailor your comments so that they would apply to the types of industries you are targeting. If you're trying to make a career change, talk about why you want to take a new direction and how you have the desire and motivation to make a successful change. No matter what you say, keep it positive.

You can also put up a simple blog that focuses on your professional life. Write some articles that relate to your area of expertise and post them on your blog. This will help establish yourself as an expert in your field.

Lastly, since employers will use what they find on the internet to filter their candidate list, you should do some ego surfing yourself to make sure there isn't anything out there that you don't want employers to see.

Good luck on the job search. Times are still tough out there, so make sure to take every opportunity to get an edge on the competition. It will be worth it when you land that perfect job.

When the competition for jobs is fierce, you need to use some creative tactics to beat out the competition. To learn more about unconventional job search tactics that are proven to get people jobs, please visit: Creative Job Search Tactics.

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The Magic of An Executive Biography in Your Job Search

If you're an executive or rising leader looking for your next choice opportunity, you've probably shined up your resume and cover letter in anticipation of calls from recruiters.

But have you considered using a biography as well?

A narrative of your career designed as a short, yet powerful summary of your accomplishments, a career biography can help different members of your target audience (such as CEOs, networking contacts, or Boards of Directors) grasp your value proposition and personal brand.

In fact, you'll find that some interviewers will react more positively to an executive biography than they will to your resume, favoring the bio because of its brevity and narrative flow.

Here are 3 reasons to add an executive biography - as well as your resume - into your leadership job hunting portfolio:

1. A biography is more succinct than a resume and this works to your benefit.

Who has time to read a full resume? Many HR professionals, recruiters, and CEOs don't.

The next time you're in an interview, notice the interviewer's finger tracing down the second (or perhaps third) pages of your executive resume because they haven't fully digested the contents of it yet!

Most biographies are a just page in length (although very senior executives may have a multi-page bio); making them simpler to skim for pertinent detail. However, just like a resume, a career bio can incorporate keyword and achievement details that demonstrate your skills in action.

2. Your professional bio can be a powerful networking tool.

In cases where a multi-page resume is too cumbersome, a career biography makes for a door-opening, concise introduction.

A bio is a perfect fit during networking events, expanding upon the traditional elevator pitch by outlining your brand message in more detail.

If you are meeting (or conversing online) with someone other than the hiring decision-maker, try presenting your professional bio instead of your resume. It's less likely to overwhelm your contacts, and provides just enough data for someone who isn't calling the shots... but who might be impressed enough with your background to carry it to an employer.

An executive biography is also a great leave-behind document after the interview. When written strategically, it can offer a slightly different perspective on your leadership value, as well as an indelible impression.

3. Executive biographies often captivate different audiences.

Many of the people you'll meet during a job search will form an opinion, positive or not-so-great, of your resume, especially if they believe it should be formatted or written differently. Executive resumes are often filled with analytical detail, which can also be information overload for some interviewers.

A professional bio, on the other hand, employs a different, softer tone, while still delivering a compelling story. This is why a Board member might find your biography intriguing, but skim over your resume just to hit the high points.

To decide if you should present an executive biography at each stage of the job hunt process, first identify the parties that you're likely to interface with, and then gauge their tolerance for technical detail. As a general rule, the higher-up and more strategic the decision-maker, the more likely your biography will suffice as a welcome introduction.

In summary, consider including an executive biography as part of your job search plan, not to replace your resume, but in addition to it.

A well-written, powerful professional bio can showcase your personality and career achievements, all crucial parts of the brand value that you offer prospective employers.

Executive resume writer Laura Smith-Proulx is an award-winning Executive Resume Writer, biography writer, and former recruiter with a 98% success rate winning top jobs through personal branding. The Executive Director of An Expert Resume, she partners exclusively with CIO, CTO, COO, CEO, CFO, VP, VP, and Director candidates.

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Accelerate Your Job Search With a Portfolio

Let's pretend we're not in a recession and imagine you are going to shop for a new car. You've got dozens of models and makes of cars in front of you on the car lot, each with a paper in the window citing its specifications. If that's all the information you have, then aside from personal preferences in color and such, how will you decide which car is worthy of your thousands of dollars? You want to see some consumer reviews or ratings, right? You want know how it drives, how it performs compared to its commercials on television.

Now, snap back to reality for a moment. The cars are you and all the other job seekers, and the paper in the car window is your resume. The car buyer is a potential employer for which you would love to work. You need to substantiate some things for this employer quickly before he moves on to others. Employers want to see as much about their prospects for employees as they can, especially evidence to back up claims on your resume about how effective you are at managing, sales, marketing, budgeting, or whatever your profession is. What can you do to confirm for the employer that you are as valuable as you declare yourself to be?

A portfolio is your proof, your evidence of how you perform on the job. Sure, employers can check your references and hear it from those people, but usually that isn't done until an employer is already serious about potentially making you an offer. The portfolio comes into play before that stage, during the interview, in order to prod the employer to get serious about you.

Depending on what your profession is, your portfolio could take many forms. If you're a graphic designer or other artist, examples of your work should definitely be in there, and you might consider having the portfolio of work published into book form or even onto CDs/compact disks which could be mailed with resumes. If you are an executive assistant, your portfolio may be a three-ring binder containing letters of recommendation and copies of performance reviews (in sheet protectors, of course). Teachers might include sample lesson plans. Portfolios may also include awards received, certificates from trainings, customer testimonials, publications. Anything that serves to affirm your value is fair game, and be as creative as you like, depending on your industry.

Do limit the volume of your portfolio so as not to take too much of the employer's time. More than once, I have had clients bring binders two inches thick to me for review. There is just no way that a hiring manager is going to tackle that whole thing. They will only look through so much, so carefully include only what will be most impressive. One way to weed out material is to include only recent items, like from the last ten years. A man just yesterday showed me his portfolio containing magazines which featured him and articles about him which seems impressive until one looks at the date on the magazines. They were from 1967.

Having a portfolio could make the difference between you and another candidate. You need all the sales tools for yourself that you can develop. Create your portfolio strategically to supplement your resume and your interviewing skills. Show the employer that you not only have the knowledge to do the job, but you have done the job well in the past.

Resume writer crafting well-planned resumes strategically designed to showcase your value to employers. Free resume reviews offered. http://www.composureresumes.com/

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Are You Hanging in Job Search Cyberspace Limbo?

You follow instructions completing online applications, faxing resumes, emailing resumes, and you never hear a word. It is frustrating and even depressing submitting resumes and getting no responses. Unfortunately, technology has the potential to make you feel like your job search is completely impersonal. You may feel lost in cyberspace. The media has even recently been reporting about people who have simply given up the job search in despair.

The following efforts not only increase your chances with an employer but they also prevent you from feeling a loss of control over your job search. Feeling powerless breeds a negative attitude. Your projection of a positive attitude when meeting with employers is so crucial that it can make or break your employment potential.

First, ensure you are submitting the correct type of resume. For uploading to websites, you need to use a plain text version or ASCII which does not have any formatting. You also need to be sure that industry specific major keywords are in the electronic resume, because it will likely be scanned by software that screens out resumes lacking certain keywords. For email, you should use the formatted resume and it must be designed to have impact and have proof that you offer value to a potential employer. You also need to include a knock-out cover letter that does more than just repeat exactly what is on the resume.

After you have completed the online application process, you always need to follow up with a phone call. Company websites usually list a phone number and sometimes they list a human resources name. If not, try the company's social media websites like Facebook for information or Google the company's name. Ultimately, your goal should be to reach the "hiring manager" for the department where you have applied. This may not be the same person as the human resources name on the website. If you can't get past the "gatekeeper" who answers the phone, ask for the hiring manager's name and email address and send an email if possible.

What do you say? Introduce yourself and state how you applied for employment and when you applied and that you are following up on your application. Ask to schedule a time when you may meet with the employer to discuss how you can add value to his or her company. Taking the initiative to follow up demonstrates your genuine interest in the employer and may give you an advantage over other applicants who do not follow up. However, do not make a pest of yourself calling several times a day every day or you may be crossing yourself off the list of applicants.

I have heard of applicants using other creative methods of getting through to the hiring authority such as showing up with or sending a box of donuts in the morning with a card, courtesy of the applicant. If you do employ a creative method, be careful about whether the manner you choose is appropriate for the industry and the company. For example, though an oversized comical card might be well received in the entertainment business, it would not be suitable for a business executive position.

Following up with employers is also very important after an interview. You should immediately snail-mail a thank you card to each interviewer with a few handwritten sentences thanking them for their time and restating how you could add value to their business. (One way of ensuring you remember all the names of the interviewers is to ask for business cards from each person at the interview.) Once again, this act shows interest and thoughtfulness, putting your name back in front of the hiring personnel one more time. It is also acceptable to follow up a week or so later with a phone call asking if a decision has been reached.

Don't resign yourself to an online-only job search. You are more than an electronic submission, and you need to graciously let employers know it through your actions! Not only can you set yourself apart from other applicants, you can retain your power over your career future as well.

Resume writer crafting well-planned resumes strategically designed to showcase your value to employers. Free resume reviews offered. http://www.composureresumes.com/

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How to Write an Effective Cover Letter and Objective Statement for Your Job Search

There has been some confusion concerning cover letters and objective statements in recent years. Some experts will even say that they are no longer necessary or useful in today's job market. This article will help you better understand the scope and purpose of these resume components, and why we believe they are extremely important in the job search process.

To begin, we'll talk about objective statements.

Objective Statements: Purpose and Placement

What is the purpose of an objective statement? You want to inform the reader of exactly what you are trying to achieve professionally. However, you cannot stop there. It is of equal or greater importance to tell the reader how your skills can directly benefit them. Your statement should be a clear, succinctly written declaration and summary of your skills that answers the question, why should we consider you for the position?

I'm willing to bet that a lot of you have been told that your objective statement should be placed on the resume itself. We disagree - it should be placed on your cover letter. What's the rationale for this? If we agree that the purpose of an objective statement is to inform the reader what you're trying to achieve professionally, and must tell them why they should hire you, it's logical to conclude that the reader will need this information before they read your actual resume. Your cover letter is read first, therefore, your objective statement would be more effective if placed there. Additionally, it's much easier to modify your objective statement on a cover letter to fit the organization than it is to rewrite your resume for each job you're applying for.

That being said, the choice of where to place your objective statement is ultimately up to you. Use your instincts.

Objective Statement Examples

Now that we have discussed the purpose and format of your objective statement, let's move on to some examples. As stated before, when applying for different jobs, you will need to modify your objective. The following are some examples of objective statements for management and non-managerial positions. Remember, these statements will appear in the second paragraph of your cover letter.

Example 1 - Financial Executive Objective Statement

As a member of your Financial Planning group, I am confident that my solid achievements and strategic planning will enable me to be instrumental in positioning XYZ Company to exceed revenue projections.

Example 2 - Spend Management Executive Objective Statement

My team building achievements and no-nonsense negotiating abilities will enable me to provide the necessary leadership to XYZ Company's Spend Management team.

You'll note that these statements both give an overview of the applicant's strengths, while also telling the reader how these strengths will benefit the company.

Next, we'll talk about how to approach your cover letter format.

How to Format Your Cover Letter

The first paragraph of the cover letter is where you should introduce yourself to the reader in a way that keeps them interested in you as a potential employee. Tell them why you're sending them your resume. For example, you may be responding to an online advertisement. Make sure you identify the position that you are applying for. Additionally, convey interest in working for the company by identifying the company's core values, and what you find attractive about them.

The second paragraph ties your professional highlights and achievements to the company's desired traits for the position you're applying for, and gets the reader excited about what you could bring to organization. It convinces the reader that you possess the right skill set and experience. Typically, the second paragraph of your resume cover letter is where your objective statement should be placed. Also, make quick reference to your attached resume. For example, My resume has been attached for your review. I am confident you'll find that my credentials are an excellent match for this position.

Your third and last paragraph should convey your interest in discussing the position with the reader. It's okay to push a little bit for an interview, but you need to ensure that you balance the statement to respect their time. For example: I look forward to discussing this opportunity with you at your earliest convenience. Next, thank the reader for their consideration and their time.

Cover Letter Examples

We've discussed the three components to your cover letter and how to format it. Now, let's take the objective statements used previously and incorporate them into two different cover letters.

Example 1: Financial Executive Cover Letter

I was very pleased to find your online advertisement for the position of Financial Executive with XYZ Company. I believe this position would be a great fit for me, as XYZ's leadership in promoting green technology appeals to my interest in preserving the environment

My resume has been attached for your review. As a member of your Financial Planning group, I am confident that my solid achievements and strategic planning will enable me to be instrumental in positioning XYZ Company to exceed revenue projections. I am confident you'll find that my credentials are an excellent match for this position.

My contact information is attached, and I look forward to further discussing this opportunity with you at your earliest convenience. Thank you for your consideration.

Example 2: Spend Management Executive Cover Letter

I am very interested XYZ Company's advertised position for Spend Management Executive. Your company's stellar track record in the global market and my extensive background in international commerce would make me the ideal candidate.

Attached, please find my resume detailing the various leadership positions I have held. My management skills, team building achievements, and no-nonsense negotiating abilities will enable me to provide the necessary leadership to XYZ Company's Spend Management team.

My current contact information is attached for your convenience. Please feel free to contact me to schedule an interview and discuss this opportunity further. Thank you for your consideration.

Final Points

Remember that your cover letter and objective are essential to your career toolbox. The goal is to gain the reader's initial interest, which will hopefully get them to continue on and read your actual resume. Give these components the same time and attention that you give the resume, and you'll find more offers to interview coming your way.

Marsha crafts professional resumes to help market your skills and accomplishments successfully. You can find her at http://jobseekerbootcamp.wordpress.com/

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Resume Cover Letters: Helping Or Hurting Your Job Search?

There is little dispute about the value of a well written and focused resume cover letter. Sending out resumes has only one purpose; to generate interviews.

The sad fact is that many job hunters still slow up their job hunting progress by using cover letters that directly hurt their job search. Here are three mistakes to avoid in using and writing your letter.

1. Failure to understand the needs and purposes the recipients will be looking for in the cover letter. Generally you send your resume to three groups: hiring managers, resume screeners and recruiters working for a third-party.

The hiring managers are searching for candidates who can solve a problem for them. Resume screeners will select candidates who closely match the skills and qualifications listed in the requirements for the job. Third party recruiters are primarily interested in selling your qualifications to a prospective client.

Keeping these three different interests in mind when you write your letter will increase your ability to catch and hold the attention of your specific audience. This in turn will clearly establish that you appear to be one of the strongest candidates.

2. Your cover letter should not be a rehash of what is in your resume. The letter's primary purpose is to introduce your resume rather than repeat what you've written in the resume.

This mistake leads the reader to go over the same information twice and you've lost a great opportunity to more effectively communicate the skills and accomplishments you have to offer. Effectively selling your skills to match the needs of the employer requires some research and creativity. Your letter should motivate the reader to want more and move them to read your resume.

3. The cover letter is boring because it's all about you. The employer wants to know what's in it for them. They are buying and you are selling. Get this right and you are well on your way to writing a compelling letter.

Get rid of the "I" word. Write about the needs of the employer. Show your interest in the company and in the job. Sell the reader in what you can do for the company. Answer the question: How can you make a difference?

A well crafted letter will get your resume read and possibly you get moved to the next level. On the other hand a poorly focused cover letter will be ignored and your resume will never be read. This is one of those times where to have to make a good impression and a well written cover letter will do just that.

Don't think a generic cover letter will cover all the bases, take the extra time to effectively communicate and introduce your resume. The presentation made by your cover letter can make all the difference in you job search. Take the time to get it right. It will pay off in generating additional interviews.

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