Top 5 Signs Your Resume Is Not Working For You

Read more ...

Telltale Signs an Interview Went Well

Read more ...

Top 5 Signs Your Resume Is Not Working For You

Read more ...

Top 5 Signs Your Resume Is Not Working For You

You send out dozens of resumes and no one calls you to schedule interviews. Did you ever wonder why no one calls you and why no companies seem to be interested in learning more about you? Chances are you are not effectively highlighting your skills, properly targeting the companies, and putting your best foot forward on your resume. Before you get discouraged, take a step back and examine your resume. Look at your skills and the message you are conveying. Be realistic while trying to be objective. Ask yourself: Would I hire this person based solely on what this resume says? Research says that 75% of people would not hire themselves for a job based solely on what their resume says because they don't feel their skills and achievements match the job requirements. If you are wondering if your resume is working for you, here are some signs that it may not be working for you.

1. No calls and no interviews. In this highly competitive job market, it is taking companies anywhere from 4-6 months to put together candidate pools simply because of the high volume of applicants for each job opening. If you sent out dozens of resumes to various companies in different industries and still have not heard anything after a few months, then it is safe to assume that there is something on your resume that is not appealing to hiring managers.

2. Too broad of a focus. You might think it is a good idea to show many different skills on your resume, but this is actually one of the biggest mistakes people make on their resume. If your resume is too broad and lacks focus, hiring managers will perceive you as not having the skills they require for the job. They will see you as someone that lacks a clear direction in your career.

3. Your career path is not clearly outlined. In order to be entered into candidate pools and get interviews, you have to show that you have the skill set required for the job. If you show a divided career path that leaves the hiring managers wondering what your field of choice is, they will look past you for someone that shows a clear focus and highlights the exact skills they require for the job.

4. Nothing distinguishes you from other candidates. Showcasing unique talents or unprecedented achievements on your resume is what helps you stand out from the crowd. Try to stay away from expected duties or general tasks that everyone else would include on their resume because that will not make you more marketable than another candidate. Try creating a unique LinkedIn profile while maximizing your exposure through endorsements as well as unique recommendations.

5. No keyword optimization strategy utilized. When you submit your resume to companies, they scan and store your resume in their applicant database. In an effort to generate candidates for interviews during their initial screen out process, they electronically search resumes in their applicant database looking for resumes that contain the skills they require for the job. Since the majority of initial screen out processes are conducted electronically, you have to be sure your resume contains a keyword optimization strategy to ensure your resume gets entered into the candidate pools. If your resume lacks this core component, you will significantly limit your interviews simply because you did not know how to strategically get through the initial screen out process.

So before you send out your resume to that next job prospect, be sure to take a step back and review your resume first. Evaluate the core essentials in your resume and make sure your unique achievements, relevant skills, and personal brand comes shining through. If you follow this strategy, you will land your next job in no time at all!

Read more ...

Telltale Signs an Interview Went Well

Have you ever felt wishing you've recorded the conversation after your interview? Never fret, you're not alone.

Most of job applicants today find it hard to figure out whether they nailed it or not, blame it on hazy nerve whirls and stomach butterflies. Of course, when you're sitting right next to an interviewer who (despite their clean looks,) will either end your agony or end your happy, confident days, there's only thought of survival. You prayed that you endure the conversation and the handshake. But now you pray that you could replay what actually happened in the room.

For the replay thing you wish, we can't do anything. However, the good news is that we could give you hints if you are on the employer's top pick or not. Here they are:

1. The interviewer eagerly tells you the good qualities of the company

Why this could be a hint: citing you how great it is to work in their company could be a form of marketing. They might be telling these because they want you to like not just the business itself but also the working environment inside.

2. He/she asks if you have pending applications to other companies

Asking about your employment or job hunting status may indicate interest in hiring you. However, in this stage, they are still weighing if there's a possibility that you might turn down their job offer.

3. You have been told many details about the job

Letting you know about the job you're applying for is common. However, if the person asking you takes the extra mile to explain further details to you, it might be a great hint that they are into hiring you.

4. They have checked or called your references

Time is precious, so why will the company spend it calling to a reference of an applicant they are not interested with? Surely, if they paid time to do further research about you, it means you are being valued as an applicant.

On the darker side, there are also signs an interview didn't went well. Here we spill it:

5. The person throwing questions frequently looks at the clock

Checking the time often means boredom. If your host looks at the clock too often, he might not be interested of focused on what you say. Sadly, you might not be qualified for the job.

6. You've been told that there are a lot of contenders for the position

This is not only done to inform you, sometimes, it is also done to hint that you have a small chance of getting the job.

7. The flow of conversation feels more like an interrogation

Hiring managers usually have the knack for smelling lies, especially the ones written in resumes. If you lied and felt like you are being grilled, it's no paranoia. Chances are, your employer has already found out.

Take account on the gestures of your host, these are windows to see whether you have the chance or not. Clearly, the indications mentioned above were not a hundred percent accurate, but watch closely anyway, in case you turn crazy replaying the conversation on your mind, looking for signs if an interview went well.

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.

Read more ...

The Telltale Signs Of An Expert Resume Writer

When it comes to choosing an expert resume writer, it isn't always easy to know how to make a wise decision with all the choices available. However, there are several telltale signs that can help you judge resume writing services by their cover.

If you are looking for resume services online, the first thing to look at is the firm's website. Does the business have a professionally designed, user-friendly site with well-written, helpful information? Remember your cover letter and resume has to catch an employer's eye in just a few seconds, so their website should give you a positive first impression. After all, you are considering hiring the service to craft a compelling and eye-catching marketing document, not just a rehash of your job experience. If a business has a poorly designed website, how can you have confidence that this is a service that understands marketing and creating a good first impression?

Check the main page and About Us page for information on the service's experience, credentials, certifications, professional affiliations and publication history. Most important of all, check to see if there are any sample resumes available, either on the website or available upon request. If the website is short on details about their experience and qualifications or does not give samples, be very wary. Most skilled professionals are more than happy to give you details about their experience, qualifications and samples of their work. If any of this is missing, move on to investigating another service.

Pay attention to the writing style on the website. Are there well-written, helpful articles on the subjects of resumes, career choice and job search skills? Or is the site mostly a big sales pitch with boastful claims about how great the service is? A professional resume service website should not only effectively market their services but also provide useful information to potential customers

Certifications, memberships to professional associations or groups, and publication history are all indications of professionals dedicated to their craft. Professional organizations often give continuing education and resources to keep resume writers up-to-date on the latest trends in cover letter and resume writing, employment trends and job search strategies. Certification does not automatically make resume writers experts. Some will not see the need to prove their skills or pay for a certificate. However, certifications and professional memberships are often a good sign that the professional is serious about his or her work and dedicated to keeping up with the latest trends.

In addition to writing skills, experience and professional expertise, you want to make sure you will receive individualized attention and that you feel comfortable working with the writer. Crafting a well-written, compelling resume should never be a rush job. The writer needs to spend quality time with you to understand your history and strengths so that he or she can create a stellar resume for you that will catch the eye of prospective employers and convince them to call you in for an interview. Make sure you feel comfortable that the writer has your best interests at heart and is someone you can build good rapport and work with.

Finding a good expert resume writer may take some time, but it is well worth conducting a thorough investigation. Having a well-crafted, professionally designed and compelling resume is a critical investment in your future.

Theresa Foster has a professional interest in the art of resume writing and how an expert resume writer can improve job search results, although she doesn't claim to be an expert. To get professional resume help, she recommends you contact a resume service. You can find one of the most respected and recommended resume firms online at http://www.distinctiveweb.com/

Read more ...

3 Signs Your Resume Isn't Working

You've gathered job postings and started submitting... where are the interviews? While in the past a candidate could get away with simply listing the last few jobs they've held and elaborating during a job interview, this is no longer the case. In today's highly competitive marketplace, the stage for a successful interview must be set WITHIN THE RESUME. If it's not, your job search will most likely run up against the following obstacles:

1) The Silent Phone

There are few things more frightening to a job seeker than the phone that just won't ring. Bills are piling up, savings are evaporating, jobs are being applied for yet nothing comes of it. What's the problem? 99% of the time, it boils down to INEFFECTIVE TARGETING. Don't make the mistake of trying to create a one-size-fits-all resume. Instead, target 1-2 closely related job types and tailor your resume accordingly. This approach helps establish your suitability for the job and provides detailed information to a recruiter or hiring agent when they're deciding who to call in for an interview.

2) Wrong Types of Questions During the Interview

So you've finally secured an interview. Only once it starts, all of the questions seem designed to paint you as an unskilled candidate. Why is an interviewer asking you what you achieved at your latest job? Why are they asking overly broad questions such as what your ultimate career goals are? Questions like this are a sure sign of a LACK OF QUANTIFIABLE ACCOMPLISHMENTS in your resume. Take a close look at the last 2-3 positions you've held and create a "Key Accomplishments" section for each listing successes (in bullets). Include metrics if they're available. These will serve as a series of talking points for an interviewer and set you up for success.

3) Low Offers

A job offer! That's what you've been after, right? Well, if it's unacceptably low or comes with unforeseen strings attached, then the end result might be frustration instead of elation. A major reason for low offers is NEGATIVE INFORMATION listed within the resume. Just to be clear: a resume is primarily a marketing document for a candidate. Remove anything that might possibly be construed in a negative light, such as why you were let go from a position, health or family issues, etc.

Taking the time to either create or have a professional resume writer develop an effective resume for you has consistently demonstrated reduced job search times. Make sure the groundwork is correctly laid before submitting to positions and you're already several steps ahead of the competition. Best of luck!

Anish Majumdar is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) and Owner at Resume Orbit. 95% of clients report a significant increase in interviews within 30 days, and all work comes backed by a 100% Satisfaction or Money Back Guarantee (in writing).

Please submit your existing resume for a FREE CRITIQUE spanning structure, language, and content.

Read more ...

Signs That Show You Are Passionless to Get a Job

Job searchers spend a lot of time in working on their resumes as they consider it the most important thing that will give them their dream job. It is definitely true that a resume is the most imperative element for a job seeker but there are some other things that which should be considered too if someone certainly wants a job. Below I am putting down 5 signs which will tell that you are unenthusiastic towards your job search:

Sign 1:

You quickly disregard someone's advice no matter how close that person to you is. No matter what one says, you make statements such as; "No way. I have already tried it." Or "I don't think so. You are saying this because you were not in that interview. You have no idea what level of pressure you are in while you are getting interrogated."

Solution: You should keep your calm while listening to any advice. It doesn't matter if you have already heard that advice before, you should carefully listen to it as it is observed that sometimes we need to hear the same thing again and again to finally grasp it seriously.

Sign 2:

After most of your interviews, you have lot of negative things to think such as; "I knew it. That old fellow was looking for someone of his age."

Solution: there is no candidate who is perfect when some are too young some are too old. Same goes to the experiences of people so you should trust on what positives you have and leave the other things on fate.

Sign 3:

When you don't get response form a company where you gave an interview, you send an email like this: "Last week, I sent you my resume and followed up but you never returned any phone call. Are you ignoring me?"

Solution: When you feel really angry you should take a deep breath and stay away from your PC and shouldn't be back until you are calmed down. Sending an offensive e-mail is not a solution for getting a job, is it?

Sign 4:

You are not getting convinced that you're lacking but blaming the external factors for your lack of progress. Even you do the same in those times when you don't have what it takes to get to a particular position but you can with efforts and willpower.

Solution: You should not overlook your own personality or skill based lackings to make sure that you qualify for what you are looking for.

Sign 5:

After most of the interviews you come out saying; "Goddamn, why did I say what I wasn't supposed to say in there?"

Solutions: Instead of cursing yourself every time you walk out of an interview, you should note down all the mistakes you made in the interview on a paper and as soon as you get home; work on them.

Nobody can be perfected, but you can get closer to perfection. So, work on all the things I mentioned above to possess what it takes to get a dream job.

Read more ...

The Seven Resume Signs You Are Obsolete

What do your resume and cover letters have to do with old computers? Would you buy a used 1994 computer running Windows 3.1 with a 40mg hard drive and not enough RAM to connect to the Internet? Hardly anyone would. Sure you might be able to upgrade the RAM, add a new hard drive, find a replacement mother board, and try installing Windows 7. But after all this work and expense you might as well had bought a new current computer in the first place. Estimates are that there are more than 60 million obsolete computers sitting in storage units in the US alone. Nobody wants obsolete equipment. Employers do not want to hire obsolete employees either.

There are resume red flags that signal an employer that a candidate is obsolete. Some of these signs are easy to detect and others are a bit obscure or can be read between the lines. If you have not kept up with general technology, advances in your field, or appear career stagnant you can be marked obsolete. You do not have to be old to be obsolete in today's job market. Even if you are a new grad entering the work force by omitting certain information or using the wrong words you can appear outdated. If an employer detects any of these red flags, you might be rejected:

You are Career Stagnant: Because technology is such a major factor that affects most jobs and is constantly advancing you can become career stagnant. You can appear career stagnant if you have been on the same job more than five years and do not show any technology or computer education or training during that time period or mention your current technology skills.

Your Renewable Skills have not Been Updated: There are durable skills and renewable skills. Requirements for some skills remain current or durable while others need regular updating or to be renewed. Foreign language skills, communication skills, and team work skills, all have knowledge bases that remain effective and are classified as durable skills. Many career specific skills such as being a Doctor, IT Manager, Computer Technician, or Auto Mechanic require regular updating of specific skill information and practice. If your resume includes renewable skills and your education in those areas is more than five years old you need to demonstrate they are current to avoid appearing obsolete.

There are also obsolete or near obsolete skills such as a typewriter manufacturing engineer. While the skill itself might be obsolete there are often skills associated with a profession that are transferable. A typewriter manufacturing engineer might have math, problem solving, and communication skills that are durable and could all be applied to a new and current career.

Your Phone Numbers: The phone numbers you use and how you label them on your resume can tell an employer a lot about you. If you use the word 'cell' in front of your phone number you need to delete the word. This is certainly not the worst offense but this action can exhibit you are behind the times. Few people have landlines and those who do should probably not date themselves by labeling their phone numbers as such. One phone number should be enough. If you feel the need to include a back up number, do so without labeling each one. The latest cell phone is a smart phone nowadays. Even if your phone is not an appendage like most people of this century, a phone number can follow and ring on any phone wherever you are.

While fax numbers were all the rage a few decades ago back when people under age 25 knew who Madonna was, unless you are faxing a resume to an employer, including a fax number on your resume screams obsolescence and is of no use to most employers.

Your Email Address: If you do not include an email address on your resumes and cover letters, even if you are sending hard copies, you might as well plan on staying home. The lack of an email address demonstrates an archaic or lazy candidate, and neither will get an interview.

There has been so much written about having a professional sounding email address, if you have a goofy or unprofessional one then you appear in the dark or illiterate. Get a professional sounding email address. If your email account is with AOL, you might also appear archaic.

You Have Been Unemployed: If you have been out of work for more than three years for any reason you could be behind the times. Depending on your field you might need to show you are current with some updated training.

You Have Been Working Outside Your Career: Just like being unemployed, if you have been away from your career for a period of time working in another field or at a temporary job you might need to do some catching up. The amount of time absent from your career before you appear obsolete depends on what field you are in. Being away from some information technology fields for more than a year or so can be detrimental while missing from carpentry work for several years might not be a big deal.

Your Lingo is Outdated: Nothing can mark you as outmoded faster than the vocabulary you use. With the advent of web social conversation and texting, words are coined daily for events, people, things, feelings, technology and so on. Some are used in general conversation, as business buzzwords, or the words are industry specific. Many of these terms are here today and gone tomorrow. Using outdated words on your resume will make you look obsolete. Technology related words such as: information superhighway, worldwide web, paperless office, long distance and personal digital assistant (PDA) can all make you appear outmoded.

General buzz terms such as upward mobility, value proposition, revenue stream, good to go, synergy, and many more can also date your resume and make you look obsolete. Remove these words from your resume. See more obsolete resume words and what to do in cover letters. Copyright 2010 by Phil Baker. Freely distribute this article but please leave article, author name, copyright info, and links intact.

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

Read more ...