Showing posts with label Whats. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Whats. Show all posts
4/6/12
What's the Difference Between a Resume and a CV?
Designers are visual people and can come up with creative images at ease most of the time. However, they are relatively weak in phrases and words. It is by no accident that most designers' resumes fall short of catching the attention of potential employers. A resume is not just a list of your practical experience and educational qualification; it is actually a sales advertisement about you.
Designers have the advantage of showcasing their portfolio full of attractive images as promotional tool; but without a solid cover letter and resume to highlight their notable achievements; most of them won't make it through the first round of elimination.
A resume is basically a compilation of your knowledge and experience in a specific field that you are pursuing. It is like the specifications of a product which highlight the unique features and potential this particular product possess. This information about you has to be precise and concise in order to unleash its full potential as a marketing tool. Writing an effective resume which successfully summarizes your strength and achievements may just land you that job interview you want.
Although the main description about you is included in a resume; you should not neglect the cover letter. A good cover letter complements your resume and might make the difference between getting your resume read or ended in the trash. A candidate who submits a resume without the cover letter might be perceived to be insincere and unprofessional. A cover letter is like the front cover of a book which creates the crucial first impression about you to your potential employer. It is here that you have the opportunity to introduce yourself and briefly describe why you are the perfect candidate for the job.
In general, there are 2 major types of resume most commonly used by applicants. The first one is the chronological type which list down your job positions with the most recent one listed at the top. This type of format is arranged by date and most employers find it to be straightforward and organized. This type of resume works best for those who have been in the industry for an extended period of time and have accumulated valuable experience. As for fresh graduates, this type of resume does not work in their favor because they have very limited working experience to list down in a chronological order.
The second type of resume is written with the Skill Based format. It categorizes the employment history of an applicant into different sections based on areas of skill and experience. This format is best suited for those with a diverse job history that involves different types of positions which are not necessarily related. It is also great for people who have gaps between their jobs as it helps to play down this fact. However, this type of resume may appear to be messy and hard to read.
If you think both formats have certain elements that can best highlight your strength, you can always combine the two by using the basic structure of the chronological format while highlighting your skill and achievements. In fact this is the best format that can help to promote you.
After you have finish writing your resume, you should then focus on your cover letter. Most people write boring cover letters which simply state that they are looking for the job without putting extra effort in stimulating their potential employers. Before writing your cover letter, you should first do some research on the company that you wish to work for. The content of your cover letter should target on the needs of the company. Most people make the common mistake of focusing on what they want and not on what they can contribute to the company. Keep in mind that you must first offer your service before someone may consider hiring you. In the body of your cover letter, you should highlight your strength and what you can do. This is the section where you need to promote yourself to your potential employer. You may also briefly list down your notable achievements throughout your employment history.
Always keep in mind that the cover letter and resume are the only tools you have to create the first impression to your potential employer. If you put enough effort in preparing them, your chances of getting short listed for interview will be higher.
As long as you are passionate in what you do, you will achieve success sooner than you think. My name is KEAT TAN and I'm happy to share with you my experience in the design industry hoping that you would get inspired and start pursuing your dream at the same time.
Drop by my website to learn more!
3/3/12
What's The Right Length For My Resume?
In my work as a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW), the single biggest question I get from clients is: how long should my resume be, really? The Internet is filled with conflicting advice on this issue, so it's not surprising that jobseekers frequently feel insecure about it. After all, a resume that's too long will make a reader's eyes glaze over (not the best first impression). But on the other hand, a needlessly abbreviated document means less chances of a particular accomplishment nabbing a reader's interest...and more rejections. Is there a middle ground?
Here's one principle all jobseekers need to keep in mind when developing a resume (or hiring a professional to develop one for them): your resume needs to attract and sustain a reader's interest throughout its length. A 1-page resume can fail just as easily as a 2 or 3-page document if the language is weak and the structure cluttered. With that in mind, here are some general rules with regards to length that should work for you:
PROFESSIONAL LEVEL: Beginner or New Graduate
RECOMMENDATION: A 1-Page Resume
Don't feel the need to bulk up your resume if you don't have much of a work history: recruiters and hiring agents prize clarity and succinctness. Instead, identify those areas in which you particularly excel and:
-Develop a brief opening paragraph that focuses on SOFT SKILLS such as communication abilities, effectively managing multiple project demands, and negotiating agreements.
-If you've recently obtained a degree, then you should most probably include an "Education" section BEFORE getting into the work history.
-Keep the work history section limited to 2-3 lines (in paragraph form) describing unique responsibilities, followed by a "Key Accomplishments" section (if relevant) listing any successes you're particularly proud of.
PROFESSIONAL LEVEL: Experienced
RECOMMENDATION: A 2-Page Resume
If you've been working for 5 or more years, then a 2-page resume is probably your best bet. This length strikes the perfect balance between being concise and allowing your professional accomplishments to shine.
-Keep the opening paragraph as TARGETED as possible towards the kind of job you're seeking. Really highlight in-demand skills that are requested time and time again in job postings, and make sure they're expanded upon within the work history section.
-When listing accomplishments for particular jobs, it's important to use specific metrics wherever possible. This instantly increases the overall impact of the document and can make a significant difference in terms of the number of interviews you receive when submitting.
-Be sure to include any courses, training or certifications that might be pertinent at the tail end of the resume. You can change the "Education" section to read as "Education & Advanced Training" and insert them there.
PROFESSIONAL LEVEL: Expert
RECOMMENDATION: A 2 or 3-Page Resume
It's important for high-level professionals to realize that a resume should never attempt to encapsulate absolutely everything you've done. It should serve as a TEASER for your candidacy, highlighting just enough relevant accomplishments to pique a reader's interest and have them call you in for an interview. With that in mind, a 2-page resume is almost always the best solution UNLESS you have a body of work that can truly sustain interest for 3 pages.
-The opening paragraph needs to highlight leadership capabilities regardless of industry. If you've published in prestigious magazines or have master-level professional certifications, mention them here.
-Precise targeting is necessary within the work history section. Don't make the mistake of thinking all jobs deserve the same amount of space within the resume. Keep the focus tight on relevant jobs, particularly those held within the past 10-12 years.
I hope these suggestions prove helpful to you. Should you have specific questions about your job search documents, please don't hesitate to reach out!
Anish Majumdar is a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW) 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!
12/13/11
What's the Buzz on Keywords?
If you are on the hunt for a new job, you have probably heard the reminders to make sure you have "keywords" included in your resume. So, what exactly are keywords and where do you find them?
If you have applied for a job online, your application is typically stored in a resume database or applicant tracking system. When a new position becomes available, Recruiters will pull a subset of candidate resumes/applications that they deem qualified based on a database "keyword" search.
So, you know you need to insert keywords into your resume so you can get "found" by the recruiter, but, how do you come up with the keywords?
Keywords and key phrases are typically nouns (person, place, thing) and noun phrases that describe and relate your experience to the job opening. Keywords are created by combining words contained in the advertised job description/job posting and your professional experience:
WHERE KEYWORDS COME FROM: Possible Keywords
JOB TITLES: Accountant, Graphic Designer, Artist, Realtor, District Manager, Senior Publisher, Typesetter, Teacher, Research Assistant, Dispatcher
SKILLS: Budgeting, Supervision, Strategic Planning, Organization, Web Design, Word Processing, Training, Facilitation, Purchasing, Presentation, Sales Management, Reporting
EDUCATION: GED, High School Diploma, Associates Degree, Bachelors Degree, Masters Degree
CERTIFICATIONS OR LICENSES: Welding Certificate, CPR Certified, Teaching Certificate: Early Elementary Education, ISO 9000 Certification, MCSE Certification, Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Licensed Massage Therapist, Certified Dental Hygienist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Commercial Drivers License (CDL), LEED (Green Building Certified)
SPECIFIC TOOLS OR PROCESSES USED: Backhoe Operator, 3D Printing Press, Pneumatic Nail Gun, Interactive Whiteboard, Emergency Operations Center, SWAT Team, Hazardous Material Response, Greens Aeration Process, Onsite Recycling Initiative, Process Mapping, CAD Drafting
TECHNOLOGY: Excel, Word, Powerpoint, Skype, GoTo Meeting Blackboard, Dreamweaver, WordPress, Adobe PhotoShop, Macintosh
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS/MEMBERSHIPS: SHRM - Society for Human Resources Management, HFMA - Healthcare Financial Management Association, AICPA - American Institute of CPA's, IAFF - International Association of Firefighters, HSMAI - Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International, AIGA - Professional Association for Design
Once you have your keywords identified, make sure you incorporate them in your resume. You need to ensure you are loading your resume with keywords that are searchable, readable and actionable by the recruiter. Spend your time carefully when crafting your resume, taking time to match your history to the targeted job you are applying for. Be descriptive and specific so you can get FOUND in the crowd!
If you need help tailoring your resume to include keywords, Regal Resumes can help! You can find us at www.regalresumes.com
Guest Writing for Regal Resumes:
JOLAINE JACKSON, SPHR, IPMA-CP, Owner of "On The Spot Resources, LLC"
FIND ME ON ELANCE: https://www.elance.com/s/onthespotresources/
11/30/11
What's the Buzz on Keywords?
If you are on the hunt for a new job, you have probably heard the reminders to make sure you have "keywords" included in your resume. So, what exactly are keywords and where do you find them?
If you have applied for a job online, your application is typically stored in a resume database or applicant tracking system. When a new position becomes available, Recruiters will pull a subset of candidate resumes/applications that they deem qualified based on a database "keyword" search.
So, you know you need to insert keywords into your resume so you can get "found" by the recruiter, but, how do you come up with the keywords?
Keywords and key phrases are typically nouns (person, place, thing) and noun phrases that describe and relate your experience to the job opening. Keywords are created by combining words contained in the advertised job description/job posting and your professional experience:
WHERE KEYWORDS COME FROM: Possible Keywords
JOB TITLES: Accountant, Graphic Designer, Artist, Realtor, District Manager, Senior Publisher, Typesetter, Teacher, Research Assistant, Dispatcher
SKILLS: Budgeting, Supervision, Strategic Planning, Organization, Web Design, Word Processing, Training, Facilitation, Purchasing, Presentation, Sales Management, Reporting
EDUCATION: GED, High School Diploma, Associates Degree, Bachelors Degree, Masters Degree
CERTIFICATIONS OR LICENSES: Welding Certificate, CPR Certified, Teaching Certificate: Early Elementary Education, ISO 9000 Certification, MCSE Certification, Certified Public Accountant (CPA), Licensed Massage Therapist, Certified Dental Hygienist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Commercial Drivers License (CDL), LEED (Green Building Certified)
SPECIFIC TOOLS OR PROCESSES USED: Backhoe Operator, 3D Printing Press, Pneumatic Nail Gun, Interactive Whiteboard, Emergency Operations Center, SWAT Team, Hazardous Material Response, Greens Aeration Process, Onsite Recycling Initiative, Process Mapping, CAD Drafting
TECHNOLOGY: Excel, Word, Powerpoint, Skype, GoTo Meeting Blackboard, Dreamweaver, WordPress, Adobe PhotoShop, Macintosh
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS/MEMBERSHIPS: SHRM - Society for Human Resources Management, HFMA - Healthcare Financial Management Association, AICPA - American Institute of CPA's, IAFF - International Association of Firefighters, HSMAI - Hospitality Sales and Marketing Association International, AIGA - Professional Association for Design
Once you have your keywords identified, make sure you incorporate them in your resume. You need to ensure you are loading your resume with keywords that are searchable, readable and actionable by the recruiter. Spend your time carefully when crafting your resume, taking time to match your history to the targeted job you are applying for. Be descriptive and specific so you can get FOUND in the crowd!
If you need help tailoring your resume to include keywords, Regal Resumes can help! You can find us at www.regalresumes.com
Guest Writing for Regal Resumes:
JOLAINE JACKSON, SPHR, IPMA-CP, Owner of "On The Spot Resources, LLC"
FIND ME ON ELANCE: https://www.elance.com/s/onthespotresources/
8/16/11
What's a Cover Letter?
A cover letter should always be used to accompany a CV or resume when applying for a job. A cover letter is the 'cherry on top' of a job application and shows that you have taken the time and consideration to walk your potential employer through your best assets as a preview to the actual CV.
A covering letter should be used to introduce yourself and explain why you are applying to the post, which post you are applying to, and why you are better suited than the thousand other applicants to the post! You should always find the name of the person who will be reading your application. It is much more personal to do this than to use a generic ' To the manager' or 'To whom it may concern' and shows you have gone to some effort. It is the small touches like this which will impress upon the employer how much more effort you have gone to than the competition in researching and applying to the post to which you are interested.
Obviously you should have the required skills and knowledge to do the job or if not then the enthusiasm to learn quickly and be of use in your new post. If you are applying to a post to which you are under qualified you need to explain this in your covering letter. Perhaps you are having a career change and have found some enthusiasm for a new direction. This may or may not be acceptable to the employer and they might simply ignore an application from someone who is unqualified for the job. However if you draw on your other experiences and paint yourself in a brilliant light, explaining what your other talents and skills will bring to the role, you may well win over the them over.
You should always paint yourself in the best possible light, whatever your experiences, when writing a covering letter. Include reasons for applying to the job, your most relevant skills, qualifications, experiences and previous employments. A cover letter should really not be more than a single side of paper and will tell the interviewer everything they need to know in a brief, concise manner. When closing do so in a grateful way and always request an interview. Use good quality paper and type out your application if possible.
In short a cover letter allows the employer to quickly sift through many applications and decide which are heading for the top and which are heading for the waste paper bin. Make sure you spend plenty of time getting it right. Always use spell check and get a friend to read over it once done to check for any errors or omissions.
For more information and to check out James' website and download some freebies click here.
8/2/11
What's a Cover Letter?
A cover letter should always be used to accompany a CV or resume when applying for a job. A cover letter is the 'cherry on top' of a job application and shows that you have taken the time and consideration to walk your potential employer through your best assets as a preview to the actual CV.
A covering letter should be used to introduce yourself and explain why you are applying to the post, which post you are applying to, and why you are better suited than the thousand other applicants to the post! You should always find the name of the person who will be reading your application. It is much more personal to do this than to use a generic ' To the manager' or 'To whom it may concern' and shows you have gone to some effort. It is the small touches like this which will impress upon the employer how much more effort you have gone to than the competition in researching and applying to the post to which you are interested.
Obviously you should have the required skills and knowledge to do the job or if not then the enthusiasm to learn quickly and be of use in your new post. If you are applying to a post to which you are under qualified you need to explain this in your covering letter. Perhaps you are having a career change and have found some enthusiasm for a new direction. This may or may not be acceptable to the employer and they might simply ignore an application from someone who is unqualified for the job. However if you draw on your other experiences and paint yourself in a brilliant light, explaining what your other talents and skills will bring to the role, you may well win over the them over.
You should always paint yourself in the best possible light, whatever your experiences, when writing a covering letter. Include reasons for applying to the job, your most relevant skills, qualifications, experiences and previous employments. A cover letter should really not be more than a single side of paper and will tell the interviewer everything they need to know in a brief, concise manner. When closing do so in a grateful way and always request an interview. Use good quality paper and type out your application if possible.
In short a cover letter allows the employer to quickly sift through many applications and decide which are heading for the top and which are heading for the waste paper bin. Make sure you spend plenty of time getting it right. Always use spell check and get a friend to read over it once done to check for any errors or omissions.
For more information and to check out James' website and download some freebies click here.
1/15/11
How to Write Your Resume, Part 1: What's the Point?
The process of finding the right job on your career path begins with the resume. For many people, this seems a daunting task, requiring a combination of creative writing, chest-thumping and salesmanship skills that appears beyond our capabilities. However, armed with a few structural tips and a willingness to express ourselves, it can be a fairly simple process. This series of articles will show you how to write your own resume.
Open a document (or notepad) and write the following categories, one per page:
ObjectiveQualificationsAccomplishmentsExperienceEducationOtherHave a few copies of your old r?sum? handy, a few target job descriptions of positions you would like to target, and a hot cup of coffee or tea. Your journey begins now.
It's a time-honored principle of success: If you know where you want to go, you have a much better chance of getting there. It's true in you career, job search and resume-writing as well; a little pre-writing can make the ordeal much easier. (It's also a great way to get beyond that fear of the blank page staring back at you.)
When my clients tell me they don't care what they want to do, they just want a job, I typically pass on the work. The stress of unemployment or a bad work situation is extraordinary, I know, but being more anxious to get a job doesn't make you more marketable. It makes you much less marketable. If you are in a heightened state of panic, then a better question might be, where are you most marketable or employable?
The point is if you don't have a direction or focus to your job search or resume, then don't write your resume. It's usually a waste of time. Decide what you want to do and/or how you want to target your resume. You can always write a second version in an alternate direction if you need. For now, pick one primary direction and we'll call this your "master" resume. That said, write down, under Objective, what you want to do. Include ideal job title and as well as the industries and areas of expertise you may want to target.
For example, if your target is Medical Sales, then write down "Medical Sales Executive." Your target industry might be something like robotic surgical devises and non-invasive surgical devises. Also write that you will draw from your 12 years of successful sales experience in B2B sales. Don't write your objective. Just write these key points. This is the time to get organized and define the focus and target of your resume.
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