The Truth About Resume Writers

The Truth About Resume Writers I didnt hire a resume writer when I was in a job search.  Why?  Because I couldnt afford it. And, because I was smart enough to write my own resume.  Heck, I had worked my way through a CIS degree, and an MBA, and by that point, had had a great career.  SELF MADE.  I was smart, motivated, etc. Why should I hire someone, for hundreds of dollars, to write a one or two page resume? One or two pages.  Bleh. I had written papers in college that were many times that length. So I wrote my own resume, and I spun my wheels in a depressing job search, when the economy was strong.  I got nowhere.  And I didnt understand why. I didnt understand that an experienced resume writer would have been able to help me understand why. What Ive come to learn is that a resume writer, many times, is much more than a resume writer.  Let me rewrite that: A resume writer is much more than a typist. When you hire a resume writer, you are hiring someone who is in your corner, rooting for you, cheering you on, and sometimes, coaching you.  Im not saying they are a coach, but if you email them and say I am not getting anywhere what am I doing wrong?, they might put on their coaching hat and say something like my other clients are doing this thing, have you tried that? If I had hired a resume writer, I know that writer would have said Jason, you are doing this thing wrong fix it! Resume writers are in the trenches with you.  And they have been in the trenches hundreds, maybe thousands, of times.  They have seen many successes, and many failures.  They learn from job seekers that have gone before you.  Many have seen the cycles of great economy/cruddy economy.  They have an understanding of the past, and a vision of the future, and can be your lighthouse helping you navigate a seemingly hopeless and dangerous journey. Resume writers get a thrill when you email them and say you landed a job.  They share that huge win with their Facebook friends (Im friends with many on Facebook, and see these messages shared regularly).  Its a second payday for them.  Sure, they charge money, and they should.  This is not charity work. They are experts at what they do. More important, they bring value to you. and they should be rewarded for that.  Their first payday is when you pay them money.  Their second payday is when you say I landed!!  Honestly, Im not sure which is worth more to a resume writer.  In many cases, the second payday is more meaningful. Think Im blowing smoke yet?  Im not. I know these people.  Ive been to conferences with them. I email them.  I have broken bread with them.  They genuinely care about your success, as much as they care about being experts in their field.  They want to bring their best game to you, so you can move forward in your career. Recently I saw a Facebook message from my friend in Wisconsin, Julie Walraven.  This message shows her passion and excitement, and level of concern that she puts into her client relationship.  This message could just have easily been shared by Charlotte Weeks in Chicago, or Adrian Kelly in Australia, or Dawn Bugni in North Carolina or Shahrzad Arasteh in Maryland or Kelly McClelland in Florida or Robyn Feldberg in Texas or Ann Brody in Chicago or Carrie Luber in New York or the list could go on and on.  These career professionals are not mere typists (although they do that very well).  Heres Julies Facebook post: Find the right resume writer, career coach, or career counselor, and I guarantee they will echo this same enthusiasm and commitment to your success. The Truth About Resume Writers I didnt hire a resume writer when I was in a job search.  Why?  Because I couldnt afford it. And, because I was smart enough to write my own resume.  Heck, I had worked my way through a CIS degree, and an MBA, and by that point, had had a great career.  SELF MADE.  I was smart, motivated, etc. Why should I hire someone, for hundreds of dollars, to write a one or two page resume? One or two pages.  Bleh. I had written papers in college that were many times that length. So I wrote my own resume, and I spun my wheels in a depressing job search, when the economy was strong.  I got nowhere.  And I didnt understand why. I didnt understand that an experienced resume writer would have been able to help me understand why. What Ive come to learn is that a resume writer, many times, is much more than a resume writer.  Let me rewrite that: A resume writer is much more than a typist. When you hire a resume writer, you are hiring someone who is in your corner, rooting for you, cheering you on, and sometimes, coaching you.  Im not saying they are a coach, but if you email them and say I am not getting anywhere what am I doing wrong?, they might put on their coaching hat and say something like my other clients are doing this thing, have you tried that? If I had hired a resume writer, I know that writer would have said Jason, you are doing this thing wrong fix it! Resume writers are in the trenches with you.  And they have been in the trenches hundreds, maybe thousands, of times.  They have seen many successes, and many failures.  They learn from job seekers that have gone before you.  Many have seen the cycles of great economy/cruddy economy.  They have an understanding of the past, and a vision of the future, and can be your lighthouse helping you navigate a seemingly hopeless and dangerous journey. Resume writers get a thrill when you email them and say you landed a job.  They share that huge win with their Facebook friends (Im friends with many on Facebook, and see these messages shared regularly).  Its a second payday for them.  Sure, they charge money, and they should.  This is not charity work. They are experts at what they do. More important, they bring value to you. and they should be rewarded for that.  Their first payday is when you pay them money.  Their second payday is when you say I landed!!  Honestly, Im not sure which is worth more to a resume writer.  In many cases, the second payday is more meaningful. Think Im blowing smoke yet?  Im not. I know these people.  Ive been to conferences with them. I email them.  I have broken bread with them.  They genuinely care about your success, as much as they care about being experts in their field.  They want to bring their best game to you, so you can move forward in your career. Recently I saw a Facebook message from my friend in Wisconsin, Julie Walraven.  This message shows her passion and excitement, and level of concern that she puts into her client relationship.  This message could just have easily been shared by Charlotte Weeks in Chicago, or Adrian Kelly in Australia, or Dawn Bugni in North Carolina or Shahrzad Arasteh in Maryland or Kelly McClelland in Florida or Robyn Feldberg in Texas or Ann Brody in Chicago or Carrie Luber in New York or the list could go on and on.  These career professionals are not mere typists (although they do that very well).  Heres Julies Facebook post: Find the right resume writer, career coach, or career counselor, and I guarantee they will echo this same enthusiasm and commitment to your success.

Writing a Compelling Objective For a Resume

Writing a Compelling Objective For a ResumeIf you are the type of person who likes to show your interest in what you do, you should be thinking about the writing a compelling objective for a resume. One that you have written will do much to add your to the search for a new job. Writing a compelling objective for a resume is not easy, but if you are able to use a few tricks, you can write one that will get you the job that you want.First, you will need to have a good idea of what you are trying to communicate. You should know your strengths and weaknesses so that you will know what kind of message you will be sending to potential employers when you write your resume. You may choose to start your objective by talking about your goals, but it may also be helpful to talk about your accomplishments to date.Maybe you have been through a very challenging time in your life and now you are ready to move on to the next stage of your life. You may want to talk about how you learned about hardsh ip, suffered through it, and eventually got back up again. Or you may talk about being without a job when the economy took a turn for the worse. Just make sure that you write your objective on your resume in such a way that you are looking forward to a future that you can make a difference in.Next, consider how you might style your own resume. Do you like the basic outline, or do you prefer to go all out? You can style your resume to fit your style, and then use it as a way to build a better resume for yourself.Writing a compelling objective for a resume should include your contact information, including your address, phone number, and e-mail address. It should also include your current job title, your reason for wanting the job, and your education and experience that will prove that you are the best person for the job. You should write your objective in such a way that will show potential employers that you are serious about getting a new job.Writing a compelling objective for a re sume can be challenging, but with a little effort, you will be able to write one that will make a lasting impression on the employer. If you have ever tried to create a resume that was full of your excitement and enthusiasm about your interests, this can be another way that you can write one that will show employers that you are someone they should hire. Even if you are not certain what type of career you would like to have, using this approach will give you a starting point to write one that is unique to you.You may not think that you can really be writing a compelling objective for a resume, but there are some writers who are skilled in writing objective statements. When you want to have a chance to do this yourself, try using a pen and paper to jot down some thoughts. This way, you will not forget any of your thoughts.Write one that is effective and then use it to help get your resume in front of potential employers. Whether you think that you are not good at writing a resume, or that you think you do not want to put too much work into it, you can write one that will be effective and will add to your resume.

Once you press send you cant take it back! University of Manchester Careers Blog

Once you press send you can’t take it back! University of Manchester Careers Blog There have been a few enquiries lately about what to do if you realise if you have made a mistake on an application AFTER you have sent it. Whether it’s in the post, in an email or via a website, once you have submitted the final version of your application there is no going back. What can you do? Well, if you posted it you could try sending a corrected copy with a note apologising for your error. However, this really underlines the mistake you made, but on the plus side you realised your mistake and tried to put it right. They may not accept it of course. If you emailed â€" you could do the same. If you submitted an online form â€" you have a real problem.   Once you can no longer edit your application you may not be able to do anything more.   You could ring the company and ask to edit your application or submit a new one, but I would think your chances are pretty slim especially if it is after the closing date. What will happen? It really depends on the error. A few spelling errors â€" some companies will overlook them, others will reject you. Getting the name of the company wrong probably an instant reject its just insulting! Incorrect information dates, grades etc. Could be grounds for dismissal, you would need to set them right immediately. Common mistakes to watch out for: Cut and paste errors â€" putting the wrong company name on your cover letter. Getting the name of the person you are sending it to wrong. Getting dates, grades wrong. Spelling generally â€" typos are just unacceptable.   Spelling the company name wrong indefensible! Sending the wrong CV or cover letter. Make sure you name your files on your PC in a really obvious manner! It is your responsibility to check your application before you send it off. As one recruiter said I expect perfection as standard All Undergraduate Undergraduate-highlighted

You Want to Leave Your Job and Do What

You Want to Leave Your Job and Do What Todays Guest Post is by, Dave Thomas In a day and age where the economy has been on life support in the eyes of some economists, why on earth would you want to quit your job to start you own business? Are you nuts? Have you lost your mind? Those are likely some of the responses individuals get when they tell others they are thinking of or definitely quitting their job that provides a reliable paycheck for the unknown. Are You a Gambler? For those individuals who feel leaving a steady paycheck for the unknown is their destiny, they’re not exactly castaways. As the economy has been stuck in neutral for some time now, more and more individuals who are either fed up with their current jobs or have gotten laid off, feel now is the time to go into business for them. If you find yourself getting the entrepreneurial itch, then now might very well be the time to scratch it. Before you do, however weigh the pros and cons of such a decision. On the plus side: You have freedom to make decisions and do not have to answer to anyone other than yourself; You set your own hours, although expect in most cases to work more hours now than you did under someone else; You have the ability to have an unlimited income as opposed to having a set salary under someone else. On the down side: You are making all the decisions and the ability to consult with co-workers and get their advice is removed; If you are not disciplined, you could find it hard to put in the necessary time commitment for the job, especially with a family involved; In the event your business takes a while to get going, what are you going to do for a regular source of income? If the decision is a go to open up a new business, do you have the business plan up and running? What? You’re not quite sure how to go about the business plan? This can be your first and biggest obstacle. Conceive the Business Plan One of the biggest mistakes start-ups make is not having a well thought out business plan in place. Remember, starting your own business is not something you just dive into. Prior to writing a business plan, be sure to research your market and compile up to date industry data. If you’re unsure about how to write the business plan, take note that there are a variety of business plan software packages available to new entrepreneurs. Many of the packages offer document templates, sample plans at no charge, along with advice on conceiving a plan. As you put your business plan together, don’t be afraid to ask for advice from family or friends who run their own companies. Once the plan is completed, make sure that a friend or family member/s reviews it to look for any holes or unanswered questions. In the event you are going to require funding to get your business up and running, you will likely be required to produce a formal business plan that speaks to your needs. Finally, determine if your writing skills are up to the challenge, as the last thing you want is turning in a plan that is riddled with grammar issues, etc. If you will require financial information that is either above your abilities or unavailable to you, consider working with a certified professional accountant. Make the Gamble Pay Off With a business plan in tow, the necessary funding (if required), and support from your loved ones, you could very easily make your own business the centerpiece of your life. Remember, your dreams and hopes that may not have been achieved under someone else could now be for the taking. Are you ready to take that gamble?

What Is the Best Way to Say Skiils in Resume?

What Is the Best Way to Say Skiils in Resume?This is a very important question and there is no easy answer. In fact, the answer to the question of 'what is the best way to say skills in resume' is not an easy one. Resume writers are looking for the best way to communicate a candidate's experience and skill set to recruiters.The core values of a company and the business' mission are what recruiters see in resumes. Their eyes are drawn towards those traits that support the key accomplishments and the achievements they see in a candidate. Resume writers want to communicate with recruiters and prospective employers in such a way that the prospective employees as well as employers can easily appreciate the message and benefit from it. A resume that has the right skills and experience doesn't necessarily have to be written in a unique way, it just needs to be a well-constructed piece of writing.Resume writing tips can be read to students and young professionals while attending university c ourses or even at community colleges and high schools. Having a guide with you that helps you to achieve success in the professional world will surely make you more confident in your own abilities. You can also try to write the questions on your own and then ask for tips from experts in resume writing. There are many guides available online.Another best way to say skills in resume is to use what's called a 'vanity statement'. This is just a sentence or two that describes a candidate's skills and experiences. It can simply be used to declare a candidate's goals and ambitions.An entrepreneur might highlight his core values and his entrepreneurial attitude while a sales executive might write about his enthusiasm for the product and his 'live for the moment' attitude. For example, if you're interested in being a corporate motivational speaker then you should include it in your resume. A motivational speaker's most important trait is their ability to inspire and build confidence in other s.A person who has studied Spanish and wants to communicate well with Spanish speakers might write in their resume that they are passionate about learning the language and about making people understand Spanish. Others who work at a higher level might include career achievements in their resumes. These resume writing tips to help their readers to understand better the candidate's strengths and the qualities they need to know in order to reach out to them.A professional writer might also include the key behaviors and traits that they learned from their years of experiences in the industry. Such traits are the same like a big picture that all the important things to consider before hiring someone for a position. These resume writing tips help readers get a clearer picture about the candidate's attributes.There is no need to explain the importance of having a great resume. One thing you should remember when writing a resume is to write it how you actually feel. Being honest about your skills and experience will help you come across as a person of value and your potential employer will find this person more useful to work with.

How to Make Hot Desking Work for Your Company CareerMetis.com

How to Make Hot Desking Work for Your Companyâ€" CareerMetis.com Hot desking is a rapidly growing trend in office design that creates a flexible, collaborative work environment. Employees in a hot desking environment work on an open floor plan and choose a workspace based on availability, with no assigned desks.Why Hot Desking?evalNearly two-thirds of companies intend to adopt shared desks by 2020. Hot desking cuts down on unused office space and allows workers to choose a workspace based on availability. On average, 40% of office space goes unused at any time. Hot desking eliminates the need for excess space by offering a floor plan that requires less.The best way to take advantage of hot desking is to allow employees to rotate work from home days or offer flexible work hours. This way, employees can share desks because they will never be in the office at the same time.You can try having two employees use one desk and assign one employee work from home on Tuesdays and Thursdays and another work from home on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays. You ca n find out more about why remote work matters for your company here.evalWhy are so many offices adopting hot desking culture? Let’s check out some pros and cons.Advantages of Hot Desking:There are many advantages to adopting a hot desking system, which is why a majority of companies are adopting this office culture. Here are some of the pros:Reduce office costs by eliminating the need for excess space. Office space is the second biggest cost for most businesses. Adopt a hot desking floor plan and save money on rent. If you’re launching a startup, reducing your costs out the gate will make it easier to get a business loan.Teamwork makes the dream workOpen floor plans inspire more collaboration amongst coworkers, which can boost productivity up 25%. Try adding in casual seating options such as couches, bean bags and picnic benches so that employees have multiple seating options. Workplace Productivity increasesThis study revealed that 87% of employees think flexible work environme nts are beneficial to productivity. Try adding employee benefits such as work-from-home days and telecommuting options and watch employee satisfaction skyrocket! Disadvantages of Hot Desking:There are a lot of benefits to shared desks, but there are some disadvantages to this open floor plan. Some of those disadvantages include:Some employees report a decrease in focus in a shared desk environment This study reports that coworkers relationships can be negatively impacted by hot deskingEmployees that share desks also share germs. Increased sick days have been reported as a result of desk sharing. Six Hacks for Setting up a Hot Desk System:Is your business ready to adopt a hot desking system? If so, use the infographic below for tips on how to implement shared desks.evalInfographic Resource â€" Fundera.com

The Importance of Networking for Interns

The Importance of Networking for Interns 9 Flares 9 Flares Last week I read a post from one of my favorite bloggers, Ryan Stephens, who wrote a piece called How to be an Awesome Intern.   My long ass response to his post suggested that networking is critical for the intern.  This long comment I shared with Ryan and his readers inspired me to turn it into a full blown post on COTJ.   Do yourself a favor and stop by Ryans blog, not only is he a good guy but he also loves Dexter and LOST as much as I do. What is the true purpose of an internship? Money? Online college credits?  Securing a job before graduation?  Strong arguments can be made for each, but I think internships are meant for building up your resume and experience.  Most organizations fail hard in running an internship program, and have trouble identifying/keeping their top interns.  Ryan agrees with this and says, Don’t limit yourself to the company you’re interning with. Keep building your brand and exploring other options.  Well put. Maybe you wont rack up 15 internships like Lauren Berger AKA The Intern Queen was able to do in her college career (yes, she seriously took on 15 internships), but your experience will prove invaluable to you in the future, and the contacts you make are critical to your future.  In her post, Why students should take unpaid internships, Lauren says that shes kept in contact with all of her fellow interns and program coordinators through the years (from all 15 internships), and those contacts have helped her land jobs and interviews.  So, she will agree with me when I say that networking is absolutely critical for your success as an intern. So, how does an intern use networking to effectively boost their career? Step 1: Create a LinkedIn account immediately Given that the company probably wont hire you on, youll need a professional way to stay connected.  Add co-workers, other interns, program coordinators, even clients/vendors to your LinkedIn contacts.  Ive read that 80% of organizations use LinkedIn for hiring, so you can imagine how important it is to begin building your contacts ASAP.  If you feel particularly brave, ask a few people for recommendations of your work.  Most people are happy to oblige, and this will make you look like a rock star to future employers.  Avoid Facebook/Myspace if possible. Step 2: Get involved You dont need to be the most skilled to get noticed.  Get involved in projects, ask questions, and find an influential employee of the company that may offer guidance.  Bust your ass and volunteer to be on as many projects as possible.  Not only will you increase your learning, but youll meet more people to add to your LinkedIn account!   Step 3: Happy Hour! Hang out with your co-workers and fellow interns when possible.  A friendship to back up your professional relationship is always helpful.  I realize some interns may not be of age to enjoy happy hour drinks, so look for other ways to hang out.  Go to dinner with a group of other interns, or maybe go to a baseball game.  Make it a point to at least build a friendship with at least one other person. How have internships helped you in your career?  Have you kept in touch with any former co-workers or fellow interns?

Networking with a purpose - ideas from Joe Lavelle -

Networking with a purpose - ideas from Joe Lavelle - Yesterday, I shared a review of Act As If It Were Impossible to Fail. (You can read it HERE.) Today, I want to share more from Joe Lavelles book! Joe talks about Networking with a purpose. This is so important. I hear from people all of the time who insist that they have been doing EVERYTHING for their job hunt including networking. However, upon further inquiry, it is clear that they could be doing a lot more. Joe offers this advice, which I believe is right on target. (Points are his, commentary my own): Make meeting others a priority. So often, networking is something careerists only think about when it is time to look for a job. It should be something you do all of the time, no matter what. Joe suggests setting goals of how many people to contact in a certain period of time. It is key to focus on your networking, as we all know there are so many other priorities that take our time. Network with empathy. This is a great way to describe how to network. Joe reminds readers to focus on making networking a two-way street. What do YOU offer? This is not all about taking be sure you are also giving. Find a location. You can meet people in all types of groups and programs. Join groups both professional and personal, as you never know when or where you will meet someone who is a great match. Ask questions. A lot of times, job seekers focus on how to ANSWER questions. It is just as important to know what questions to ask! I always tell my clients to be sure to know what they WANT to know when meeting a great networking contact. It sounds obvious, but often, people go into meetings (or informational interviews) without a clear goal. Have a goal and great questions to ask. You wont be sorry. Listen for Clues. Good listening is so important. Ive written about this and cannot say it enough. Take notes. Personally, I write down everything I want to remember. You dont want to forget who you met, what they told you, if you should follow upThere is so much to remember! Dont miss an opportunity because something slipped your mind. Most people will be flattered if you make a point to write something down during a conversation! Read what Joe has to say in his bookA great read! What do you have to add about networking well? I can help with every part of your job hunt! Need a great resume? Tips to use social networking? Interview coaching?   If you need help mobilizing your networks and your job search plans, learn more about how I can help you! While youre at it, dont forget those social networks! Be sure to become a fan of Keppie Careers on FacebookId be thrilled to have you as part of the community! Since were on the subject of doing something newAre you on Twitter? Jump on and touch base with me @keppie_careers. photo by mag3737