Career Change » Career Resume http://www.accip.org Mon, 06 Sep 2010 01:32:20 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.2 en hourly 1 Avoiding Resume Elimination at the Initial Scanning Scan is Vital http://www.accip.org/avoiding-resume-elimination-at-the-initial-scanning-scan-is-vital http://www.accip.org/avoiding-resume-elimination-at-the-initial-scanning-scan-is-vital#comments Thu, 02 Sep 2010 01:41:01 +0000 admin http://www.accip.org/avoiding-resume-elimination-at-the-initial-scanning-scan-is-vital Avoiding Resume Elimination at the Initial Scanning Scan is Vital

The popularity of the book “Blink” underscores the importance of first impressions in any business dealing. The premise of the book is that many decisions are, in fact, snap judgments—but that those judgments often hold true. Given this fact of modern business life, you’ll want to do everything possible not to torpedo your job application from the start.

Obviously, the first step in any successful job hunt is sending a resume—either by e-mail or by snail-mail. You want a resume that is complete, yet concise…factual and not fraudulent…impressive and not insufferable. In addition, you’ll want to craft a resume that will not end up in the reject pile as soon as it lands on an executive’s desk.

It is critical that you compose a resume that can withstand an initial “scan,” whether that scan is by human eyes or electronic ones. While it may not be possible to make your resume “scan-proof,” you can certainly increase your chances of getting your resume past the initial scan.
The Importance of the Scan

As a job seeker, you might be wondering why so much emphasis is placed on resume scanning to begin with. In order to understand this, you must place yourself in the role of the employer or recruiting manager. He or she has to work through a pile of resumes that may be 300 resumes-high. Filling a particular position may be just one of dozens of other things on the daily to-do list. As a result, time is precious to the hiring executive, and he or she must do everything possible to make the process as time-efficient as possible.
The First Look

While you may have poured your heart and soul into your resume…working for hours to perfect it…you need to understand that an employer will spend little time scanning it. In fact, he or she will probably spend only about ten seconds looking at your resume!

During that incredibly short period of time, it’s important that you grab his or her attention. In many cases, that means clearly stating your career objective at the beginning of your resume…making your applicable job skills stand out from the text…providing a coherent history of your experience, along with any special honors you have received. Keep in mind that the employer is looking for those positions you’ve held and those job skills you’ve acquired that are directly relevant to the position being offered. If you fill your resume with inconsequential material…information that doesn’t have anything to do with your qualifications for a specific job…your resume will, in all likelihood, be quickly discarded to make room for those resumes that fit the bill.

If your resume is long and wieldy…if it is difficult to read and nearly impossible to follow…if it is poorly formatted…or if it contains spelling errors and grammatical mistakes…it will not survive this initial scan.
The Finer Points

In addition to these general considerations, there are some finer points that need to be considered when you draft your resume. For instance, you have to consider the fact that a recruiter will be looking at your resume to see if your latest work experience matches the type of work you’d be doing in the position that’s advertised. If you are applying for a job as a television producer and you have not produced a show in ten years, you’ll probably have trouble winning that coveted TV news producing job.

Next, the hiring manager will also look to see what kinds of companies you’ve worked for. In other words, if your resume reflects a history of working for Fortune 500 companies, you have a greater chance of landing another Fortune 500 job. Like attracts like—and if you’ve been working for major corporations, the hiring manager at a large company is far more likely to hire you.

The recruiter will also look to see if you have a demonstrated record of achievement. For instance, does your resume show a history of promotions? Has your work won prestigious awards, either at the local or national level? Has your work been recognized for special honors at your current place of employment? The more honors you list in your resume, the more likely it will pass through that initial scan with ease.

Finally, a number of employers are greatly interested in where you received your education. An Ivy League credential can work magic during the job application process. In some cases, an employer may be more inclined to invite you in for an interview if you both attended the same college or completed the same graduate degree program. While experience usually trumps education during the initial scan, that’s not to say that the education section of your resume is not important.
When Computers Do the Scanning

In this technological age, it is highly important that you produce a resume that can withstand high-tech scrutiny. Since a number of employers rely on specialized software that screens resumes for specific words and phrases, you want to customize your resume as much as possible to the position you’re applying for. If the position is in sales and you’ve had extensive sales experience, be sure to mention the word “sales” throughout your resume. If the advertised job involves supervising other employees, make sure that your supervisory experience is indicated extensively within the text of your work history. Before you write your resume, you may want to brainstorm, producing a list of words and phrases that would be associated with the position you’re seeking. That way, you can be sure to insert all relevant words into the text of your resume, increasing the chances that you will be called in for an interview.
Put Your Resume to the Scan Test

If you are not sure how your resume would survive a scan, it’s a good idea to test it with one of your colleagues. Have an associate whose opinion you value take a ten-second look at your resume. In all likelihood, any missteps you’ve made will literally jump off the page, giving you all the information you need for a quick and effective rewrite.

This article was written by the certified professional resume writers of Resume Services(http://www.AccuroResumes.com/). The writers at AccuroResumes will help create a perfect professional resume suited to your best needs. See why thousands of people are discovering the benefits of a perfect professional resume written by AccuroResumes.com. You are guaranteed to be 100% satisfied with your new, professional resume or, your money back. Reproductions of this article are encouraged, but must include a link pointing to http://www.AccuroResumes.com/.


About Author

The writers at AccuroResumes will help create a perfect professional resume suited to your best needs. See why thousands of people are discovering the benefits of a perfect professional resume written by AccuroResumes.com. You are guaranteed to be 100% satisfied with your new, professional resume or, your money back. Reproductions of this article are encouraged, but must include a link pointing to http://www.AccuroResumes.com/.

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]]> http://www.accip.org/avoiding-resume-elimination-at-the-initial-scanning-scan-is-vital/feed 0 Fax your resumes directly to Employers of your choice via FAX Resume Blaster http://www.accip.org/fax-your-resumes-directly-to-employers-of-your-choice-via-fax-resume-blaster http://www.accip.org/fax-your-resumes-directly-to-employers-of-your-choice-via-fax-resume-blaster#comments Sun, 22 Aug 2010 01:40:56 +0000 admin http://www.accip.org/fax-your-resumes-directly-to-employers-of-your-choice-via-fax-resume-blaster Fax your resumes directly to Employers of your choice via FAX Resume Blaster

Find-law-jobs.com offers the easiest, quickest and most cost-effective way for job seekers to get their resumes in the hands of hiring authorities.

 

At www.find-law-jobs.com you have the privilege to send your resume to Legal Employers or Law Companies of YOUR choice. Simply choose from our amazing database of legal firms and blast your resumes directly without any third party interference. Though you can send your resumes via FAX, we do accept resumes via Email as a second option.

 

As a first line of attack, Find-law-Jobs.com distributes your resume exactly as you designed it through fax directly to the hundreds of thousands of employers in its database and by email to others who may not have faxes available. What’s more, the service allows the candidate to personally ensure that certain employers, such as the current employer, will not see his/her resume. 

 

The candidate chooses the blast criteria, including industry sectors and specialties and may target the resume blast to employers in up to three geographical areas. 

At just pennies per fax and email, the most cost-effective resume distribution service available.

Find Law Jobs Resume Blaster allows you to tailor your search such that you may exclude your current employer — or any other law firm

 

The main highlight of sending your resume through a FAX Resume blaster is that your resume would not be ignored. Your resume is directly sent to the concerned HR authorities of the.

 

All this just for few pennies per FAX and you have achieved your dream job!

 

 

With Blessings,

 

Julian John

President

Find-Law-Jobs.com

Division of Find Jobs, Inc.

618 S. Northwest Hwy. #173

Barrington, Illinois 60010

www.find-law-jobs.com

www.find-Retail-Jobs.com

 

 


About Author

I’m a graduate in law from DePaul University. I have been practicing law for more than 17yrs, serving large/small enterprises and legal services providers. There was a time when I got frustrated with inability to find candidates as per corporate needs. I noticed public job boards to be ineffectual & recruiters too expensive. Find-law-jobs.com thus came into being to meet the requirements & provide qualified legal professionals.

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]]> http://www.accip.org/fax-your-resumes-directly-to-employers-of-your-choice-via-fax-resume-blaster/feed 0 Four Resume Mistakes to Avoid http://www.accip.org/four-resume-mistakes-to-avoid http://www.accip.org/four-resume-mistakes-to-avoid#comments Sat, 21 Aug 2010 01:40:50 +0000 admin http://www.accip.org/four-resume-mistakes-to-avoid Four Resume Mistakes to Avoid

In the job search your resume is often the first encounter a recruiter will have with you. While the resume is most often used in the job search, you may also use it in a number of different circumstances throughout your career: informational interviewing, board membership, and annual performance reviews.

As an important marketing tool, your resume should reflect demonstrated competencies and accomplishments, in addition to, your relevant experience, education and knowledge. In writing your resume, there are four common resume mistakes that are avoidable such as having an unclear objective, typos and grammar errors, lack of relevance, and a focus on tasks rather than accomplishments.

Unclear Objective
When recruiters receive a resume, the first thing they look for is a clear objective. If your objective isn’t there or isn’t clear, they won’t know what to do with your resume. This can be especially problematic if it’s not obvious from your work history that the position you applied for is the logical next career step. Your objective should be clear and succinct such as, “Marketing Director” or “Human Resources Analyst.” If you are still exploring career options and don’t want to eliminate job opportunities, it is advisable to create several versions of your resume, each with a clear objective.

Typos and Grammar Errors
These are also avoidable resume mistakes. Before you submit your resume, have a few people look it over to make sure the content can be understood, and that no typos have been overlooked. While mistakes happen, attention to detail is an attribute required of most employees, you don’t want to diminish your chances for employment due to such errors. 

Lack of Relevance
A third avoidable resume mistake is taking a one-size fits all approach which will work against you in the job search. You have to illustrate that you are a professional in the field of your choice. You do that by using relevant industry and functional keywords, highlighting accomplishments that are most recognizable in your industry, and selecting a format that is common to your field.

Tasks vs. Accomplishments

Finally, a focus on listing tasks rather than accomplishments and results is another common resume mistake. Recruiters like to get a sense of the contributions you’ve made in previous jobs. Your previous roles are important to know, but recruiters are evaluating whether you are going to be effective in your new role. The best way for them to evaluate your potential is by looking at your track record of relevant accomplishments and results.


About Author

Markell R. Steele, M.Ed., NCC, Career Counselor is the owner of Futures in Motion, Inc. and author of Fast Track Your Career: Three Steps for Finding Work You Love. For the past 13 years, she has helped frustrated job seekers connect with their dream jobs in less time with less stress by sharing her secrets for career happiness and success. Her company provides career assessments and career transition assistance. More articles can be found here- http://futures-in-motion.com/article_archive.php.

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]]> http://www.accip.org/four-resume-mistakes-to-avoid/feed 0 Your Resume Must Represent your Career Goals http://www.accip.org/your-resume-must-represent-your-career-goals http://www.accip.org/your-resume-must-represent-your-career-goals#comments Fri, 20 Aug 2010 01:40:47 +0000 admin http://www.accip.org/your-resume-must-represent-your-career-goals Your Resume Must Represent your Career Goals

When drafting your resume, it is easy to fall into the habit of focusing on the past. After all, much of your resume will consist of a list of things you’ve done—from positions you’ve held to special awards you’ve received to degrees you’ve attained. A resume is, in fact, a compilation of your professional and, in some cases, personal history. Therefore, admittedly, much of your resume will have sentences and clauses that are in the past tense.

And yet, a resume should also be a forward-looking document. In other words, it should not simply indicate where you’ve been—it should also inform a potential employer about where you’re headed. As a result, in order to craft a truly effective resume, you must be somewhat futuristic in your thinking. This means clearly articulating your career goals within the text of your resume.

First Step: Define Your Goals

Placing your career goals on your resume can be quite a challenge if you do not have a clear idea of what those goals are. If you are in this position, you’re certainly not alone. Many of us have difficulty visualizing where we would like to be five or ten years down our career path. In a number of cases, this may be the result of selling ourselves short, thinking that the highest levels of achievement in our chosen field are closed to us because we are lacking in some area—interpersonal communication, written communication, decision-making ability, or other job skills which are critically important for managers.

However, if you talk with someone who has made significant progress in his or her career, you might be surprised to learn that this individual also faced feelings of inadequacy or believed that he or she was ill prepared for the job now held. Even sons and daughters of business owners often have to start out in entry-level jobs before they master the skills and expertise needed to run a company. In other words, it would be wrong to assume that a corporate executive is inherently more talented or more intelligent than you are.

Through research—interviewing executives, reading business magazines, and talking to members of professional organizations that you belong to—you should be able to develop a clearer idea of what your career goals are. Perhaps you would like to secure a managerial position…maybe you’d like to teach at the college level…or perhaps you would like to own your own company some day. Jot both immediate and long-term goals down on paper so you have some idea what kind of information you’d like to convey on your resume.

Showcase Your Goals

Once you have defined your career goals, it is important that you showcase them on your resume. Of course, there are various schools of thought about how to highlight career goals most effectively. Which approach you ultimately decide to take depends on a number of factors: what your colleagues and mentors consider to be most effective; what you yourself are comfortable with; and what is the most appropriate approach for the position you’re attempting to pursue.

One effective means of spotlighting your career goals is by placing them under a “Career Objective” category in your resume. This category affords you the opportunity to clearly articulate the direction in which you’d like your career path to go. If you have more than one career goal to list, it’s perhaps most effective to list your goals in bullet-point format.

But there are also some other creative ways you can indicate your career goals on your resume. For instance, in the supplemental information you provide for each position you’ve held, you can indicate how that particular job—or the duties that came with it—helped to move you toward your career goal. As with all the other text in your resume, this information should be stated clearly and succinctly. A simple phrase can inform a prospective employer about how a position aided you in developing the skills needed for achieving your career goals.

Avoid the Temptation of Omitting Critical Information

Unfortunately, some job seekers become so focused on their career goals that they feel that they have to radically alter their resumes in order to demonstrate their dedication to their goals. Such an approach is sure to backfire because it creates a resume that is misleading. When an employer discovers that you have omitted key information, he or she may be understandably reluctant to hire you.

For instance, consider the following scenario: You’ve just learned about a position that is available at a highly-respected company known for its fantastic promotion policies, benefit packages, and other perks. This is exactly the type of job you’d like to have—not only because of the opportunities it presents, but also because it would help you immensely in accomplishing your long-term career goals.

You decide that a resume re-draft is absolutely essential. However, when you begin the re-writing process, you decide to give a major makeover to the “Experience” section of your resume. You eliminate every job that does not directly relate to your career goal. By “streamlining” your resume, you hope to increase your chances of securing the position you desire.

Unfortunately, things in the business world are not that simple. By omitting references to certain jobs in your resume, you are doing a disservice to your employer—and to yourself. You are making it appear as if you’ve been headed in the same direction throughout your career when, in fact, your career might have taken a number of twists and turns. In addition, your streamlining has resulted in the appearance of serious gaps in your work history. If a would-be employer believes that you were unemployed for long periods of time, he or she may simply place your resume in the reject pile.

Be Open-Minded

Recognize that your career goals can change throughout your employment. As a result, you may need to tinker with the career goals text in your resume every so often. This is not an admission of defeat—rather, it is simply an indication that, as your work experience broadens, your ultimate objectives may evolve, taking you along paths you never dreamed possible.


About Author

This article was written by the certified professional resume writers of Resume Service. The writers at AccuroResumes will help create a perfect professional resume suited to your best needs. See why thousands of people are discovering the benefits of a perfect professional resume written by AccuroResumes.com. You are guaranteed to be 100% satisfied with your new, professional resume or, your money back. Reproductions of this article are encouraged, but must include a link pointing to http://www.AccuroResumes.com/.

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]]> http://www.accip.org/your-resume-must-represent-your-career-goals/feed 0 7 Strategies to Credit Crunch Proof Your Career http://www.accip.org/7-strategies-to-credit-crunch-proof-your-career http://www.accip.org/7-strategies-to-credit-crunch-proof-your-career#comments Sat, 29 May 2010 02:24:49 +0000 admin http://www.accip.org/7-strategies-to-credit-crunch-proof-your-career 7 Strategies to Credit Crunch Proof Your Career

Every time you open a newspaper nowadays, the first thing you see is the current fear of a recession, the credit crunch, the banking crisis and the difficult days ahead with a downturn of the economy. It seems obvious that there will be cost cutting measures within some organizations, which in turn triggers fears of downsizing. Keeping this in mind, it is better to credit crunch proof your career when there is still time. Even if your company is not affected right now, it is necessary that you build up a strategy to safeguard yourself. There are no magic answers or sure shot solutions but these tactics can help to give you confidence and an added edge.

1. Update your skills and learn new skills: Now is the time to invest more in yourself. Update your skills in your current areas of work. Similarly, learn new skills like IT skills. You may take up new courses or trainings that will enhance your resume and can prove to be helpful not just in your current job but also any new opportunities if the need be.

2. Target your resume for specific jobs: Design and develop a resume that is fully targeted for a specific job that you are applying for. It should not be a generic list of your qualifications and experience. If you are unable to do so yourself, invest some time in learning this skill. Only a professionally targeted resume can take you further to an interview level. Your resume should stand out from the rest and should be appealing enough to the employers.

3.Get yourself noticed: At your current job, take efforts to be noticed. Make sure your boss is aware of your achievements. If you are given an opportunity for a new role and responsibility, take it up. If you are involved in a very important project, you may be safer than most.

4. Make yourself indispensable: Be ready to take on new tasks even over and above your usual activities. Volunteering to take on new tasks helps in making you indispensable as a person who can undertake any activity happily. That will help list you out as an important team member not worth losing. Find ways to contribute innovatively to your company. Be an active team player.

5. Start networking: It helps having a good supportive network. Keep in touch with former colleagues in other organizations, you previous bosses etc., which can help you find other job opportunities whenever the need arises. Be equally helpful to your contact as far as possible, as then only can you expect them to return the favor.

6. Plan your finances carefully: Building up your financial reserves is necessary. Even if you may be given a redundancy package it may take some time to come. If you have some financial reserve to last you at least 6 months, you would not go deeper in the trough. Plan you finances carefully with your current job at hand.

7. Don’t hide: Do not make yourself invisible, considering that you would not get axed because of it. Get up and prove yourself so that you become a bit safer. Your clients and boss need to see results now. Try to solve immediate needs.

You can credit crunch proof your career by taking some wise decisions and making the effort to enhance your skills. Be alert and positive and work hard to get yourself in a better position during these difficult times.


About Author

Sharon Alexander

Sharon Alexander , Career Consultant
Claim That Job.com
For more career management information and to get a free job hunting report, visit Claim That Job at http://www.claimthatjob.com

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