Writing a Resume - The Complete Guide - Classy Career Girl

Writing a Resume - The Complete Guide Writing a resume.  What? You think that sounds boring? Don’t worry, I’ll make it fun.  This article  will help you polish up your resume and optimize it for your dream career so that you can truly shine on paper. The details really do matter here so we’ll focus in on the key elements so you can stand out from the competition and land your dream job.   Note: Make sure you get your hands on our 2 proven free resume templates.   Here is the complete guide to writing a resume: Step 1: Create Your Resume Branding Strategy Let’s get started by creating your resume branding strategy. What you might find a little funny though is that we are not even going to look at your resume yet! This is the step that is often missed by job searchers. One of the biggest mistakes is not doing this pre-work and really thinking about your branding strategy before you start updating your resume. Start asking yourself some questions like what is the first thing that you want the interviewer to know about you? Remember, often a recruiter only spends 5-7 seconds on your resume so you must be ready to convey the most important part first! Also, what makes you unique and what makes you awesome? (remember it’s ok to brag now! Don’t be humble ladies!!) Once you have the answers to these questions, it will be time to create your resume branding strategy and we will break your brand into five different categories: 1. Who are you? 2. What is your career target and job title? 3. What is your goal? 4. How do you want to stand out? 5. How do you want to be known? These are all the questions you want to think about before you start updating a resume template. [RELATED: The 10 Most Common Resume Mistakes] Step  2: Keywords and Job Descriptions If you miss this task today you might not actually even get your resume seen by a live person if you don’t pass the computer system! When you apply, you are competing with on average 250 other resumes and a computer system is weeding out the best resumes. What are the computers, otherwise known as application tracking systems, looking for? The right keywords! We don’t want you automatically disqualified because you don’t have the right keywords. So let’s focus on one career target for now. We are going to create one resume for each career target title that you have. Then, we are going to find 2-5 job descriptions for that career title. I recommend checking out indeed.com because it takes all the job search sites and puts them onto one place for you. Another site I love to find job descriptions from is LinkedIn. Then, look at those job descriptions and highlight the common skills, requirements and education. You are highlighting the common keywords on those job descriptions so we can make sure we include those on your resume. Remember, two other job sites onetonline.org and mynextmove.org to do more research on keywords for the career you want. These sites will give you so much detail on the knowledge, skills and abilities needed for keywords in your resume. Step 3: Accomplishments and Results This lesson is crucial so you better listen up! Your work experience is the number 1 most important part of your resume. First make sure you dust off those work experience stories. You are going to use them here! Your work experience should not be a list of tasks you have done. If you look at your resume right now, you might just see a long list of tasks. That is what I often see when I do resume reviews. I want you to instead share positive results from previous employment and education. So your work experience is instead the performance, accomplishments, achievements, rewards and actions you helped make happen. Paying careful attention to add a lot of numbers, percentages and dollar amounts whenever possible. Tell me about how you saved money. Tell me about how you improved client satisfaction. Tell me about how you improved productivity. Really dig deep and think about those results you helped make happen. This will make you stand out!! Step  4: Pick Your Resume Structure and Template I’ve got a question for you. Would you take my course  if I told you that my objective was to make a lot of money? Nope, I didn’t think so and that’s not really my objective anyways. I am pretty sure that you be much more likely to buy my course if I told you it would benefit you and how I could help you. Now, let’s apply the same logic to writing a resume. Do you want to start out your resume by telling them that your objective is to get a good job? Or do you want to start out your resume by telling them how you can benefit and help the company. Let’s do the latter and focus on communicating your benefits as much as possible in a summary section at the top of your resume. I would strongly discourage the objective statement since it is all about what you want and doesn’t communicate what you can bring to the company if they hire you. Many companies don’t care what you want and their number one priority is finding a candidate that fits their job requirements. A summary statement should be about 4-6 lines and include the top 5 things you want them to know about you. This is where you are going to highlight your most relevant strengths, results that are unique to you and the job you are applying to. It’s also time to pick out which resume format and template you want to use. There are four types of resumes you can choose from so pick what works best for you: 1. Functional Resume. This resume is focused on your skills and experiences rather than your chronological work history. It is used most often by people who are changing careers or who have gaps in their employment history. 2. Chronological Resume. This resume starts by listing your work history, with the most recent position listed first. Employers typically prefer this type of resume because it’s easy to see what jobs you have held and when you have worked at them. 3. Combination Resume. With this type of resume, you can really highlight the skills you have that are relevant to the job you are applying for and also provide the chronological work history that employers prefer. 4. Non-traditional resume typically includes photos, graphics, logos and any other images. This could be web-based or an online portfolio. This type of resume is perfect for non-traditional roles where the job description requires creativity and thinking outside of the box. This is the resume if you want to stand out and the company you are applying at is not conservative. Another common question I get about writing a resume is whether you should put your education or experience first? The general rule is that if you have recently graduated and have no work experience, put your education first. If you have more experience than education, then start off with the experience. Speaking of education, when you are writing a resume don’t just limit it to the university name and date you graduated. I challenge you to also list any special awards or honors you earned, courses you took that would be helpful in the job you are applying for, special projects, internships and achievements while you were in school, scholarships and academic awards and even sports and extracurricular activities. I was on the tennis team when I was in college and for an entire year I committed to working on my tennis game and traveling around the country with my tennis team. That showed a lot of commitment and also displayed my teamwork and leadership abilities so I was happy to share it on my resume and talk about it in job interviews. Another common question I receive is how long should the resume be? The answer is 1-2 pages but never 1 and a half pages!! Either fit everything tightly on one page or if you have a lot of experience feel free to list it onto page 2.  And remember, if you are very experienced, your education section can get shorter. Alright, it’s time to pick a template and start writing a resume. Make sure you register to get all the best free Resume Templates. So, were finished talking about writing a resume. Next up: Your cover letter! Wait, is that even required? Learn more about cover letters here.

How to Land, Brand and Ace Executive Job Interviews - Executive Career Brandâ„¢

How to Land, Brand and Ace Executive Job Interviews

Never ask employees what would make them happy. Heres why. - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog

Never ask employees what would make them happy. Heres why. - The Chief Happiness Officer Blog Most managers have realized by now that happy workplaces are more productive, more creative, attract better talent and make more money. So if you were a well-meaning manager or HR person looking to capitalize on this and create a happier workplace, you might be tempted to start by asking your employees some version of this question: What would make you happier at work? It seems like a great place to start. To make people happier, ask them what they want and them give them that. Right? Wrong. Heres why: We know from the research that people are notoriously bad at predicting what will make them happy. Stop random people on the street and ask them what would make their lives happier and a lot of them will reply Winning the lottery. But studies of lottery winners show that they are actually only marginally happier than all of us non-lottery millionaires. Similarly if you ask employees what will make them happier at work you will most likely get responses like: A raise A promotion A bonus A gym in the office Free fruit Free lunches But while all of this sounds perfectly reasonable (indeed, you might give some of the same answers if asked the same question), we know from the research that these factors dont make employees any happier at work. Just to be clear: We cannot ignore them when making workplaces better, because these factors can absolutely make people unhappy when theyre unfair. But once they are fair, increasing them further does not increase happiness at all. This explains why many organizations spend a ton of time and money on every perk imaginable and employees are still not happy. Quite simply: giving employees what they ask for is doomed to fail, if they dont know what to ask for. And they dont. What we need to do instead, is help people discover for themselves what really makes them happy at work and theres a much better question for that: Tell me about a recent good experience at work that made you happy. This may look like essentially the same question as the one above so why is this one better? With the previous question (What would make you happy at work) we only get at the things people think will make them happy. With the latter question, we ask about specific previous experiences that caused happiness. This means that we get directly at what really works. I have used this question in hundreds of speeches all over the world and never once has anyone told a story of getting a raise, a promotion or a perk. Never once has anyone said I was really happy last Thursday because I got a free apple. The one exception was when I did a workshop at Lego and an employee shared this example: Every week our team gets a new box of fruit and theres always only one banana in it. If I get there in time to get that one banana, it makes me really happy! Im 98% sure he was kidding! Invariably, when people reflect on this question their stories fall into two categories. They either talk about doing good work, achieving great results or making a positive difference for others. This includes things like: I had a complicated problem on a project and found a really creative solution for it. A customer liked my work so much they sent me an email with tons of positive feedback. I helped a coworker by sharing advice and knowledge. Or they talk about moments of personal connection at work, like: I came back to the office from parental leave last week and so many people on my team welcomed me back with smiles and hugs. I had a bad day and my manager noticed and did her best to help me. We celebrated a team members birthday last week with cake and coffee and had a great time together. Very often their stories contain both elements. Thats why we talk about results and relationships being the two main sources of happiness at work. The upshot Dont ask your employees what will make them happy because they probably have completely the wrong idea and giving them what they ask for wont work. Instead, help them connect to past positive experiences because those are a much more reliable predictor of future happiness. And then work on doing simple daily actions that promote a feeling of results and relationships. Related posts 5 reasons why Danish employees are the happiest in the world 10 steps to build a strategy for happiness 5 reasons why more money doesnt make employees any happier Thanks for visiting my blog. If you're new here, you should check out this list of my 10 most popular articles. And if you want more great tips and ideas you should check out our newsletter about happiness at work. It's great and it's free :-)Share this:LinkedInFacebookTwitterRedditPinterest Related

Extra Activities On Your Resume

Extra Activities On Your ResumeExtracurricular activities are often listed on your resume. Even if you aren't involved in any organizations that are listed, you may still be awarded one of the prestigious awards from them.The first type of field events that will show up on your resume is your college's athletic teams. These are often listed on a separate page so that they do not take up too much space. If your school has multiple teams, those listings should be listed at the end of your resume.Any type of event that you played in during college will show up on your resume. This includes special events that were given a lot of publicity. To be on the safe side, the list should only include events that have been announced to the public.Many students will choose to take part in local community groups. These can be organizations like the YMCA or the Chamber of Commerce. It doesn't matter if you played on the sports team, helped to organize the events, or were simply there to cheer on you r fellow classmates.Volunteering is also often listed as one of the best ways to show how involved you are in community work. There are many organizations in the U.S. that will pay students to volunteer their time to help others. The volunteer work will show that you want to give back to your community.Other kinds of extracurricular activities can include service organizations. These groups are designed to help the needy and sometimes their actions are publicized. These types of events should be listed on your resume as well.One of the greatest advantages of working for a service organization isthat it shows off your ability to work independently. This type of work does not require the same amount of research that a job requires. You can usually find a volunteer position within an organization, if you are good at asking questions.Always list the field events that you participated in. This way, employers will have no problem recognizing them on your resume. Because of this, it is rec ommended that you take your time when writing your resume and list all of the important jobs you had throughout college.

Consider Using Resume Writing Books

Consider Using Resume Writing BooksResume writing books are meant to provide the writer with the support and inspiration they need in their writing process. They are an ideal way to get advice on the best format for their resume, which will help them to write their resumes correctly.Writing a resume is something that every job seeker has to deal with every day. This means that you are going to have to write a lot of material over the course of your job search. The best way to do this is to find a suitable guide that can help you create a coherent resume.You may be wondering why the need for resume writing books? These are specifically made to help the job seeker in creating a well thought out resume. This will not only make your job search easier but it will also give you some idea of what format you need to use.Resume writing books can be found at numerous bookstores and online sites. There are several styles of these books to choose from and you need to pick one that fits your need s and preferences. You should also consider how much time you will have to spend reading through the content.Many times it takes time to finish reading a book because the writing style might be very academic. It is best to consider how much time you will have to spend on reading and doing research. It is best to avoid those who take forever to get to the meat of the material.Another great idea is to have a copy of the book as a reference. You can just print the pages and have your resume or letter ready.Remember that when you are in the middle of writing your resume you need to keep it as clear and simple as possible. You should be able to clearly see the benefits that you can offer your employer in your cover letter and resume. In addition, ensure that you write your resume in a way that will make your interviewer or recruiter interested in your application.

Shocking Details Regarding Resume Writing for Experienced Exposed

Shocking Details Regarding Resume Writing for Experienced Exposed Rumors, Lies and Resume Writing for Experienced Expert Review If a business is in a position to fully grasp wherever your current resume stands, then they ought to be able to assist you better. 1 resource readily available to everyone is your regional American Job Center. Writing a strong application is a difficult procedure and we would like to make it simpler. Writing a resume for employment in the art industry can be difficult. Characteristics of Resume Writing for Experienced Below are a few examples of a business resume objectives. Drafting a legal resume is not in any way a tough job. Be sure to personalize your objective to every job to which you're applying. What You Should Do About Resume Writing for Experienced Starting in the Next 9 Minutes With an expert Resume format your likelihood of getting an interview call are quite bright. A Resume writing group just doesn't let you know where to acquire a professional resume written but also any vital tips you have been missing during your job interview to boost your likelihood of getting hired. Despite the fact that you provide references make sure to supply strong ones. Poor references in an expert Resume hamper the probability of interview. Unlike an expert reference, a resume testimonial doesn't include things like contact info. As soon as you have written and organized your information according to the sort of resume you've chosen, make certain to format it according to typical professional standards. You have to be confused on how best to fit in all of the data in your resume in an orderly and expert manner. You may also incorporate information regarding your hobbies which will help make it even more interesting. Generally, a great rule is to get a page for every 15 decades of experience. A contentious problem you find it possible to pick to make an essay on is homosexual marriage. A well-written summary on top of your resume also provides you with the opportunity to bridge your past and their future. Of course, you'd love to be confident that you're perhaps not plagiarizing as that is really not the aim of the test article. Gossip, Lies and Resume Writing for Experienced There are not any formal education requirements to be a cashier. When you begin trying to find a new job the sole thing that you care about is to work for a better company, for a larger salary and at a higher degree of hierarchy. Transportation jobs involve a lot of responsibility and your resume will want to reflect you can deal with that. If you're attempting to obtain work in accounting or finance you require averystrong resume. It's possible for you to use our resume building software to create your own from scratch. Starting at the very top of your resume your name ought to be at least one font size greater than the remainder of the resume, but don't exceed 20 point type. Make the necessary corrections as mist akes will decrease the likelihood of finding the job. Understanding how to tailor your resume will obviously provide you an advantage. Resume writing is an intimidating endeavor for anybody. Creatively designed resume is catchy and can help you to make a good initial impression. There are a few things that don't belong on a resume for work. A work application procedure includes adding everything that would create an outstanding impression. Professionals are experienced people having a certain level of expertise in a specific skill or field. Recruiters wish to feel that you've got the abilities and experience to manage the challenges of your new job. Possessing a very clear and professional resume is vital in the medical field. Various kinds of work in the food service industry require resumes with several of the exact same skills. Here's What I Know About Resume Writing for Experienced Recruiters are extremely busy individuals so help them read your resume as promptly a s possible. In your networking, include any groups related to the job which you're searching for. Read professional journals related to the jobs you're applying for.

5 Tips For Nailing Your Next Phone Screening - Work It Daily

5 Tips For Nailing Your Next Phone Screening - Work It Daily When you have the employer calling and saying they want to schedule a phone interview with you, that means you look good on paper and they now want to see if you are all that you say you are. Related: 4 Steps To Building A Job Search Plan For Faster Results The phone screening is a critical stage in the job search process because how well you communicate and perform will pave the way to the big opportunity of a meeting at their office with the decision makers. In most instances, the phone screening is conducted by someone from HR. They’ll primarily review your professionalism and communication skills to see if you are articulate, knowledgeable and have the right experience and skills for the job. The ultimate mission is to screen out candidates so that the ones who are invited for an in-person meeting are the best in the bunch. So here’s how you can ace the phone screening: 1. Watch your intonation and build rapport. Your intonation and body language account for 90% of the effectiveness of your communications. If you are just on the phone with no video, your intonation is all you have so be enthusiastic and try to build rapport as people hire people they like. At this point in the process, the screener is also looking to clear up any questions or hesitation they may have about you from reviewing your resume. Be aware of anything on your resume that may be a red flag and prepare to respond to it without coming off defensive. You want to be honest and address any concerns, but also know how to steer the response to something more positive that brings back the message of “This is what I have to offer that you need.” For more on red flags on the resume, read “4 Red Flags Employers Watch For On Resumes.” 2. Dress the part and talk the part. Today’s phone interviews don’t necessary mean just voice. Many employers may request a video phone interview via Skype, so be prepared to not only talk the part, but dress the part, too. How you look and sound leaves an impression, just like it would from an in-person meeting. Express energy and enthusiasm in your tone. 3. Speak of accomplishments and success when asked about previous jobs and responsibilities. Employers asking about your past experience aren’t looking for a description of your job. If you want to impress, you need to speak of accomplishments and success and how those experiences have prepared you to contribute and bring success to future employers. Do your research and talk to the need that the job posting highlights and then talk about how you’ve been there, done that, and can directly contribute to the employer’s needs. 4. Be prepared to handle the offbeat question. Some phone screenings have standard questions directed towards your experience and skills, but there are also employers who may put you on the spot with a scenario to see how you react and respond. The important point is to not let these types of questions rattle or stump you. Keep a can-do attitude. For tips, read “How To Prepare Yourself For The Offbeat Interview Question.” 5. Be ready to talk about salary requirements. You will be asked this to see if you are in their salary range. This can be tricky because if you present a number below what the employer has budgeted, you lose any chance of securing a higher salary that the employer may (or would) have considered. And if you present a number that is too high, the employer may decide to dismiss your application and resume even before you have had the chance to make your case in an interview. There are two ways to handle this. The first is just to ask them “What salary have you budgeted for this position?” and when they respond tell them that is in line with your expectations. Another way to respond is by saying “Although the job and the challenge are most important to me, you should know that I am considering positions in the XX to YY range.” Each employer will have a different method to screening applicants over the phone, but with these tips you’ll be prepared for whatever comes your way. This post was originally published at an earlier date. Related Posts 5 Ways To Instantly Improve Your Job Search Results 9 Job Search Trends You Need To Know Shave Time Off Your Job Search By Being A Smart Shopper About the author Don Goodman’s firm was rated as the #1 Resume Writing Service in 2013, 2014, and 2015. Don is a triple-certified, nationally recognized Expert Resume Writer, Career Management Coach and Job Search Strategist who has helped thousands of people secure their next job. Check out his Resume Writing Service. Get a Free Resume Evaluation.   Disclosure: This post is sponsored by a CAREEREALISM-approved expert. You can learn more about expert posts here. Photo Credit: Shutterstock Have you joined our career growth club?Join Us Today!