This can be a touchy and subjective subject, as we become more dependent on cell phones for our social lives. Chances are that you will need your cell phone for a multitude of reasons while you’re at work:
>calling customers, clients, coworkers
>keeping up to date on your emails, calendar and important personal engagements
>even for applications pertaining to your line of work!
So how do you keep from mixing your seemingly difficult spin of business and pleasure without indulging in your phone fetish too much? I will have to admit that it can be very difficult, especially if you’re a social butterfly or can text at the speed of light or IM any or all of 20 people available on Facebook right now.
BALANCE is the key. When you are at work and you are on a break, there really isn’t anything wrong with texting or calling people. After that, some call it grey area, and I think it becomes clear; why should you be calling or texting friends on company time??? A couple of texts through the day are reasonable or acceptable, but many texts a day or even in an hour becomes a distraction to anyone.
What becomes even more difficult and complex is when you are using a company cell phone. They’ll expect you to use that cell phone. What you need to pay attention to is: did you make an agreement on what it can be used for. Counter-intuitively, some workplaces expect you to have a work cell phone and a personal cell phone, but that doesn’t make sense when one cell phone is all you can realistically manage without going overboard with technology after we factor in our other technology.
Some of us will have to use a cell phone to some extent; what is the best way to keep your personal life separate from work? Well, use a personal phone in addition to your company-provided phone if you have to. That means, carry two phones if you are concerned, and work out a deal with your employer to get some reimbursement for your personal phone to use it for business purposes. This way, everyone can be happy; well, mostly. This can be dangerous and beneficial in a personal sense, with a duality with business expectations.
This is why BALANCE is so key! Stop wasting time on texting your coworkers. Consider using Skype or other messaging services via computer that are more personal, professional, and widely accepted as a tool for interpersonal interaction, especially by companies working together between remote offices or with remote customers. It will take 10 seconds to say what 10 texts could say, and you get right to the point.
Do take care to watch yourself (and you back) and not leave yourself exposed to criticism of your personal life at work (i.e. watching us on Facebook), and keep business and pleasure separate by whatever means possible. We still live in a world in which business is still run by older generations, most of whom will not understand our texting addiction!
And perhaps one day we will be truly "paperless" and texting will be the main form of communication. Until then, keep it professional.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Handling Rejection - Sometimes things don't work out
Hey there! The main topic here applies to the situations where you get laid off, fired, or you are having a hard time finding anything because of repeated rejection... it happens! You aren't the only one, so keep reading.
Well, let's assume that you're looking for the next possible opportunity. In order to do that, you have to mourn your last job or last interview and LET IT GO. Find some closure by figuring out what caused it, and take some of the blame; nobody can do anything perfectly, so realize that this is a chance for you to improve! Just these past couple of weeks, I got turned down on two exceptional jobs that I interviewed for. I was a little disappointed to not get an offer, though there is a lot to learn from such "failures;" just remember that even the best people who were inventors like Thomas Edison, had more than his share of failures before he was a huge success.
Of course, moving on from rejection it is not always easy, but you have to focus on the goal: your next opportunity. If you stay cold, bitter, jaded, then every interview you go to, those interviewing you will be able to see it, or smell it. You will be cringing, and when they asked what happened in your last job, you might just say too much, which really throws up a red flag for companies looking at candidates.
So here are things to keep in mind when going hunting for interviews:
1. Refresh your resume: nobody has the perfect resume. Does your resume represent you fairly? Does it show the skills and benefits that you bring to the type of jobs that you're applying to? Have someone in a similar industry take a look at your resume or ask for a practice interview with someone so you can get more direct feedback. Give your resume a FACELIFT, change the template, and benchmark against resume examples online. This may seem counter-intuitive, though if you're not getting the attention you feel you deserve, you need to add some more juice to your resume or have it professionally written, for example.
2. Do what they are asking. If they ask for a cover letter, give them a cover letter. If they ask you to come in for an interview, BE ON TIME AND PROPERLY DRESSED! Follow up with them after an interview, you know, the list goes on (and I can cover this in the next blog).
3.a. Do not be afraid to ask questions. Ask what their concerns are about you taking the job so that you can address those concerns and spend more time talking about what you have to offer.
3.b. Don't be afraid to ask for criticism. As we are all looking to improve (right?) and get better, even if you get turned down for a job after an interview, go ahead and follow up with questions of how to improve. I have done this myself, with mixed results, but phrase it politely and ask for their honest opinion:
"Hello Sir/Madam,
Overall, these basic steps can help you as you go for your next great opportunity. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to comment or get in touch. My next possible blog topics are 1. another followup to cover-letters; 2. best ways to prepare for an interview; 3. what it means to be a "professional." Have more topic ideas? Send them my way,
Well, let's assume that you're looking for the next possible opportunity. In order to do that, you have to mourn your last job or last interview and LET IT GO. Find some closure by figuring out what caused it, and take some of the blame; nobody can do anything perfectly, so realize that this is a chance for you to improve! Just these past couple of weeks, I got turned down on two exceptional jobs that I interviewed for. I was a little disappointed to not get an offer, though there is a lot to learn from such "failures;" just remember that even the best people who were inventors like Thomas Edison, had more than his share of failures before he was a huge success.
Of course, moving on from rejection it is not always easy, but you have to focus on the goal: your next opportunity. If you stay cold, bitter, jaded, then every interview you go to, those interviewing you will be able to see it, or smell it. You will be cringing, and when they asked what happened in your last job, you might just say too much, which really throws up a red flag for companies looking at candidates.
So here are things to keep in mind when going hunting for interviews:
1. Refresh your resume: nobody has the perfect resume. Does your resume represent you fairly? Does it show the skills and benefits that you bring to the type of jobs that you're applying to? Have someone in a similar industry take a look at your resume or ask for a practice interview with someone so you can get more direct feedback. Give your resume a FACELIFT, change the template, and benchmark against resume examples online. This may seem counter-intuitive, though if you're not getting the attention you feel you deserve, you need to add some more juice to your resume or have it professionally written, for example.
2. Do what they are asking. If they ask for a cover letter, give them a cover letter. If they ask you to come in for an interview, BE ON TIME AND PROPERLY DRESSED! Follow up with them after an interview, you know, the list goes on (and I can cover this in the next blog).
3.a. Do not be afraid to ask questions. Ask what their concerns are about you taking the job so that you can address those concerns and spend more time talking about what you have to offer.
3.b. Don't be afraid to ask for criticism. As we are all looking to improve (right?) and get better, even if you get turned down for a job after an interview, go ahead and follow up with questions of how to improve. I have done this myself, with mixed results, but phrase it politely and ask for their honest opinion:
"Hello Sir/Madam,
Thank you for your time last week. I am appealing to you to ask for your thoughts, suggestions, or criticism so that I may improve. Getting a job isn't hard, but finding a great job is very difficult. Realistically, the position I interviewed with you for is what I intend to do next in my career, so this reaction to me is disconcerting. Please share your findings/observations with me so I can figure out how to do my best for my next interview.
Thanks again for your consideration and time."
4. Be PROFESSIONAL, ALWAYS. Whether you're getting let go or they didn't even give you a chance at the interview, be polite, respectful, and professional. There is no reason to burn bridges or attack anyone; if the job is out of your hands, let it go. This will help you to move on, rather than being angry or hurt. If you take it professionally, rather than personally, then you'll end up winning in the end.
Overall, these basic steps can help you as you go for your next great opportunity. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to comment or get in touch. My next possible blog topics are 1. another followup to cover-letters; 2. best ways to prepare for an interview; 3. what it means to be a "professional." Have more topic ideas? Send them my way,
Monday, September 26, 2011
An Elevator Speech? What and why?
Well let me explain first what an elevator speech is, and then more details on why and how to make it. From UrbanDictionary.com:
"[An elevator speech is] am extremely pithy description of something, prepared in advance to be used in situations where time is of the essence. The term comes from the hyopthetical situation of somebody seeing a pin or something similar on your person that arouses their curiosity while in an elevator..."
So, an elevator speech (ES) is your 30-second or so self-intro. Essentially, if you only had that much time to chat about yourself when meeting someone in an elevator, what would you say?
Having an ES ready is of the UTMOST IMPORTANCE when you are seeking a job or networking with new people, because it sets your first impression! Your ES is something good to have memorized, mostly for in-person interviews or job fairs. If you have ever been to a job/career fair, it can be overwhelming both to job-seekers and company recruiters alike! Dozens to hundreds or even thousands of people will come and go. Your goal, as a job seeker, is to STAND OUT! Even if someone does not remember your name, you want them to remember your resume, your face, or your elevator speech. You want them to remember you and be interested in you!
When crafting your ES, use strong verbiage rather than setting it up to talk too fast. The points you come up with need to be something that catches someone's interest, so that they want to learn more about you.
Examples of bad and good Elevator Speech's:
-Bad Example; Hello, I am Thurman Worcister the Third, and I am seeking a good job in my field, that I got my degree in, so that I may make a good living and start a family with a reasonably pretty girl. I like gaming, I like foreign cars, and I think that I am really smart, so that is why pretty much anyone should hire me.
-Good Example; Hi, I am Thurman, and I am really excited to apply my knowledge and skills of computer science. I did the research of what your company does and is looking for, and I really think that my background in programming as well as my internships really would help me fit right in at your company. What else can I tell you about me?
Alright, the point is, look from the perspective of the person who is looking at you; if you come off nerdy, arrogant, or talk too much about yourself, you're going to turn them off. The good example above is very well-catered to the situation, and though a typical Elevator Speech will not be this customized, the elements contained include reasons that make him sound like a positive and well-qualified applicant for this position!
Grab their attention, because sometimes, you only have a few seconds! If your first impression stinks, you are already out of the running. The same goes with dating; if your pickup line stinks or is lame or even rude, you are not getting that person's attention, or you might even get slapped! Rough!
Let's just get your Elevator Speech right to make your best first impression, and try not to get slapped by people you don't know. Seriously.
-Alex
"[An elevator speech is] am extremely pithy description of something, prepared in advance to be used in situations where time is of the essence. The term comes from the hyopthetical situation of somebody seeing a pin or something similar on your person that arouses their curiosity while in an elevator..."
So, an elevator speech (ES) is your 30-second or so self-intro. Essentially, if you only had that much time to chat about yourself when meeting someone in an elevator, what would you say?
Having an ES ready is of the UTMOST IMPORTANCE when you are seeking a job or networking with new people, because it sets your first impression! Your ES is something good to have memorized, mostly for in-person interviews or job fairs. If you have ever been to a job/career fair, it can be overwhelming both to job-seekers and company recruiters alike! Dozens to hundreds or even thousands of people will come and go. Your goal, as a job seeker, is to STAND OUT! Even if someone does not remember your name, you want them to remember your resume, your face, or your elevator speech. You want them to remember you and be interested in you!
When crafting your ES, use strong verbiage rather than setting it up to talk too fast. The points you come up with need to be something that catches someone's interest, so that they want to learn more about you.
Examples of bad and good Elevator Speech's:
-Bad Example; Hello, I am Thurman Worcister the Third, and I am seeking a good job in my field, that I got my degree in, so that I may make a good living and start a family with a reasonably pretty girl. I like gaming, I like foreign cars, and I think that I am really smart, so that is why pretty much anyone should hire me.
-Good Example; Hi, I am Thurman, and I am really excited to apply my knowledge and skills of computer science. I did the research of what your company does and is looking for, and I really think that my background in programming as well as my internships really would help me fit right in at your company. What else can I tell you about me?
Alright, the point is, look from the perspective of the person who is looking at you; if you come off nerdy, arrogant, or talk too much about yourself, you're going to turn them off. The good example above is very well-catered to the situation, and though a typical Elevator Speech will not be this customized, the elements contained include reasons that make him sound like a positive and well-qualified applicant for this position!
Grab their attention, because sometimes, you only have a few seconds! If your first impression stinks, you are already out of the running. The same goes with dating; if your pickup line stinks or is lame or even rude, you are not getting that person's attention, or you might even get slapped! Rough!
Let's just get your Elevator Speech right to make your best first impression, and try not to get slapped by people you don't know. Seriously.
-Alex
@yngprof (add me!)
Monday, September 19, 2011
Moving forward: Expecting the Unexpected!
I came across the following piece and thought it was great:
http://www.cornonthejob.com/career-advice/expect-the-unexpected-harrison-kratz-shares-details-of-his-journey/
Basically, no matter what you do, keep your head up and work hard! Your motivation, regardless of your position, can lead you onto your next big thing.
Maybe you are not enjoying your current job or you are just about to give up in your search. DON'T STOP! There is much speculation to whether or not, "it is easier to find a job when you already have one." This is a bit tricky, and the truth lies within your own personal situation: are you financially stable? If you live check to check, losing your job can be devastating. Therefore, keep your job until you can replace it. Also, if you ended employment, it can be difficult explaining why you are no longer employed at your interviews; this can be a red flag to potential employers.
Keep working in what you do have, but look at other opportunities. There is no rule or formality that says you can't get a new job at any given time! The only reason you need to move on is that you "found a better opportunity." It happens more frequently with displaced and shifted and underpaid workers everywhere. Many companies feel that they're at the top of the food chain, and that they can pay less than before, though I do not think that is reasonable; if you underpay, that person is going to jump ship on the first good opportunity that is 5 miles closer or pays $5k more a year! Take advantage of this yourself.
Is company loyalty dead? Well, it is not a question of loyalty so much as are you getting what you are giving. If not, maybe it is time to look elsewhere.
Still on the job hunt? Don't dispair! You just need to keep looking. Also, get yourself immersed in something else, be it a hobby, side project, part-time job or even volunteering. This can help you prepare for your next step too, and employers will value your motivation and work ethic on the side, as well as your ability to have a successful and healthy work/life balance.
Also, if you're still searching and not having much luck finding interviews, its TIME TO CHANGE! Change your resume, or start a linked-in profile to begin networking with people you know or have connections with. Just do something to get yourself out there! Pretend you're a sales person trying to make the big sale, because in reality, YOU are your only salesperson, and the service you're selling are your own services!
Also, consider getting a resume professionally written. Yeah, it is somewhat pricey, but think about how much money you will make because you ramp up your job search and increase your chances at finding a better fit with a company that really hits the spot for you!
Just keep moving forward; if you're motivated, you will find your place.
-Alex
(and feel free to ask questions!)
http://www.cornonthejob.com/career-advice/expect-the-unexpected-harrison-kratz-shares-details-of-his-journey/
Basically, no matter what you do, keep your head up and work hard! Your motivation, regardless of your position, can lead you onto your next big thing.
Maybe you are not enjoying your current job or you are just about to give up in your search. DON'T STOP! There is much speculation to whether or not, "it is easier to find a job when you already have one." This is a bit tricky, and the truth lies within your own personal situation: are you financially stable? If you live check to check, losing your job can be devastating. Therefore, keep your job until you can replace it. Also, if you ended employment, it can be difficult explaining why you are no longer employed at your interviews; this can be a red flag to potential employers.
Keep working in what you do have, but look at other opportunities. There is no rule or formality that says you can't get a new job at any given time! The only reason you need to move on is that you "found a better opportunity." It happens more frequently with displaced and shifted and underpaid workers everywhere. Many companies feel that they're at the top of the food chain, and that they can pay less than before, though I do not think that is reasonable; if you underpay, that person is going to jump ship on the first good opportunity that is 5 miles closer or pays $5k more a year! Take advantage of this yourself.
Is company loyalty dead? Well, it is not a question of loyalty so much as are you getting what you are giving. If not, maybe it is time to look elsewhere.
Still on the job hunt? Don't dispair! You just need to keep looking. Also, get yourself immersed in something else, be it a hobby, side project, part-time job or even volunteering. This can help you prepare for your next step too, and employers will value your motivation and work ethic on the side, as well as your ability to have a successful and healthy work/life balance.
Also, if you're still searching and not having much luck finding interviews, its TIME TO CHANGE! Change your resume, or start a linked-in profile to begin networking with people you know or have connections with. Just do something to get yourself out there! Pretend you're a sales person trying to make the big sale, because in reality, YOU are your only salesperson, and the service you're selling are your own services!
Also, consider getting a resume professionally written. Yeah, it is somewhat pricey, but think about how much money you will make because you ramp up your job search and increase your chances at finding a better fit with a company that really hits the spot for you!
Just keep moving forward; if you're motivated, you will find your place.
-Alex
(and feel free to ask questions!)
Monday, September 12, 2011
Cover Letter Importance and How to Write Yours
Well there folks, this is a key phrase when you're searching for a new gig!: ATTACH RESUME AND COVER LETTER
What the heck is a cover letter? Well it is a sheet of paper that we could compare to the hypothesis of an experiment or summary of professional paper. An introduction, to you! More basics at wiki: Wiki - cover letter link. A cover letter is sometimes a Word Document, PDF, or just spelled out in an email (more like an introduction).
Why is this important? The cover letter is mandatory if someone asks for it, because if you do not give a potential employer what they ask for right from the beginning, there is a solid chance that you will not even get a crack at an interview!
Realistically, this leaves you with two options if you are applying to numerous jobs:
1. Make a new, unique cover letter for every job that you apply to which requires a cover letter
2. Create a form-letter style cover letter that you can change select words to fit every position applied for
Depending on your approach to finding a job, one of these could be more beneficial. Making unique cover letters shows more sincerity, and if that is something valued by the reader (Human Resources), then it will pay off to spend a few minutes, if you actually want the job. If you are "spraying and praying" and sending your resume out everywhere, then the form cover letter could work just fine. Some companies use the cover letter as an introductory requirement- don't follow instructions and they can just drop your resume in the trash and move to the next! Companies have their own strategies and methods to weed people out and the name of the game is this:
First: make yourself equal. Second: set yourself apart.
A more personal, catered, and unique cover letter is going to hit the hardest, without a doubt, if someone actually reads it. There are a few other factors here, and there will always be certain aspects of the job search that are out of your control, so remember that and don't take it personally!
There are some ways that a cover letter can make you equal and set you apart, which is truly ideal. For instance, maybe your experience, per your resume, is not directly relevant or you are lacking in experience; your cover letter can help introduce why you are a good fit, despite what may be read in your resume, giving you a chance at an interview! Score! The more personal you can be to relate with the job and why you are interested in it could attract the HR/recruiter/reader to take an interest in you, which will benefit you when you get to the interview. Score again!
My personal experience with cover letters is that writing and customizing can be cumbersome and boring, though think about the time spent. If you spend 10 minutes on a cover letter and get to the interview for a job that you really, really want, that 10 minutes will go down in history as a significant part of your approach. No more need just to get lucky; you have the power in your hands, right from the first second you are considered as a candidate!!!
I know that a few of my cover letters got me attention in the past, and got me to the second round for one job. 400 resumes of qualified applicants were received, then the cover letters and resumes were used to get to the next step, where only 10 were chosen. I was one of the 10 because of my solid cover letter + resume combo! Score for me! And just in case you were wondering, I did end up being the top candidate, and there were just 2 hired out of 400 qualified applicants. If that does not show how vital and instrumental a cover letter can be, I am unsure how much more extreme I can go yet!
By the way, if a person looking at your cover letter and resume are owners of the company, realize that these people are much more closely linked to the company than the normal employee; the owner or president or other executive views this company as HUGE part of their life, so take the cover letter seriously, and you will be rewarded for it as your potential employer could become simply your employer.
Get out there and write some cover letters and show them who you are!
-Alex
What the heck is a cover letter? Well it is a sheet of paper that we could compare to the hypothesis of an experiment or summary of professional paper. An introduction, to you! More basics at wiki: Wiki - cover letter link. A cover letter is sometimes a Word Document, PDF, or just spelled out in an email (more like an introduction).
Why is this important? The cover letter is mandatory if someone asks for it, because if you do not give a potential employer what they ask for right from the beginning, there is a solid chance that you will not even get a crack at an interview!
Realistically, this leaves you with two options if you are applying to numerous jobs:
1. Make a new, unique cover letter for every job that you apply to which requires a cover letter
2. Create a form-letter style cover letter that you can change select words to fit every position applied for
Depending on your approach to finding a job, one of these could be more beneficial. Making unique cover letters shows more sincerity, and if that is something valued by the reader (Human Resources), then it will pay off to spend a few minutes, if you actually want the job. If you are "spraying and praying" and sending your resume out everywhere, then the form cover letter could work just fine. Some companies use the cover letter as an introductory requirement- don't follow instructions and they can just drop your resume in the trash and move to the next! Companies have their own strategies and methods to weed people out and the name of the game is this:
First: make yourself equal. Second: set yourself apart.
A more personal, catered, and unique cover letter is going to hit the hardest, without a doubt, if someone actually reads it. There are a few other factors here, and there will always be certain aspects of the job search that are out of your control, so remember that and don't take it personally!
There are some ways that a cover letter can make you equal and set you apart, which is truly ideal. For instance, maybe your experience, per your resume, is not directly relevant or you are lacking in experience; your cover letter can help introduce why you are a good fit, despite what may be read in your resume, giving you a chance at an interview! Score! The more personal you can be to relate with the job and why you are interested in it could attract the HR/recruiter/reader to take an interest in you, which will benefit you when you get to the interview. Score again!
My personal experience with cover letters is that writing and customizing can be cumbersome and boring, though think about the time spent. If you spend 10 minutes on a cover letter and get to the interview for a job that you really, really want, that 10 minutes will go down in history as a significant part of your approach. No more need just to get lucky; you have the power in your hands, right from the first second you are considered as a candidate!!!
I know that a few of my cover letters got me attention in the past, and got me to the second round for one job. 400 resumes of qualified applicants were received, then the cover letters and resumes were used to get to the next step, where only 10 were chosen. I was one of the 10 because of my solid cover letter + resume combo! Score for me! And just in case you were wondering, I did end up being the top candidate, and there were just 2 hired out of 400 qualified applicants. If that does not show how vital and instrumental a cover letter can be, I am unsure how much more extreme I can go yet!
By the way, if a person looking at your cover letter and resume are owners of the company, realize that these people are much more closely linked to the company than the normal employee; the owner or president or other executive views this company as HUGE part of their life, so take the cover letter seriously, and you will be rewarded for it as your potential employer could become simply your employer.
Get out there and write some cover letters and show them who you are!
-Alex
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Seeking a new job? Tips and Thoughts (PART 1) - Resume Building
I feel like I have started over in new jobs THREE times now, so I would say my experience level is very good for this scenario.
Right now, you must assess where you're at. Did you just finish college? Still searching for a job or looking for something new with the economy picking up? Well alright, you need help with your resume, no doubt. Biggest points: What have you been doing in college other than taking classes? Everyone takes classes and gets grades, so that isn't anything special to brag about, especially if it was a prerequisite for your degree. Were you in any clubs? Have any internships? Do any volunteer work? Maybe you were even in a fraternity or sorority? All of that adds points. More importantly, how do you sell yourself and your experiences?
Here is how to sell yourself and your accomplishments: talk about your strengths, what you learned, and phrase it in such a way that shows that you've gained useful skills. For example, in my internships, I was a leader in many ways; for my resume, I would comment: "I led multi-disciplinary and cross-functional teams, to help build better communication for the teams I worked on to achieve a common goal with our project." Think about action words; DO NOT say, "I worked at some job, helped with stuff, made a few good things happen."
We will just assume that you did more than make "a few good things happen"...
Take a step back and think about what the person doing the hiring is really looking for. Normally, the job description tells you plenty of information; you need to utilize it, but DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. If you repeat back exactly what was written in the job description, it could backfire pretty nastily, so reword it and add more power to your self-description.
Another aspect of intelligent resume writing - NO LYING! Make sure you're honest about your resume and yourself. This could come back around to bite you in the end. Recruiters will have background checks and will call your references, so be aware of what you step into.
The most important and intelligent choice in making a good resume is consulting with others. Talking to your parents, advisor, former or current coworkers or anyone with hiring or writing experience can help you add clarity and strength to your resume. The most dull and uninteresting resumes are written by the applicant him/herself, and it shows, right up until the point that your resume is dropped into the trash-bin.
A resume is not something to overlook, it is the gateway into the professional world. If you don't get the attention of a recruiter or hiring department, you will never get an interview, and how the heck can you get a job without an interview?
Good luck; feel free to throw your questions out and thanks for reading!
Right now, you must assess where you're at. Did you just finish college? Still searching for a job or looking for something new with the economy picking up? Well alright, you need help with your resume, no doubt. Biggest points: What have you been doing in college other than taking classes? Everyone takes classes and gets grades, so that isn't anything special to brag about, especially if it was a prerequisite for your degree. Were you in any clubs? Have any internships? Do any volunteer work? Maybe you were even in a fraternity or sorority? All of that adds points. More importantly, how do you sell yourself and your experiences?
Here is how to sell yourself and your accomplishments: talk about your strengths, what you learned, and phrase it in such a way that shows that you've gained useful skills. For example, in my internships, I was a leader in many ways; for my resume, I would comment: "I led multi-disciplinary and cross-functional teams, to help build better communication for the teams I worked on to achieve a common goal with our project." Think about action words; DO NOT say, "I worked at some job, helped with stuff, made a few good things happen."
We will just assume that you did more than make "a few good things happen"...
Take a step back and think about what the person doing the hiring is really looking for. Normally, the job description tells you plenty of information; you need to utilize it, but DO NOT PLAGIARIZE. If you repeat back exactly what was written in the job description, it could backfire pretty nastily, so reword it and add more power to your self-description.
Another aspect of intelligent resume writing - NO LYING! Make sure you're honest about your resume and yourself. This could come back around to bite you in the end. Recruiters will have background checks and will call your references, so be aware of what you step into.
The most important and intelligent choice in making a good resume is consulting with others. Talking to your parents, advisor, former or current coworkers or anyone with hiring or writing experience can help you add clarity and strength to your resume. The most dull and uninteresting resumes are written by the applicant him/herself, and it shows, right up until the point that your resume is dropped into the trash-bin.
A resume is not something to overlook, it is the gateway into the professional world. If you don't get the attention of a recruiter or hiring department, you will never get an interview, and how the heck can you get a job without an interview?
Good luck; feel free to throw your questions out and thanks for reading!
Thursday, June 16, 2011
You're a professional... so act like it?
What does that even mean?
Well shoot if I know!
We are going to go into the details of maintaining professionalism while you're still young or young at heart!
Well shoot if I know!
We are going to go into the details of maintaining professionalism while you're still young or young at heart!
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