I hope that you were all able to have a wonderful and relaxing [Memorial Day] and that you remembered that it was made possible by all the soldiers who, since the Revolutionary War, have been making sure that the U.S. is a safe and free country where we can live our lives in peace. I am very grateful to all the members of the U.S. Armed Services and, over the years, I have also had the opportunity to help many former soldiers to create resumes for use in the civilian world.

So, today, in honor of our soldiers I thought I would list a few tips for describing military service in terms that make sense to civilian employers.

1. Explain the military acronyms on your resume.

Instead of assuming that a civilian will know what FOB, PB, or JRTC means write out the entire word and follow it with the acronym in parentheses. Forward Operating Base (FOB), Patrol Base (PB), Joint Readiness Training Center (JRTC).

2. Where possible explain your military duties in simple terms that make sense to civilians.

If in doubt, describe what you did to your grandmother; if she can't understand what you are saying you need to go back to the drawing board and simplify.

3. Be specific about results; don't just list your duties.

All resumes (military or non-military) should describe the scope of your jobs and should emphasize your accomplishments. Every job is about delivering results in one form or another but the trick is to try to describe your military results in terms that are applicable in the civilian world.

For example:

• Accountable for the readiness of four highly sophisticated Bradley fighting vehicles, associated weapons systems, and experimental equipment.
• Responsible for the training, discipline, health, and morale of a 36 member Brigade Combat Team

The above bullets describe a few basic duties but they have little to do with most civilian jobs. So you need think about what kind of skills might be important in the civilian world while also demonstrating that you were good at your job in the military. Everyone wants to hire superstars. If you were to expand on those bullets you could write the following which demonstrates you held a responsible job (managed a staff and expensive equipment/budget), that you have knowledge of strategy and logistics, and the ability to remain calm under pressure:

Led a 36 member Brigade Combat Team with full responsibility for the training, discipline, and morale of a team responsible for staying prepared to deploy on global missions in a wartime environment. Responsible for combat readiness for 4 Bradley fighting vehicles, weapons systems, and experimental equipment valued at more than $8 million.

• Developed and led one of the most effective platoons in the Brigade as defined by senior officers observing combat training exercises at the Joint Readiness Training (JRTC) in Fort Polk, Louisiana.


• Led a 36 member mechanized infantry platoon which supported the 101st Airborne Unit during combat simulation exercises at the JRTC.


• Led team through an assault training mission which required team to travel long distances on foot and in combat vehicles and required numerous real-time modifications to strategy and formation.


• Methodically analyzed, communicated, and accounted for multiple variables affecting mission logistics including terrain, unique skills of individual team members, weather, and enemy capabilities.

Another example:

Planned major training exercises, force modernization and transformation, and integration of a Chemical Battalion, a pipeline company, and fire fighting detachments into the Brigade's organization.

What we don't know is what is a "major training exercise"? In other words how many soldiers are involved. What does "transformation" mean? How many people were integrated from the other battalions?

Led, planned, and executed operations for the 1,200 member Engineer Brigade. Planned training exercises, led force modernization, and merged other units into the Brigade. Merged and integrated 150 soldiers in the following units into the Brigade: a chemical battalion, a pipeline company, and a fire fighting detachment.

By enhancing the description you can demonstrate that you have managed a large number of people and that you understand how to merge and integrate other divisions into an existing team. Integrating and training new employees is a skill that all managers need.

4. Describe the reason(s) you received medals, awards, promotions, or special assignments.

Most civilians have no idea what the criteria is to be awarded a Bronze Star, Silver Star, or to be selected as an aid to a General. They all sound impressive but I have found that sometimes the underlying reason for a special award or assignment is what helps demonstrate your unique skills or attributes.

5. Use words like logistics, procurement, supply chain, and distribution to describe obtaining and moving equipment and supplies.

At times I have seen military resumes that say "planned and executed the relocation of equipment during a deployment". I don't think that really does justice to the amount of work involved with transporting large numbers of soldiers, equipment, food, and fuel either overseas to across domestic bases.

This is an example of an effective description:

Managed procurement, supply chain, distribution, and utilization of more than $20 million in building materials to support general construction and force protection in Iraq.

The military offers incredible training and experience that is very relevant to many jobs in the private sector. The key is to learn how to translate your military experience into meaningful phrases that those of us non-military folks can understand and that will help you to land a fantastic job.

Article by Liz Handlin and courtesy of Ultimate Resumes

Posted by Candice Arnold on May 27, 2009 at 1:29 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

Hooray! You found your dream job in a recent position announcement. The skills and experience being sought by the employer seem to be a perfect match to your background, qualifications, and career aspirations. There's only one problem: a bachelor's degree is listed as one of the "must-have" requirements, and you never finished your degree.

Is it hopeless to apply for a position when you don't meet the education requirements listed in the job ad?

Not necessarily!

Employers are often willing to overlook the absence of a degree if a candidate has ample experience related to the job in question. So your resume needs to highlight precisely that by showcasing your history of proven performance. It will be especially important for you to include quantifiable examples (using numbers, percentages, dollar amounts, and/or before/after comparisons) of how you have improved operations, profits, team performance, customer service, market share, etc. on your resume.

In addition, even though you didn't graduate from a university or college, mention college studies that you did complete. This can be an excellent way to add in keywords (such as "BA" or "BS") to your resume that would otherwise be missing -- without being misleading or dishonest. Here's an example:

UNIVERSITY OF ALABAMA - Tuscaloosa, AL

Coursework toward a BA in Advertising, 2004 to 2006

Completed half of degree program requirements prior to being recruited by XYZ Company to join their account executive team.

Job seekers without a college degree should also include highlights of any professional development completed to show a commitment to lifelong learning. Here's an example:

Professional Development: Completed numerous seminars and courses on topics including:

Legal & Regulatory Affairs / Leadership & Supervision / Six Sigma Principles / Performance Management / Finance for Non-Financial Managers / Strategic Business Plans / Balanced Scorecards

So don't be discouraged if you find a job posting that interests you but you lack the educational requirements. It's worth a shot to apply for the position, and highlight the value you bring to the table through your experience and proven track record.

Wishing you a successful job search!

Article by, Karen Hofferber and courtesy of Kim Isaacs and ResumePower blog.

Posted by Candice Arnold on May 13, 2009 at 4:51 PM | Leave a Comment (0)

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the word gracious means "marked by kindness and courtesy; marked by tact and delicacy; characterized by charm, good taste, generosity of spirit, and the tasteful leisure of wealth and good breeding."

At times I am shocked and appalled by the lack of graciousness that some people demonstrate and at other times I am just as surprised when someone is unexpectedly polite, kind, or generous. I hope that I am always gracious and well mannered to everyone I know but I have no doubt that I make mistakes sometimes when I am in a hurry or not just not paying attention. I think that being well mannered and kind pays dividends in every part of your life and, certainly, when you are searching for a job.

Lately I have personally witnessed and, in other cases, heard from friends some amazing stories about selfish and self-centered individuals who demonstrate few, if any, manners. These clueless souls are burning bridges and destroying relationships but they are too self-centered to realize it. So, I have put together a short quiz about graciousness:

• Do you send thank you notes or, at a minimum, emails to a colleague, co-worker, or potential business associate when he/she pays for your lunch?
• Do you remember to say thank you (note, phone call or email) when someone you know professionally recommends you for an honor, award, speaking engagement, writing assignment, or something similar?
• Do you follow up with colleagues of whom you have asked professional favors if/when you decide you no longer need the favors? Or do you forget about it and let them work on your behalf and then say something like, "Oh, I forgot to tell you I no longer need that."?
• Do you send thank you notes and, if appropriate gifts, for professional referrals?
• Do your thank-you methods reflect the size of the professional favor or courtesy you have been given?
• If someone performs a random act of kindness from which you benefit do you show your appreciation in an appropriate and timely way?
• Do you RSVP to both social and business events and follow through by either showing up or not showing up depending on what you said you would do?

It should be obvious that if you answered "no" to any or all of these questions that you need to work to increase your graciousness quotient. Don't be so self absorbed...do what you say you will do, say thank you frequently, and show appreciation. The person to whom you have just been rude may be angry with you or have gotten his/her feelings hurt and rudeness that results in hurt feelings is almost always avoidable.

When in doubt show more rather than less appreciation. No one has ever lost friends by being too gracious but poor manners ruin relationships every day.

Article by Liz Handlin and courtesy of Ultimate Resumes

Posted by Candice Arnold on May 12, 2009 at 11:55 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

By Jimmy Sweeney
Author of the brand new, Amazing Cover Letter Creator

Want to draw attention to your cover letter?
So much so that the hiring manager can't put it down?

Here 's the secret. Meet the employer's needs. Show him or her how you, the job seeker, can benefit his or her company--if you're hired to fill the open position.

For example:

I found out through my friend, Rob Johnson, your company CPA, that you are interested in hiring someone to expand your sales territory in the northwest by garnering new customers prior to the release of your new math textbook for junior high school students, Mathematics for the 21st Century. I'd love to take on this challenge, as I have a master's degree in Mathematics as well as experience in sales. I opened ten new accounts in less than six months while employed by Babcock and Taylor Text-book Company in Florida.

I'd welcome getting together with you in person to talk about how your priorities for this position and my expertise can come together to benefit your company.

Thank you for the opportunity to introduce myself. I'm enthusiastic about meeting in person to see the possibilities of filling this particular opening at your company.

I will follow up with a phone call by the end of the week. You can contact me by phone or email as well. I am available for an interview most afternoons at your convenience. Thank you again for your time and consideration.

Sure-fire Success

When it comes to cover letters, this example, which you can tailor to the specific organization you're writing to, cannot be ignored. Everyone wants to succeed. You want to receive an interview that leads to a job. And the hiring manager wants to interview a man or woman who fits the position now available. If you demonstrate how you can meet that need, you will be called for an interview.

REMEMBER: Hiring managers need you to do their job. They must hire people to fill the openings at their company. Make them look good by showing them the benefits you can bring in a friendly and professional manner.

Let your cover letter work for you, not against you. Don't be afraid to ASK for what you want and remember to focus on what the employer needs. In turn, he or she will give you what you want--an interview for a new job.

Jimmy Sweeney is the president of CareerJimmy and author of the brand new, "Amazing Cover Letter Creator." Jimmy is also the author of several career related books and writes a monthly article titled, "Job Search Secrets."

Visit our friends at Amazing Cover Letters for your "instant" cover letter today. "In just 3 1/2 minutes you will have an amazing cover letter guaranteed to cut through YOUR competition like a hot knife through butter!"

Posted by Candice Arnold on May 7, 2009 at 9:20 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

By Jimmy Sweeney
Author of the brand new, Amazing Resume Creator

Are you problem solver? Someone who can save the company money? Someone who can make the company money? A person who can organize and categorize without effort? If so, step up and sell those skills. What do you do well that will bring the company bottom line RESULTS?

For example, resolving conflict among subordinates is a good thing--but it doesn't show how that ability affects the company's bottom line. So what do you do? Leave that skill off your resume? Absolutely not! Instead reword it so it highlights the benefit.

Example:

Sales Manager

Resolves conflicts among subordinates. Result: Less staff turnover. Company benefit: Money and time saved on training new personnel.

Administrative Assistant

Hired one fast word processor. Result: Eliminated two part-time word processing jobs. Company benefit: Saved department $10,000 in unnecessary wages.

Marketing Director

Split-tested two sales letters against each other for 30 days and found one to improve sales by 25%. Result: Added $20,000 per month in additional profit by switching to the new sales letter.

Give some serious thought as to how you can save money and/or make money for a particular company. At the end of the business day it's all about bottom line results and what YOU can bring to the table.

There is a time to toot your horn and there is a time to blow it softly. A resume is the time to toot! Speak up for yourself when what you have to offer will be a benefit to the company you hope to work for. Follow the examples above and you'll see an increase in the requests you receive for quality job interviews.

Jimmy Sweeney is the president of CareerJimmy and author of the brand new, "Amazing Resume Creator." Jimmy is also the author of several career related books and writes a monthly article titled, "Job Search Secrets."

Visit our friends at Amazing Resume Creator for your "instant" resume today. In just 10 minutes flat you will have an amazing resume guaranteed to land you more hot job interviews next week.

Posted by Candice Arnold on May 7, 2009 at 9:14 AM | Leave a Comment (0)

I write resumes for a living, so obviously, I am a big believer in the importance of job seekers having powerful and well written resumes. With that said, I have been amazed recently at some conversations I have had with folks who have strong resumes yet who aren't finding jobs. Remember that we are in a down-economy so every job seeker needs to be on his or her A-game or the job search will not be successful.

A resume isn't the only tool you need in your arsenal to get a job. In fact, I have known some uber-talented folks who have crummy resumes and who keep landing great jobs because of the strength of their networks, educations, accomplishments, interpersonal skills, and ability to market themselves. Each of these elements is important to job seekers - some more than others depending on the relative strength of some areas of your background. A great resume will help you to get noticed but it is by no means the only thing you need to prepare for a successful job search in an economic downturn.

I have a few tips/thoughts/reality checks based on some recent conversations I have had with various job seekers:

If you do not have a college education it may be harder for you to find a job than someone with an education. If you haven't started or finished your college degree I recommend that you seek out a program that will allow you to get a degree. There are many inexpensive state schools and online programs to choose from these days. Fair or not people with degrees have an advantage. Candidates with advanced degrees or diplomas from prestigious schools have an added advantage particularly when there are many candidates for a particular job.

If you have unexplained periods of unemployment on your resume you may have trouble finding a job. If you chose to take a sabbatical starting in 2007 (pre-economic downturn) and you haven't worked since then it may be difficult for you to land a job right now when competing with people who have worked consistently since then. Sorry, but that is a fact. Come up with a compelling story which explains your time off from work and it may make the search easier.

If you make it through 3 or 4 rounds of interviews and you don't land the job, guess what? It's not the resume that caused you to miss the opportunity. It could be your interview skills, fit with the culture, poor references, or maybe, they just plain liked another candidate better. Be honest and reflective when analyzing your interactions with potential employers. You may need some one-on-one interview coaching or to learn to prepare more effectively for interviews. I am always surprised when former clients call me and want to know why they aren't getting hired even though their resume is getting them interviews. A resume gets you an interview and should speak to your accomplishments when you aren't present to do so yourself. But a great resume doesn't guarantee you a job - you have to close that deal yourself.

If you have been a lifelong entrepreneur and your company has gone out of business because of the economy you may have trouble convincing an employer to hire you right now. I have run across several folks recently (most in the real estate industry) who had their own companies that have recently gone under and who are having a hard time landing a job. My theory is that employers are often skeptical of entrepreneurs because they aren't sure if they can work for someone else or they worry that as soon as the economy turns around the former-entrepreneur will quit and start another company. Create a compelling sales pitch for each employer you apply to which also addresses your ability to fit the culture. Also you might consider taking the time to create a 6 week business plan that you would use to hit the ground running in your new job. Actually I give this advice to all of my clients but it's especially true when you are a non-traditional candidate.

If you have uneven social skills or a difficult personality it may be harder for you to find a job in a difficult economy than someone gifted with smooth social graces and a reputation for workplace "niceness". I am sure we have all known odd but gifted technologists, mad scientists, nutty professors, cranky-yet-efficient secretaries, or other folks who may have been difficult to work with but were so talented that management let their quirks slide. In a tough economy employers often tend to hire people they like more than the "most talented" individuals. Play nicely with others - it will pay off. If you have already spent your career developing a reputation as an a-hole you may pay the price in a tough economy and I really have no advice to help you with your current situation. I suppose you will have to take your lumps, learn from your mistakes, and start being nicer to your co-workers when you get some.

If you have never bothered to build a network of friends and colleagues it may be more difficult for you to find a job. I am amazed at all the people who are coming out of the woodwork right now and are just starting to build a network in the hopes they will land a job quickly. Waiting until you are laid off to start building a network is bad timing. The time to begin building and maintaining a network is when you don't need anything from anyone. If, however, you weren't far sighted enough to realize this, the best way to network is to start attending events and meeting people without asking for anything right away. Start your new relationships by offering your help rather than asking for job leads; you will find that your new friends may offer assistance before you even ask. If you need networking tips check out Thom Singer's website - he has some great books, seminars, and tips that are effective for everyone. Also Keith Ferrazzi's Book's, "Never Eat Alone" and "Whose Got Your Back?" are very helpful.

Conduct a job search - don't just dump your resume online and expect to find a great job. Amazingly many people seem to think the internet is magic and that if they post their resumes on Monster.com or CareerBuilder.com and don't do anything else they will find jobs. Probably not going to happen. The internet is a great tool that you can use to research job openings or companies that would be a good fit for your skills but it's not the best way for a hiring manager to find your resume in this economy. Posting your resume online but failing to actually seek jobs is pretty much like putting a message in a bottle and throwing it in the ocean and hoping someone will rescue you from your deserted island. Research companies, write cover letters, use your social networking profiles wisely, and network - that is how you find a job. There are some great tools to help you manage your job search and the one I recommend is Jibber Jobber. Check it out at www.jibberjobber.com

Article by Liz Handlin and courtesy of Ultimate Resumes

Posted by Candice Arnold on May 4, 2009 at 7:44 AM | Leave a Comment (1)