CollegeRecruiter.com Insights by Resume Writers Blog

Summaries, Objectives, and Profiles Oh My!

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 14:50:37 -0600

If you are a client of mine or read this blog with any frequency you probably know that I am not a fan of summaries/objectives/executive profiles or any of the other lengthy chunks of information that some people use to fill the first ½ page or so of their resumes. My reasons are simple: recruiters aren't interested in subjective statements that represent your opinion of yourself and that are what most folks (and many resume writers) include at the top of the resume. In my opinion those sections are mostly a waste of space. I started my career as a recruiter and spent many years in all kinds of recruiting and HR roles and never once did I spend a lot of time reading those sections. I just jumped right to the "Experience" section to see if a candidate had the right experience and impressive accomplishments.

Having said all of that, I recently had a great conversation about this very topic with the CEO of a top technology recruiting firm, HireStarter, named Marc Davis. Marc is one of the most highly respected recruiters in the technology industry in Central Texas so when he told me his perspective on summaries I really sat up and took notice.

Three Common Resume Questions Answered

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 07:35:43 -0600

How many times have you found yourself in the midst of writing your resume when you realized that there were some questions you simply had to have answered before you could move forward? Everyone has probably been in this predicament at least once during a resume-writing experience.

Of course, there are some questions that are more frequently asked than others. So before you put your fingers back on the keyboard, let's take a moment to explore some of the more commonly asked questions regarding resumes.

How Do I Write a Great Objective?

For many, the objective is the most abstract and challenging portion of the resume to write. You may find yourself asking questions like "what does the employer want to know?" and "how can I describe myself in just one sentence?" during the process. But don't let these issues deter you from continuing on, because in actuality, it is not hard to create a succinct objective that will entice the employer to read on.

First, take note that objectives can be more than one sentence long. Depending on your level of experience, you may want to include up to three sentences describing who you are and what career plans you have that fall neatly in line with the employer's goals. Within the 1-3 sentences, you want to express your strengths, abilities and qualifications in your field, and how they match the specific employer's goals. However, try to avoid using the word "I" in this section as it creates a self-centered image, something that can quickly result in your resume hitting the bottom of the stack.

What if I Haven't Worked in a While?

If you haven't worked for several years, or even several months, you may feel a little bit nervous about explaining your employment gap. But don't worry; if you truly feel you're qualified for the job, you can express this in a number of ways.

One is by using a functional resume style (as opposed to chronological) that focuses less on timelines and more on skills. Also, you can roll up all of your non-work experience, including volunteering, community involvement, consulting, or even your continuing education, to highlight the skills you've acquired over the years. If your gaps are a little smaller, you can make them less obvious by not noting months on your resume. In the end, you want to showcase your knowledge of industry trends, so be creative in explaining how this knowledge can enhance the position you're applying for.

Should I Include References?

Typically, the rule for references is this: if they don't ask for them, don't provide them. However, if they do it's a good idea to create a separate sheet just for them. On that sheet, you can include the references' names, phone numbers, and their locations, as well as your personal/professional relationships. But before you add references be sure to contact them so they are prepared to offer information about you.

Writing a resume can be an exciting process if you remember that your hard work can result in a great job. So take the time to ask more questions about the writing process. You'll find that the more you ask, the more likely you are to create a standout resume that may just secure the job you want.

Heather Eagar is a former professional resume writer and owner of http://www.ResumeLines.com who is now dedicated to providing job seekers with resources and products that promote job search success from beginning to end.

Does Putting Your Resume Online Make You Look Desperate?

Tue, 26 Aug 2008 16:18:46 -0600

The vast majority of my clients are senior level executives at companies that range from high tech start ups to Fortune 50 companies. Most of them have top tier graduate degrees and all are bright and talented. It surprises me that a great many of my clients plan to put their resumes on big job boards like Monster.com and CareerBuilder.com. Not that there is anything wrong with those sites but for a senior level exec they probably aren't the best places to be seen by the recruiters and executives you want to be seen by.

There is an excellent post at Empowered Career Woman that every job seeker should read called "My Resume Online = I'm Low Hanging Fruit?". Despite the blog name this post is not just for women. It's written from the perspective of an experienced recruiter so read what she says and take her comments seriously.

Article by Liz Handlin and courtesy of Ultimate Resumes

How to Write a Winning Resume

Mon, 25 Aug 2008 10:02:19 -0600

August 23rd 2008 Posted in Resume Articles Library, Resumes and Cover Letters
Someone asked me how to write a winning resume, and the question took me by surprise. Usually people ask specific questions, like "How can I avoid looking like a job-hopper?" and "I'm concerned about age discrimination -- should I drop my degree date?" (Or the always popular, "Can you review my resume...for free?")

So after the question was asked, I saw 13 years of resume writing experience flash before my eyes, along with every resume tip I ever offered -- it was like a near-death experience.

Where to start? Winning resume strategies vary dramatically depending on the job seeker's background, career level, goals, even geographic location. It would be impossible to give the recipe for a winning resume and wrap it in a pretty bow. But I like a challenge, so I decided to break it up into a list of do's and don'ts. So here goes...

Do's

Do state your career goal. Your objective should be clear from the very beginning of your resume. You can incorporate your goal into a bold headline, or weave it into your Qualifications Summary. Thinking about using a "one-size-fits-all-jobs" resume? You could be in for a long job search.

Do include a Qualifications Summary. If you're diving right in to your work history without a brief introduction, you're missing the opportunity to spoon-feed your strongest credentials or "value proposition" to the resume reviewer -- right at the top of your resume.

Do include your important skills. Hiring managers are looking for specific skills when filling a job opening. So create a bulleted list of your industry-related skills. Relevant job-related skills (such as "vendor negotiations") hold more weight than general skills (like "communication skills," which everyone claims to have).

Do include accomplishments. Most resumes are heavily focused on job duties, but employers want to see how well you've done your job. Include specific examples of the main ways you contributed to your employers, and hiring managers will see the value that you bring to the table. Use quantifiable accomplishments whenever possible.

Do pick the right length. If you're a new grad with minimal experience, chances are you need one page. If you are an experienced professional with lots of experience, two pages should do the trick. If you're a top-level executive with an extensive track record or a techie with many relevant projects, you might need three pages. Professionals who require a longer resume are in academia and need a CV, not a resume. A resume is a brief "snapshot" of your qualifications -- you want to have something to discuss in an interview.

Do create an attractive design. Your resume needs to stand out from the pack of resumes, and a distinctive (yet conservative) design can help your resume get noticed. Make use of your word processing program's formatting features, like font size, bold, italics, etc. But don't overdo it -- it's a careful balancing act to make sure your resume looks nice, and not like a three-ring circus!

Do give kudos to team accomplishments. Did your department generate $2.5 million last year? Then give credit to the team instead of claiming the accomplishment as your own, unless you want to look like a braggart who likes to steal the limelight.

Do use a readable font size. I've been seeing more and more resumes with teeny tiny fonts -- apparently people are trying to squeeze in as much information on a page to avoid starting a new page. Not good. Your font should be easily readable on-screen. It's better to go to a new page or edit some of the content and use a font that doesn't make your reader squint (or just delete your resume to avoid a migraine headache). Along the same lines, make sure you have plenty of white space to make your resume reader-friendly.

Do include related hobbies. The emphasis is on related. If your hobby shows some aspect of your personality that would be desirable or an interesting talking point with the interviewer, include it. Avoid including anything that is kind of "out there" or would reveal something about you that you wouldn't want your next employer to know.

Do proofread. Your resume should be error-free. Sending a resume with typos is the equivalent of showing up to a job interview with food stains on your shirt.

Do keep your resume updated. A resume that's frequently updated and revised is more effective than one that is out-of-date and neglected. Make a point to update your resume when you have a new accomplishment, and take a good look at the document at least every few months.

Don'ts

Don't use a functional format. It's almost never the right answer, and only raises red flags and doubts about your work history. Plus, if you're trying to hide dates, a functional resume may do the opposite and draw attention to dates. A "combination" resume (a reverse chronological resume that leads with a Qualifications Summary) works for almost all professionals.

Don't be a copycat. Don't use a resume template (unless you want to blend in with the crowd) and don't copy your friend's resume. You can use resume samples to inspire you, but don't copy!

Don't lose sight of your career goal. When writing your work descriptions, always keep your career goal in mind. Highlight the accomplishments that are related to your next career move, and downplay unrelated career information. Remember, you can't include everything you've ever done, so you might as well include the skills and accomplishments that will grab your reader's attention.

Don't overuse bullets. Professional resume writers refer to this type of resume as a "polka-dot resume." If you bullet everything, no one point stands out and you dilute the impact of the bullets. Instead, strategically use bullets to draw attention to the key points that you want to emphasize.

Don't go way back. If your work history spans more than fifteen years, keep in mind that employers are most interested in what you did recently. So dedicate the most space to your recent experience. You can include earlier work history if you want, but consider summing up the highlights in an "Early Career" section.

Don't use a funky font. Most resumes are being emailed and opened on computers, so it's important that your font selection translates properly on the receiver's end. If not, the receiver's system will convert to a different font, and there goes all of your perfect formatting.

Don't write "References Available Upon Request." This is not the 80s, folks!

Don't include personal information. Marital status, date of birth, salary data, and other personal information shouldn't be included on most resumes. There are a few exceptions, like resumes going to foreign countries and entertainer resumes in which personal information is relevant to the job. Federal applications also require personal information such as salary history. Other than that, omit personal information.

Don't use personal pronouns ("I," "me," or "my"). The reader knows you are writing about you. Use an "implied" first-person voice, like "Developed reports..." instead of "I developed reports."

Don't use bad resume lingo. If you're a "results-proven leader with excellent communication skills looking for a growth-oriented position with a forward-thinking company," please delete the bad resume lingo right now! This post has more detail on offensive, over-used cliches that should be eliminated from your resume.

Don't lie. Whatever you are trying to cover up isn't as bad as you think it is, and a dishonest approach can get you into all kinds of trouble (even long after you're hired). And yes, omitting significant jobs is lying. "Honesty is the best policy" -- didn't we learn this lesson in kindergarten?

To your success!

Resume Builders and other Writing Software

Fri, 22 Aug 2008 07:22:19 -0600

Writing a resume can be a tedious task. There's so much information to include and organize (employment history, skills, education, career highlights, awards, etc.) that the process can easily overwhelm you if you let it.

Luckily, there are now tons of resources available that make resume writing much easier. In particular, online resume builders and downloadable writing software can do more than samples and templates ever could in guiding you through the writing process. So if you're looking for assistance in writing a resume, you may want to look into using an online or downloadable resume builder.

What is an Online Resume Builder?

An online resume builder is a tool that offers user-friendly, step-by-step guidance for writing resumes. Usually providing assistance through a wizard, you are asked questions about your career and background to help you create a resume specific to your field. The reason resume builders are so popular is that many help you sort out problems like determining whether to choose between a chronological, functional or hybrid style. Also, most offer spell check tools and other writing tips to help keep you on track.

Most effective online resume builders come with a price tag attached; you usually can expect to pay a one-time fee of anywhere from $10 to $15 to create one resume. And if you want to go back to edit existing resumes or create more, you may have to pay a monthly fee - but for that monthly fee you are likely to get extras like the ability to apply for existing jobs, post your resumes online, and even create cover letters and follow-up letters.

Resume Writing Software Packages

In addition to using online resume building services, you can download software packages that work similarly to help you write and edit your resume. Many of them, once downloaded, offer the same types of job-searching tools and help with resume distribution that the online resume builders offer.

In fact, there doesn't seem to be a huge difference between the resume software package and the online resume builder except that one you download to your hard drive and the other you have to visit the website to work from. And most fall into the $20 to $50 price range, which is not bad for the service you're receiving.

Don't Forget the Essentials

While the resume builders are great at helping you organize and write clean, error-free resumes, you still want to remember resume-writing essentials like conducting research on the company, and using action words instead of duty-oriented phrases during the writing process. Though the resume building website or software can give you writing tips, it cannot do the extra work for you that will heighten your chances of getting called in for an interview, so keep this in mind throughout the writing process.

Using a resume builder or downloadable writing program is a quick and easy way to create a professional resume. So the next time you need to write yours - and you're short on time and money - you might want to try one out. The added expertise and guidance may be just what you need to increase your chances of landing your next great job.

Heather Eagar is a former professional resume writer and is passionate about providing working professionals with current, reliable and effective job search tools and information. If you're in need of a resume builder or other career and employment software, go to
http://www.resumelines.com/career-resources/resume-ebooks.html

Will it Sell?

Sun, 17 Aug 2008 13:22:08 -0600

Just answering some questions from a client who wanted to know why certain information had been omitted from her resume and after a while my answers got repetitive - really there was just one answer: "I didn't include it because it won't sell."

For example, the two colleges she attended for a year before settling at a third and getting her degree. They're not ivy league schools and there's nothing remarkable about them - they won't sell her and so I left them off the resume to make room for more valuable information.

How about the retail sales job she had right out of college? She's not in retail sales anymore and it's 10 years later. It won't sell so why include it?

She wrote: "Shouldn't company names be bolded?"

My answer: "not necessarily - not if they won't help to sell you." (In this case, the companies were unknown and I wanted the reader to focus on the job titles, so I bolded those instead).

Finally she asked 'shouldn't I include the towns and states of the companies I worked at? By now you probably know my answer.

If you have questions about what should or should not be on your resume, you can usually make a quick determination by just asking yourself 'does this piece of information make it more likely that I will get interviews?'

In other words: Will it sell?

Article by, Louise Fletcher and courtesy of CareerHub.com. The Career Hub blog connects job seekers with experts in career counseling, resume writing, personal branding and recruiting.

Executive Resume Writing: Get the Top-Level Job You Deserve

Thu, 14 Aug 2008 11:22:41 -0600

Securing a top-level job (executive, senior manager or senior professional) may seem like an impossible task, especially if this is your first time applying for one. But if you feel that you're ready to take that next step in your career, you can certainly get the job you want - you'll just have to put in the necessary work by creating a great resume.

Undoubtedly, a resume for an executive-level job is different from one for a lower-level position. So before you send off your application for the position you're eyeing, you should take some time to develop strategies that can help you write a standout executive resume. Here are some ideas to get you started ...

Use an Executive Profile

While you may be used to using an objective as an introduction to your resume, for executive jobs it is a good idea to create an executive profile. It serves a similar purpose in explaining why you're applying for the position, but also goes one step further to summarize your key qualifications.

The executive profile is typically much longer than an objective, sometimes spanning up to a half of a page. In the profile, you can highlight 4-6 specific skills or qualifications that are each followed by examples of these skills. For instance, one qualification may be that you're "effective and wholly accountable in high-profile executive roles." Beneath this qualification you can note the reasons why this is true. By doing this you'll be able to highlight your standout abilities without forcing the employer to sift through the resume to find them.

Show Them You're a Complete Package

As an executive you are expected to showcase leadership and strong decision-making skills at all times. You need to prove you are a visionary who can help the company grow. Also, you must have integrity, charisma, and the ability to communicate with individuals at all levels in the company. In other words, you should be the complete package.

A good way to express that you are is by creating an achievement-oriented resume that focuses on specific instances at your previous employers that show off some or all of the above criteria. You may have taken a chance on a retail product that others were unsure of, but your risk-taking made the company record profits. Or you may have masterminded and implemented a new team to manage internal conflicts that was so successful that turnover decreased by 30 percent. Whatever details you choose to highlight when summarizing your experiences at previous employers, you should also tailor them to match what the specific employer is looking for in an applicant.

Believe You Belong There

It may seem a bit intimidating to take steps toward higher-level positions, but fortunately for you no one starts at the top - you are not the first to try this. So see yourself in that great job, making confident decisions, and catapulting the company into a new stratosphere. Your positive attitude will serve you immensely in writing your resume as well as interviewing.

Submitting your executive resume is only the start of your journey in securing a top-level job. But by creating a very thorough, very informative, and very professional one, you can at least know that your dreams are that much closer to being realized.

Preparing Your Resume for Online Posting or Emailing to an Employer

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 13:41:17 -0600

It's not necessary to create a completely different resume when you're planning to post your resume online or email it to an employer. What is required is that you change the format of the resume to make sure it is readable and can be accessed regardless of the employer's software. Employers sometimes request that you include the resume in the body of an email rather than as an attachment to avoid the spread of computer viruses.

Article by, Penny Loretto, a career counselor at a small liberal arts college in upstate New York, has her own private career counseling practice, Career Choice, and is About.com's Guide to Internships.

Resume Writers Challenge: Enter to Win

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 09:42:27 -0600

Attention professional and amateur resume writers...

It's been a full year; it's officially time to update my resume.

Despite writing this blog and staying ahead of the curve on online career resources, I realize that I've hit a wall. It's time for fresh eyes to come in and give my resume a tweak - or an overhaul.

Over the years, we've received many e-mails asking if hiring someone to re-write your resume is worth the money. Here's the answer: I have no idea, but I'm about to find out.

Welcome to the Jobacle Resume Challenge. The mission, should you accept to choose it, is simple. Take my current resume and rework it as you see fit. Make your changes and the results will be featured on Jobacle.com. A winner will be chosen by our panel of Jobacle writers. We'll explain the process of working with a resume writer to our readers and provide your link and contact information - even if you don't win.

The winner will receive bragging rights, an approved Jobacle icon to place on their Web site, a three-month banner on Jobacle.com announcing your superior resume writing skills and a $100 donation to the charity of your choice.

Interested? Fill out this form to get started. There's no set criteria. Our writers and readers will know an amazing resume when they see it. (But we are suckers for creativity).

Challenge runs until September 15, 2008. Resume will be provided after you indicate you are interested. Good luck!

Article by Andrew G.R. and courtesy of jobacle.com - your cure for carbon copy career advice!

7 Deadly Sins of Resume Writing

Sun, 10 Aug 2008 12:20:43 -0600

If your resume is not getting the attention you want, maybe you are committing one of these seven deadly sins of resume writing.

Remember that recruiters and hiring managers will scan your resume for about 20-30 seconds to decide if it should be in the "keep" pile or the "no way" pile. Take 15 minutes to scan your resume and audit for these common resume writing mistakes.

Carelessness

This goes without saying. Do not be afraid to ask for help to proofread your resume. Ask a friend, a colleague, family member, a professor or even a prior boss to help you check for errors. There are also many online resources that offer free resume critiques and will catch errors you miss.

Irrelevance

Remember that resumes are not supposed to necessarily chronicle everything you have ever done. The goal instead is to package your most relevant experience and skills to suit the specific position in which you are interested. Very few resumes need to go beyond two pages. If you find yourself going beyond two pages check for relevance.

Lack of clarity

Does your resume make a compelling argument, is clear, concise or to the point? Can the recruiter or hiring manager tell from your resume, what you really want? Is there an objective that focuses the resume or are you wasting words on "resume speak".

No marketing value

Do not forget that your resume is a calling card that represents your personal brand and will get into place when you can't. Professional presentation with an attractive and readable layout is important. Fonts, formats and styles should enhance not detract from the marketability of your resume.

Writing style

Avoid run-on or long sentences. Remove personalization in the form of pronouns such as 'I" or "my". Write in an objective voice. Be wary of professional resume writers who do not write in "your voice". Employers can tell the minute they speak with you on the phone.

Lies or misrepresentations

Do not lie or misrepresent your past on your resume. With today's social networking technology and employee verification processes, lies won't last.

No outcomes

What is the purpose of the resume if not to speak to your accomplishments and outstanding outcomes? Too many resumes chronicle the past, but fail to actually speak to successful outcomes.

Article by, Marcia Robinson who writes, trains and coaches on career, workplace and employment issues for BullsEyeResumes.com and BullsEye Blogs. Robinson has a BS in Human Resource Management, a Masters in Business Administration, nine years of professional experience in career center operations and 14 years of leadership experience in the Higher Education

Article courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap, a content exchange service sponsored by CollegeRecruiter.com, a leading site for college students looking for internships and recent graduates searching entry-level jobs and other career opportunities.

Not Getting a Response to Your Resume?

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 13:56:43 -0600

Over on my own blog, I invite my readers to submit questions about resume writing or job search, and then I answer the best questions in blog posts.

I received an email the other day from a reader who called himself 'Confused in Austin.' He's confused because after being told that the job market was hot in Austin, and uprooting his life to move there from New York City, he's finding it difficult to get interviews. He sent me a link to his online portfolio (he's a designer) and asked 'what can I do to get more call-backs and interviews?'

I won't link to his portfolio for confidentiality reasons, but I will say that it's clear to me why he isn't getting much response. The portfolio isn't the problem however - it's his resume. (Remember that people won't even get to your web portfolio in most cases unless they like what they see on your resume.)

Confused's resume looks like almost every other resume that I see, and that's the problem. Although I don't know him, I am 100% sure that he's better and more interesting than his resume. His resume communicates nothing of his personality. It says nothing about his design accomplishments. It doesn't even hint at the creative challenges he has faced and how he has addressed them. It basically says nothing about how he can be expected to add value.

Instead there are job titles, company names and dates followed by brief job descriptions - just lists of duties. All web designers have the same duties, however, so reading this list tells me nothing about this particular candidate.

Is he passionate about his work? Is he often the last one to leave at night because he just has to finish up a design? What are his design strengths? What projects does he love to work on and why? What is the most challenging project he was ever given and how did he handle it? How does he work under pressure? Does he do well when given a tight deadline? How does he approach difficult clients?

In other words, what are the unique blend of personality traits, skills and experiences that make this web designer different from the other people who sent resumes?

For me this is the core of writing a resume that drives call-backs and interview requests. (I wrote more about it in my free resume writing report which you are welcome to download here). Standing out from the crowd isn't about fancy designs or unusual fonts - it's simply about showing how and why you are unique.

Article by, Louise Fletcher and courtesy of CareerHub.com. The Career Hub blog connects job seekers with experts in career counseling, resume writing, personal branding and recruiting.

Use This "Top 10" List for an Amazing Resume

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 13:30:30 -0600

Are you seriously searching for a new job?

If so, consider what employers are really looking for when they read the resumes that come across their desks. Following is a list of the 'top ten' with examples of how to:

Tuck These 'Top Ten' Traits Into Your Resume

1. Openness

I learned a new software program under the supervision of the sales manager, mastered it, and taught it to others throughout the sales department.

2. Commitment

I studied the company's vision statement so I was better prepared to carry it out in my daily tasks.

3. Ethnic Experience

I studied Spanish (or German, Italian, etc.) in order to speak and negotiate with international partners.

4. Communication

I took a communications class on my own to improve my skills with co-workers and clients.

5. Community Service

I headed up a community service program to underprivileged children on behalf of the company.

6. Enthusiasm

I joined the local branch of Business Network Allies in order to network with other professionals.

7. Integrity

I presented the company's products and services in an honest and above board manner, thereby drawing new clients and building the bottom line.

8. Responsiveness

I learned from and shared with others new and innovative ideas that helped broaden our client base and increase revenue.

9. Ingenuity

I initiated an idea for quicker expedition of company products that was adopted and credited to me.

10. Team Spirit

I received the "Team Spirit Award" for fair and balanced work with colleagues and management.

Make it EASY for employers to lean in your direction--and to want to read more of what you have to say. Show them that you are the person they are looking for--an individual who not only is a good, reliable employee, but also one who stands out from the crowd because of your personal qualities and high character.

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."

Cover Letter Tip: Step Out of Your Career Comfort Zone!

Fri, 08 Aug 2008 13:23:46 -0600

There are cover letters--and there are cover letters. Some are cookie-cutter predictable. And some offer a tasty surprise--like a cherry under chocolate frosting. Which ones would you like to receive if you were a hiring manager?

You know the answer. You'd like the ones with a surprise--letters that show the job seeker has stepped out of his or her comfort zone and is willing to offer something special.

If you'd like to write such a cover letter, here's the most important thing to do:

Express yourself in a clear and friendly manner, using language that will engage the hiring manager, wording that draws a reader in and compels him or her to read all the way through to the end.

In other words, write as though you were sitting together over a cup of coffee or tea.

1. Greet the hiring manager by name if possible (not Dear Sir or Madam).
2. Create a headline that will grab his or her attention, such as:

Sales Executive Ready to Expand Territory

3. Write one or two sentences about your experience. He can read more in your resume.
4. ASK to meet for an interview and offer a selection of dates and times. Be proactive.
5. Provide your contact information clearly--especially your cell phone number.
6. Thank the employer for reading your cover letter.
7. Sign your name and then add a P.S. in a friendly tone. "I'm really looking forward to meeting with you in person."

A well-written cover letter that sets you apart from other job seekers is one that shows you're not afraid to step out of your comfort zone and show the real you!

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."

Writing Resumes for Federal Jobs

Thu, 07 Aug 2008 11:36:28 -0600

So you're looking to land your first Federal job and are just about to start working on your resume. Stop right there. Before you put pen to paper (or fingers to keys), you should know that applying for Federal employment is different than the private sector.

Federal guidelines require that you provide very specific and detailed information to apply for a job by way of the OF-612 form or Federal resume (along with a KSA). Since the Federal resume carries the greatest influence of the two, let's take a look at ways to create one that will help you get the job you want.

What You Need to Know

When applying for a Federal job, there are certain details that you must provide in order to be considered by a recruiter. They include job information (announcement number, title and grade), personal information (full name, address, phone, social security number, and country of citizenship), veteran's preference or reinstatement eligibility (if applicable), education (chronological listing of high school and colleges with degree types, dates of acquisitions, major subjects, GPAs and total credits earned), and extensive work experience (with previous salaries included).

When detailing your work experience, you should keep the specific position you're applying for in mind. The Federal government is strict about ensuring that applicants' skills match the listed qualifications. So go into as much detail as possible regarding how you are qualified. This process will get you that much closer to getting hired.

Don't Forget Your KSA

The KSA is also known as Knowledge, Skills and Abilities and is a series of statements written in a narrative format that you must include with your Federal resume. It is written in first person and is meant to showcase in greater detail how you are qualified for the job you're applying for.

Jobs that require a KSA will usually list between three and five statements in the posting that you need to provide answers for. You want your answers to be as thorough as possible by disclosing your knowledge, skills or abilities that relate to each statement, as well as when, how and why you acquired them giving concrete examples. In other words, use up to a page to sell yourself for this position with each answer. Don't make your KSA a carbon copy of your resume - make it original. And don't forget to type your full name and sign it before sending it off.

Adding the Extras

As mentioned previously, acquiring a Federal job requires putting in some extra effort, which includes disclosing any information that will help showcase your ability to perform. If you have additional work experience that relates to the position, provide plenty of details (including salary info and who to contact to learn more about your work experience). Also, remember to list any software, training courses, certificates, professional memberships, or awards that might help tip the scale in your favor.

Knowing the rules of writing a Federal resume can get your foot in the door. But taking extra steps to focus specifically on the job position, and include a thorough KSA will get you one step closer to securing a great Federal job.

The Resume vs. Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Thu, 31 Jul 2008 10:22:03 -0600

Have you ever wondered what the differences are between a resume and curriculum vitae? In college, you may have heard about them both, yet since graduating, you probably have heard less about the CV and more about the resume.

Though the CV may not be as well-known as the resume, it is a very relevant job seeking tool depending on your field. So before you prepare for your first - or next - career, let's take a look at the differences between the resume and CV to help you determine which one is best for you.

The Major Differences

The purpose of both the resume and CV are similar: to provide insight into your qualifications as a potential employee. However, there are some major differences between them. A resume is a brief synopsis (one or two pages) of your professional strengths, typically including standard sections such as your objective (or executive summary), educational background, work history and additional skills. The CV goes into more depth in each section, and even looks at teaching and research you've conducted, works you've published, and major presentations. However, because this information is not relevant in many professions, the CV is usually used by those looking for academic, research, scientific, or medical positions that require a more comprehensive look at the applicant.

Writing Your CV

Your main goal when writing your CV should be to focus on all of your professional involvement from college onward. Luckily, with a CV you have no suggested page limits to worry about, so you can let loose on all of your accomplishments.

Much of your CV will look like a resume (name, address, contact info at the top, employment history, educational background, training and awards); however, you can also include sections that cover detailed professional skills, certifications, professional memberships, and even individuals you've mentored. The more skills and accomplishments you have, the more sections you can create to highlight them. Just make sure to keep them all organized and easy to find. Also, try to tailor your CV to each job you apply for (i.e. highlight more research accomplishments in research-driven positions). Placing your last name and page number at the top of each page is also recommended.

The Successful Resume

Though you may already be familiar with how to create a successful resume, you can always use more great tips to catch the attention of the hiring employer. For example, it is good to use action-oriented statements to describe your skills. So instead of saying, "Duties included assisting manager with documentation and organization of studies," you might say, "Documented and developed electronic filing system for 10 studies on internal company growth conducted by the manager of organizational development, which were made accessible to the public via the company's website." Also, you'll want to include keywords, like "pharma" or "tradeshows" that can showcase your knowledge of your field. And don't forget to research the company you're applying for to help match your skills to their mission.

Whether you're using the resume or CV to fulfill your job seeking goals, it is important to maintain focus on your purpose, which is to market your skills and abilities. By doing so, you can move yourself that much closer to your desired position in the field you love.