Career Transition Workshop - Resumes RESUMES 1 HOW TO PREPARE, PACKAGE & PRESENT YOURSELF.

Career Transition Workshop - Resumes

RESUMES

1

HOW TO

PREPARE, PACKAGE&

PRESENT YOURSELF

Career Transition Workshop - Resumes 2

RESUME AGENDA

Opinions Overview Purposes Does Your Resume Answer these Key Questions? Design Concepts Resumes-How Many? Use of Power Words Focus On Employer Needs Resume Types Questions You Should Ask Yourself? Prayer


Everybody Has An opinion

Feel Free to Agree or DisagreeThere are Many Ways to do

ResumesAsk Questions and Make Comments/Suggestions

RESUME OPINIONS


RESUME BLUNDERS/BLOOPERS

Nine page letter accompanied by a four page resume

Finished 8th in my class of 10

Reason for leaving last job—”Maturity Leave”

Objective – “I would like to work for a company that is very lax when it comes to tardiness”


RESUME OVERVIEW

Research shows that only oneone interview is granted for every 200 resumes received by the average employer.

Last year, 25% of employers said that on average, they received more than 75 résumés for each open position; 42% received more than 50 résumés. (Career Builder Survey)

In addition, 38% of employers last year said they spent 1 to 2 minutes reviewing a new résumé and 17% spent less than 1 minute, (Career Builder Survey)


RESUME PURPOSES

What is the Purpose of your resume?

Some people write a resume as if the purpose of the document was to land a job.

The objective of your resume is to land an interview, and the interview will land you the job.


RESUME PURPOSES

Convinces the employer that you have what it takes to be successful in this new position.

Prepares you for the interview.


Does Your Resume Answer These Key Questions?

Who are you? To determine how well your resume addresses this, have friends read it. Within

15 seconds of them looking at the resume, quiz them on what they know about you as a job seeker based on what they read. If they can't offer a quick answer that truly describes you, your resume may needs some work.

What can you do for me? Show them how you've contributed to an employer's success elsewhere.

These examples must be specific, measurable accomplishments that cite numbers and other details.

Do you have the skills I'm looking for? Scan job ads and job descriptions to discover which skills are most relevant to

the employers and recruiters receiving your resume. Then strategically place them throughout your resume.



Where have you worked before? Employers want to know where you worked, length of time there and which job titles

you've held that may indicate how prepared you are for a role at their organization.

Is your experience relevant to my needs? Sometimes it's necessary to expand upon a job title or description to demonstrate that you have

experience that applies to the job you're seeking. Use bullets to present brief information that is relevant to the employer.

Do you have the right education and credentials? If you have the education/credentials/training needed to qualify for the job, be sure to

say so!



Are there any "red flags" in your background?

Gaps in employment or resume errors may alert employers and recruiters that you are not the type of candidate they're looking for.

Can Employer easily get in touch with you?

It doesn't matter how great your resume is, if you don't include a phone number, address and e-mail address somewhere on the resume, you'll never hear from the employer.


DESIGN CONCEPTS

Before starting to write your resume:

GET ORGANIZED!

Gather information on your past employment: employer names and addresses, dates of employment AND past performance reviews.

Gather information for personal references: names and addresses of co-workers, customers, vendors and others who can testify to your work

Go thru past performance reviews for accomplishments and write them down


DESIGN CONCEPTS

Resume Length – Have 2 resumes available— One that is concise with 2 pages and one that is detailed with up to 5 pages

Use white or ivory paper

Perfumed paper, curly fonts and pretty images should be avoided

A simple left-justified resume is easiest to read


DESIGN CONCEPTS

Tailor your resume- it is more common now to have a resume tailored for each position you are applying for, instead of the “one size fits all” model

Carefully study key words in job postings

Change your resume to use action words that help meet qualifications in job posting



I Am bi-lingual in 3 languages

Skills-I have integrity so I will not steal office supplies and take them home

Education – have repeated courses repeatedly

Reason for leaving last job—”Bounty hunting was outlawed in my state”


DESIGN CONCEPTS

Expect background and reference checks

If necessary, create a new email address solely for resumes and job searches

Be concise – write out everything you want to include, then go back and trim it

Use easy to read fonts and a clear design


DESIGN CONCEPTS

If possible, have someone else check your resume for errors.

Save references and personal data for the interview.

Avoid date of birth, weight or height

Remove dates of graduation from college unless you are a recent college grad


DESIGN CONCEPTS

Avoid salaries or the reason for leaving the last job.

Keep your resume current even if you are employed

Prepare a cover letter to introduce your resume.

Emphasize most recent jobs.


DESIGN CONCEPTS

Stress skills, knowledge, and abilities that fulfill the job requirements.

Your resume should highlight why you are qualified for the position you are applying for.

The top 1/3 to 1/2 of the first page of your resume needs to grab the attention of the recruiter or hiring manager. It should highlight something that makes you stand out from other candidates. For example, “top sales producer for the southwest region”.

Remember it is okay to include experience from unpaid positions if it demonstrates that you have one or more of the qualifications for a job.


DESIGN CONCEPTS

Focus on accomplishments/results, not responsibilities. If you do include responsibilities it should be no more than one line and brief.

Include specific information, whenever possible, for the accomplishments on your resume. For example it’s better to say “improved quality by 10% which saved $5 per unit” versus saying “improved quality”.

Do “spell check” on your resume to check for misspelled words. Remember – Spell check will not catch when you’ve used the wrong word, for example “Lead” versus “Led”.


DESIGN CONCEPTS

Header for resume should include name, address, e-mail address and phone number's. If you have a LinkedIn profile you may want to include the link to your profile

Avoid using the same leading verb for the first several bullets on your resume. Look at the first 10 bullets on your resume and see how many have the same first word and make changes, as appropriate.

A two page resume needs to include a header with your name and your e-mail or phone number and the number 2 (header or footer) – this lets the reader know the second page belongs to your resume and if the pages get separated then the person can contact you to get page one.


DESIGN CONCEPTS

Ask someone in your field/industry to review your resume for terms that may be dated, especially in IT related positions.

Use Microsoft (MS) Word 2003 unless the job posting directs you otherwise. Some people cannot read a document in MS Word 2007 if they have an older version of Word.

Use a basic font such as Times New Roman or Arial, between 10 – 12 pt. Review to see if it looks “crowded” – ideally you should maintain 1” margin on all sides of your resume.

Send your resume to yourself via e-mail so you can see what it looks like when it arrives by e-mail.


DESIGN CONCEPTS

Spell out non-industry standard acronyms the first time they are used in your resume. The acronym used in your resume may mean something else in another company.

Include 10-15 years of employment history on your resume. A more experienced worker can opt to list a section called “Other Experience” listing the company name (s) and job titles but not specific dates.

Months are important when listing employment history on your resume.



Failed bar exam with relatively high grades

Its best for employers that I not work with people

I have an excellent track record, although I am not a horse

Career – I have worked with restraints for the past 2 years


RESUMES – HOW MANY?

One Resume for Each Employer?

One of the most common mistakes that people make is to create a standard resume and send it to all the job openings that they can find.

Tailor your resume for each employer.

Same point applies to your cover letters.


USE POWER WORDS

POWER

WORDS


Use Power Words and Create Content that Sells

The content of your resume and the descriptions you include of your skills and abilities can determine how many interviews you generate. Compare the before and after statements shown below:

Before:“Gave work assignments to staff of entry level accounting clerks”.

After:“Directed workflow, supervised and trained accounting staff performing posting to general ledger, accounts receivable and payable accounts”.


FOCUS ON NEEDS

FOCUS ON THE EMPLOYER'S NEEDS, NOT YOURS

Imagine that you are the person doing the hiring.

This person cares how well the job will be done. You need to write your resume to appeal directly to them.

Ask yourself:

What would make someone the perfect candidate?

What does the employer really want?

What special abilities would this person have?

What would set a truly exceptional candidate apart from a merely good one?


RESUME TYPES

Chronological

Functional/Skills

Scannable


Resume Types

Chronological (when continuing in the same career path)

List work experience in reverse chronological order, listing the most recent experience first

List accomplishments under each employer

Functional (when changing careers or entering the job market after an absence)

List accomplishments & expertise in functional categories (marketing, sales, management, operations, communications, etc.) in 1st section

List work experience (co. names, job titles, dates) consecutively in next section


RESUME TYPES-CHRONOLOGICAL

CHRONOLOGICAL (Most traditional structure- 95% of resumes submitted)

Primarily used when you are staying in the same profession, in the same type of work.

Lists each job you've had in reverse sequential order

Start with your most recent job.

Easier to understand what you did in each job. May help the name of the employer stand out more.


RESUME TYPES - CHRONOLOGICAL

Advantages: Makes it easier to understand what you did in what job.

May help the name of the employer stand out more, if this is impressive.

Best for Career Continuation Easy to Track Career Progress

Disadvantage is that it is much more difficult to highlight what you do

best. This format is less appropriate for someone making a career change. May Bury Best Achievements Most Recent Employment May Not be Best Lead


Chronological FORMAT

RESUME TYPES - CHRONOLOGICAL

Objective – 1 line to describe objective Company Name, Location, Duration – 1 Line Company By-Line (Scope, Size, Status, Success) – 1 Line Position / Title, Location, Duration – 1 Line Position By-Line (Responsibilities – 1 or 2 Line(s) Position By-Line-Accomplishments –List the ones that

line up the best with job posting requirements (3-5 that apply)

Education – leave off dates unless recent grad References – provided upon request


RESUME CONTENT

THE OBJECTIVE

HOW TO WRITE YOUR OBJECTIVE. First, decide on a specific job title. Go back to your list of answers to the question "How can I demonstrate that I am the perfect candidate?" What are the two or three qualities, abilities or achievements that would make you stand out as truly exceptional for that specific job?

EXAMPLE OBJECTIVE - a software sales position in an organization seeking an extraordinary record of generating new accounts, exceeding sales targets and enthusiastic customer relations.


Examples of Separate “Objective” sections

Vice president of marketing in an organization where a strong track record of expanding market share and internet savvy is needed.

Senior staff position with a bank that offers the opportunity to use my expertise in commercial real estate lending and strategic management.

An entry-level position in the hospitality industry where a background in advertising and public relations would be needed.

A position teaching English as a second language where a special ability to motivate and communicate effectively with students would be needed.


Make Your Accomplishments Stand Out

Many job seekers list their job duties on their résumés, but not their accomplishments. Employers care about your ability to produce results. Quantify your accomplishments

A job responsibility is something that you do on a daily basis.

A quantified achievement is the result of that responsibility. By quantifying results, you show employers what you can actually do for them.

Numbers are your friends here. Don’t merely mention that you increased the annual revenues of your division, say that you increased them by $100,000, by 78%, and so on.



Personal Interests – donating blood -14 gallons so far

Skills –I can type without looking atthekeyboard

Experience – Chapter President – 1887-1992

Application – How large was the dept. that you worked in with your last employer? Answer - 3 stories.


RESUME TYPES - FUNCTIONAL

FUNCTIONAL: Highlights your major skills and accomplishments from the very

beginning.

Helps the reader see clearly what you can do for them, rather than having to read through the job descriptions

Targets the resume into a new direction or field, by lifting up from all past jobs the key skills and qualifications to help prove you will be successful in this new direction or field.

Company names and positions are in a subordinate position, with no description under each.

Good for career changers, but is very appropriate for generalists, for those with divergent careers, a wide range of skills in their given profession and for those who want to make shifts in their career direction.


Resume Types - FUNCTIONAL

Advantage: Most helpful in reaching for a new goal or direction. Strengths

Best for Career Change Easy to Match to Job Spec’s

Disadvantage: Hard for the employer to know exactly what you did in which job,

which may be a problem for some conservative interviewers.

- Shortcomings Hard to Track Career Progress Most Stress Functional Skills over Achievements


RESUME TYPES - SCANNABLE - Scanning By Keywords

What is Resume Scanning? (or Online, Automated, or Keyword Application)

Answer:

A process where employers convert hardcopy resumes into electronic resumes. Instead of a human reading the resume, the resume is first input into the company’s database via a scanner that searches for keywords.

Not sure if the job you are applying for scans resumes? Call the Human Resources department and ask. As the job of HR is to find candidates, they will welcome the question and outline the process that their company employs for resume screening.


RESUME TYPES - Scanning By Keywords

Prepare resume on white paper

Do not bold, italicize underline info

Use a size 12 simple font

Do not use hollow bullets

Do not use symbols such as the # sign

Print only on 1 side of the paper

Use keywords and phrases that are commonly used in your career

Do not fold the resume. Mail the resume in a large envelope with extra postage



Instrumental in ruining entire operation for a Midwest Chain Store

Able to say the ABC’s backward in under 5 seconds

Planned a new corporate facility at 3 million over budget


Questions You Should Ask Yourself as You Write Your Resume

What key qualifications will the employer be seeking?

What qualifications (that you possess) will be most important to them?

Which of these are your greatest strengths?

What are the highlights of your career to date that should be emphasized?

What things about you and your background make you stand out?

What are your strongest areas of skill and expertise? Knowledge? Experience?

What are characteristics you possess that make you a strong candidate? What are the three or four things you feel have been your greatest accomplishments?

What was produced as a result of your greatest accomplishments?

Can you quantify the results you produced in numerical or other specific terms?

What were the two or three accomplishments of that particular job?

What were the key skills you used in that job? What did you do in each of those skill areas?


KEY TO A GOOD RESUME

ACCOMPLISHMENTS


PRAYER

P Prayer

R Responsibilities

A Accomplishments

Y You

E Employment

R Relentless


1

WELCOME! March 1, 2010


2

Weekly Topics(Subject to Change)

March 1 Resume

March 8 Elevator Pitch & Networking

March 15 Internet Tools

March 22 Personal Assessment

March 29 Dealing With Stress

April 5 Interview Preparation

April 12 Salary Negotiation

April 19 Networking w/ Business Leaders


3

TONIGHT

• Welcome and Introductions

• Class: Resumes

• A Word From Our Sponsor

• Lab: “Job Search Snapshot”


4

A Word From Our Sponsor


5

My Career

Job Satisfaction

My Faith

Soul Satisfaction

My elect shall long enjoy the work of

their hands. Is 65.22

The pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in His

hand. He shall see the labor of his soul and be

satisfied Is 53.10-11


6

THE EXPECTATION

My Career

Job Satisfaction

My Faith

Soul Satisfaction

“Glukos Spilos”


7

Alignment Is the ExpectationMoses (Psalm 90.15-17)

Make us glad according to the days in which You have afflicted us,

The years in which we have seen evil

Let Your work appear to Your servants

And Your glory to their children

And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us

And establish the work of our hands for us; Yes, establish the work of our hands

Christ (John 17.4)

I have glorified you on earth, I have finished the work which you have given me to do.

Apostle Paul (Ephesians 2.10)

For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared for us beforehand.


8

THE CAREER JOURNEY

My Career

Job SatisfactionMy Faith

Soul Satisfaction

Resume Writing

Networking

Internet Skills

Interviewing

Assessment

Stress

Prayer

Accountability

Encouragement

Serving Others

Purpose & Calling


9

CROSSROADS CAREER NETWORK

http://www.crossroadscareer.org/index.phpEnter Key: Grace360

Grace360.org“Get Help”

“Career Transition Ministry”“Our Website”

“Sidebar”

Career Transition Workshop - Resumes RESUMES 1 HOW TO PREPARE, PACKAGE & PRESENT YOURSELF.

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Transcript of Career Transition Workshop - Resumes RESUMES 1 HOW TO PREPARE, PACKAGE & PRESENT YOURSELF.