The Smart Resume Blog

Curiosity is the key to a successful career, writes Steve Rubel on his blog, Micro Persuasion. With it you’ll find out what interests you and in the process dedicate yourself to a lifetime of learning.

Getting fired is a stressful experience and a blow to your self-esteem. BusinessWeek offers some guidelines for enduring a very difficult situation. These tips will also prove useful for employees facing outsourcing or downsizing.

Can a blog lead to a new job? The Wall Street Journal says yes and no. A well planned blog can lead to job offers and business opportunities, but it is important to remain professional. Leave the pictures from your birthday bash offline.

Objective statements are often too generic to be effective on any resume. Statements such as “Seeking an exciting and challenging position in [insert career field here]” or “To utilize my skills in [blank] to achieve [some professional goal]”, do not give an employer any insight into your professional experience. You can include your objectives - the type of position and opportunities you are seeking and type of organization you want to work for - in your cover letter. Given that most recruiters spend under 30 seconds scanning a resume, that prime real estate at the top of your resume should be used for something that is more likely to grab their attention.

A Qualification Summary Allows You To:

• Include additional skills to supplement your listed career experience. In a few bullet points you can address core strengths, work habits, and technical skills.
• Make your resume more keyword friendly for online submissions. The more matching keywords you include, the more likely your resume will show up in employers’ queries.
• Provide an employer with a better perspective of who you are and what you can offer.
• Mirror job requirements as listed in the posting.
• Make an effective case for a career change.

How to Write a Successful Qualification Summary:

• Don’t blindly write your qualification summary. Tailor it to the employer’s needs.
• Include your key strengths. Ask yourself what makes you the best candidate for the job?
• Start each bullet point with an action word or adjective.
• Avoid clichés and meaningless phrases.

Sample Office Manager Qualification Summary:

• Results-oriented and high energy professional with demonstrated experience in office management and employee relations.
• Expert knowledge of current human resources practices with comprehensive knowledge of hiring, training, and performance evaluation methods.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills. Creates and maintains positive business relationships with vendors, co-workers, and management.
• Technical skills include: Windows XP, Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint.

What exactly are accomplishments?

They are concrete examples that support your job responsibilities. They can be measured quantitatively, qualitatively, or in awards, promotions, and raises.

Why should you include them in your resume?

Employers want to see accomplishments not just job duties. By listing accomplishments, employers get an accurate picture of your contributions to a specific company. Presenting your work experience as accomplishments effectively shows your ability to solve problems, demonstrates your skills, and predicts how you might succeed on the job.

Here is a typical resume entry for an Administrative Assistant:

• Maintained department records
• Coordinated travel arrangements
• Processed invoices and expense reports
• Created memos and letters

Some people might think that this would be enough for a resume, but if these exact same duties are listed on other candidates’ resumes, how can an employer distinguish one from another? What you want to do is incorporate the results of these responsibilities.

Now check out this example:

• Implemented a department-wide filing system that was adopted by other business units within the company.
• Developed tracking system for invoice and expense reports that reduced financial errors by 75%.
• Arranged travel and accommodations for 30 people attending annual sales meeting.
• Created business correspondence in support of company goals and procedures.

When you compare the two, which version is more appealing?

To Create Effective Accomplishments:

• Use action verbs
• Use correct tense (current job=present tense; previous job=past tense)
• Incorporate related keywords
• Quantify achievements with numbers (percentage, dollar amount, etc.)

How to Get Started:

First write down all of your job responsibilities. Then ask yourself what results did you accomplish and finally what problems did it solve? If you take the time to reflect on your job experience and quantify your successes, you’ll increase your chances of getting an interview.

Reverse Chronological Format:

This is the most traditional resume format and a very effective way to outline employment history and career growth.

Key Features:

• Employment history is listed in reverse order starting with current or most recent employment
• Work experience and companies you have worked for are emphasized
• Demonstrates a stable employment history and career growth (ex. promotions and increasing responsibility)

Advantages:

• Displays your career path by demonstrating promotions and growth
• Very common format

Disadvantages:

• Exposes gaps in employment history

This Resume Format Works Best For:

• Job seekers with a consistent career history
• Job seekers applying to a job similar to their current one or those staying within the same industry
• Job seekers who have worked for well-known and respected companies

A phone interview is your first introduction to a potential employer. It is part of the initial screening process where recruiters narrow down qualified candidates to those they would like to meet in person.

Preparation

Research the company by visiting their website. Take time to read related press releases, industry trade articles, and case studies. Gather knowledge about the company and their recent projects and accomplishments.

On a note card, prepare a list of specific achievements and skills that you want to address during the interview. Use the job description to guide you as you put together your key qualifications.

Write out answers to potential interview questions and practice reading them aloud. Sample questions might include:

• Tell me about yourself?

• Describe your current position?

• Are you familiar with our company?

• Are you willing to relocate?

• What are your salary requirements?

• When are you able to start?

During the Interview

• Minimize distractions. Turn the TV and radio off and notify roommates and family members that you have a phone interview.

• Consider using a landline instead of a cell phone. Cell phones can disconnect suddenly and may not give the clearest reception.

• Keep your resume in front of you so that you can follow along with the recruiter as they address your experience and work history. Listen carefully and take notes. This will give you plenty of information to reference when it is your turn to ask follow-up questions.

• Give the interviewer your full attention. Don’t eat or chew gum.

• Convey enthusiasm and self-confidence. Consider standing up during the interview because your voice will project better. Remain professional throughout and avoid using slang.

After the Interview

Send a brief thank you note that reiterates your qualifications and enthusiasm for the position.