Saturday, May 30, 2020

30 Second Screening Will Your Résumé Survive

30 Second Screening Will Your Résumé Survive Anecdotal evidence consistently suggests that many recruiters and hiring managers spend less than 30 seconds on the first reading. Will a Summary or Profile section help your résumé to cut through? I hear many opinions both for and against the idea of including a Summary or Profile section at the beginning of a résumé. Some recruiters say they ignore them because they are usually fluffy motherhood statements that add no real substance to the document. In most cases I would agree with that, because the Summary is often a rather bland, generic section containing rather tired over-used résumé-speak. On the other hand, if well written, the Summary (I personally prefer to call it a Profile) can be a powerful way to get the reader’s attention and differentiate yourself from other candidates. This should help to sustain a high “strike rate” surviving the usually brutally brief first screening. There is plenty of good material around on what the Summary should include â€" hard skills, soft skills, range and depth of experience, industry background, key strengths and so forth. No argument with any of that but if you are not careful it can end up looking a bit generic, just like other people with a similar background. All this adds up to a “ho hum” reaction from your target reader and a real possibility that they will assume the rest of the résumé is of limited interest and only skim read it. So what can you do to  grab ‘em and hold ‘em? The 2-line value proposition Take a leaf out of the book of professional marketers and develop a crisp, differentiated brand statement that clearly articulates your value proposition in no more than two lines. Think of well-known brands. Copywriters communicate the core message of the brand and its main attributes instantly. They know that on a billboard, in a magazine advert or on TV, they have only a few seconds â€" in some cases less than a second â€" to grab and hold your attention. What if you took the same approach to the first two lines of your resume? Take some time to think through what it is that really sets you apart. You may have more material to draw on than you think. For example: Review 360 degree feedback and performance reviews you have had and look for the positive commentary and strong results Reflect on what your referees will say about your strengths and personality What do you think you are known for (positively of course!) in your organisation and even within your industry? Think through the evidence for how you have delivered value in your career; focus on the most recent 5 years Try to articulate what motivates you deeply; what’s really important to you, professionally Work on weaving this crucial information into a 2-line statement that clearly indicates how you will add value in a new role and organisation. Be prepared to draft, edit and re-write several times â€" it’s worth it. Look out for another post in which I will try to show some examples of bland versus powerful 2-line value propositions. Related: What You Ought to Know About Resume Writing.

Wednesday, May 27, 2020

Key Phrase For Writing Resume - How to Write a Resume With Your Own Key Phrase

Key Phrase For Writing Resume - How to Write a Resume With Your Own Key PhraseThe key phrase for writing resume is very important. This will help you to give the most appropriate resume to the company you want to work with. It is also very important to make sure that the resume itself does not contain any errors as this could pose a big problem for the company you are looking to work with.One of the most important factors that one should consider when selecting a key phrase for writing resume is the personal statement itself. The content of the resume is what will be the best feature for the company. This is very important as the quality of the writing and the content on the resume is the main thing that will let the companies know what kind of person you are.There are many websites where one can get resumes and they have sample resumes that can be useful for some resumes. The sample resumes that are available online can help the applicants to write their own resume for free. The one thing that the samples can't do is give you information on how to format it. This can be found online or one can get it from their resume template.Another great thing about templates is that they are easy to use. Many applicants will find it very easy to fill in the data that they want to include on the resume. The only drawback that one may find is that they might need to update the information that they have on the resume. This can be done by just repeating it.When you are searching for the best key phrase for writing resume, you should make sure that the company you are getting the resume from will accept it. As we all know, many companies only accept applicants that have been working for the company for at least three years. In addition you must make sure that the company you are going to submit the resume to will accept it for free.You should also make sure that you can find the services of the provider that will be providing you with the resume. This is very important since y ou might find that the provider might charge you money for his services. Make sure that you find a company that is reliable as these services can be quite expensive.The next thing that you need to find is the materials that you will be using for the resume. The material will vary on the needs of the job that you are applying for. For example if you are looking for the resume for entry level job then you will need a resume template where as if you are looking for the resume for manager position then you will need different things.Lastly you should also make sure that the company you are getting the resume from has enough time to process your resume. Since this is a very important step, it is always good to ask for their deadline so that you will know when you can expect your resume to be processed.

Saturday, May 23, 2020

6 Things You Need To Know About Going Through a Divorce -

6 Things You Need To Know About Going Through a Divorce - The end of marriage marks the beginning of a series of stressful events for spouses and their children. There are decisions to make about the property, scheduled parenting, among other things. Intense emotions caused by these changes can prevent spouses from understanding the legal process of divorce. Spouses may also find themselves incapable of making sound decisions due to the emotions that can overcome one’s thought process. You can find it easy to go through a divorce if you have the right information about the process before it begins. Read on to discover six things that you need to know about going through a divorce. Do not expect to win. Most people start their divorce process hoping to “beat” their spouse in court. The truth is, there is rarely a real winner. The divorce process involves issues such as child custody, support, and division of property. Divorcing partners seldom end up with everything they want, and they may find it difficult to adjust. For instance, one spouse may get child custody, but end up receiving a lower amount of spousal support than requested. Since there is no real winner or loser, you should probably consider the outcome of a court battle before you go down that path.  Your Children. You should remember that your children are not divorcing. You may get in an intense argument and forget that your kids are watching. Saying cruel words to your partner can have a lasting effect on your kids. Fighting with your spouse during the process will only add to the psychological stress your children are already experiencing. Give yourself time to think about the things you are about to say to your partner.  Divorce differs from individual to individual. Your divorced friends may advise you on what to do in your divorce. However, their experience may not work for you and might end up misleading you. The issues that led to your friends separation are not universal. Therefore, do not base your decisions on other people’s experiences. Get advice from your attorney, financial advisers, and mental health experts who are experienced with specifics of your case.  Forget the Past. Do not get obsessed with all the bad things that you went through during your marriage. Such thoughts will only prevent you from planning your future life. Talk with your divorce lawyer with the intentions to work with your partner to achieve the best outcomes for your family. You may not agree on specific issues, but this is because you are still angry. Make concessions on some problems, and you will have a more natural process.  The Court. A spouse may decide to terminate divorce case negotiations and head to court. However, remember that divorce trials are lengthy and expensive. The hearing may even deplete your assets. A small issue may require many court days to complete. In addition, you do not know how the judge will rule. Therefore, it is best if you work out the process out of court. Be Honest with your Attorney and Spouse. Present all the essential truths to your lawyer so that he or she can analyze your case. Hiding things may result in inappropriate advice. Nevertheless, hidden facts will probably come out later in the process. If this happens, you will have ruined your chances to obtain good results. Similarly, be honest with your spouse. Produce all income documents, assets, debts, and expenses. If you have a massive debt, a loan payoff calculator can help you decide on how to save on interest. With this information, you now know what to do and how to avoid getting walked on in the divorce process.

Tuesday, May 19, 2020

Make Your Debt Pay You - Finance Your Business With Credit

Make Your Debt Pay You - Finance Your Business With Credit When you are building a new business or trying to grow an established one, the one thing that you will always need is money. Whether you are  switching from freelancing to entrepreneurship  or starting a new venture, don’t let financing hold you back. For some, money really does appear to grow on trees, but for the majority of us, we have to come up with creative ways of funding our new business ventures. Put it on credit Credit is a viable option for sourcing finance for your small business. In fact, a  report from the SBA shows that  10% of financing dollars  comes from credit cards. A credit card can provide flexible capital during a growth phase as credit cards can offer lower rates and rewards not gained when taking out a small business loan. A credit card is also a great way of  building up a credit score  for your business which will increase funding opportunities for you in the future. Use it or lose it If you are currently funding your business using savings or income from sales, credit is still something to think about.  Applying for credit before you need it  will build up your credit score. Also, if you build up a relationship with a financial institution and prove yourself to be a reliable customer, the level of credit available to you will grow over time. This means that when the time comes to instigate a new growth initiative for your business, you are able to leverage the credit already available for a short term ingestion of capital. Be smart move your debt If you have already leveraged a credit card for a quick burst of cash and want to reduce the fees that you are paying, a  credit card balance transfer  is a good option for you. In this scenario, you are treating a credit card as an interest free loan. This is a great way of reducing the pressure to clear a debt in the short term as the repayments are reduced, giving you additional time to generate revenue from your venture. The use of a business credit card is a viable way to fund your small business short term, especially during a period of growth when you are investing everything you earn into the business. Don’t let a shortage of funds hold you back think smart and take the opportunities to grow as they present themselves.

Saturday, May 16, 2020

Use Teacher Resumes Samples to Write Your Own

Use Teacher Resumes Samples to Write Your OwnTeacher resume samples can help you write your own resume. A teacher resume consists of some basic information about you. This includes your name, contact information and employment history. If you are a teacher, you can use resume samples to help you create your own.It is important to remember that your resume should include only the basic information. For example, you should not include information about clubs you are involved in, or awards you may have won. The reason for this is simple. Employers do not want to know what your hobbies are.There are many free sources of resume samples that will help you with this part of the application. Some of these sources include resume databases such as Korn Internet Marketing. These can help you to use templates that you can copy. You can also get resume samples that you can download online. These come in a variety of formats and styles.The key part of your resume is your summary. You will want to use a very brief summary. The summary will explain what you have done in the past and will also show what you have accomplished in the present position. This should include the most important aspects of your educational background.It is also important to list every job you have held as a teacher. Also include all any volunteer work you have done. This will help show that you have experience and have excelled in a number of areas.If you choose to list some of your research work on your teacher resume, make sure you give this information in the same section as your education field. If your research work was on a subject other than education, make sure you list it. In fact, if your research work was in a field other than education, do not put it in the education field.In some cases, you may find that your education field is very large. If this is the case, you may need to use a separate section for this information. But, keep in mind that for most resumes, you will need to use the same section as your education field.Teacher resume samples can help you write your own resume. It is not a difficult task. All you need to do is follow a few guidelines. If you take the time to follow a sample, you will be much more likely to get a good interview.

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

Ive Got No Where Else To Go

Ive Got No Where Else To Go Do you feel like your job has reached a dead-end? Bored? Not challenged? So what can YOU do about it? The title of this post is a quote from An Officer And A Gentleman. Remember the scene. Poor Zack Mayo (played by Richard Gere, young and oh so handsome) was on a concrete slab doing sit ups and his Gunnery Sergeant (Louis Gossett, Jr.)  was pushing him to quit or DOR. Zack was being physically and mentally challenged and his life at that moment was miserable. But, as horrible as this experience was, it wasnt as bad as what his life had been before. Zacks only hope for a better life was to stick with the Navy training. Before you go crying that youve got no where else to go (except to leave the company), do what Zack did. Try hard. Communicate. Be a team-player and become likable. In the world of work, we often hear the term manage up. Try Harder! Is there a reason you are at a dead-end? A little self reflection may help you see you arent performing as well as expected. And it is ultimately your manager/supervisor who sets those expectations, fair or unfair, right or wrong, extreme or realistic. Honestly, are there things you should be doing better? Have you missed deadlines? Have you sent unedited emails, correspondence, or reports? Is your work completed on time, or better yet, ahead of schedule? And if you really want more responsibility or a promotion, why not volunteer to take on a project. Of course you want to get paid for your expertise and time, but, you may just have to prove to some people you have what it takes first. Go the extra mile. Ask if you can take on a specific side project that will benefit the company. See what they say. Talk to Your Commanding Officer If you dont have regularly scheduled meetings with your supervisor/manager, start asking for them now! We all know that some people just arent cut out to manage, let alone lead. Dont expect your manager to do more than they are capable of. Ask for a regularly scheduled meeting and suggest areas you would like to touch base on. Communicate your concerns without complaining. Ask for your managers input and suggestions, but ALWAYS have some of your own too! No one likes a complainer. Be a problem-solver. And dont be afraid to ask the tough questions you dont necessarily want the answers to. Are you satisfied with my performance?  I would like to feel more challenged by the work I am doing here. What would you recommend I do to earn extra responsibilities? Can you see any reason why you wouldnt support me as a candidate if I applied for the [internal job posting]? Theres No I in Team You have to learn to perform well as part of a team, plain and simple. It takes tact and diplomacy to get along with others (some call it Emotional Intelligence). And you have to be likable too. Sure, you may be the most knowledgeable expert around, but if people dont like working with you- well? Youre OUT, either literally or figuratively. You must figure out this stuff because it will come back to bite you again and again if you dont! Manage Up It has been my experience that there are many more bad managers than there are good ones. Learning to manage your manager is a skill that will help you again and again. Here are some quick posts for you to check out. Learn How to Manage Up HR Bartender The Simple Rule for Career Success: Manage Your Manager Yahoo! Finance Canada 10 Brilliant Tips for Dealing with a Difficult Boss from The Daily Muse Know When to Evacuate There may come a time when your last option is to get outta dodge. I hope you have exhausted all your options before you reach this point! It would be a shame to throw away a good thing.

Friday, May 8, 2020

What New Grads Need to Know About Pre-Employment Drug Tests

What New Grads Need to Know About Pre-Employment Drug Tests 14 Flares 14 Flares Theres no need to freak out about drug tests.  Actually, you might have a reason to be a little nervous depending on your recent activities.  Seriously, you might have a reason to be very nervous.  However, if youve only been participating in super clean fun, then dont worry, youll be OK. This blog post isnt a tell all on pre-employment drug testing.  This is simply a quick what the heck is going to happen to you during the drug screen process and what you might want to expect.  So, here it goes. When does the pre-employment drug screening occur? Usually after your phone screen and in-person interview.  Some might be before interviewing, but usually its just before the offer stage and while other checks are being completed.  Its a good sign if a company is asking for you to take care of the drug screen.  Its not so good if you know youre going to fail, but that one is on you. How soon do you need to take the test? 24-48 hours usually.  They dont want you taking a vacation or cleaning your system out, so expect to be told to head on in within that time frame. How will I be tested? While most stick to the old fashioned pee test, some will require blood or a hair sample.  Youve watched a lot of movies, so if youre doubting your urine you may look to pull the old switcheroo.  Be prepared for them to test the temperature and have someone standing outside the door to make sure theres no funny business. When do I find out the results? Some testing centers can be pretty rapid, while others take two days.  The results are typically emailed directly to the employer who will let you know if youve made it through to the next step in the process. Remember, relax and follow instructions If you know youre going to fail then maybe google for some help on what to do.  If you have no reason to worry, then keep calm and smile.  Youll do just fine, kid.