The free event, hosted at Camille’s Sidewalk Café in Lake Hallie, assisted job seekers with resume guidelines and suggestions, addressed commonly asked interview questions, and discussed the importance of networking when job searching. “My goal is to help individuals craft professional documents that help set them apart from other applicants,” Heather Rothbauer-Wanish, owner of Feather Communications and a Certified Professional Resume Writer, said.

Attendees also learned about the benefits of working with a professional recruiter and discovering ways to identify transferable skills. Presently there are many professionals in the area who are actively and passively looking for new professional placement opportunities and as a global leader in the world of work, Manpower has positioned itself to create a platform for professional job seekers. “Manpower offers a variety of services to both businesses and job seekers. Our goals through the professional division are to maintain a talent pipeline, appropriately match high level talent and help our clients meet their business needs,” Joan Prissel, Professional Placement Consultant with Manpower, explained.

If you would like more information about any of Manpower’s permanent placement, temporary or HR services, please contact Joan Prissel at 715-552-9124. And, if you are interested in a resume critique or need advice about your job search documents, contact Heather Rothbauer-Wanish at 715-559-6378.

About Manpower

Manpower is the world leader in innovative workforce solutions, creating and delivering high-impact solutions that enable our clients to achieve their business goals and enhance their competitiveness. With over 60 years of experience, our company provides a comprehensive suite of innovative solutions that cover an entire range of talent-driven needs from recruitment and assessment, training and development, and career management, to outsourcing and workforce consulting. Manpower maintains the world’s largest and industry-leading network of nearly 3,600 offices in over 82 countries and territories, generating a dynamic mix of an unmatched global footprint with valuable insight and local expertise to meet the needs of its 400,000 clients per year.

About Feather Communications

Feather Communications is a local organization that assists job seekers with writing new resumes, cover letters, and other job-search related documents. Owner Heather Rothbauer-Wanish is a member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches, the National Resume Writers’ Association, and is a Certified Professional Resume Writer. Heather has a Bachelor of Business Administration in Management, an MBA, and is pursuing her PhD in Organization and Management.

Contact:

Heather Rothbauer-Wanish, Owner – Feather Communications

www.feather-communications.com

heather@feather-communications.com or 715.559.6378

First, be sure to leave your cell phone in the car. Several years ago, I was part of an interview panel where the interviewee brought her cell phone into the conference room. Not only that, but she put the cell phone directly on the table in front of her and constantly watched it as if she was waiting for an important call. This was a job interview! If she had something vitally important happening in her life, then perhaps she should have rescheduled the appointment.

Second, be sure to dress professionally. What does this mean? It can mean something different for each company. Don’t be afraid to ask what you should wear to the job interview. And, I’ve never heard of anyone not getting a job because they dressed too professionally during an interview.

Finally, be sure you know the interviewer. Take time to find out who the interviewer (or interviewers) may be, research their LinkedIn profile, and understand their role within the organization. And, don’t forget to look around his or her office for hints into their personality. If you notice something you have in common, this may be a good time to mention it. Find commonalities and build up on them during the interview.

There are many things to consider when going to a job interview. No matter the type of job, be sure to be professional and positive during the process. Following these three tips will get you one step closer to landing the job.

“I’m proud to be a sponsor of this dinner and look forward to meeting other survivors during the event,” Heather Rothbauer-Wanish, owner of Feather Communications, said. “Polka Dot Powerhouse has proven to be an inspirational, positive, and outgoing networking group that really concentrates on adding connections to people’s lives,” she continued.

During the Survivor Dinner, attendees will have a chance to see visual art, hear spoken word, and shop at vendor booths. “While I’m excited to showcase my business during the event, I’m even more excited to share in the resiliency of the human spirit and make lasting connections,” Rothbauer-Wanish concluded.

Throughout the day, Feather Communications was able to meet with attendees and discuss services available to clients. In addition to showing business writing examples, Heather Rothbauer-Wanish was able to discuss resume-building, cover letters, and the writing process.

“The event was a great success and I enjoyed connecting with attendees,” Rothbauer-Wanish said. “The Women’s Business Conference always has valuable informational sessions and wonderful ways to network with other business owners,” she continued.

As any entrepreneur knows, networking can be the key to business success. Feather Communications is already looking forward to participating in next year’s event. “The Women’s Business Conference is a fantastic venue for local and regional business owners. We look forward to its continued success in the future,” Rothbauer-Wanish concluded.

Do you hire a professional for plumbing work? Do you hire a professional to repair your vehicle? Most of us choose to go to a professional in both these instances. So, why would you not hire a professional to write the document that will help you in your employment search? Unless you feel extremely confident and competent in your writing abilities, hiring a professional resume writer should be a consideration.

I explain to clients that it can be easier for an outsider to come in and objectively review the information and craft a resume that accurately depicts the candidate. Read further for three reasons why you should hire a professional resume writer.

First, many people don’t like to talk about themselves. While you would assume it would be easy for someone to list their accomplishments and strengths, it is not always easy to do so. Most individuals don’t like talking about themselves and feel like it is boasting. I tell my clients that this is the time to really shine with your information – after all, if you don’t do it, who will? A professional resume writer will be able to ask you questions that help define those accomplishments and accolades.

Next, a professional resume writer will be up-to-date with formatting, buzz words, and the latest information in today’s resumes. A legitimate writer will belong to a professional association, such as the National Resume Writers’ Association or the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches. And, if you want someone that has credentials, look for a certification such as the Certified Professional Resume Writer designation. Seek a professional that belongs to an organization and stays current on the latest trends.

Finally, hiring a professional resume writer should ease the stress associated with creating your job search documents. Be sure that you research the writer you are hiring, understand the costs involved, and ask for references or testimonials. Unfortunately, there are many “professionals” listed on the Internet that simply re-format your document and/or don’t make appropriate changes.

The next time you need to update or write your resume, consider hiring a professional resume writer. Utilizing a professional is smart, efficient, and may help you showcase your skills in the best possible format.

Now that you know you need a career summary, you may be wondering what to include in this section. Remember that it needs to be specific, targeted to the potential job, and should encompass you as a professional.

To help you start thinking about your own career summary, please review the career summaries listed below. While your summary may need to be longer or shorter, these can provide you with some creativity for idea generation.

The summary listed below was utilized for an Experienced Administrative Assistant:

Innovative, results-oriented Administrative Assistant with extensive experience in various industries and office settings. Detail-oriented and goal-focused business professional that can successfully deliver exceptional customer to all clients. Demonstrated ability to achieve targeted goals, meet budgets, and excel in challenging situations. Capable of creative problem solving, utilization of critical thinking skills, and effective communication expertise. Successfully answer all internal and external inquiries while consistently focusing on strategic goals of organization. Capable of leading, developing, and successfully implementing administrative processes to further business goals.

Another summary that was used for a manufacturing position discussed the experience and skills of the potential employee:

Experienced and dedicated professional with over 20 years of experience in various manufacturing industries. Demonstrated strong growth within organization, including advancement from mechanical assembler to supervisor. Proven technical expertise with ability to creative solve problems and develop advantageous organizational solutions. Exceptional quality, production, and product quantity standards. Serve as a leader and mentor to other employees while demonstrating a team-focus that illustrates cohesiveness.

Finally, a financial employee was able to utilize the following career summary to discuss his skills:

Professional, experienced, and diligent financial, management, and project expert. Proactive ability to exercise a common-sense financial approach while utilizing creative problem-solving techniques. Dedicated, diligent, and responsible employee that can formulate appropriate strategies while helping to meet organizational goals.

Please remember that your career summary definitely needs to describe YOU. You have unique skills and experiences that will appeal to the employer. Use this uniqueness to pique the employer’s interest and show you can help their organization reach its goals.

First, an objective statement is extremely out-of-date with today’s resume styles. And, in my opinion, the objective of your resume is simple—to get the job. If you had a job, currently worked somewhere that you enjoyed, or already felt satisfied with your paycheck, you would not be applying elsewhere.

Secondly, an objective is too generic. Most objectives are simply too vague to be effective. To say something like your objective is to work at a marketing firm does not really provide any additional details for the potential employer. In the past, job seekers have used the objective statement to enter every single thing that is needed for the prospective job, leading to most employers ignoring this area of the resume.

Next, objective statements don’t do anything to set you apart from any other job candidate. Rather than make your information stand out, the objective statement tends to be bland. Instead, use this prime space on the resume to emphasize your qualifications and provide a career summary or profile.

Finally, remember to focus on the employer. Show how you can meet the company’s needs and requirements. You should target your career summary or career profile to each job. Be specific as to how you can help the company reach its goals; after all, the company is seeking someone that can help build the organization. Eliminate the objective on your resume and showcase your skills, qualifications, and abilities. This concise, specific, and detailed information will help you land your next position.

Sending a thank you note to the potential employer serves two purposes. First, it illustrates your good manners and shows that you appreciate the time the interviewer gave to you. The second purpose of the thank you is to put your name in front of the employer one more time. If you are one of three people interviewed and you are the only interviewee that sends a thank you note, your name may jump to the top of the employee pile.

Many people wonder what to include in the thank you note. The key is to be concise and positive in your approach. Utilize the information below to craft a basic thank you letter that could be sent via e-mail and improve your chances at landing your dream job.

LETTER EXAMPLE

Dear {insert interviewer name}:

Thank you for taking time to meet with me on Monday, January xx. It was a pleasure to learn more about you and your organization.

Our meeting further piqued my interest in {insert name of organization}. The organization’s past achievements and successes prove that the business is poised for the future. My qualifications are a perfect match with the direction of the company. As a dedicated, professional, and forward-thinking employee, I know I could bring additional leadership to your team.

Once again, please note that I am extremely interested in the {insert position title} position. If you have any additional questions about my skills, abilities, and qualifications, please contact me at {insert phone number}. Thank you and I look forward to your positive response!

Sincerely,

{insert your name}

First, put your education listing toward the end of your resume. List all of your experience first, emphasizing your accomplishments and expertise. This will allow the reader to digest all of your qualifications, skills, and abilities.

Second, list any education you have completed. If you completed several semesters of your Marketing degree, but didn’t finish it, then list that on your resume. Say something similar to the following: “Completed 56 credits of Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing.” Or, you could say: “Took the following courses at XYZ University: Principles of Marketing, Sales Management, and Customer Service Strategies.” Rather than emphasize the fact that you have not completed education, these statements are positive and show that you have worked to gain additional knowledge.

Next, be sure to highlight any training that you have completed, even if it is not affiliated with a school. Have you taken courses and seminars through continuing education programs? Has your workplace sponsored your attendance at a workshop? Then, be sure to list that information under the “Education and Training” section.

Finally, even if you lack the stated educational level, apply to the job. The hiring manager may want to hire someone that can start immediately with little to no training. Your years of experience may help balance out a lack of formal education.

Writing your resume is all about accentuating your positives. Use that mindset when making your resume; emphasize experience, accomplishments, and skills. This will help your information get noticed by decision makers within the organization.

First, the length between the two documents is different. A resume is typically used to detail a list of skills and abilities, experience, and education. The point of a resume is to deliver information to the potential employer in a brief and concise manner. Most resumes are one to two pages in length. In contrast, a curriculum vitae is a minimum two-page document and can be much longer. Rather than a list or bullet format, a curriculum vitae provides a much more detailed story regarding skills and experience.

The next difference between the two documents is the summary. While a resume summarizes your skills, education, and work experience, the curriculum vitae goes further and details any teaching and research experience, publications where your work has been published, awards, honors, and any memberships or other affiliations.

And, finally, not all industries are interested in a curriculum vitae or detailed synopsis. Typical industries that require a curriculum vitae may include education, science, or medical. For example, if I am applying for a position with a private company as a marketing manager, I would send my two-page resume. However, when I am interested in teaching at a local university, I have a seven-page document that details much more in-depth information that shows my qualifications and experience.

Be sure to carefully read the job advertisement and send the document that is required. Many organizations do not require a curriculum vitae, but if the potential employer asks for one, then be sure to develop a more detailed document that showcases your core competencies, experience, and expertise.