A large part of my business is working with people to create new resumes and cover letters for their respective job searches. Earlier this month, I appeared on WQOW-TV18 Daybreak and offered several tips to those looking to find new employment opportunities.
One major tip for those seeking job opportunities includes updating your resume on a continual basis. Reviewing this document several times per year gives you the opportunity to add new skills, change job titles if necessary, and update your educational background. It is much easier to update as-you-go, rather than saving all updates for one time every two to three years. And, continual updating helps employees remember things that may otherwise be forgotten.
An important part of the job search process is ensuring that the potential employee can follow directions. Be sure to follow the directions of the employment advertisement. If the newspaper advertisement or the online job opportunity asks for a list of references, then be sure to include that with your application package. If the advertisement states “no phone calls,” then do not call the potential employer. Simply following the directions can ensure your resume is still considered for the job opening.
Watch the short video clip (click below) from the WQOW-TV18 Daybreak show. Utilizing these vital tips and advice can help job seekers ensure they are on the right pathway to employment success.
Networking Pays Off in a Big Way
I am consistently asked how I “get” new clients. For example, how have I had the opportunity to speak at local chambers of commerce events? How do I get new resume clients? And, how do I find businesses that need marketing, public relations, and writing assistance? The answer is simple: networking.
First, starting a writing and speaking business can be an interesting endeavor. How do you get your name out there? How do you let people know that you are available for marketing and writing opportunities? And, probably most interesting of all, how do potential clients know that you are actually a good writer/marketer/public relations person?
I started my business my writing articles and other small marketing pieces for local non-profit organizations. Obviously, these were volunteer assignments and I did not get paid. What did I get? I was able to secure numerous individuals that understood my diligent work ethic, timeliness when completing job assignments, and writing skills. These people were worth more to me than the monetary value I would have received if these jobs were paid. However, this networking started my business and continues it today.
My business is a member of two local chambers of commerce. Most networking events through these organizations are free or only cost a minimal fee. If your business is a member of these organizations, take advantage of the opportunities they offer. Attend luncheons, networking events, and business expos. Don’t be afraid to invite other chamber of commerce members to lunch or to your business. Reaching out to these individuals starts to build your “web” of business contacts. Once you meet enough people, your “web” starts to expand itself.
Feather Communications will start its fifth year of business on January 1, 2012. While I have only advertised in a few publications, most of my business has developed from networking. In fact, this upcoming week includes meetings with three potential new clients that I have met through networking, meetings, and organizations.
The best tip I can offer for networking is this: do it. You can’t talk about it, read about it, and expect it to happen. You have to actually go to the meeting, attend the after-hours event, and start meeting people. But, once you start to network with business professionals, you will be amazed by the results. Trust me – it has built my business for the past four years and I know it will continue to do so well into the future.
For most people, the idea of working on a resume is less than appealing and may even bring a sense of dread. However, it is much easier to have an updated and accurate resume when you continually update you update the document on a regular basis.
Why is this important? If an unexpected job opportunity arises, you will need to have your resume available to the potential employer. It is much easier to keep a resume up-to-date than to start from the beginning once every few years when you decide to conduct a job search.
First, plan to review the electronic copy of your resume every three to six months. Setting a timeline is an easier way to keep track of your information and to hold yourself accountable for the modifications. It is also a good idea to print your resume each time you make a change. Saving this hard copy will ensure you have a back-up in case the electronic file becomes corrupt or lost.
Secondly, update your resume after any education is completed. This could include earning a bachelors degree, professional certificate, or attending a seminar. At this point, it is a good idea to list all education. If you apply for a particular job and some of the education is no longer pertinent, then it can be removed at that later date.
Next, add any new job titles as they occur in your career. Even if you are at the same company, if your title changes, you need to reflect that change on your resume. Moving ahead within a company shows longevity, initiative, and a hard-working attitude.
Finally, it is a good idea to add tasks, job duties, and other relevant information as you experience it in the workplace. When I write a resume for clients, I ask for EVERYTHING they did while on-the-job. While much of this information may not appear on the final document, I would rather work with too much information than too little information.
Keeping your resume up-to-date and accurate is a simple way to ensure you are ready for any exciting job opportunity that may come your way. Schedule a time to review your resume and make those changes now – your dream job could be just ahead!
While discussing non-verbal communication in a Business Communications course I am teaching, the discussion turned to job interviews and how non-verbal communication can affect the interview outcome. The ideas we discussed are applicable to anyone going through a job search.
First, where do you sit during a job interview? If the table is a traditional rectangle table, there is a “head of the table” position. In general, someone that sits there is seeking to take control of the situation and assume a leadership role. For those whom I coach, I recommend they ask the interviewer where they should sit, or they should choose a side of the table, rather than the head position.
Secondly, we discussed the handshake. A firm handshake is a must during the interview process. It signifies confidence, assuredness, and someone that understands the importance of a first impression. The so-called ‘dead fish’ handshake is a poor way to start an interview and shows the interviewer that the interviewee is either unsure of himself or herself.
Once the interview has started, eye contact becomes an important factor. While being interviewed, it is important to maintain eye contact with the interviewer and show that you are confident with your answers. By practicing and role-playing interview questions prior to the actual interview, you are much more likely to be confident with your answers during the meeting.
Finally, remember those non-verbal communication signals that should be avoided. For example, clicking a pen incessantly, twirling your hair, clearing your throat continuously, and tapping your foot can all signify nervousness.
If you take the time to practice potential interview questions and prepare for the interview, don’t forget about the non-verbal cues. Ask someone to role-play the interview and take note of the non-verbal and verbal signals you transmit during the process. This will help you to project a poised, confident, and employee-ready delivery during the interview.
While the resume outlines your capabilities as a potential employee, the cover letter is really your first chance to grab the prospective employer’s attention. Think about it: when you send the two documents together, the employer reads the cover letter first and then decides if the rest is worthwhile. Don’t skimp on the cover letter. And—even more importantly—end the letter with confidence and a reason to contact you for the interview.
Job seekers – you may be getting tired of rejection letters and no new opportunities coming your way. Read your cover letter to decide if it has the attitude you want to portray – especially in the last paragraph. Are you pleading for them to call you? Are you using a ‘canned’ line from some resume website? Instead, end the letter with a ‘bang’ and a reason for remembering you. See below for a sample of a closing paragraph in a cover letter.
If your organization seeks a well-educated, dedicated, and experienced professional that values customer service, then look no further. At your convenience, please contact me at 715.559.6378 or via e-mail at heather@feather-communications.com.
This cover letter ends with a positive, upbeat, and confident attitude. It says that if your company does not call me, then the company is missing out on a phenomenal employee. The last paragraph solidifies all previous information and makes the reader know that this candidate is serious about making a difference in his or her next workplace. Finally, it also shows some of the important “you” attitude by stating, “At your convenience…” This is a surefire way for the reader to know that you are also thinking of their needs for the position.
So, take some time in crafting your cover letter and feel free to use something similar to the above for the last paragraph. That paragraph may just be the gateway for an interview and your next employment opportunity.
Have you ever received a form letter in the mail? Or, worse yet, received an advertisement that said something similar to: “Heather Rothbauer-Wanish or Current Resident?” Whenever I receive these, I typically throw them away because I know the company is simply mass marketing and is not truly interested in me.
What does a mass resume send-out say to a potential employer? I believe it says, “Hey – look at me. I am sending 50 resumes this weekend and hoping that someone will contact me for an interview.” Customizing your resume is simple and well worth the time spent doing so. Here are some general tips for customizing that can make your information shine:
Study the advertisement. Choose key words and phrases and implement them into your cover letter.
Use the appropriate contact person. Nothing says that you didn’t do this when you address your letter to “Dear Sir or Madam.”
Research the company. If you discover the company has a 150-year history, use that information in your cover letter.
Mention the particular job opening. Don’t say “…your open position…” If the job title is Project Manager, then be sure to use it when crafting your cover letter.
What does it say when you take the time to customize your resume and cover letter? I believe it says, “Hey – look at me. I did take the time to read the advertisement thoroughly, researched your company, and developed my materials accordingly.”
Don’t be lazy. Take the time to customize and showcase the knowledge, skills, and abilities that pertain to the particular position—your results will shine.
Last week I attended an event on behalf of Feather Communications where I had a booth detailing my resume and cover letter services. As I met with these prospective clients, I told each one of them that I was a Certified Professional Resume Writer and that I had several years’ of experience assisting individuals with creating resumes that really depicted their skills and achievements. Most people just thanked me, took a business card, and moved to the next booth.
Then, I had a potential customer that asked me a question about using a professional resume writer. She said, “Isn’t that like cheating?” I guess I never thought about writing a resume for someone as cheating. And, after I thought about it, I really don’t believe that it is “cheating.”
I think of it this way: if I had trouble with a leaky faucet or a plumbing problem, I could easily try to do it myself. I could read a book, ask someone for advice, and attempt to fix the problem all on my own. Or, I could research local plumbers, find the one that has the best word-of-mouth advertising and hire the one that fits my needs. Hire a professional.
I could also cut my own hair if I wanted to do so. I know how to operate a scissors, blow dryer, comb, and brush. However, I choose to go to a salon that has professionals trained in cutting hair. Why would I do it myself when I know that is not my strength? The money I would save doing it myself is not worth the headache that a do-it-yourself-haircut would give me. So, I choose to hire a professional.
Why wouldn’t you do the same thing when you are writing your resume? If it doesn’t happen to be your forte and you know there is someone out there who is trained, competent, and provides an excellent service, why wouldn’t you hire that person? It’s not cheating – it’s having the good sense to know the best option means enlisting someone else’s services. Hire a professional.
This week, I had a client pose a question that I’m sure many people have, but few ask: “What should I include in the body of an e-mail when sending a resume to a prospective employer?” Now, obviously he knew that he needed to have SOMETHING in the text area, and that is a great start. However, he also did not want to repeat his cover letter and/or resume information when sending this introductory e-mail.
When in the hiring position, I receive many e-mailed cover letters and resumes. Some people simply put nothing in the e-mail, which I believe is unacceptable. As an alternative, some people tend to repeat EVERYTHING from their documents, which leads me to not bother opening them. There has to be something in the middle.
Here is what I told my client: You have to give them enough information to spark their interest, but not enough so that they know everything about you. Leave a little mystery that encourages them to open the attached documents and learn about you even further. I provided him with an example that I am sharing with you:
Dear Human Resource Manager:
Please accept the attached cover letter and resume as my application for the _______ position within your company.
As you will note from my resume, I have a great deal of experience that is applicable to the opening at your facility. My motivated attitude, hard-working nature, and creative abilities could be well-utilized in this position. I look forward to your positive response.
Thank you,
John Smith
Using a short, direct, concise, yet interesting e-mail will allow the hiring manager to quickly see that you may be the appropriate candidate the company is seeking. Take some time to craft a message that portrays the correct image you want to send and encourages the reader to learn more about you and the skills you can bring to the company.
You have sent dozens of resumes and have finally landed that interview. Now, it is time to start thinking about those potential interview questions and how you will answer them. This practice and thought process is an important part of the job seeking process. And, it is just as important to think about how your answers may sound to a potential employer.
By practicing your responses to commonly asked questions, it will be easier to see if you come across as a negative or positive potential employee. For example, if the prospective employer asks, “Tell me about yourself,” they are trying to get to know you—as a professional—better. If someone responds with something similar to the following: “Well, I’ve been stuck on unemployment for the past year-and-a-half and haven’t been able to find any sort of job,”—it obviously starts the interview on a negative note. Indeed, you may have been on unemployment for the past year-and-a-half; however, there is a better way to phrase the response. Try this: “My last job ended after the company closed its local facility. Since then, I have been honing my soft skills and searching for a job that fits my skills, abilities, and career goals.” Doesn’t that sound much more positive?
Another example is the following question that employers may ask: “Why did you leave your last position?” There are many potential answers to this question. Some employees may state something similar to the following: “My boss was really unethical and I just couldn’t get along with him; his personality was terrible.” Again, the boss may have been difficult to work with, but you do not want the prospective employer to think that YOU are the difficult one. Instead, try, “There were some practices going on within the company that I didn’t agree with; it made it a difficult environment. So, I have decided to try to find a positive atmosphere that meshes well with my abilities and qualifications.” This is a much more positive approach.
Remember that negative answers lead to the perception of a negative person. Be sure to think ahead to interview questions and frame your responses in a positive manner. Let the “positive you” shine through and showcase your skills, educational history, experience, and abilities to your prospective new employer.
Recently, I was coaching someone on his resume, advising him to move several sections, change some verbiage, and ensure columns were lined up correctly. His comment, “Oh, these are just little things.” My thought: these are NOT little things. I proceeded to say something like the following: “You know, if the hiring manager has 100 or even 50 resumes to sort through, how do you think the person is going to start weeding out applicants? It’s the little things that count.”
Hopefully, he got my message. Lining up columns, ensuring appropriate punctuation is utilized, being consistent with fonts and spacing are all very important things to consider when writing a resume. In fact, these so-called little things can be the items that encourage or discourage someone from reading through your resume. Why not just do it correctly from the beginning? For example, if you use square bullet points to describe one job’s tasks, then don’t switch to circular bullet points for the next listing. If you italicize your job title, then italicize all of your job titles.
I am a big proponent of revising, revising, and revising again. So, proof your resume on the computer screen, and then print it out for another visual look-through. You may be surprised at the differences you find on the printed version that you didn’t notice on the screen. In today’s competitive job environment, these ‘little things’ can add up to big mistakes or big rewards. Take the time to review, revise, and revisit items that can be improved. Showing a sharp first impression is the first step to gaining an interview slot.
