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RESUME TIPS 1). Too Focused on Job Duties
2). Objective Statement That Is Flowery or Too General 3). Too Short or Too Long Too many people try to squeeze their experiences
onto one page, because they've heard that a resume should never be longer
than one page. When formatting the resume to fit on one page, many job
seekers delete their impressive achievements. The reverse is also true.
Take the candidate who rambles on and on for pages about irrelevant or
redundant experiences - the reader will easily be bored. When writing
your resume, ask yourself, "Will this statement help me land an interview?"
Only include information that elicits the answer "yes" to that question. 4). Use of Personal Pronouns ("I" and "me") and A resume is a form of business communication, which should be concise and written in a telegraphic style. There should not be any mention of "I" or "me" and only minimal use of articles. Here is an example: 5). Listing Personal or Irrelevant Information Many people include their interests, such as reading, hiking, snowboarding, etc. These should only be included if they relate to the job objective. For example, if a candidate is applying for a position as a ski instructor, he or she should list cross-country skiing as a hobby. 6). Using a Functional Resume When There Is a One of the pet peeves cited by hiring managers is a candidate who describes his or her skills and achievements but doesn't connect them with a particular job. It is irksome not to see the career progression and the impact made at each position. Unless you have a resume emergency situation, such as virtually no work history or excessive job hopping, avoid the functional resume format. One of the most effective resume formats is the modified chronological type. Here is the basic layout:
7). Not Including a Summary or Profile Section A summary section is one of the greatest tools that a job seeker has. Candidates who have done their homework will know the type of skills and competencies that are important in the position. The summary should demonstrate the skill level and experiences directly related to the position being sought. To create a high-impact summary statement, peruse job openings on Monster.com to determine what features are important to employers. Next, write a list of your matching skills, experience and education. These selling points can then be incorporated into the summary. 8). Where Are the Keywords? With the majority of large- and medium-size companies using technology to store resumes, the only hope a job seeker has of being found in an applicant search is the inclusion of relevant industry keywords. These do not have to be a separate section; rather, they can be sprinkled throughout the resume. 9). References Available… Employers know that if you are searching for a job, you should have professional references. So this statement mainly wastes space. Use it only as a graphical element - to signal the end of a long resume or to round out the page design. 10). Typos! One typo can land your resume in the garbage. Two typos or more, and your chances are greatly diminished. Proofread, proofread, proofread, and show your resume to several friends to have them proofread it as well. This document is a reflection of you and should be absolutely perfect. INTERVIEW TIPS OK, you're revving up for the big interview. What important details do you need to know? First of all, you need to understand what the interview is all about. Your winning resume, cover letter and good use of your networking contacts have won you entree into Potential Employer's office. The interviewer will already have reviewed your resume, which basically provides the hard facts of your employment history and skills. The interview is a subtler, more subjective aspect of the job-hunting process. Frequently, an interviewer (sometimes without even realizing it) will form an opinion of you based on the nuances of your interaction. You're trying to make a good impression here. You need to portray sincerely, politely and enthusiastically that you are knowledgeable about the organization and have something to offer it. Your resume may well have shown examples of your skills as a team player, but now you need to convince them that you fit their team. In order to make the best impression you can, you need to be prepared, know what you can expect, and know how to handle it if things don't go quite as you had planned. Preparation
Presentation
NETWORKING Think an MBA or law degree will advance your career? Think twice. Experts say the best way to advance is by having a trusted and powerful mentor. A mentor is a person who advises and coaches you, offers support, and acts as your advocate. From the beginning, a mentor shows you the ropes, introduces you to the right people, and points you in the right direction, suggesting training and professional development opportunities for career advancement. In short, a mentor works to ensure that you receive advantages for advancement. Few are lucky enough to have mentors tooting their horns. Most stumble along or believe success depends upon qualifications and credentials. Credentials do open doors, yet advancement requires more, including motivation and multiple networks. Motivation is the toughest. Start, by recognizing that you're in charge. You have skills and talents and like any professional, you need support. Lots of it. You need more than one person, too. Staying motivated over the long haul takes networks of people to tap. Whether to relax, find assistance with projects, or gain career advice on promotions and raises, three types of networks will help you move forward. Personal networks: Family and friends, like-minded people whose eyes light up when they see you. These are the people who make you feel good or recharged when you're around them, who love you, and who want to see you happy. Making time for your personal network is absolutely necessary for motivation. Social networks: These are networks of acquaintances you see less often. They are people you have fun with and see at parties, or people who enjoy similar hobbies such as working out, hiking, biking, or going to the movies. If you're new in town, develop and expand your social networks by meeting people at places you enjoy, or by taking continuing education classes or volunteering in your community. Professional networks: These are groups of people you meet even less often than social acquaintances. You see them at alumni gatherings, at professional meetings, or in the workplace. Professional networks also include former coworkers, bosses, academic advisors, and professors. Included, too, are career counselors, who can be hired as personal mentors, coaching you to press forward and attain your goals. Although there are no guarantees for advancement, staying motivated and paying your dues through personal, social, and professional networks will earn you a positive reputation. If you begin to tap your networks and take action on your goals, you'll be motivated to move forward. If not, it may be time to see a career counselor for a review of your accomplishments and goals. You may realize, too, that making lateral moves or continuing your role at a deeper level, is the best form of career advancement and personal reward. Jobseeker
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