Proofreading is an essential skill in today’s job market. Think like a professional when editing and proofreading your job search documents. Proofreading requires time and concentration with no distractions. I have provided some basic proofreading instructions that will help you proofread like a pro! Formatting: Review consistency with standards such as capitalization, punctuation, spacing, and […]
Format
No “One Size Fits All” with Resumes

Anyone who has ever tried to wear a garment that says “one size fits all” knows how untrue that statement can be. In resumes, as with clothing, there is no such thing as a one size fits all. When we try to make the resume fit every job, it actually fits none of the jobs. […]
Should I Write an Objective or a Summary?

In the past, everyone started their resume with an objective to explain exactly the reason the hiring manager was receiving this document. The Objective Objective: Seeking mid-level manager position in petrochemical industry to gain additional experience and skills. The objective above states what the job seeker wants to get from the position. It is written […]
Make Sure Your Resume Speaks to the Hiring Manager

Every bit of information on your resume is important. If that piece of information, that bullet, that phrase, is not relevant to the position or industry, it needs to go. It needs to go to make room for relevant information. Contact Info Your name and contact information is at the top of the page and […]
Make Your Resume Work For You: Part 2

In the previous blog, we discussed resumes and how they can demonstrate experience and skills and then quantify or qualify your accomplishments. Using these job search documents to catch the eye of recruiters and hiring managers makes the resume work FOR you, instead of against you! In this post, we will discuss two additional recommendations […]
Making Your Resume Work For You: Part 1

Resumes are the first job search document that most job seekers start with – the document that shows their experience and skills. However, a resume is just a piece of paper if it does not work for you to catch the interest of recruiters and hiring managers. There are several steps you can take to […]
Personal Branding: Part 2, Basics for the Job Search

In my last blog post, I discussed specific ways to create a personal brand that is robust and consistent across all media. Now let’s discuss the personal branding in a job search, beyond the resume and cover letter. Create your brand on LinkedIn! Creating a consistent message across all documents will promote the perception you […]
Capturing Recruiters’ Attention With Your Resume

There are many reasons recruiters will only spend 3 to 5 seconds looking at your resume. They may find that you are not what they are seeking or you are not qualified for the position they are trying to fill. Below are some suggestions to make the recruiter’s job easier so they will spend more […]
3 Ways to Show Off Your Cover Letter

Your cover letter gives you an opportunity to showcase your unique qualifications for the job position you are applying for. This can be an intimidating challenge, because you are essentially selling your personality, qualifications, and skills to the employer. To make sure your cover letter packs a punch, try one of the following strategies. Include […]
The Functional Resume

The reverse chronological format is the typical resume set up, where experiences are grouped into sections and then listed from most to least recent. Besides reverse chronological, the other main resume format is called a functional format. A functional format has a few key elements that differ from the more traditional reverse chronological format. Skills-Based […]