#BestofFSCBlog : Six(6) Things To Remove From Your Résumé. Note: Manager Spends Less than 10 Seconds Looking at your Resume.

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A résumé serves as the first impression you make on a hiring manager, so it needs to be laser focused to include only what’s most relevant and most likely to help you get the job.

With the average amount of time a hiring manager spends looking at a résumé clocking in at less than 10 seconds, it’s important that in those few seconds they see information that makes them want to put your résumé in the interview pile. To improve your chances of that happening, remove these six things from your résumé.

Dates other than listing your work history.

Unfortunately age discrimination, whether intentional or unintentional, happens more often than it should. The only dates that belong on your résumé are the dates of your work history. Graduation year and dates from any other certifications or qualifications should also be left off. Your degree and any other qualifications are what matter, not when you got them.

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What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Article continued …

Details that give away your age.

There are some subtle and not so subtle details that can give insight into your age.

Including your GPA, using your school email address, and embellished job descriptions for entry level positions (ie, managed customer expectations while expertly crafting espresso beverages as a description for a barista position) are indicators of a younger candidate. On the other hand, using a font like Times New Roman, having an AOL or Hotmail email address, and even something as subtle as double spacing after a period are indicators of an older candidate.

Large blocks of text.

You want to optimize your résumé to be both easily skimmed and read. Large blocks of text require more effort to read and are more likely to be skipped on a first glance. Use bullet points for easier readability and to ensure that the information you want to highlight actually gets read. The easier a résumé is to skim, the more likely it is that the hiring manager will take a thorough look.

A photo.

Having a photo opens you up to potential discrimination. Whether that discrimination is intentional or unintentional, it’s still detrimental to your chances of being hired. Your appearance has no bearing on your ability to do the job, so therefore your photo has no place on your résumé.

Links to social media that aren’t relevant.

Your LinkedIn profile should always be included on your résumé, but choosing which other social media channels you list needs to be intentional. Remember, everything on your résumé needs to serve a purpose, so any social links you share need to showcase your professional abilities.

The social links you include will be highly dependent on the industry and specific job you’re applying for. Think of it this way – will sharing your social media do anything to improve your chances of getting hired? Does it serve as example of your work? If you answer yes to one or both of these questions, include it. If not, leave it off.

Your address.

Listing your address gives the hiring manager another factor to consider that you don’t want them to – your location. Especially now with remote work being the norm, where you live is practically irrelevant. For example, if you live in California and apply for a position in New York, the hiring manager might not consider your application even though the position is remote due to the time difference. You’re fine working in a different time zone, but the hiring manager has no way of knowing that. To prevent this issue, leave your address off of your résumé.

 

Forbes.com | August  20, 2020 | Ashira Prossack

#JobSearch : Could Your Career Benefit from a Career Coach? Think About the Best Coach you’ve Had (or wish your child had).

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I don’t know about you, but my car will start having problems at the most inopportune times! And sometimes, it’s my fault for failing to get that tune-up recommended by the mechanic at my last oil change. That tune-up keeps the engine running smoothly, and is also a way to identify issues that might never have been found otherwise that could cause permanent damage.

Your career can be the same. You gradually become aware that something isn’t “right”, but you aren’t sure what it is. You keep plugging away at your job, and things start to sputter. Eventually, you realize that you aren’t going anywhere. What should you do before there’s permanent damage to your future?

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What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Article continued …

A Career Coach can help you “tune-up” your career by looking at the overall picture of your job history and current position, checking your skills to see if they are current, evaluating the things that need to change, and figuring out how to change them.

Coaching services are one-on-one tutoring sessions custom designed to address your specific areas of concern in the job search. They are interactive and personalized. You can even get accountability sessions to keep you on track with the projects you should be completing, which can be beneficial if you don’t have a good track record of following through on your own. Because the coach is an experienced, credentialed expert you will not be wasting money or time.

So, how do you assess a Career Coach to determine if they are qualified? Think about the best coach you’ve had (or wish your child had).

  1. They should be an encourager – A coach offers specific encouragement, teaching skills, and clarifies instructions to reach the goal, to become good team players. Since they are not on the team, they can see the big picture and identify specific ways you can improve.
  2. They aren’t trying to clone themselves – A coach isn’t trying to make a mini-me. They don’t come to the session with an agenda. Instead, they learn what your goals are and help you figure out how to achieve them. They listen FIRST. They identify individual abilities and enhance the skills of each person to their unique best.
  3. They are an expert – They have experience and the education to back it up. They should freely share their credentials and testimonials. Happy customers are the best way to sell their product. You may want to hire them for a small job to see how they fit your personality.

The expertise and encouragement of a board-certified coach is an investment that makes a difference in your career. If you feel like your career may be stalled, or you need an outside perspective of someone who can pinpoint the things that are holding your career back, a Career Coach may be for you.

FSC Career Blog Author:  Ms. Erin Kennedy, MCD, CMRW, CPRW, CERW, CEMC, is a Certified Professional Resume Writer/Career Consultant, and the President of Professional Resume Services, named one of Forbes “Top 100 Career Websites”. Considered an influencer, she is consistently listed as a “Top Career Expert to Follow” on Twitter and LinkedIn.

 

FSC Career Blog | August 20, 2020

 

 

#JobSearch : Using the C.A.R. Method on your Resume . Challenge-Action-Results.

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Have you heard me talk about the C.A.R method? If you are a client of mine, you have. It’s a method I use in every single resume. It is, to me, the single most important factor when writing about your accomplishments. OK, so what does C.A.R. stand for and what does it mean for you?  C.A.R. stands for:   Challenge   Action   Results

When consulting with clients and proceeding with the data mining process, I always ask them about their C.A.R. stories. What were the stories behind their accomplishments? What was going on in the company before they took on the issue? Give the reader some background, not a novel, just a hint of what the environment was like.

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What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Article continued …

So, ask yourself, what was the Challenge I faced when either

  1. a) I joined the company or
  2. b) I took on the new situation or
  3. c) I was promoted?

Briefly discuss the Challenge. Again, it doesn’t have to be super lengthy. You  just want to get your message across.

For the Action portion, this is where you can talk about what you did to resolve or change the situation. What action or steps did you take? For some jobs, it might be quite detailed, but I wouldn’t advise talking about every single thing. Summarize as best as you can. Remember, HR people have lots of resumes to review and not a lot of time.

For the Results portion of C.A.R., talk about the results. What was the percentage of production increase? How much did you increase sales or people productivity? Use numbers and percentages whenever possible.

These are the things that stand out and make you more employable as employers want PROOF of what you are capable of doing… it shows them what you can also do for them as well.

C.A.R. is the easiest way to pull out your accomplishments if you are having a hard time thinking of what you did/do.

 

FSC Career Blog Author:  Ms. Erin Kennedy, MCD, CMRW, CPRW, CERW, CEMC, is a Certified Professional Resume Writer/Career Consultant, and the President of Professional Resume Services, named one of Forbes “Top 100 Career Websites”. Considered an influencer, she is consistently listed as a “Top Career Expert to Follow” on Twitter and LinkedIn.

#JobSearch : If You’ve Tried Hard To Find A New Job Without Any Luck, It’s Time To Pivot And Start Over. A MUst REad!

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The Covid-19 pandemic has caused devastation and destruction. It’s not just a health crisis any longer. The outbreak and governmental measures enacted to deal with it has irrevocably changed the lives of millions of people. Six months ago, you may have had a great job and a fast-growing career. Now, you’ve been laid off with no prospects in sight. No matter how hard you try to find a new job, things just don’t seem to click.

One of the many consequences of the pandemic is that you’re now forced to make some very difficult decisions about your career. If you’ve been actively, aggressively searching for a new position, treating it like a full-time job and did everything humanly possible to succeed, but came up short, it may be time to reassess your work-life.

After valiantly searching for a new job without any luck, nibbles or real interviews, it’s time to start reevaluating your options. You may have to confront the stark realization that this part of your life and career could be over. Easier said than done, it’s time to pivot toward something brand new and start rebuilding.

This may come across as cold and callous. Having to walk away from a career that you love is beyond traumatic. Entering the unknown is terrifying. The majority of people self-identify with their job and career. Without it, they’re lost. Sometimes, unfortunately, you don’t have a choice. The decision has been made for you by the marketplace.

Rather than lament your fate, view this as a do-over. You now have the chance to reinvent yourself and start anew. Here’s some signs to look for to determine if it’s time to pivot, recharge and reinvent yourself.

If you’re in your late 30s or over and earn a fair amount of money, in a cost-conscious environment, the cards are stacked against you. Corporations look for younger, less-expensive talent or folks who will work on a temporary or contract basis.

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What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Article continued …

For the last number of years, companies have been stealthily relocating massive amounts of jobs to lower-cost cities in the United States, as well as a variety of other countries. The reality is that the jobs where you reside don’t exist as much anymore. When they do, you may be priced out.

Even if you say that you’d accept a lesser salary, companies are reluctant to hire. They’ll view you as a flight risk as soon as the job market improves or you’ll be disgruntled after a while—since you’re working for less money than you deserve. There’s also the erroneous viewpoint that older, more experienced workers are headstrong, feel they know it all and are firmly entrenched in their opinions, whereas younger talent is more mailable.

You might just be sick and tired of what you’ve been doing. After years of being in the same profession, it can grow stale. The same responsibilities, dealing with the same people, problems and pressure feel like never-ending torture. There’s a lack of passion that you once held for your job, career and company. When you feel this way, you know deep down that it’s time for a change.

Now is the time to act. In an age of upheaval, hiring managers will understand your interest in trying something new. We’re entering an era where most things will be fresh and different. In a strong economy and job market, hiring managers will look askance if you’d want to leave a great, well-paying job.

Today, many people are reevaluating their needs, wants and goals. They seek a meaningful job that serves a higher purpose. As we’ve confronted our own mortality, seeing the daily death count from Covid-19, there’s the recognition that life is short, precious and fleeting.

You may feel that it’s time to embark upon a job or career that offers a deeper meaning compared to what you’ve been doing up until now. There’s an inner nagging feeling that you are supposed to be involved with something bigger and better and have been held back by the cultural norms. This period offers the excuse and chance to pursue your true passions. You no longer have to keep doing something you hate that doesn’t help people or benefit society.

This will be a tough endeavor. We’ve been tested over the last six months. You may have noticed that you’ve become stronger, resilient and open to new ideas and changes. Pivoting to a new career or job is part of this process. It will be a challenge, but it’s a chance to start over again and lead the life you really want to live.

 

Forbes.com | August 14, 2020 |  Jack Kelly Senior Contributor Careers

 

#JobSearch : 5 Questions to Ask a Resume Writer. Great Read!

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In today’s competitive market, it is vital that you have a resume that will stand out and catch the attention of the reader.  Creating a resume from a Microsoft Word template won’t do. Neither will copying off your coworkers resume. You need a branded, unique resume that defines who you are, your accomplishments, your credentials, and what you can do for them.

A certified professional resume writer will do this for you. They know what it takes to get you noticed. So, the question is… who do you choose? There are new resume companies popping up all over the place, so you need to get picky and have questions ready to ask the resume writer.

Here are some questions you should always ask:

1.Are you a Certified Professional Resume Writer (CPRW)?

Does being certified really matter? YES, YES, YES! Before 1990, there wasn’t a standard to which a resume writer could be judged. Now, all CPRW candidates must go through a comprehensive set of tests before achieving certification. Testing consists of 4 modules that cover several areas, including industry knowledge, resume knowledge, grammar/punctuation/spelling and proofreading, strategic thinking, content use, focus, ethics, and more. NOT EVERYONE PASSES. If you are not sure, you can check: parw.com or careerdirectors.com and check to see if the writer is certified. Advanced resume certifications are also available (CERW, MRW, CARW) and offer similar types of training followed by rigorous testing. Do your homework. Think of it this way: would you want a Dentist to replace your crown or someone who “knows a lot about teeth”?

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What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Article continued …

  1. How long have you been writing resumes?

There are so many mom-and-pop resume writing companies popping up out there that it is blowing my mind. I’ve heard of many people who got into resume writing recently because they were laid off from their sales job and “was told by friends I can write a good resume”. While that may be true, writing two resumes and writing several hundred, or even thousands are much better. Practice makes perfect. I am the first one to admit that when I first started, my writing was less than perfect. Way less. There is so much more to understand about resume writing than just putting words to paper. It can take me up to 2 days to decide the right strategy for a client–the best way for them to be positioned for optimal results. It takes time to learn this. I’m not saying someone has to be writing for 10 years to be a good writer, but I think they need actual practice before working on your resume.

  1. What association(s) do you belong to?

This is important for the obvious reasons. Belonging to a professional association keeps you up-to-date on so many things, including resume writing strategy, client focus, new trends, industry updates, and much more. In my opinion, I couldn’t imagine NOT being in them. They are a wealth of knowledge! I get to interact with other writers/business owners/career coaches, share information, pose questions, and more. My favorite organizations are CDI (Career Directors International) and PARW (Professional Association of Resume Writers), but there are several others that are good, too: National Association of Resume Writers (NRWA), Career Management Alliance (CMA), and Association of Online Resume & Career Professionals  (AORCP).

  1. What is your process?

Most resume writers have a process i.e. information they need from you, resume strategy, structure, and time line. It’s good to know ahead of time what the writers process is. You might have developed a great rapport with a writer only to realize they won’t have it ready for 2-3 weeks and you need it in 2 days, etc.  Or they may require more from you than just your existing resume, and you don’t have time for that (although I wouldn’t advise that– if you want a great resume, you have to do a little work).

  1. What do you need from me?

Some writers do a lot of listening and not a lot of talking, or vice versa, as do the clients. Ask the writer what information they need from you. It’s important that the process is a collaborative one with mutual information sharing. Your writer has to literally be you in order to create an effective resume that is unique and branded. So, give them as much information as possible, no matter how busy you are.

These 5 tips should get you started in the right direction and hopefully help you find a writer who is the perfect fit for your needs. Good luck!

 

FSC Career Blog Author:  Ms. Erin Kennedy, MCD, CMRW, CPRW, CERW, CEMC, is a Certified Professional Resume Writer/Career Consultant, and the President of Professional Resume Services, named one of Forbes “Top 100 Career Websites”. Considered an influencer, she is consistently listed as a “Top Career Expert to Follow” on Twitter and LinkedIn.

#YourCareer : Feeling Stuck In Your Career? Add These 15 Podcasts To Your List. A MUst REad for All!

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One of the most frustrating situations you can face when it comes to your career is feeling stuck, like you’re just spinning your wheels in the mud and getting nowhere. Even if you could free your car from the muck, you wouldn’t know which direction to drive.

Trust me, I get it. I’ve been there before—more than once. So have many of my clients. Some people say that your happiness shouldn’t be tied to the job you do, but I don’t buy it. When so much of our time awake is spent working, why should we settle for jobs that are unfulfilling or that leave us downright miserable?  Finding your perfect-fit role takes some deep inner work, like identifying your Genius and Purpose and learning how to apply each to your career. But sometimes you need external inspiration too.

In light of this, I’ve put together this list of 15 fantastic career-focused podcasts. When you get a chance, give one (or more!) a listen. Hopefully they’ll help you see a little more clearly which step you should take next. 

1. Abundantly Clear: The Growth Mindset Podcast

Being able to turn difficult situations into opportunities for growth is paramount to being successful and happy at work. By addressing topics such as burnout, business blindspots and effective communication, certified performance coach Malorie Nicole and her guests will help you achieve the growth mindset you need in order to achieve that.

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What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Article continued …

2. Happen To Your Career

If you’re unhappy with your job, you need to take action. Don’t just sit around waiting for this situation to fix itself—it won’t. Listening to “Happen To Your Career” will provide you with the tools, roadmaps and inspiration you need to get started on the next leg of your professional journey.

3. Pivot

There’s no doubt about it: Change is hard. Fortunately, podcast host Jenny Blake will show you how to embrace all the pros and cons of pivoting—from facing fear head-on, to overcoming insecurities, to identifying your individual superpowers and knowing how to leverage them. As Blake says, “If change is the only constant, let’s get better at it.”

4. 365 Driven

According to host Tony Whatley—an entrepreneur and business coach also known as the “Side Hustle Millionaire”—happiness and success have four pillars: health, mindset, relationships and wealth. Each interview guest is an expert in one of those cornerstones, and their insights will help you unlock your true potential.

5. The Goal Standard

The journey to becoming successful is quite difficult. It doesn’t happen overnight. In fact, it typically includes many roadblocks and struggles. In this show, Lené Green interviews high-achieving women and men who share the challenges they faced and the steps they took to overcome them.

6. Career Cloud Radio

Most of us dread putting together a résumé and going to interviews, but the job search is an inevitable part of breaking out of your rut. There’s good news, though: It doesn’t have to be as painful as you think. In “Career Cloud Radio,” you’ll hear practical and actionable job search tips from a slew of different experts, including resume writers, HR professionals and career coaches.

7. The School Of Greatness

Believe it or not, deep down inside, you already possess the ability to live your very best life. Of course, that can be hard to access and apply. But “The School of Greatness” can show you how to do it. Host Lewis Howes—entrepreneur, best-selling author and two-time All-American athlete—interviews some of the world’s most successful people about how they got to where they are today.

8. Career Talk: Learn – Grow – Thrive

There are a variety of different issues, both big and small, that you could face in your job. That’s why Stephanie Dennis takes a holistic approach, providing advice on a range of different topics, including prepping for an interview, navigating a tough day on the job and finding a new career path.

9. Side Hustle Pro

Starting something from scratch is no joke, and neither is turning it into something bigger. But the Black female entrepreneurs whom Nicaila Matthews Okome interviews have figured out how to do it, turning their side gigs into profitable businesses. In each story, learn how they accomplished this and hear about actionable strategies so you can follow in their footsteps.

10. Scaling Up Services

Maybe you feel stuck because your whole company is in a rut. If you work at a service-based organization and you’re a founder, partner, CEO or key executive, then this may be the podcast for you. You’ll learn how to scale your business more smoothly and quickly—and hopefully that growth will give you the excitement and energy you need to feel unstuck.

11. Hacker Valley Studio

When you hear the words “cybersecurity” and “technology,” you likely think of computers, coding and the like. But in this podcast, hosts Ron Eddings and Chris Cochran highlight the human element of these fields. But don’t worry—even if your job doesn’t fall into either of these two categories, you’ll still leave each episode feeling galvanized.

(Fun fact: In a very recent episode, I identified Eddings’ and Cochran’s Zones of Genius!)

12. Squiggly Careers

Sarah Ellis and Helen Tupper are the founders of Amazing If, a training and consultancy business that has helped thousands of people find professional happiness. Their podcast aims to do the same by providing practical, actionable advice on how you can make the very best choices for your situation.

13. Repurpose Your Career

You’re not loving your current professional path, but you’re afraid of starting over. That’s completely understandable. But host Marc Miller, who has pivoted his own career six different times over the course of 30 years, wants you to know that it’s more than possible. In “Repurpose Your Career,” he talks to various experts about the best tips and tricks for tackling a major change.

14. The Good Life Project

The Good Life Project is all about learning how to live a life that’s fully engaged, fiercely connected and drenched with meaning. You’ll hear inspiring, intimate stories from brilliant minds like Elizabeth Gilbert, Brené Brown, Glennon Doyle, Seth Godin and more. Considering that your job is such a big part of your life, these stories are bound to help you figure out a way you can shake things up—in a good way.

15. The Accidental Creative 

A good routine can completely overhaul how you feel about your job and your life as a whole. Exploring topics such as channeling your attention and embracing gratitude, you’ll learn how to establish everyday practices that will help you achieve optimal performance.

Author:  Laura Garnett Contributor – Leadership Strategy

 

Forbes.com | August 10, 2020

#JobSearch : Why Your Resume Isn’t Working For You — And How To Fix It. Great Read for All!

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I see a lot of resumes in my work with professionals seeking to reimagine their careers, change jobs or bounce back after a layoff. The number one flaw I encounter? Their resume is perfectly tailored to get them exactly the same position they are leaving. This is a real problem for ambitious job seekers who are looking for career advancement or to pivot to a new area or industry. If you are hoping to make a change, you need a resume that is not merely descriptive of your past experience but instead positions you for your next role.

Your resume is your main marketing document. It is a door-opener and a springboard for conversations during interviews. If you aspire to make a change in your career, your resume must build the case for your readiness to take on the next challenge. No recruiter is going to do this for you, because their main objective is to find a clear match to fill a defined role. And hiring managers don’t have time to figure out how your various disparate experiences add up to the whole package. You have to connect the dots and make it easy for them to see how you are a perfect (or at least plausible) fit.

Many job-seekers use the format they probably learned when applying for their first job: start with their most recent experience and work their way backward. For each position, they describe the job. Maybe they even start each with an active verb.

But unfortunately, they fall into two traps: first, because they present what is essentially a job description, they do not convey the impact or value that they contributed; and second, they fail to demonstrate their ability to take their skills and experience to the next level. As a result, the reader will likely see them as the ideal candidate for the same old job but may not see them as qualified for a stretch role.

Here’s how to avoid this pitfall and position yourself for your next role:

Start with a summary describing who you are, your qualification and what value you contribute. This creates the filter through which a reader will view the rest of your resume and helps shape the narrative of natural progression and readiness. It tells them what to pay attention to and how to assemble a coherent picture of your professional capacity. It typically includes a descriptor, like “sales leader” or “seasoned engineer,” a thumbnail of your skills and experience and what you are known or recognized for. Here are some excellent examples.

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Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type(#Jobsearch, #Resume, or #Networking) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Article continued …

Tailor your resume to the job you are seeking, not to your prior jobs. Review the posted job requirements and make sure that you highlight those elements in your resume. It can be helpful to use key words from the job description, both to help get through the screening algorithm and to highlight those aspects of your experience when you are being interviewed. You want it to be easy for your reader to imagine you in the desired role. Note that, if you are pursuing a variety of roles or industries, you will want to have a basic skeleton resume and then create a few different tailored versions.

Demonstrate value by quantifying your results where possible. Don’t just describe the “what” — your actions or responsibilities — paint a picture of the “so what?” Highlight results, not just actions. What difference did you make or how did you contribute? Value can be demonstrated in terms of anything that can be counted: profits, revenue, savings, customer retention, satisfaction, efficiency, time, volume, size of team, etc.

Choose your words carefully. The subtleties of language can help you convey your “brand” — the qualities that are associated with your aspirational role. If you want to move from a job that is focused on execution to one that is about vision and strategy, avoid words that make you sound like a worker bee, like “diligent,” “tactical” and “responsive” and emphasize “strategic,” “proactive” and “influence.” You may also need to translate the language of one industry or field to another. Should you refer to “clients,” “customers,” “users,” or “stakeholders”? Adopt the vocabulary of your target role and industry.

Be positive. A job change is an opportunity to stretch and grow, and it requires you to project competence and confidence. Inside you may be a quivering mass of imposter syndrome, but your resume needs to tell the story of why, even if you have not done precisely this job, you are equal to the task. It starts with strong positioning in your summary. In addition, you can convey this by highlighting a track record of learning quickly, advancing, scaling rapidly and adapting. Finally, when you get to the interview, be sure to express excitement about the challenges and opportunities as well as a sincere commitment to adding value.

Author:  Hanna Hart – I am an executive coach with more than ten years experience in business, tech, law, foundations and other organizations. I help leaders to understand themselves better,

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Forbes.com | August 10, 2020

#JobSearch : Talking Yourself Up on your Resume. Your resume is the place to SELL YOURSELF. Think of Yourself as a Product.

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Are you bragging about yourself enough on your resume? I don’t mean bragging in an obnoxious or fictitious sort of way, but in a “look what I can do” sort of way.

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           Question: How do you stand out?

One of the main things I notice with my clients and their existing resumes is that they don’t BRAG enough about their accomplishments. They don’t talk enough about what they’ve done above and beyond their daily responsibilities.

My worksheets are very C.A.R.-oriented. The C.A.R. methodology is this Challenge, Action, Results. What Challenge did you face? What Action did you take to rectify it? And lastly, what were the Results? It is a very accomplishment- focused method and works wonderfully every time I have a client who doesn’t talk enough.

When I send these out to clients, I am amazed at the achievements that come pouring out. Why did it take sending a worksheet to get this VITAL information out of them? I ask each client. The response is generally the same– either, “I didn’t know how to word it” or “I didn’t want to sound too braggy”. Many of us were raised to be humble about our accomplishments, not to be boastful. I know I was. Not that we couldn’t be PROUD, but it was just kept a little on the quiet side.

Here are a few tips about bragging in a non-braggy way on your resume to get yourself noticed:

1) List your daily responsibilities clearly in your narrative under the job title. Even the ones you think aren’t worth being mentioned. If there are too many for more than a 5 or 6 line paragraph, then summarize.

2) Think of each thing you did in that made a difference, something you were praised for, something that saved the company money. Readers LOVE to hear how you saved the company money or drove revenue by 43%, etc. For example:

** Currently implementing a new sales method that will eliminate 6 trucks from the road and save company $45,000/year.

 

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Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type(#Jobsearch, #Resume, or #Networking) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Article continued …

3) Add the accomplishment, even if it has a negative undertone or you were fighting challenging conditions. For example:

** Despite negative sales growth in Michigan’s harsh economic climate, met the challenge of producing positive topline growth successfully while managing net revenue and contributing to margin gains.

See how this one sounded? Even though my client struggled the last 2 years and saw a -2.2% sales decrease, to her company this was a good thing because of Michigan’s dismal economic climate.

4) Your resume is the place to SELL YOURSELF. Think of yourself as a product. What would you buy? The new ‘OKAY’ car model that has all the basics and does its job but has nothing super special about it? Or would you buy the ‘WOW, THIS CAR IS AWESOME’ car that is fully loaded, has a mini fridge in the dash, and wings to automatically make you airborne if traffic looks too heavy? The ‘WOW’ car may cost you a bit more, but isn’t it worth it? The same goes with your salary… but that is an article for another time. You have to sell yourself and turn yourself into the ‘WOW’ car. You have what it takes, you just need to put it on paper.

I hope this helps you rethink that bland little ‘OK’ statement, “streamlined processes and increased productivity” with something more ‘WOW!’. Let’s face it, we all want the WOW! car.

FSC Career Blog Author:  Ms. Erin Kennedy, MCD, CMRW, CPRW, CERW, CEMC, is a Certified Professional Resume Writer/Career Consultant, and the President of Professional Resume Services, named one of Forbes “Top 100 Career Websites”. Considered an influencer, she is consistently listed as a “Top Career Expert to Follow” on Twitter and LinkedIn.

 

FSC Career Blog |  August 10, 2020

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#JobSearch : Stand Out In Today’s Crowded Job Market. Great Read for All!

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Unemployment is soaring, companies are folding, and the future of the economy is unclear at best. For senior-level and executive professionals who are looking for a new job, this means that what worked for a month ago simply will not make the cut today. Today’s hiring climate demands not just patience and persistence, but a fundamental shift in job searching strategies. Key among them is ensuring that you don’t just make a good impression, you make a lasting impression.

Standing out and sticking in peoples’ memories is going to be more critical, and more difficult than ever before. As an executive, it’s more important than ever to zero-in on your expertise and take a strategic approach to your job search efforts. Here are a few steps that you can take to make sure you present yourself as a candidate that companies need to hire.

Update and Upgrade Your Marketing Assets

Your guiding word for your job search should be “targeted.” In order to have a finely-tuned search, you need to have finely tuned personal marketing materials. This includes your resume, but also any other assets that show off your brand, your achievements, and your experience. Before you begin your search, take a moment to write down what you bring to the table from an employer’s perspective, not from your own. For example, you want to change “I lead cross-functional, international teams” to “I ensure that companies’ cross-functional teams around the world are highly coordinated and effective, driving revenue and innovation.” Once you define your core offering, evaluate all of your materials to make sure they each drive a consistent message.

While you’re working on your marketing, remember to highlight your soft skills alongside your achievements. Soft skills are the key to implementing a vision and being a successful manager. Highlighting such skills on your resume can truly set you apart from the other candidates. When building your resume remember to weave soft skill examples into accomplishments and job responsibilities. Even if it’s not something you realized at the time, you likely used soft skills such as communication, empowerment, and decision-making every day. When it comes to your resume, just remember to highlight how each played a part in your success. The pandemic has served to make companies more empathetic to individual needs and you want to show that you’re a capable and personable leader.

Need to Pivot? Work From the Inside Out.

Shifting industries at the senior or executive level is challenging, but it can be done. If, in particular, the opportunities in your own sector have been hard hit by the pandemic you may feel that your only option is to pivot. This requires an extra level of finesse for professionals at your level. This is where your core competencies that you’ve identified earlier will be essential. If you have 20 years of experience as an international hotel chain executive, for example, identify what core skills you’ve developed in this industry that could be relevant in other, adjacent industries.

For example, perhaps you’re experienced in identifying new potential markets, building teams from the ground up, and ensuring company standards are upheld across global locations. These skills and experiences could be highly useful for other industries which have a global view, even if they aren’t the exact field you’ve established yourself in.

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Question: Want the ‘the best/current articles/blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type(#Jobsearch, #Resume, or #Networking) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Article continued …

Address Soft Skills That Are Important to Remote Workforces.

Think about the onboarding process for companies that are newly remote. HR departments are struggling to bridge communication breakdowns and encourage employee engagement; managers have trouble training new hires, monitoring their progress, and connecting team members.

When you interview for a position, or do any kind of outreach, show that you can anticipate these obstacles and make the process easier for the hiring manager. Highlight your soft communication skills and give examples in your work and the way you conduct yourself.

Target the Right Employers.

For executives and upper-level employees, the job search is more than just a numbers game. Because hiring is a large investment, businesses want to find the right fit. Target employers and tailor your application to their specific needs. Companies that are still developing their product (and therefore have a lean payroll) are most likely to hire outside talent during a crisis. Also consider looking at businesses with in-demand digital services that need to increase productivity. The video game sector, for example, has seen revenue increases since the lockdown. At your level, you need to remember the key word: targeted. Focus on cultivating connections to 15-20 people at different companies, no more. You want to conduct highly-targeted, respectful, and engaging outreach that always focuses on demonstrating value to them rather than why they should want to be connected to you.

Turn the Tables by Interviewing Potential Employers.

A creative way to connect with potential employers and simultaneously strengthen your professional network is to start a small content series that interviews leaders in your industry. Your goal is always understanding their business, their needs, and focusing on them. However, be sure to present why you’re in a unique position to do so, and what you can do to help them grow.

It’s easy to find a platform for sharing professional content such as LinkedIn Pulse or Medium, and it’s not too complicated to set up a personal website with a blog. With a platform in place, start by creating a few thoughtful articles on important topics relevant to your industry. Then identify leadership at companies that present interesting employment opportunities and reach out with a request to interview them for your next article. This will act as a soft way to engage with potential employers, generate interesting conversation related to your industry, and demonstrate your expertise and thoughtfulness within your field.

Not only could this start some interesting conversations, but the process will also help you build out a strong online presence that will aid your application to other jobs.

Network Extensively Within Your Sector.

More jobs are found through networking than by responding to job postings at all times, especially for senior-level professionals. That’s especially true in times like these. Take two steps in networking. First, get in touch with your existing network. Reach out for Zoom chats or virtual coffee hours. Let your network know you are furloughed and job searching.

Second, grow your network with Zoom chats and virtual coffee hours. Consider getting in touch with professionals you’ve long admired for informational interviews, mentorship, and advice. Join new professional associations.

Throughout your networking, remember to offer support, information, and advice to your network as well as seeking it. Reciprocity is key to successful networking.

Use LinkedIn’s messaging features to strike up connections with relevant contacts. Remember, at your level this is probably not the HR professional but rather the leaders in the departments that are relevant to you. Remember though, if the other side is wary or dismissive, be respectful and take the hint. You don’t want to burn any bridges before you’ve built them, and you never know when someone may remember that you reached out to them and that they could use a connection like you.

Check Out Remote Conferences.

Many conferences have pivoted to provide an alternative remote version of the events that were canceled this year. This is one smart way to connect with people within your industry and with those who hold similar interests.

Keep a keen eye on the attendee lists and look for ways to connect with those people directly through social media or email. Some online events even have an open chat function to get things started.

Make it Easy To Learn More About You.

An online portfolio or website that highlights your accomplishments and experience is a smart way to stand out from other applicants. Most people do not take the time to do this, but it will leave a more lasting impression than a PDF resume or standard submission form. It will also give employers a better impression when they google your name (which they will do) and your own, personalized website is at the top of the results. This is also a great way to highlight the work you’ve done earlier of creating thought leadership pieces or interacting with other companies and leaders.

Final Thoughts

The market today simply isn’t like it was six months ago, and your executive job search can’t be the same either. In today’s challenging market, you need to take the extra time and effort to ensure that you’ve got a highly-focused strategy for showing potential employers how you are going to be the key to them making it through and succeeding in these times. Your efforts should always be focused on their needs not yours.

No matter what tactic you take to making a strong impression, the most important thing is to put a strong show of your best qualities and accomplishments. Give hiring managers and employers the opportunity to connect to you, your story, and your mission and you’ll stand out as a stronger candidate in your field. Not every approach will feel right for every person, but by choosing a few of these strategies and applying your own special spin on them you’ll be far from another face in the crowd. Ultimately, you want it to be crystal clear how you fit into the puzzle of their needs, that you understand what their pain points are and you have the skills and experience to overcome them. Focus on what your target employers need, and they’ll be more likely to see that you’re the missing piece.

Author: Elena Bajic Contributor Careers

 

Forbes.com | August 9, 2020

#YourCareer : How To Ask HR To Better Plan Your Future At The Company. Interesting Read!

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Growth is an important component of planning for your future at a company. Luckily, HR departments are there to help you navigate your professional development.

Since there are many different factors that will play into how you can reach your full potential, be sure to remember a few of these worthwhile conversations to have with your HR team.

Discuss opportunities for growth

A meaningful conversation you can have at work is to discuss the opportunities available for personal growth within the company. While your colleagues, managers, and upper-level management are great to talk to in terms of your potential at an organization, you can also take advantage of using your HR team as a tool as you begin to plan your future at the company.

Whether you are looking to advance within your current position, switch departments, are considering changing locations, or hoping for a raise, HR can help facilitate whatever growth you are seeking. Because there are many factors that go into HR’s decisions about promotions, having a conversation with this team can help you gain a clearer vision of what they look for in a candidate as well as their decision-making process.

On the other hand, your company’s HR team can also help you navigate areas that you feel are unfair or restricting you from reaching your goals as well. Remember that HR can act as an advocate for ensuring that your management is conducting fair assessments of work—so they can be a useful resource in your potential growth at the company.

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What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Article continued …

Explore your employee benefits

A major retention effort used by companies is offering extensive employee benefits packages as an incentive to attract (and keep) top talent. As your needs will change as you continue to work throughout the years, reviewing your benefits with an HR member will ensure you are being adequately compensated and also getting the most out of what your company offers.

Similarly, working for a company that cares about you and your loved one’s long-term financial well-being will help you feel more confident in moving forward. A good example is to talk to HR about the life insurance offerings available. While many companies offer some sort of coverage, life insurance costs are dependent on many different factors—so securing a private policy might actually save you money instead of going through your employer. Additional coverage can help to cover the deficit if your company’s policy isn’t enough.

Remember that at the end of the day, you are working to bring home an income and provide for yourself and your loved ones. Your HR team can contribute to your financial planning as it relates to your benefits, and in return, this can encourage you to stay and move up within a company that values you as a person.

Address company culture

It’s no secret that when you are passionate about your job, can be a lot easier to get up and perform your daily tasks. But what about the people and the environment that surrounds you?

According to a study by Deloitte, 88% of employees believe that it is important to a business’ success to have a distinct workplace culture. If your current company is somewhere that you plan on growing with and looking for long-term stability, it can be beneficial to speak up about their workplace culture.

Company culture encompasses many different factors, and won’t look the same at every organization. Determining what issues or principles are important to you as an employee and having conversations with your HR team can foster a more positive working environment for all parties involved. Because the motivation you have to work efficiently with those around you plays a key role in determining your long term happiness, be sure to speak up about matters and policies that are significant to you. This is the main part of HR’s role, so connecting with the correct people is critical to see an actual change in your work environment.

Your HR department is a great asset to use when planning your growth within an organization. Utilizing them as a tool along with your continued efforts of being a hard-working employee creates a meaningful partnership where you can flourish in your career in the long run.

 

FSC Career Blog – August 6, 2020