|
Ask the Recruiter
We all have career goals, big or small. Here are some questions I have recieved over the last month from those actively seeking new employment. How many versions of resumes should I have - and why? - Ideally, you should personalize your resume each time you apply for a job. List only your experience relevant to the job you are applying for. The number one issues with the resumes I recieve every day is that they have irrelevant information which makes the resume too long, and too difficult to read. Today's employers want to quick glance your resume in 30 seconds or less to decide if they want to read further. Irrelevant information makes it difficult to focus on relevant points, and employers are much more likely to pass over your resume. If you don't have the time to write out 100 or more individual resumes, write general resumes for each type of position you will be applying for. For example, if you have payroll, accounting, and administrative experience, write a resume for administrative officers/assistants, accountants/bookkeepers, and payroll officers/administrators. That way, no matter what type of position you are applying for, the relevant information will only be a click away. Do I really need to write thank-you letters to employers? - If you want to stand out in the crowd of thousands of applications employer's can recieve, then yes. A thank you letter serves many functions. First, less than 10% of all job seekers bother to send thank you letters. That means, if you do, you will stand out of the crowd. Second, it keeps your name in front of the employer. Most employers have hundreds of things to do each day, and even more papers to sort through when the time comes to hire. If your resume is at the bottom of the pile, a thank you letter with a summary of your qualifications can send them looking - for you. Third, it can add to your resume or cover letter. If you forgot to mention something, or have come across more relevant information, this can be added to a thank you letter. The bottom line is, a thank you note will make sure that YOUR name is remembered when the time comes to hire. How do I go about looking for a new job after being fired/terminated/downsized? - Bottom line, be honest. If you were downsized, say that. Unless you have 30 years of work experience and every job you've had you have been layed off from, honesty is the best route. If an employer asks you why you do not work at your previous job anymore, tell them the truth. More candidates are eliminated for fraudulent claims than for being laid off previously. If you're not sure where to even look for a new job, try this. Sit down and think of everything you had to do at your previous job. Administration, sales, marketing, manufacturing, technical skills - everything. All of those individual skills could be a new career. Write each of these down, and then prioritize. Number each skill based on how much you enjoyed doing them. When it comes time to search, apply for positions using the highest ranked skills. This will ensure you can do the job, and enjoy it, too! Cherilyn Lester is a professional recruiter based out of Chilliwack, British Columbia, Canada. She can be reached at cherilyn@surejobscanada.com.
MORE RESOURCES:
Jobs City of Rochester (.gov)
Careers Washington State University
Careers The Guggenheim Museums and Foundation
|
|
|
|
RELATED ARTICLES
Planning Your Successful Career: 15 Ideas
"Doing a good job is one of the most important ways to move up the ladder", says Dr. Don Bagin, Professor of Communications at Glassbro State College.
CV Writing - How to Write a CV
A winning CV has 2 objectives: To illustrate your strengths and maximise your chances of getting through to interview and to put factual information, such as dates, places, names together in a presentable and readable form. Focal PointIt is claimed that the human eyes are naturally drawn to a focal point one third down from the top of the page.
Thankk-You Notes: An Integral Part of Your Career
There is one little practice that is vital to generating the interest of potential employers. It is critical, but very few job seekers actually do it.
In a Rut? Ready for a Career Change?
Are you unhappy at work? Tired and lacking energy and drive? Don't worry, you are not alone! Studies in the US show that up to 70 percent of the workforce is unhappy with their job at any given time. We all feel dissatisfied and frustrated with our jobs at times.
The Computer-Friendly Resume
The evolution of technology is changing the traditional methods for job searching and recruiting. More and more companies are now relying on computers to initiate the process of hiring and are filling their database with candidates with skills that are easily searchable.
Change Your Career, Change Your Life
Change Your Career,Change your Life!Lots of times I see and talk to people whoare tired, bored and burnt out of their currentjobs. I'm not sure what causes this dis-satisfaction.
What Did You Say?
My table-mates introduced themselves as the reciprocal protocol began. We chatted about what we did, where we did it and what we thought of the conference.
How to Give Job-Winning Answers at Interviews
Human Resources personnel, professional recruiters and various other career experts all agree: one of the best ways to prepare yourself for a job interview is to anticipate questions, develop your answers, and practice, practice, practice.There are plenty of websites that offer lists of popular job interview questions, and knowing the types of questions to expect can be very useful.
Networking Masterclass - Part 1 - Practicing Empathy
Practicing Empathy A vital part of your networking skills is your ability to build rapport quickly and effectively with others. To build rapport successfully with another individual you need to understand 'where' they are coming from and have 'empathy' with them.
Can You Actually Fail A Personality Quiz?
Q. I didn't get a job that I interviewed for.
Knowing and Guessing
The line between average and exceptional work performance is dotted with ordinary day-by-day behaviors. I was reminded of that line recently.
Ready to Move -- Anywhere!
"I have lived in this city all my life. My family is here.
7 Steps to Interviews that Win the Job
These days, interviews don't come easily. When you get The Call, make the most of your time -- and go for it!1.
3 Cover Letter Secrets Revealed
Writing a cover letter can be like cleaning your garage -- you don't know where to start ..
Manage Your Boss - And Get Ahead!
It's clear there are a number of common issues faced by business people across totally unrelated industries and environments. This series was created to provide some perspective and guidance to executives as they negotiate their way up the corporate ladder.
Resume Writing Service Website
Promote Your Resume Business Website!While we make our websites to be search engine friendly and easy to navigate, you need to do your share. Resume Businesses on the net are becoming popular, but there is no particular market dominator.
Learn a Language for Career Advancement
To learn a language for career advancement is one of the best ways to get ahead in the job market. In the 21st century you will need every advantage you can get to keep yourself competitive in the marketplace, and adding foreign language skills is a great way to gain an advantage.
Find Free Resumes Online
Have you been spending money on countless job boards, only to find that they don't offer the types of candidates you need? If the answer is yes, don't fret any longer, you're about to learn crafty techniques to help you find free resumes on the net. There are numerous free resources online that offer resumes.
5 Key Factors to Consider When Selecting an Outplacement Firm
With today's economy, more and more companies are finding themselves faced with the situation of having to reduce headcount to remain competitive. Here are five key factors to consider when selecting an outplacement firm if your company is ever faced with a workforce reduction.
Four Simple Steps To Better Results With Your Resume
Is every job description you read the same? No.Is every job you submit your resume to the same? Of course they aren't.
|