New Year, New Beginnings

If you have been job searching for a while, perhaps it is time to re-evaluate your job search techniques, to review your resume to see if it is up to what the employers are looking for.

Does your resume include a "Highlights" section which relates to the job for which you are applying?

Do you list your job history in reverse chronological order?

Are you using keywords from the job ad to demonstrate your skills?

Get more tips here:  https://www.facebook.com/banabu.ca/

Fran Watson

Dress For Success

Tailored

JOB                Image

Promotes

Success

 

You have probably heard the phrase, “Dress for Success.”  This is very important in your job search.  First impressions can make or break an interview, so presenting a Tailored Image is a good first step to Promoting Success in your job search.

Employers can tell horror stories about people who show up on their doorstep looking for work with:  torn jeans, t-shirts with offensive sayings, dirty fingernails, uncombed hair, curlers in their hair, and poor attitudes.  While you have the right to dress the way you want on your own time, it is important that you dress the way an employer wants if you expect to be considered for a job.  (This may also mean removing studs or getting a hair cut.)

When you are dropping off resumes, dress as if you were going to be interviewed, because you might happen to be in the right place at the right time and have the opportunity to speak to the employer or manager right away. 

Many businesses have now adopted a more casual dress code, but it’s a good idea to take some time before your interview to check out how the other employees are dressed.  A good rule of thumb is to dress a little better for the interview than you would expect to dress on a daily basis.  Dress above the position you want when to make a good first impression. 

It is not necessary to have a big budget to present a tailored image.  All it takes is time, careful shopping and a little ingenuity.

 

To your job search success

 

Fran Watson

Resumes - Where is your focus?

Are You Too Focused on Job Duties ?

Your resume should not be a boring listing of job duties and responsibilities. You need to show what was required and demonstrate how you made a difference at each company, providing specific examples. When developing your achievements, ask yourself:

• How did you perform the job better than others?
• What were the problems or challenges faced? How did you overcome them? What were the results? How did the company benefit from your performance?
• Did you receive any awards, special recognition or promotions as a result?

 

The modified chronological format is often the most effective. Here’s the basic layout:

• Header (name, address, email address, phone number)
• Lead with a strong profile section detailing the scope of your experience and areas of proficiency
• Reverse chronological employment history emphasizing achievements in the past 10 to 15 years
• Education (New grads may put this at the top.)

 

One typo can land your resume in the garbage. 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 perfect.