If you have ever worked with me you know that the key to a competitive resume lies in the accomplishment statements. Gone are the days of simply listing job duties and expecting an interview because you meet the “minimum” qualifications. You need to distinguish yourself from a multitude of other candidates by showing examples of how well you have done your job in the past. This is often easier said than done. Frequently when I give clients the task of beginning to develop accomplishment statements, I receive feedback such as: I have never done anything that great, or I just do my job from day to day, or I hate bragging about myself. Some clients really agonize over this to the point of … [Read more...]
Moving Forward in a Time of Uncertainty
We are facing unprecedented times. In the midst of a public health crisis that is crippling the economy, most of us are trying to cope day by day, hoping for a rapid turnaround. There are many predictions out there, but the only certainty is that things are going to remain uncertain for a while longer. While we can’t control the external forces causing this turbulence, we can control our reaction to it. One of the traits that many employers look for, and that my most successful clients share, is the ability to navigate uncertain waters with a bold, confident spirit. Flexibility to move with composure in rapidly changing circumstances. What better time to start practicing that … [Read more...]
Don’t Fall Victim to a Resume Scam!
One day you are searching online for your next position when you see an offer for a free resume review. You figure what the heck – its free! Next thing you know you receive what appears to be a very thorough and legitimate evaluation of your resume, noting all of the problems that are holding you back from obtaining high ATS ratings and interviews. It looks something like this: “We’ve all been told that looks don’t matter as much as substance, but in the case of your resume this just isn’t true. I found your design to be visually uneven. The appearance is not polished, and it doesn’t say "high potential" as your experience suggests. From the way the resume is worded, you come across as … [Read more...]
Unraveling the Mysteries of Applicant Tracking Systems
When I explain to job seekers that they need to have 2 resumes (one for physical presentation, and one for online applications) I usually get a blank stare or a long pause. When I ask if they have ever heard of, or understand, Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), I usually get an almost apologetic “uh, well, no…” as if they think they should have heard of such a creature. The fact is, I would no more expect the average job seeker to know about ATS than my accountant would expect me to know about the latest tax ruling. Especially for those only recently looking for new employment, there would have been no reason for you to have heard about these systems. In short, ATS are software systems … [Read more...]
Some Interesting Trends Relating to Your Career
When I was a full time practicing attorney, I spent hoards of time keeping abreast of the ever changing legal landscape. I have found that keeping up with the evolving career market is every bit as challenging—it has become a very complex and dynamic area, much to the surprise of most people who have not recently had good reason to pay attention. Waiting until you are in serious “job-seeking mode,” which is a full time job in itself, is not the ideal time to either “dust off” your resume or begin the steep learning curve of what you may be up against “out there.” So even if you are not actively seeking new employment, you may find it helpful to know a few things. Along with 250 … [Read more...]
