Revive your resume by keeping it current

Just started a new job? You might want to start updating your resume already!

Add in new info as soon as you have something to add. Don’t wait until you are planning your next move and have time pressures. try these tips to make updating easy:

– Add in your new job description as soon as you have it
– Add in new trainings as soon as you have completed it at work
– Achieved something special while on the job? Received an award or other recognition? Remember to add it in right away.
– Received a glowing performance review? Another opportunity to add something to your resume!
– Selected to chair some committee? Put it on the resume!
– Update your resume whenever you get a promotion too.

Looking for a blank resume?

Going crazy trying to make a resume on your own? Want a fill in the blank type or thing?

Check out Resume Scorecard’s almost free templates – http://resumescorecard.com/templates.htm

DIY Resume

Some Thoughts for Job Seekers…

7 simple steps to create a decent resume:

1. Decide on your target job (aka a “job objective”). Using an actual job title is best.

2. Research what skills and experience employers are looking for in regards to this target job.

3. List of your top several strongest skills that makes you the perfect candidate for this job.

4. For each of these top skills think of several achievements from your previous work that demonstrate that skill. Then describe these achievements in simple, powerful, action statements with an emphasize on the beneficial results.

5. List your jobs in reverse chronological order.

6. List your related education and training.

7. Summarize key points at the top of your resume.

Career Coaching

You spend around one-third of your life at work so you may as well feel fulfilled by the work you do. Job coaching help with this.

Find a good job to match your passions and abilities. When you do what you actually like doing then often you achieve more on the job and progress further.

Job / career coaching helps you:

– Land that ‘dream job’
– Find deeper meaning in your life
– Achieve better work – home life balance.
– Break-out free from pre-conceived ideas

Interview Letter

Two of the most important types of interview letters are cover letters and post-interview thank you letters.

Cover letters are as important as a resume. Employers read a cover letter before the resume and they may not go further if they don’t like what they see.

A cover letter should describe which job you’re applying for and why, summarize your qualifications and experience, and a request an interview. Try to personalized and target the letter for each specific employer.

Sample Cover Letter Format:

Your Name
Street Address, City, State and Zip code, Telephone, Email
Date
Subject heading with the position or type of work you seek.
Employer’s Name or Title:
First Paragraph: State why you are writing.
Second Paragraph: Summary of qualifications
Third Paragraph: Close and ask for the interview

Phone Interview

Phone interviews are a common part of the job search process since they save the company and even the candidate a lot of time. So it is important to prepare for phone interviews. Here are some tips…

1. Schedule it for a time when it is quiet and you will not be disturbed so you give the interview your full attention.  You do now want any unprofessional background noises either.

2. Have your resume and other information with you next to the phone. If you have multiple versions then make sure you are looking at the same resume version you had sent to the employer who is calling. You may want to have prepared answers ready to some common questions like, “What are your greatest strengths?” Remember since it is over the phone they can’t see your notes.  You probably want the answers prepared in easy-to-read bullet points. Have notes handy as well on the research that you did on the company. You may want to refer to these facts throughout the interview.

3. Have a list of questions ready so that you can gather info and show interest. Have some paper and a pencil ready so you can take notes. 

4. Have your day timer or whatever you use handy so you know your availability. If the interview goes well the interviewer may ask you to come in for a second interview that will be face-to-face this time.

Polls

Career Magazine

Reading trade magazines can increase your career marketability!

Whether you have been recently laid off or are simply seeking a new career opportunity, reading business magazines and trade publications can get you one step closer to your dream job. Reading these will keep you sharp and well-informed.

Keeping up with news and trends for your industry or profession can be the competitive edge you need.

Time to update your resume?

Be prepared since You never know when the perfect career opportunity will pop up. If a friend told you about a great job opportunity that opened up or if a recruiter called you today and had your dream job, would you be prepared to submit an up-to-date resume right away?

Update your resume any time your career focus changes, or if you anticipate layoffs where you work, or if  you’ve become dissatisfied with your job. At the very least update your resume at least once a year.