Having the opportunity to change careers, move forward where you are, or stay in the same position but maybe a different industry, is cause for a new resume to be made. Many times the unknown future makes job seekers want to create one resume to meet all positions. While it may make it easier for you it will also likely dilute the resume.
Resumes, when most effective, are positioned to focus on one particular position. It may fit several different companies, but the industry, division, position are very similar. This makes the skill set, achievements, and experiences all relate to specific requirements for the job. When you use one resume to apply to several different jobs, you must make sure the resume still reflects specific needs for each job. Often this can’t be done while still maintaining a focused objective.
Take the time and possibly extra money and create two or three resumes, one specific to each position. Making each resume specific will draw more attention, be more concise and get you noticed faster.
Shine On!
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Thursday, September 25, 2008
LinkedIn - Benefits to Job Seekers
I continue to hear positive comments and results on using LinkedIn. If you are a job seeker and don’t have a profile already on LinkedIn, I would consider doing so soon. It is a very easy process of going to the website, http://www.LinkedIn.com and signing up. Once completed you can complete your profile, answer questions, invite others to connect with you and search the vast content for potential contacts.
The bio you include on your profile is very important and should include many keywords about your skills, experience and education. Include social, volunteer and professional information. If unsure of how to write one feel free to visit mine at http://www.LinkedIn.com/in/krisplantrich. I continue to make changes and add credentials and information to help potential clients (or in your case recruiters, hr personnel or hiring managers) find me.
An immediate benefit of LinkedIn is the ability for people to find you. Key words including professions, industries, experience, skills, expertise, education, location, alumni, volunteer affiliations, church affiliations etc are ways for others to find you. More and more recruiters are turning to LinkedIn to begin searching for potential candidates. They tend to prefer those that are currently employed so it isn’t necessary to say you are interested in work.
Related benefits include your ability to seek out contacts in the same way, according to what you are looking for. It is a great way to meet people as a job seeker. You can also increase your exposure through offering invitations to connect to others. This will place you on the profile of each person you connect with.
Answering or asking questions can increase your visibility because all members of LinkedIn can see them. Just reading the questions is a great source of information, a great feature worth having. There is even a place to include your resume if you are able to without concern of a current employer seeing it.
There are also groups you can join through LinkedIn related to just about every industry and geographic location. Find a few that are of interest, join, and post a new member greeting note of some kind to get your information out there. It won’t take long for others to find you.
It is free and being used extensively by recruiters. If you aren’t LinkedIn you should be. If you aren’t sure how to get started, email me and I will send you an invitation. Or if you want to practice sending invitations, I am always available to practice on.
Shine On!!
The bio you include on your profile is very important and should include many keywords about your skills, experience and education. Include social, volunteer and professional information. If unsure of how to write one feel free to visit mine at http://www.LinkedIn.com/in/krisplantrich. I continue to make changes and add credentials and information to help potential clients (or in your case recruiters, hr personnel or hiring managers) find me.
An immediate benefit of LinkedIn is the ability for people to find you. Key words including professions, industries, experience, skills, expertise, education, location, alumni, volunteer affiliations, church affiliations etc are ways for others to find you. More and more recruiters are turning to LinkedIn to begin searching for potential candidates. They tend to prefer those that are currently employed so it isn’t necessary to say you are interested in work.
Related benefits include your ability to seek out contacts in the same way, according to what you are looking for. It is a great way to meet people as a job seeker. You can also increase your exposure through offering invitations to connect to others. This will place you on the profile of each person you connect with.
Answering or asking questions can increase your visibility because all members of LinkedIn can see them. Just reading the questions is a great source of information, a great feature worth having. There is even a place to include your resume if you are able to without concern of a current employer seeing it.
There are also groups you can join through LinkedIn related to just about every industry and geographic location. Find a few that are of interest, join, and post a new member greeting note of some kind to get your information out there. It won’t take long for others to find you.
It is free and being used extensively by recruiters. If you aren’t LinkedIn you should be. If you aren’t sure how to get started, email me and I will send you an invitation. Or if you want to practice sending invitations, I am always available to practice on.
Shine On!!
Monday, September 22, 2008
Looking For A Job - What Do Employers Really Want In a New Hire?
When looking for a new job, are you keeping in mind what employers are looking for? It is important to find a job that fits the criteria you have developed in order for a career to provide you with enjoyment, fulfillment, a challenge, and of course meeting your monetary needs. Although these may be your needs, it is imperative that you meet the criteria that employers are looking for.
According to the book “The First 90 Days” by Michael Watkins, employers don’t expect perfection in your early days with the company; they expect motivation and progress. They want to see your enthusiasm, your drive and initiative, and eventually your value.
It is important to keep this in mind as well, when interviewing for a position. Employers are looking for achievers, those who are willing to stretch and take a risk to make things happen. You can demonstrate this in an interview by arriving prepared with specific examples of achievement, knowing the history of the company and position, asking well thought-out questions and by appearing motivated and excited about the position.
Shine On Job Seekers!
According to the book “The First 90 Days” by Michael Watkins, employers don’t expect perfection in your early days with the company; they expect motivation and progress. They want to see your enthusiasm, your drive and initiative, and eventually your value.
It is important to keep this in mind as well, when interviewing for a position. Employers are looking for achievers, those who are willing to stretch and take a risk to make things happen. You can demonstrate this in an interview by arriving prepared with specific examples of achievement, knowing the history of the company and position, asking well thought-out questions and by appearing motivated and excited about the position.
Shine On Job Seekers!
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Layoffs: Out-of-Luck or Opportunity
There is always something good that can be found in everything that happens, even in tragic or near tragic events. Sometime the immediacy of a situation can blind you from opportunities or other ways to view situations. Layoffs in particular, can be devastating to some.
Instead of watching the wave of layoffs get ever closer without taking cover, find ways to prepare. Build a nest egg, pay down credit cards, go back to school, or get certified to improve your standings. When the layoffs do hit the shore, think of it as an opportunity to venture into areas you’ve only dreamed of. What would it take to make the dreams a reality? Maybe not as much as you think, do some research and check into it.
If you already have what you need to succeed elsewhere, have your resume and other documents updated and begin your job search to get ahead of the crowd. The point is act. Take action and be accountable for your career. You don’t have to settle for things happening to you…make things happen!
Shine On!
Instead of watching the wave of layoffs get ever closer without taking cover, find ways to prepare. Build a nest egg, pay down credit cards, go back to school, or get certified to improve your standings. When the layoffs do hit the shore, think of it as an opportunity to venture into areas you’ve only dreamed of. What would it take to make the dreams a reality? Maybe not as much as you think, do some research and check into it.
If you already have what you need to succeed elsewhere, have your resume and other documents updated and begin your job search to get ahead of the crowd. The point is act. Take action and be accountable for your career. You don’t have to settle for things happening to you…make things happen!
Shine On!
Wednesday, September 10, 2008
It's “International Update Your Resume Month”!
As a way of promoting good career management health, International Update Your Resume Month was enacted by Career Directors International; a global professional association providing education, connection, and innovation for those in the career industry. It was developed to remind employees at every level that preparation is key to being able to act fast and stay ahead of the competition. Being prepared showcases your organizational skills, commitment to your career progression and is probably fair to say, a reflection of your strong work ethics.
If you haven’t updated your resume in the past year or two and feel there may be a change, either voluntarily or involuntarily in your future, it might be a good time to do some updating. Take control of your career by being prepared!
Shine On!
If you haven’t updated your resume in the past year or two and feel there may be a change, either voluntarily or involuntarily in your future, it might be a good time to do some updating. Take control of your career by being prepared!
Shine On!
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