Resume Writing Tips

[AstralCrux]

Since there are so many of us searching for jobs, and I have way too much free time at work. I figured I'd post some of the awesome tips I find on Yahoo. If you have tips or want to discuss something you've read, please do.

I'll start...

Resume's what's in and out

Fashion changes, and resume styles change, too. If you have solid skills and work experience but your resume isn't getting any bites, you might need a resume makeover.

Take a free resume test to see if your resume has what it takes to pass the 10-second scan and get results. And check out the "what's in, what's out" info below to help make your resume more cutting-edge.

1. In: A professional summary at the top of your resume. This sells you like nothing else on your resume does.

Out: An objective statement at the top of your resume. Nothing says "outdated" like an objective.

"Ditch it immediately," advises Jack Williams, vice president of national sales and recruiting for Staffing Technologies, in Atlanta. Employers don't care what a potential hire wants to do. "They care whether they can do what the employer needs them to do," he says.

2. In: Resumes that are easy on the eyes.

"I don't have time to read through each resume and search for the important points. They need to jump out at me," says Mike Earley, vice president of resource management at MyWire, a media aggregation site. Earley says hot resumes are organized with bullet points, not paragraphs, and have enough white space to look clean and visually interesting.

Out: Resumes that are "grey," with large chunks of unbroken text that require recruiters to slow down. Chances are they won't take the time.

3. In: A customized resume. Tailor every resume you send out for the job you're seeking.

Out: A cookie-cutter approach: same resume for every job. These were from the days before home computers, when changing a resume was a really big deal.

4. In: A two-to-three-page resume when you really need the space.

Out: A one-page resume when you really need two or three pages.

"One-page resumes are a myth," says Williams. "No talented person with more than five years experience can fairly summarize their experience in one page."

5. In: Selling yourself. The best way to do this, Earley says, is through quantifying your accomplishments. "When describing what you did on a job, be sure to include the results. Your accomplishments are key," says Earley. For instance, if you're an office manager, don't just say you "organized a system to track outside vendors." Conclude with a real result, like "reduced operating costs by one-third."

Out: Not being your own best marketing and sales department. "Gone are the days of just listing job titles and responsibilities," says Leslie Sokol, co-author of "Think Confident, Be Confident."

6. In: Including links to websites for all companies on your resume, and, if possible, a brief description of each company. "Few do this, but it is always well-received," says Williams. "Hiring managers have an interest in knowing what a company does and what your previous position there had to do with that."

Out: Assuming hirers know your old company or don't need to know.

7. In: Including your LinkedIn or other social network address in your resume's header. Make sure it's a custom ("vanity") URL if it's LinkedIn (these are free).

Out: Not being up-to-date with social networking.

Following these ins and outs will make your resume shine and help you to land your dream job. Take a free career test to find a job you'll really love.

[AstralCrux]

Interview tips:

Every job candidate wants to stand out from the crowd, especially in today's competitive employment market.

According to a recent report from the U.S. Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are about 6 unemployed workers competing, on average, for each job opening. That's the highest level since the bureau started tracking these figures nine years ago.

If you've been searching for a new position and haven't seen much success, you may be tempted to try more creative ways to get noticed. But beware: You can attract a prospective employer's attention in the wrong way.

When Robert Half International asked executives to describe the most unusual thing they had seen or heard an applicant do to distinguish him- or herself on the job hunt, examples included a candidate who sang during the interview and another who brought a 10-page binder detailing his work history.

Instead of these types of over-the-top tactics, try the following ones, which made positive impressions on the executives we surveyed:

Ask Questions

Most job seekers research a firm before being interviewed there, but many stop digging once they show up for the meeting. When speaking with the hiring manager, ask questions to gain a deeper understanding of the position and company. One executive in the survey noted that a job seeker "turned the table and wanted to know all about me. The tactic worked."

Some questions will come up naturally, but you also can prepare some for the hiring manager beforehand, such as "How did you start with the company, and what has your career progression been?" Or you might ask about the firm itself: "I recently read about the company's new location in Europe. Does the firm have plans to continue expanding internationally?"

Dress Up

What you wear to the job interview can significantly influence an employer's impression of you. If you show up to the interview dressed sloppily, even if the firm is known for its laid-back atmosphere, the hiring manager may question your professionalism or interest in the opportunity.

It may seem old-school, but it's typically best to wear a clean, well-pressed suit whenever you meet with a potential employer. Keep accessories to a minimum and choose neutral colors so you're not remembered as the candidate who wore bright pink.

Say Thanks

Following up an interview with a well-thought-out thank-you note can distinguish you from other applicants because many job candidates forget this step. Reiterate your interest in the position and remind the hiring manager of one or two of your best selling points. Customize your note by referencing something from your conversation with the potential employer, such as your mutual love of Thai food. One way to truly stick out, according to an executive we polled: Send a handwritten thank-you note as opposed to email.

With fierce competition in the job market, you need to distinguish yourself from others who may seem similar to you on paper. By following the above advice, you can leave hiring managers with a lasting, positive impression, improving your chances of moving on in the interview process and ultimately securing the job.