Resume and Career Advice from Debra WheatmanJob tips - career help bloghttp://careersdonewrite.com/blog/2012-02-23T21:43:20ZSquarespaceIs Your Resume Ready for ATS?http://careersdonewrite.com/blog/is-your-resume-ready-for-ats.htmlDebra Wheatman2012-02-23T21:24:28Z2012-02-23T21:24:28ZATS refers to Applicant Tracking Systems. These systems help recruiters and employers automatically scan resumes. In years past, experts advised candidate to include keywords on a resume so the ATS could pick up keywords. The early systems were based on semantic search functionality that facilitated the identification and counting of keywords. Due to advancements in ATS, that advice is somewhat outdated.

Today state-of-the-art contextualized resume scanning applications are used to examining keywords in the context of the entire document. Modern ATS applications identify dates associated with certain positions, accomplishments, and functions. Contextualization tools also parse words associated with the primary keyword, such as job titles and all the functions generally related to a job title.  In other words, these applications are smart enough to decipher the validity and relevance of each keyword.

Keywords remain important to the resume and must be included. Most applications use both primitive semantic search tools and contextualized parsing tools. If your resume is well-written, the appropriate key words should be naturally apparent in your resume.  A good test if you are hitting the key words is to compare your resume to the job posting under consideration.

Excessively-formatted resumes, including those embedded with pictures, graphics, and logos can be incompatible with ATS software. In some cases, your document can be booted from the system and removed from consideration because graphics can “choke the system.”

Another mistake to avoid is placing your name and contact information in a footer. This can cause the system to boot you or render that information invisible to the system, resulting in a missed opportunity for you.  It is best to place your name and contact information in the body of the resume, preferably  at the top of page one.

The bottom line is to keep it simple.  If you write your resume to include your major skills, functional experience, and accomplishments, you should hit the keywords and meet the contextual criteria.  If you have questions about your resume, contact us for a complimentary critique.

For more tips on formatting other areas of your résumé, review these blog entries: Résumé Help: Sales and Marketing Job and Stronger Bullet Points on Résumés and Cover Letters.

]]>Résumé Help - Profile Polish…No Pronouns Please!http://careersdonewrite.com/blog/resume-help-profile-polishno-pronouns-please.htmlDebra Wheatman2012-02-20T18:06:16Z2012-02-20T18:06:16ZThe first several lines of Ben’s résumé could be putting his job search on hold.  If Ben made changes using basic résumé guidelines, he could overcome this problem.  Résumé guidelines are not arbitrary.  They are based on an understanding how the human brain receives written communication and how recruiters and employers select candidates for an interview.  Every style used and every word chosen is either supporting your career goal or harming you in your effort to gain an interview invitation.

Looking at Ben’s profile, we notice that he begins every sentence with “I.”  Pronouns are never used on résumés.  Résumés are written in the staccato style and one aspect of that style is that the pronoun is omitted.  Why is this particular style used?   The staccato style facilitates a quick read. It enables a reader to get right to the heart of the issue.

Another problem using “I” throughout the profile is that it is redundant.  It has the same basic sentence structure.  It reminds me of a first-grader’s report on “how I spent my summer vacation.” So, not only is Ben boring his poor readers, he is showcasing a deficiency in writing skills. 

The profile is loaded with “I….I….I….I.” It truly is all about what Ben wants.  When I read this I know exactly what Ben wants.  It would more compelling to the reader to know the unique value that Ben offers the company.  The employer is reading the long queue of résumés to find someone to solve their problems and make them money.  They are not looking for ways to help Ben grow and become a manager.

In Ben’s defense, this is a common problem with résumés, especially candidates with limited work experience.  None the less, if Ben wants interviews, he must re-write the résumé profile.  If your résumé suffers from this affliction, start fresh and make a list of the skills and experience that you are bringing the employer.  How do you fill their needs?  Use that information to craft a succinct opening profile using less than 100 words.

Would you like to read more articles related to this entry? If so, please check out these entries:

Adding Impact to the Top Third of Your Résumé

Objective and Summary Format

Average Résumé s Don’t Get Job Offers

If you would like a résumé critique, please contact Debra Wheatman at debra@careersdonewrite.com or visit us at http://careersdonewrite.com. The Résumé Help blog appears weekly on Mondays. 

]]>Using correct verb tensehttp://careersdonewrite.com/blog/using-correct-verb-tense.htmlDebra Wheatman2012-02-17T19:45:45Z2012-02-17T19:45:45ZDear Deb,

My sister helped me by writing my first résumé last weekend.  In my current job she used the verbs, “supervise,” “control” and  “write.”  Shouldn’t it be “supervises,” “controls” and “writes?”   I don’t want to insult her because I know she spent a lot of time writing it for me.  But, I would be embarrassed if an employer caught her error. 

Darius B.

Dear Darius,

Your sister is correct.  Résumés are written in the first person, which means it is as if you speaking from your point of view.  Also, résumés are written in the staccato style to facilitate a quick read. In the staccato style, pronouns (such as “I”) are omitted as well as any articles (the, an, a).  Additionally we do not spell out numbers (9 instead of nine).  So, in a standard style statement, you may say, “I supervise a staff of 9.”  In a résumé, we would write, “Supervise staff of 9.”

Thanks for sharing your question.  That is a very common concern for individuals not familiar with résumé standards.

If you have a question for Deb, please email debra@careersdonewrite.com. The Ask Deb column appears every Friday on our blog at the Careers Done Write website.  

]]>How to Handle Transitional Jobs on Your Résuméhttp://careersdonewrite.com/blog/how-to-handle-transitional-jobs-on-your-resume.htmlDebra Wheatman2012-02-16T21:44:34Z2012-02-16T21:44:34ZIf you are fortunate, you find a new job before you leave a current role and move in an upward trajectory. However, layoffs happen and it may take several months to get back on track. In the meantime, you need a paycheck - pronto!   Some have a skill set that lends itself to temporary work in a similar field.  Others may need to take any job, such as serving tables at the local steakhouse.  If you take a job outside your field that pays the bills and gives you the flexibility to continue your job search, I say, “Bravo!”  Ah, but what do you write on your résumé?  Here are a few strategies to present your background.

Strategy:  Clarify that your goal is not to change industries or professions.

How to Execute: Emphasize your career goal on your résumé by writing a strong profile and core competency section to highlight your skill, experience, and knowledge relevant to your goals.

Strategy:  Show a steady job history in your field prior to this transitional period.

How to Execute: Show your most recent 15 years of experience on your résumé.  Also highlight longevity within your industry or occupation in the opening profile summary.

Strategy:   If the transitional job is in the past (not your current job) and you’re back on track now, omit the job.

How to Execute:   Your résumé must be honest, but it doesn't have to be all inclusive.  If you had an 8-month stint outside your field, you may omit it.  You can show years only (excluding months) to distract from time gaps. On an application you must provide all information requested. 

Strategy:  If the transitional job is in the present, include it and show the value.

How to Executive:   Focus on the strongest part of the transitional job.  In the steakhouse, you have to solve problems quickly while under pressure, delight the customer, and up-sell premium drinks and desserts. 

There is a pep talk that I heard a hundred times growing up.  Whatever you do, give your all. If you are a trash collector, be the best trash collector.  Take pride in what you will do and you will succeed. That is true in this situation.  Show the employer that you will be the best at whatever you do.  Your success in the transitional job translates to any job.  Use the above strategies to communicate this on your résumé. 

]]>Is a College Education Still Worth the Time and Financial Investment? Part Twohttp://careersdonewrite.com/blog/is-a-college-education-still-worth-the-time-and-financial-in-1.htmlDebra Wheatman2012-02-14T21:11:57Z2012-02-14T21:11:57ZWe reviewed the pros and cons of attending a traditional college, including the financial challenges many face.  Despite the downside and challenges, college is the right choice for many. If you decide that college is right for you, here are suggestions to optimize the experience. 

 

Overcoming Financial Burdens of College

  • OPM (Other people’s money). Not your daddy’s!  If you can get someone else to pay for your college education, that is your best option.  This comes in the form of scholarships and grants. 
  • Explore all forms of financial aid, including student work programs.
  • Select the school that is the best value for the degree you are pursuing.  The most expensive school may not equal the best education. 
  • Borrow using federal loans first.  The rates and repayment terms may be more favorable than private loads. Some loads, such as the Stafford and PLUS loans, are available to students from all economic backgrounds. 
  • Do not build up massive student loan debt. If your debt is getting too high, you may need to earn your degree slowly while you work.  A reasonable guideline is not to borrow more than your expected post-graduate starting salary. 
  • Consider attending community college for the first two years of your education.  In most cases, it is the school where you earn the degree that is most recognized.  That can cut your college expenses almost in half.

Supplementing Your Experience

  • To overcome the lack of diversity in college, join philanthropic organizations, political groups, book clubs, and other groups so you can experience people with a wide range of beliefs, diverse knowledge, and alternate viewpoints. 
  • Gain real world work experience through internships, part-time jobs, and volunteer work. This also helps you to expand your professional network. 
  • Read daily. Be aware of what is happening in the world, as well as changes in your chosen career field.
]]>Résumé Help - Basic Grammar Skills are a Must!http://careersdonewrite.com/blog/resume-help-basic-grammar-skills-are-a-must.htmlDebra Wheatman2012-02-13T21:39:36Z2012-02-13T21:39:36ZIf you are the best in your field, but your résumé reflects poor grammar, you may not get many interview requests. Good communication skills are expected and in most cases the résumé is the first indication of those skills.  If you read through today’s example, you will make assumptions about the candidate’s abilities based on his presentation.  

The document is loaded with random incorrect capitalization of nouns and verbs.  He uses different forms of verbs within the same section, changing from present tense to past tense. He uses progressive tense (managing) mixed with present tense (manage).  Most readers of résumés are not expert grammarians. However, as speakers of the English language, we are very intuitive when something does not sound right or flow well on the page. That’s what happens when reading this example. This is bad for the candidate’s brand. It also distracts us from absorbing his message.

The other major issue is a very common one.  The most frequent oversight on a résumé is not including measurable achievements. This candidate would benefit greatly from telling us more about the scope of his projects and providing quantifiable results. Also, he could connect what he did to the client’s bottom line to illustrate that he thinks beyond the task. 

The good news is that this candidate has worked with one of our professional writers and now is distributing his newly-minted résumé.  You can do the same.  If you are struggling with your résumé, click here for more information.  Or, use our many pages of advice to create your résumé on your own.  If you would like, send it to me for advice.

If you would like a résumé critique, please contact Debra Wheatman at debra@careersdonewrite.com or visit us at http://careersdonewrite.com. The Résumé Help blog appears weekly on Mondays.


]]>How many LinkedIn profiles/accounts should I have?http://careersdonewrite.com/blog/how-many-linkedin-profilesaccounts-should-i-have.htmlDebra Wheatman2012-02-10T22:31:56Z2012-02-10T22:31:56ZDear Deb:

How many LinkedIn profiles/accounts should I have?   Should I have one for each possible career path?   I am a pottery artist, registered nurse, and a wedding photographer.   My instincts are to have one profile for my pottery and photography and another one for my professional life as a nurse.   Do I need to use different names? 

Thank you, Chris B.

Dear Chris:

I would recommend against multiple LinkedIn accounts/profiles.  Most branding and career experts also recommend having just one LinkedIn account.  Think of LinkedIn account as “one per person” and as a person you have many facets.  We don't have to show everything on a LinkedIn profile, but we can choose the facets of your life that are most active and relevant to your professional goals - that can include goals for two different career paths.

The fact that you are a creative pottery artist and talented photographer does not take away from your nursing career.  Your career as a nurse would not detract others from taking your art seriously. However, you want to create your profile with a theme to weave everything together.  For example, your headline may read, “Dedicated family practice RN and passionate, gifted pottery artist and photographer.”  Most employers want a candidate with many interests and talents.  

If you have a question for Deb, please email debra@careersdonewrite.com. The Ask Deb column appears every Friday on our blog at the Careers Done Write website.  

]]>Is a College Education Still Worth the Time and Financial Investment? Part Onehttp://careersdonewrite.com/blog/is-a-college-education-still-worth-the-time-and-financial-in.htmlDebra Wheatman2012-02-09T22:33:50Z2012-02-09T22:33:50ZYears ago, a college degree in the U.S. was assurance for a middle class or better lifestyle.  Today there are many factors that have changed that paradigm.  Is a college education still worth the time and financial investment? 

Beyond career requirements, there is a societal pressure for a college degree.  High schools are judged by the percentage of graduates who go on to college.  Even high school students shame those not going on to college, calling them “losers.” With all of these pressures, students and parents can elect college attendance for the wrong reason.  Let look at the pros and cons.

Pro College 

  •  The facts are very consistent. Looking at the most recent Usual Weekly Earnings of Wage and Salary Workers, Q4 2011, college graduates earn median earnings double that of employees with only a high school diploma.
  • You will have a better chance in a competitive job market and you can gain access to careers that absolutely require a college degree. 
  • The unique social and academic experience of college lends to the maturation of an individual.

 Cons

  • Currently, total student loan debt is more than $980 billion.  The figures vary based on institution.  Between 47% and 61% of 4-year-college students have student loans. College costs have risen tenfold between 1978 and 2008, based on a National Center for Education Statistics and College Board report.  The cost is a burden to many students and their families.
  • New understandings about learning reveal that centuries-old learning models are less effective than work/life experience learning. According to a 2011 John Helmer’s article, “70% of learning and development takes place from real-life and on-the-job experiences…10% of learning and development comes from formal training or education.“
  • Independent thinking is not always encouraged.  Although we do not have statistics, as I researched dozens of sources, this was a common reason for an alternative to college education.  Different views are not always welcome.  While I do not belief that youth is indoctrinated (have you ever tried to change an 18-year-old’s mind?), there is some validity to the point.

In the second half of this series, we will talk about solutions.  There is a way to customize a plan for your situation and make the most of your post-high school education and professional development.

]]>Can the President of the United States Create Jobs?http://careersdonewrite.com/blog/can-the-president-of-the-united-states-create-jobs.htmlDebra Wheatman2012-02-07T12:00:13Z2012-02-07T12:00:13ZEvery presidential candidate, as well as the current President of the United States, has a plan to create new jobs.  However, can the President really create new jobs?   The simple answer is, “no.”   Based on the U.S. Constitution, it takes the efforts of the Senate and House of Representatives to make changes.  The President can propose job-creating plans, negotiate with Congress, and gain support of the citizens to move his or her plan forward.  But, the President alone cannot create jobs.  

In any economy, a company’s number one goal is to make money; innovating, producing, and delivering products or services that people will buy do this.  When demand for the product or service is high, companies hire more employees.  When demand is declining, companies reduce their workforce. So, what can the President do to increase that demand?  Can a leader from any political party create jobs?

If you follow John Maynard Keynes’s theory, you may believe that government can create jobs by spending money, similar to the stimulus plan of 2009.  To make an impact, the spending would need to be $1.5 to $2 trillion (yes with a T!).  The overwhelming government debt would be another issue entirely.   Then we hear the flipside: If government reduces taxes and regulations, companies would be empowered to innovate and produce products/services that lead to growth and jobs.  With the reduction in taxes and regulations, there is also a reduction in the size of government (less government jobs).  Our government employs more than 2 million civilian workers. Of course, there is no large job recovery, if our leaders take the middle ground.

Those are the big picture philosophies.  Then we dig into actual job plans.  Some recommend expanding trade and global commerce by expanding free trade agreements with South Korea, Columbia, etc.  Then we read the strong arguments of how free trade (especially with countries like China) represents a huge trade deficit - and a major cut into US jobs.  Take a look at energy.  Opening up drilling in the U.S. is a popular mantra and some say that would produce more than 750,000 jobs.  And, the opposing position believes green regulations are the answer to bring on the next great wave of U.S. innovation. One idea that appears to be less controversial than others is to increase the promotion of U.S. tourism.  The U.S. Chamber of Commerce thinks this may produce 1.3 million jobs by 2020.

This article is a very basic look at how the President can impact jobs, as well as how our government as a whole can create jobs. We just want to get you thinking. What should each of us do?  Follow the race to the White House.  Be an educated voter.  Take care of your personal economic situation.  In a down economy, dedicate yourself to learning new skills, continuously network, and perhaps broaden your scope when considering employment opportunities. 

I want to hear from you.  How do you think the President and Congress can create jobs?  What should they do to create jobs?   

]]>Résumé Help: Structure Is the First Stephttp://careersdonewrite.com/blog/resume-help-structure-is-the-first-step.htmlDebra Wheatman2012-02-07T00:38:02Z2012-02-07T00:38:02ZWhen you read this candidate’s résumé, it’s frustrating to follow.  Many readers would stop after the first glance.  The document has three different fonts and multiple font sizes.  It’s also full of inconsistent spacing, both vertically and horizontally.  The biggest issue to address is the structure.  In this candidate’s case, the order should be:

Name

Contact Information

Profile Statement

Professional Experience

  • Company Name (Dates)
  • Job Title
  • Overview of Responsibilities
  • Strongest Achievements in a Bulleted Format

Volunteer Experience

Education

Computer Skills

In the candidate’s original résumé, the job titles and duties were separated from the company names and dates. It is confusing for the reader. Also, the résumé is lacking major achievements.  This document gives the impression that the candidate is unorganized, lacks attention to detail, and unaccomplished.  A re-organized structure, a well-written profile, and the addition of bullets with major achievements will take this candidate from the trash folder to the interview list.

For more tips on improving your résumé, review these blog entries: Résumé Help: Sales and Marketing Job, Objective and Summary Format and Average Résumé s Don’t Get Job Offers

If you would like a résumé critique, please contact Debra Wheatman at debra@careersdonewrite.com or visit us at http://careersdonewrite.com. The Résumé Help blog appears weekly on Mondays.

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