Your Resume is an important part of your armory when looking for a job.Avoid these 15 Resume Writing Mistakes to ensure you snare you next position.

Your Resume has to look good and be as close as possible to the job description to get you through to the next stage. As one of the first documents that someone will ask for to represent your capabilities, your Resume should be completed with focus, time and care. Resume Writing can often be the difference between securing an interview for your jobs applied, and not making the initial cut.

If you’re guilty of any of the Resume Writing mistakes below, you’re probably costing yourself some great interviews:

1. Bad formatting

Your Resume should be formatted perfectly. It should be consistent throughout in terms of bullets, text and margins. Your Resume should be readable on a mobile device as well as on a computer screen; so ensure it displays perfectly for both. Saving it as a PDF is a great way to ensure it is easy to read on tablets and phones. There is no excuse for untidy, inconsistent formatting. Check once, and then double-check this!

2. No contact details

These should be clear, correct and visible. Perhaps they could be in a header to ensure they are easy to find if the pages are not kept together.

3. Too many pages

The ideal length of a Resume is two pages.

4. Jam-packed paragraphs

Your Resume should be split up clearly with bullet points. HR professionals and recruiters want to read the relevant information quickly and easily, and will not waste hours reading through long scripts.

5. Hidden information

Your Resume needs to match as closely as possible to the job description or job requirements. Often Resume’s are selected via key words so the words that appear on your ideal job description should also (if you have the experience) appear on your Resume.

6. A rush-job

Rushing to produce a Resume without really thinking through and analyzing what it is that you want to do next. Take your time to analyse yourself; self-awareness and knowing what you want and are suited to should be your first step before producing your Resume.

Real freedom to choose and some control over what you now want must involve some self-awareness work first. My book What to do next? is a practical exercise book which can help you with this (available on Amazon).

7. Wordy profile statement

Your profile statement needs to be short, strong, snappy and not generic. They need to be objective. In one or two sentences summarise and emphasise your key attributes, experience and your intended future career path.

8. No summary of skills

These should be clearly visible, don’t hide them. Some people like the top part of their Resume to look like a snap shot of your experience. Your skills should be bulleted and separated and can appear under your profile statement so the reader can quickly see them.

9. Inconsistent, incorrect tenses

I often see Resumes where the starting word is in the wrong tense. If you are currently working there, it should read, for example: Reviewing, Liaising etc. If, however, it is a previous role, it should read: Reviewed, Liaised. It’s an obvious one, but I see it on almost every Resume that crosses my desk.

Perhaps this is because people update their CV as they go, and don’t necessarily go back to change old roles.

10. Overuse of one particular word

Again a regular mistake that I see. People often have one word that they repeat over and over again watch out for this, it is often the first word of your responsibility bullet points. Ask a couple of people to read through and check your Resume for you.

11. Omitting relevant qualifications/training/courses

Often people miss internal training or courses that they have done in the past. List all of them.

12. Failure to quantify things

A great way to add strength to your bullet points is to add numbers and percentages. What did you do, what was the outcome, can you quantify it?

13. Unorganised bullet points

I prefer Resume’s that have clear bullet points for each position. They can be easily read and are clear. Even within those bullet points think about which ones are at the top. The first two bullet points position you. Think about which are most impressive or most relevant to the job you are applying to and put them first.

14. Lack of tailoring

For those good important jobs that you really want make sure you tweak your Resume and pull out the most relevant experience and information that you can. Change the order of bullets, add figures. Go through the job specification and match your CV as closely as you can to it. Take time over this.

15. No references

Have them. Either references on request or list the names of two individuals you have asked at the bottom of your Resume.

Fixing these problems in your Resume will help a great deal with your job search, however, you should also make sure your social media profiles match the calibre of your Resume. Make sure your Linked In profile gets just as much attention.

The two will work together and these days both need to be strong. Also, be careful not to use too much jargon and simplify your language where possible. Some industry jargon is necessary for keyword searches, but try to stay away from inter-company jargon all over your Resume it will only alienate the reader.

Finally, don’t forget to do your research. Find out as much as you can about the company you’re applying for; the culture, job description, their social media presence. Try to gain a true understanding of what they are looking for before you apply.

Decide then if that is what you want and if the answer is yes, tailor your Resume with your relevant experience and attributes to match that. Avoiding these Resume Writing Mistakes will no doubt increase your success in securing an interview for more of the jobs you want.

Want some advice? Click to obtain a free Resume Review from one of our Recruitment Advisors and see how your Resume stacks up to our 15 Resume Writing Mistakes.

This common interview question can feel like a smack in the face. It can catch you off guard, put you on the spot and make you feel exceedingly uncomfortable. Think about why the recruiter is asking this interview question. Essentially, he is saying: “Why should we choose you over other candidates?” Or: “What do you bring to the table that other applicants do not?”

These questions are not easy questions to answer. After all, you probably don’t know who the competing candidates are or what their qualifications are. You have to make your best guess based on current and past experiences and what you know of colleagues in your field.

Whichever approach you use to answer this question, keep your response positive. There is no need to even mention other candidates and what you imagine their backgrounds to be. That can be a major turnoff to an employer, because you’re making assumptions, and it makes you sound negative.

Given that, how can you move away from dumbstruck to deliver a clever response?

Focus on a problem you know or imagine the employer has. You only want to do this if you’re pretty certain you can help with it if you were to be hired. For example, if you know the company is trying to sell products within a new market segment – health care, for example – and you have experience in that industry, emphasize your expert knowledge of the industry, key players and that you can leverage your contacts to help them grow this part of their business.

You can also be more general if you have trouble coming up with something that tangible. If you created a spreadsheet or database to log information at one of your jobs, and it saved colleagues a lot of time, this shows you have an ability to recognize issues and solve them.

Beyond giving the example, tell them why you enjoy and are good at devising creative solutions to business problems. Don’t make them infer that you’d do that at their office too – tell them they would benefit from this skill!

Describe what makes you unique. Think about what your colleagues say about you. Maybe you’re the go-to person for certain types of work or seen as an expert in a particular area. Share this information with confidence, and offer a specific example to demonstrate why you are viewed this way.

When you give them an example, you’re showing employers how you could apply this characteristic to a similar situation in their firms. It gives them situational context rather than just a statement to go on.

Discuss your track record. If you choose this route, you don’t want to pose as a braggart. The goal here is to relate how a specific thing you’ve done proves that you can achieve the company’s goals.

Perhaps you’ve improved customer service levels and enabled your current company to retain and build its customer base. Tell the interviewer about this accomplishment in detail, and add that you can do the same for his company. Make sure the example you choose relates to a goal the prospective employer might have.

Showcase your qualifications. While specific examples from the workplace are best, emphasizing qualifications can help you stand out if you are in a market where you know the qualifications they seek are lacking.

For example, the company may have listed in the job description or stated during the interview that it prefers someone with a master’s degree for the role. Don’t just say you have a master’s and that you know it’s hard to find in this geographical area. Tell them how you’ve applied knowledge from your degree in a work setting or how you will be able to do so in this specific role. This shows you are forward-thinking and focused on contributing your knowledge to improve the company’s operations.

Prepping for this question ahead of time will help you be less surprised when it pops up in an interview. Remember to focus on specific examples and emphasize how you’d use your background or qualifications in this new setting to help the company achieve its goals.

Avoid comparing yourself to others, and focus on what benefits you offer. This will help keep your answer positive. You want to present yourself as a confident, motivated candidate, and the way to do that is to share what you can do, rather than what you think your competition can or cannot do. That, after all, is why they should hire you.

Hopefully these interview tips helpful in your career.

Do you know how to sell yourself in an interview? Have you found yourself freezing up? Have you ever had a question where you have not been able to work out what the interviewer was asking – or you could give an answer, but didn’t know if it was the right one? Here are top 10 interview tips for this month. As someone said on Twitter, these are not rocket science, but timely reminders of the basics:

1) Research the organization:

Everyone gets nervous in an interview. It’s a big occasion and you should be nervous. However, if you start with some thorough research, you start to build a case in your own mind of why you should be sitting in that interview room or in front of a panel. Having some confidence is a solid first step to overcoming nerves.

You can tell a lot about an employer from the employment pages of their website. Things such as the values they have, how easy it is to find out about potential jobs and their responses to you when you apply, can all tell you about the way they handle their recruitment.

This in turn may reflect what it’s like to work there. If it’s friendly and easy to apply for a job, then chances are they have given some thought to why you would want to work for them.

The web is a such wealth of facts, but what you need to do, is turn this into information. You can look at annual reports, media releases and product and service information. Online directories have company information and Google indexes the latest media news and references from other sources.

If a career page has an email contact for an employee, and invites contact, then do it. Often companies will use testimonials that way to attract new people. Use sites such as LinkedIn to research companies.

When you look for this information, you are not just looking for a set of unrelated facts. You should be looking for reasons that you want to work for that employer.

You’ll really impress the interviewer if you find some simple yet compelling reasons as to why you want to work for the employer and what appeals to you about the role.

2) Research the role:

One thing that constantly surprises me is that how few people really have any understanding of the role that they are applying for. Job advertisements are partly to blame for this. They are often misleading.

The person writing the advert is often not the person that you’ll be reporting to. Things always sound different on paper compared to what you will be doing in the role.

One of my clients recently applied for a job in the public sector. The position description said:

Building effective communication strategies with a variety of stakeholders and colleagues to ensure information exchanges are timely, accurate and useful.

This is what this statement meant:

Providing advice to staff and students on the status of their research applications.

If you see something like the above, try to talk to someone who knows about the role. A good question to ask is “what does a typical day or week look like?” Once you know what’s expected of you, preparing for the interview is instantly easier.

Also important is a real insight into the role and the recruitment process. Dig deeper than the advertisement. Put a call through if a contact number is provided. You can find out which of the skills that the employer requires are the priority.

You can determine what you can do without and importantly you can start to make yourself known (in a good way) to your future employer. Even if the advertisement doesn’t invite it, you can still contact the recruiter. If there are no contact details, be scrupulously polite, it usually means the employers are expecting a deluge of applications.

Ask them questions about the recruitment process, what the steps are, how long each step takes, and whether they’ve had many applicants. You’d be surprised at the information you’ll receive if you sound polite and interested.

3) Research yourself:

Employers want you to be self-aware. Have a long hard look at what you have achieved, the way you have achieved that result and the skills you developed or demonstrated along the way.

This type of reflection helps you understand your strengths. It gives you confidence and helps you overcome nerves.

4) Interviewer insight:

No two interview processes are the same. Depending on the organization and the role, you could be interviewed by a recruitment consultant, the HR department, the line manager, all three individually, or any combination.

Each will have a different agenda for the interview. This is important to remember as your approach with each should be slightly different.

The recruitment consultant is always the first screener. Their role is to match you to the employer’s requirements and sell you as an applicant. The consultant establishes their credibility with each good candidate they put forward to the employer.

Take time to woo them, even if you think they don’t know their stuff (as is a common criticism). Their role is essentially a sales one: to sell you the job and, if they believe you are right for the role, to sell you to their client. Make the consultant’s role easier by focusing on your strengths and achievements and point out why you are a good match.

The HR consultant is usually the recruitment procedural expert. One of their jobs is to ensure the organization meets its legal requirements. They often set up the recruitment process and have a strong attachment to ensuring it is working. It’s a safe bet that you will face a more structured interview from them, than you will from a line manager.

They are often the employer’s first screener and may need to sell you further, depending on their position and influence within the organization.

The line manager will be the person who is most concerned about finding someone for the role. They may be a person down or not meeting their organization’s objectives by being understaffed. In the interview, it will be the line manager who has the greatest sense of urgency about filling the role.

Focus on your workplace achievements when fielding their questions. Work hard to build rapport with them. They will be assessing your fit for their team.

It may sound obvious but treat each interviewer as if they don’t talk to each other and know anything about you. You’d be amazed at how little communication sometimes goes on between each party.

5) Practice:

Most organizations now use behavioral questions – which means they will be expecting you to provide specific examples of where you have demonstrated the skill they are seeking.

I strongly suggest practicing for an interview and seeking professional help. A professional is skilled at drawing examples out of you and finessing the ones you already have. However never memorize your lines as you can never predict all the recruiters will ask.

Memorizing answers will make you stressed in the interview if you can’t recall what you want to say. Worse, you may even not be answering the questions the interviewer asks.

6) Build rapport:

Be friendly. People like that!

One of the best ways to relax is to assume the interviewer is on your side. Good interviewers are not interested in tripping you up. In fact, most of them are on your side, or are at the very least they will be approaching the interview in a professional manner. It may even help to you to relax if you think of the interviewer as someone who wants you to do your best

7) Give yourself time:

Leave plenty of time to get to the interview. Rushing breeds panic. No matter what excuse you have, tardiness is noted. It creates a negative impression and it puts you behind immediately. Allowing waiting time for an interview gives you time to compose yourself, gather your thoughts and be mentally prepared.

8) Please be yourself:

Be yourself. You will be doing yourself no favors if you try and suppress your personality, or pretend to be something that you aren’t.

9) Relax:

While you think this may be the perfect job for you, it may be not. There are other jobs out there. If you keep this in mind then you’ll remove some pressure from yourself that this is your only chance to perform.

If you think the interview is going badly, relax and use it as practice for the next one. You never know, you could even recover if you take this approach.

10) An insider’s tip:

The interview is just the formal means of assessing your suitability as a candidate. However, you are not just assessed there. Each interaction you have with your future employer feeds into the bigger picture of their impression of you.

Use this knowledge. Be polite and friendly with whomever you meet in the process from the very first phone call to the last goodbye to the receptionist on your way out.

Interviews can be daunting. Here’s another blatant plug. When it comes to interviewing skills, practice with a professional does make perfect. These are just a few interview tips that can help you land the job you want.

A new job is a priority for many jobseekers at the start of the year. In fact, our research shows over half of Australian workers consider a career change during this period. And this phenomena isn’t isolated to Australia. We also see a jump in job interest among other countries where Indeed has sites. This surge in jobseeker activity means that it’s a great time for all employers to post a job. And even as searches grew in January, it’s important to remember that any time of year is good for finding the perfect candidate.

But what professions are people actually searching for? Let’s take a quick tour around Indeed’s global job search data to find out what’s trending and where. Below are some of the fastest growing searches we saw at the end of 2016:

Australia

Australia saw tremendous growth in searches for nurses and teachers, two professions facing serious shortages. The 627.4% growth in searches for nursing jobs is one of the largest trends we identified. Nurses are one of the top jobs listed on the Australian National Skill shortage list. It’s a promising sign to see jobseeker interest growing so rapidly in this understaffed field.

We identified another surge in searches for data scientist. A job where we see interest on the rise, not only in AU, but in many countries. There is also new interest in transportation jobs, which may not be a surprise when you consider that in Western Australia train drivers can make over $100,000 AUD, making them among highest paid in the world.

Belgium

The largest spike among jobseekers (110%) in Belgium is for dietitian jobs. This is not a surprising trend coming from a country known for their chocolate, waffle, fries and beer. Many western countries experience a diet and fitness fads around the start of the new year, but Belgium is experiencing the most drastic growth in job interest for this field globally. This could be a labour market reaction to the the 172,000 tons of chocolate produced annually in Belgium.

Belgium is also seeing similar growth in nursing, education and tech roles. However, growth in searches for “occupational therapist” is particularly strong in Belgium. This growth makes sense considering the makeup of the Belgian workforce. Over half the Belgian population works in the service industry, a sector prone to cause physical stress or exertion. Another hypothesis for this trend is driven by the aging population. Occupational therapists can help older people recover from various illnesses through activities designed to stimulate their physical cognitive processes.

France

France is showing strong growth in some caring professions: special education teachers and nurses in particular. However, we don’t see quite the same massive increases we are observing in some countries. Still the 174.9% jump in searches for “special education teacher” is a big trend in France. The French education system provides free education to children from preschool to high school and some college equivalent training. Recruiters from private medical clinics or individual schools should take note of this growing interest should they need to hire special education teachers.

Financial controllers are ……………………………

Germany

Germany saw massive growth in English translator jobs. This surge (899.9%) is the largest global trend we’ve identified in jobseeker behaviour during the period of this analysis. Europe is experiencing unprecedented streams of refugees streaming in from Syria, North Africa and Middle East. Syria alone has sent over 300,000 refugees into Germany.  Since migrants are more likely to speak English than German as a second language, this spike in interest may represent an effort to overcome the shortage of Arabic-German translators.

There was also a triple-digit increase in interest for engineering jobsanical and software engineering jobs…………………………….

Ireland

In Ireland the number of people searching for “model” saw 242.5% growth in the last quarter of 2016. Our analysis didn’t uncover anything like this spike in interest anywhere else—it’s unique to the Emerald Isle. Most of the people who search for ‘model’ click on fashion model jobs at media and marketing companies, as well as staffing agencies and talent vendors.

There was also strong interest in process engineer jobs, which may be (slightly) less glamorous but are needed across many industries due to the widely applicable skill set. Process engineers can be found in multiple sectors ranging from agricultural to pharmaceutical to software engineering. There was also close to a 100% spike in the number of people searching for work as Spanish teachers, more than any other language or type of educator.

United Kingdom

Meanwhile in the U.K., one job with strong growth was related to helping other people get jobs — ”job coach.” The surge of interest in “smart metering” is also interesting. As more and more ordinary devices are connected to the internet, traditional jobs evolve to account for this technological change, and the interest from jobseekers shows that many are increasingly aware of the demand for new skills. The dark side of technology has also had an impact, as we saw more than 100% growth in searches for cybersecurity jobs, suggesting that jobseekers with the right skills are paying close attention to the headlines and know how much these skills are in demand.

United States

Over the past few years, we’ve observed the explosion of jobs requiring technical skills and the struggle by employer to fill those roles. Fortunately, jobseekers are showing growing interest in many tech roles. Ruby developer experienced a staggering 656.1% jump in searches by jobseekers. As is the 557.2% spike in searches for “UX designer.” These two jobs are among the fastest growing searches on Indeed.

The 191.0% growth in search for “devops engineer” is promising for the tech industry. According to our research, that is the tech role with the 2nd worst supply vs.demand mismatch and ranked 3rd for employer demand. However, we also see some strong growth in jobs that require less technical skills. For instance, welder fabricator requires only a high school diploma and training, but pays well above minimum wage.

It’s a great time to post a job

These are some of the jobs that we saw trending as we entered 2017, and it will be interesting to see which professions are on the rise as the year gets underway. This surge in jobseeker activity means that it’s a good time for all employers to post a job. And even as searches grew in January, it’s important to remember that any time of year is good for finding the perfect candidate.

Article Source 

Global Spotlight: What Jobs Are Trending Across the World?

Wondering how to Create a Resume that stands out, gets interviews, beats the competition?

Our Employment Advisers have compiled a list of 5 Ways to Create a Resume that will make the Cut!!!

• Be Visually Appealing

Creating a visually appealing resume is a great way to stand out from the rest, most resumes follow a precise structure, using colors, and restructuring the no-nonsense structure of the traditional resume is something to explore during a resume makeover. There are an abundance of ways to get creative with your resumes. Remember that the point is to showcase your creativity, not overwhelm the recruiter. Limit the range of colors that you use, do not allow the visual to distract from content.

• Incorporate Important Keywords

Understanding how to use keywords is not reserved for SEO work alone, keywords are important in the structure and wording of your resume. Identify words that will resonate in the recruiter’s mind by visiting the organization website, and doing as much research as possible through social media platforms like LinkedIn. Reread the job description and research leaders within the organization in order to understand their vision and the terms that will help you to not only get noticed but to do so in a way that your potential employer will value.

• Make Your Resume Adaptable

Making your resume adaptable means ensuring that it is easier to modify for different positions, with different requirements. Sending the same resume is something that should be avoided as much as possible.
Use formats that allow you to easily go in and to shift the focus from one skill or requirement over the other.

• Use Social Media to Your Advantage

Social Media is a great way to build an amazing personal brand, which can create incredible opportunities for you, especially if you have successfully grown a large network. Using LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter professionally is just the tip of the iceberg.
Using a larger platform, like a blog, to provide solutions in your industry is a great way to market yourself as an expert in your industry. In order to build a powerful brand, understand what personal branding is, and learn from those who have mastered the skill.

• Remain Focused

Through your resume, your mission is to convince the recruiter that you are not just a great fit for the position, you are the best option. In order to do this, make the time to understand not only the position but the capacity in which the organization has directed previous employees in the past.

Times New Roman as a font for your Resume might cost you your next job.
While resume font choice may seem trivial, experts say it’s actually pretty important. A bad font can take the focus off the accomplishments you’ve listed.

“A reader may not arrive at the content if your font if too distracting, ” Samantha Howie, senior human resources recruiter at the New York-based Maximum Management Corp., told the Huffington Post. “The key is that we can read it with ease.”

Drawing upon Howie’s recruiting expertise and tips from a typeface expert, we’ve composed a definitive list of the best fonts to use on your resume. Spoiler alert: The days of using Times News Roman have come to an end.

Modern. Tasteful. Professional. Interesting. “Calibri really does it for me — it’s my personal favorite, ” Howie said. “It’s clear, readable, straightforward but not lacking in personality.” In Microsoft Office 2007, Calibri replaced Times New Roman as the default typeface in Word and replaced Arial as the default typeface in PowerPoint and Excel.

“It’s a no-fuss typeface that has a timeless feel to it, ” Hoff said. Howie mentioned that Helvetica is popular at the recruiting firm where she works.

“It has the same positive attributes as Garamond, but for me doesn’t feel as dated because it is less curvy, ” Howie said of this font. However, Hoff said that Georgia tends to appeal more on the Web than it does in print. So if you’re going to distribute hard copies of your resume, think twice about Georgia.

Howie approves of this widely popular font, calling it a “safe bet.” Typeface expert Brian Hoff, creative designer at Brian Hoff Design, agrees. “It’s very neutral, ” he told Huffinton Post. “It’s clean but doesn’t have much of a way about it.”

For an elegant feel, Garamond is the one. “Garamond is very readable, ” Howie told Huffington Post. “But for me, it feels a little bit old fashioned, or perhaps not as corporate.”

Of course, some typefaces are absolute negatives. Comic Sans, for one, should never be considered, according to the experts we interviewed.
“Comic Sans was literally created for comic books, ” Hoff said.

“In the professional word, it is totally inappropriate, ” Howie added.
Times New Roman, a font praised by high school English teachers across the country, is not so warmly received in the professional world, either.

“It’s telegraphing that you didn’t put any thought into the typeface that you selected, ” Hoff told Bloomberg News earlier this year. “It’s like putting on sweatpants.”

The consensus: Be interesting but not too playful. Be professional but not basic. Be modern but not extravagant. Moderation is key when it comes to resume fonts.

6 Tips for Writing an Effective Resume

Hiring managers and recruiters alike say they’ve seen more poorly written resumes cross their desks more often than ever before. Attract more interview offers and ensure your resume doesn’t eliminate you from consideration by following these six key tips to writing an Effective Resume:

1. Replace your Objective” with a “Career Summary”

A Career Summary is designed to give a brief overview of who you are and what you do. Most Objectives sound similar: Seeking a challenging, interesting position in X where I can use my skills of X, Y, and Z to contribute to the bottom line. Not telling at all.

• Spend time developing a summary that immediately gets their attention, and accurately and powerfully describes you as a solution to their problems
• Grab a hiring manager’s attention right from the beginning, remembering you have only 25 few seconds to make a good impression
• Spend time developing a summary that immediately gets their attention, and accurately and powerfully describes you as a solution to their problems

2. Cater Your Resume for the Industry

Unlike advertising and design professionals who have greater creative license in designing their resume for those fields, the mechanical engineering industry won’t be impressed and may be turned off by distinctive resume design.

• Err on the side of being conservative stylistically
• Your accomplishments, error-free writing, grammatically-correct, clean, crisp type and paper will make the impression for you

3. Quantify Your Accomplishments

Q: What’s the most common resume mistake?

A: Making too many general claims and using too much industry jargon that does not market the candidate. A resume is a marketing document designed to sell your skills and strengths rather than just portray a bio of the candidate.

• Include and highlight specific achievements that present a comprehensive picture of your marketability
• Quantify your achievements to ensure greater confidence in the hiring manager and thereby generate interest percentages, dollars, number of employees, etc.
• Work backward to quantify your accomplishments by asking, If I had not done X, what could have happened?

4. Identify Accomplishments not Just Job Descriptions

Hiring managers, especially in technical fields like engineering, seek candidates that can help them solve a problem or satisfy a need within their company. Consequently, you can’t be a solution to their problems without stating how you solved similar problems in other companies and situations.

• Focus on what you did in the job, NOT what your job was there’s a difference
• Include a one or two top line job description first, then list your accomplishments
• For each point ask yourself, What was the benefit of having done what I did?
• Accomplishments should be unique to you, not just a list of what someone else did
• Avoid using the generic descriptions of the jobs you originally applied for or held

5. Format Your Resume Wisely “Do the Hiring Managers” Work for Them

No matter how well written, your resume won’t get a thorough reading the first time through. Generally a resume gets scanned for 25 seconds. Scanning is more difficult if it is hard to read, poorly organized or exceeds two pages.

• Use a logical format and wide margins, clean type and clear headings
• Selectively apply bold and italic typeface that help guide the reader’s eye
• Use bullets to call attention to important points (i.e. accomplishments)

6. Network. Network. Network.

For unemployed candidates, handing out resumes should be a full-time job. The majority of mid- to senior-level positions are filled through networking, so contact absolutely everyone you know in addition to recruiters who are in a position to hire you or share insights. Networking can include

• Personal business contacts, people you’ve worked for or who worked for you
• Vendors and sales representatives you’ve dealt with in the past five years
• People listed in the alumni directory of your alma mater

With a solid resume in hand you’ll greatly increase your odds of earning a closer look and getting that interview.

Craving for more effective resume techniques? Let Complete Staff Solutions partner with you to review and update your Resume and Application Letters to cut through the rest, just

In the market for a new job? You’ve probably been given standard tips for job seekers like “pursue your passions, ” “leverage your network, ” “tailor and tidy up your resume, ” “do your homework, ” and “dress for success”—among other things.

Here are 10 unconventional (but very effective) tips for job seekers:

1. Don’t apply for a job as soon as you find it. The worst part about job hunting is the dreaded scrolling of an online job board, applying for job after job, and never hearing back, Adney says. “When you find a job online that you’re really interested in, applying is the last thing you should do. Instead, research that company and the professionals who work there, and reach out to someone at the company before you apply for the job, letting them know you admire what they do and would love their advice.” Then, ask questions via e-mail or phone about what they like and find challenging at their job, and ask if they have any tips for you. “Most likely they will personally tell you about the job opening (you should not mention it) and then you can ask them about getting your application and resume into the right hands, ” she says. “It is a great way to keep your applications from getting lost in the black hole of the Internet.”
2. Don’t focus on finding a job you love now. Don’t obsess about how much you’ll enjoy a particular job on day one, Newport says. Most entry-level positions are not glamorous. “The right question to ask when assessing an opportunity is what the job would look like in five years, assuming that you spent those years focusing like a laser on developing valuable skills. That’s the job you’re interviewing for.”
3. Create your position. Don’t just sit around waiting for your “dream job” to open. Study the industry or field that you’re looking to move into, and determine a company or two that you’d like to work for, Hockett says. “Then figure out their challenges through relationships or public information. With this, you can craft a solution for them that you can share directly or publically through a blog, for instance. The concept here is to get noticed through offering a solution to help them with no expectation of anything in return.”
4. Be vulnerable. It’s okay to ask people for advice! “Too often we think we have to sell ourselves as this know-it-all hot-shot to get a job, but I have found the best way to build relationships with people whom you’d like to work with (or for) is to start by being vulnerable, sharing your admiration for their work, and asking for advice, ” Adney says. “I recommend doing this with professionals at companies you’d love to work for, long before they have a job opening you apply for.”
5. Don’t always follow your passion. “Follow your passion” is one of the most common pieces of career wisdom, says Cal Newport, author of So Good They Can’t Ignore You: Why Skills Trump Passion in the Quest for Work You Love. “It’s also wrong.” If you study people who end up loving their work, most of them did not follow a pre-existing passion, he says. “Instead, their passion for the work developed over time as they got better at what they did and took more control over their career.”
6. Start at the top and move down. We learned from Chris Gardner (played by Will Smith) in The Pursuit of Happyness (the biographical film based on Gardner’s life) that you need to start from the top and move down. “Why approach human resources in hopes that your resume makes it to the hiring authority?” Parnell says. “Just get it there yourself. Be careful to use tact, respect, and clarity during the process, but nevertheless, go straight to the decision-maker.”
7. Learn how to listen. Job seekers are so caught up in conveying a certain message and image to the employer that they often fail to listen.  When you practicing for interviews, don’t just rehearse your answers to questions like, “can you tell me about yourself?” “why do you want this job?” and “what are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?” Practice listening carefully and closely without interrupting.
8. Focus on body language. You’ve probably heard this before—but job candidates don’t take it seriously enough. “”Body language is incredibly important in job interviews, ” “Watching yours (posture, your hands, whether or not you’re relaxed, confidence) will help you exude confidence, ” “Meanwhile paying attention to the interviewer’s body language can let you gauge whether or not you’re on the right track.””
9. Build a relationship with the administrative assistant. While you want to start at the top (see No. 5), you’ll eventually want to build strategic relationships with personnel at all levels.
10. Become their greatest fan. Once you find a company you’d love to work for, become their biggest fan. ““Becoming a brand loyalist may lead to becoming an employee, ” Organizations ideally want employees to love their company and be enthusiastic about their job. Loyal fans are passionate as consumers, and often make great employees because of this.

Seeking more job search advice? Please visit our website today.

If time spent writing your CV is really just time spent staring at a blank screen, you’re not alone, we’ve been there too.

There are no two ways about it – condensing all of your skills and experience into one slick document can be challenging. We aren’t born knowing how to write a great CV, so it’s up to you to find out for yourself how to get the basics right. From font size and format to photos and filling in the gaps, there is a certain etiquette that should rarely be broken. Recruiters and employers receive constant streams of applications – don’t let a basic mistake send yours straight to the bottom of the pack.

Here are the answers to 11 crucial questions regarding your CV.

1. How long should a CV be?

When it comes to length, try to think of your CV as a tasty appetizer that will get people coming back for more. It should be around 2 pages long to ensure that you get your message across quickly, without dragging on like an old encyclopedia, boring employers and recruiters.

If you feel your experience is as good as gold (and listing it all will make you a shoe-in for the job), don’t worry too much about going over. Just be sure to keep it at 3 pages or less.

2. What do employers look for in a CV?

They want someone who has the right skills and knowledge to do the job at hand, so these need to come across in your CV. If you have the exact experience they are looking for, make sure it is clear – don’t make them have to read between the lines or join the dots. Spell everything out for them. If you don’t have the perfect profile for the role but know you can do it, highlight your transferrable skills. It’s always important to research your target roles beforehand to find out exactly what they are looking for in an applicant.

3. What font should I use in my CV?

The saying ‘keep it simple stupid’ exists for a reason and is definitely a principle that applies here. Forget cursive text that makes your CV look like an excerpt from Tom Riddle’s diary, and best you steer clear of Webdings altogether. Nice symbols, though. Use a simple font that looks professional and is easy for recruiters and employers to read. Size matters too – you can’t go wrong if you stick around the 10/12pt mark.

4. Should I include a photo on my CV?

Generally speaking, your best Blue Steel needn’t grace its presence on your CV. Unless you are applying for an acting or modelling job (which would most likely specifically request photographs), there is no need to include one on your CV. It will take up space that could be better used with text that demonstrates the value of hiring you. Show them how you’re so much more than just a pretty face.

5. Do I include all of my experience on my CV?

You should include all of your experience on your CV for transparency, but older or irrelevant roles can be shortened down to brief summaries. All of your previous roles were NOT created equal. It is important to bring out the most relevant points and let other bits take the backseat.

6. Should I include my date of birth on my CV?

Age is only a number, right? Employers do not make recruitment decisions based on a candidate’s age, so there’s no need to include your date of birth.

7. Should I hide employment gaps on my CV?

Take the guesswork out of your CV. You don’t want recruiters or employers scratching their heads trying to fill the gaps themselves, so if you have long periods of unemployment you should be up front and explain them. Keep this short and sweet. After all, it’s just to let them know what was keeping you occupied during that time. Ideally use constructive reasons such as personal projects, study or travelling.

8. Should I include interests on my CV?

As a general rule, only include interests if they are relevant to the roles you are applying for and will make a positive impact on your applications. If you feel including your passions or pastimes adds to the profile you want to show your employer, put them in, but don’t get too carried away. Always keep it as professional as possible.

9. Do I need a cover letter?

Typing a persuasive, personalized cover letter shows you are serious about your career and the opportunity. It should paint a clear picture of who you are and what you are looking for, and why you want to engage in further conversation.

10. Should I include references in my CV?

Employers won’t contact references until they have intentions of potentially offering you the job. You don’t need to list them on your CV. Instead, a one-liner like ‘references available upon request’ will do the trick.

11. What if I have no experience?

Everyone has to start somewhere, so no need to worry if this sounds like you. This is where you need to bring out everything you have done, that will set you up for success in the working world. Think training, education, high school pursuits, extra projects, charity or volunteer work, etc.

Every year around this time, many people approach the new year with a sense of optimism and determination, vowing to make a number of life changes and self-improvements. Healthy food is consumed, gym parking lots are full and everyone is at their best. Unfortunately, by late January, most have already fallen off the wagon and abandoned their new year’s resolutions.

According to a study by the University of Sydney, 92 percent of all new year’s resolutions fail. How is it possible that so many good intentions can fall through the cracks? Psychology professor Paul Herman describes this as the “false hope syndrome.” Herman points out that most people fail because their resolutions aren’t realistic. They underestimate the difficulty of the task and the time required to accomplish it. There are a number of approaches one can take that may not guarantee success, but can certainly increase the odds. Let’s look at a few tips that will help you achieve your resolutions and set you up for career success in the new year.

Don’t make resolutions you can’t control

Perhaps your new year’s resolution is to get a promotion at work. You’ve been with the company for several years, gained the necessary skills and experience, and proven your interest and determination. Unfortunately, a part of this resolution is beyond your control. Maybe there are no current job openings. Maybe there’s another candidate who is equally qualified, or perhaps more so. Maybe they’ll be offered the position, but they won’t be a good fit and it will be offered to you the following year. While it’s good to have career goals and continue to work toward them, hinging your resolution on something that is ultimately someone else’s decision can leave you feeling a sense of failure, even though you did everything required to succeed.

Don’t bite off more than you can chew

Just because it’s a new year and you’re looking to make some positive changes, presumably your everyday responsibilities won’t change. You’ll still have the same commitments you had last year – to your wife or husband, to your kids, to your employer, to your friends. Therefore, keep these commitments in mind when making your resolutions, and try to keep them realistic. Instead of vowing to get a degree or a certification, start by just taking one class. Each small step will move you closer to your larger goal. Celebrate your success by reaching small goals – don’t regret your failure by not reaching big ones.

Take baby steps

Whatever your resolution may be, look at it with a micro view, not a macro one. Work small steps into your daily or weekly routine, and don’t expect to knock out large portions at once. If your goal is to read a book about a new subject or for a course you’re taking, focus on reading one or two pages a night, not on finishing the book in a week or two. There’s nothing wrong with starting small, and if you find you have more time in your schedule than you anticipated, you can always increase your efforts. On the other hand, taking on too much to begin with will only cause stress and frustration, and will most likely leave you feeling overwhelmed and defeated.

Set a realistic timeframe

A common reason that new year’s resolutions fail is the lack of an appropriate timeframe. Not setting a target date invites procrastination, and while there may be several months left in the year, an “I’ll get to it when I have time” attitude can easily lead to unmet goals and feelings of failure. Likewise, setting a target date that’s too soon can lead to similar frustration. Choose a date that’s realistic for completing your resolution, and that will allow you to balance the extra work with your daily schedule. Once it’s set, hold yourself accountable. Ensure you’re taking the necessary steps on a regular basis to achieve your goal on the chosen date. While some resolutions may benefit from a partner who can hold you accountable (like a workout buddy), in the end, no one will celebrate your success or regret your failure more than you.

Only choose goals that are important

This sounds like a no-brainer, but some people feel they MUST have a new year’s resolution or they just aren’t improving. There’s really no shame in not having a resolution. Most resolutions fail simply because people just don’t care enough to follow through. If it’s not something that’s important to you, skip it this year and start thinking of a resolution for next year that you’re truly passionate about. Without willpower, determination and a meaningful goal, you’re setting yourself up for failure, which will only have a negative psychological effect on other aspects of your life.

Any gambler will tell you that it’s better not to gamble when the odds aren’t in your favor than to gamble and lose. Such is the case with new year’s resolutions and candidate interview questions. While we can all learn from certain failures, there’s nothing to be gained from talking about resolutions of years past that you weren’t committed enough to see through. If you’re part of the nearly 50 percent of the population who typically makes new year’s resolutions, choose a goal that’s meaningful and attainable, with a realistic target date of completion. Then above all, hold yourself accountable for achieving it so you don’t become one of the 92 percent who fail. By this time next year, you’ll be looking to repeat this year’s success instead of hoping to avoid another failed resolution attempt.

No matter how much preparation you do for your job interview, there’s no guarantee you won’t get an absolute shock in the form of an interviewer with a totally uncomfortable style about them. Sound negative? No, it’s called being realistic.

Ideally you’ll be greeted by someone who’s relaxed, friendly, professional and approachable. Following their lead will be relatively straightforward and natural. Your nerves will be put at ease early on in the meeting, leaving room for you to ace your answers and prove yourself. Unfortunately, this perfect type of interviewer doesn’t surface every time. Instead, you might find yourself confronted with a really difficult person. They might not be the hiring manager you expected to see, or your new potential boss, but for whatever reason, getting this unknown person’s tick of approval has become a pre-requisite for winning your dream role.

Interviewer 1: Robotic Rhonda

RR might as well be a brick wall with a brain. She asks questions in monotone and stares at you blankly while you reply, offering little conversation in return. She does not show any emotion and appears to be running through a list.

Interviewer 2: Timid Tim

You can barely hear TT when he asks questions. He appears extremely nervous, and struggles to maintain eye contact, perhaps this is his first time interviewing someone? And you thought you were scared!

Interviewer 3: Joker Josh

JJ has a huge personality, and isn’t afraid of trying out his latest comedy routines on you. He makes several inappropriate jokes and you don’t know when he’s being sarcastic and when he’s having you on, waiting for a reaction. You can’t help but feel like you aren’t being taken seriously the whole time.

Interviewer 4: Hyperactive Holly

HH is like a bull at a gate as soon as you walk in. She’s here, there and everywhere. Her questions are fired out of her mouth at a million miles an hour and she interrupts your questions with her own anecdotes. She nods along intensely as you talk and maintains eye contact the whole time. HH is full on!

Interviewer 5: Pressurer Paul

PP will stare you down and make you work hard. He will ask you difficult, trick questions that don’t seem to have an obvious point, he will phrase questions in a negative way and make you feel like you’re being investigated, rather than interviewed.

Interviewer 6: Overly-friendly Fiona

OFF really wants to be your best friend. They spend half of your interview time asking you irrelevant questions about your favorite breed of dog and have a “oh my gosh, me too!” response to everything you say. She doesn’t seem too interested in your skills or expertise, but more what ice cream flavor you enjoy the most.

Interviewer 7: Rushed Rob

RR makes you feel like he has a million other things he needs to be doing. He makes you feel like his time is unbelievably precious and you’re kind of wasting it by being there. He’ll shoot questions out quickly and nod along preemptively as you speak, in an effort to speed things up.

Interviewer 8: Frowning Fanny

FF seems really irritated. She seems offended by everything you say and wears a really sour look on her face the whole time. She makes you feel like you’re really annoying her; draining her of all energy. Your attempts at a light-hearted joke to lighten the mood go ignored.

Interviewer 9: Hurricane Henry

HH is potentially the most unorganized person you’ve ever come across in your life. He has no idea what he’s doing there, what you’re doing there, what the role is and what he should be asking you. He has coffee stains on his shirt and his hair looks like a mad scientist’s. He’s clearly been asked to step in for someone off sick, and he’d doing a bad job of hiding the fact he has no clue what’s going on.

Interviewer 10: Bored Bill

BB makes you feel like he’d rather be literally anywhere else in the world. He yawns when you speak and asks questions that come out as half-finished sentences that you have to guess the end of for him.

How to deal…

It’s important for candidates to be themselves in an interview and let their true personalities shine out, however it is also extremely important to be aware of social cues, as well as the pace and tone being used by the interviewer, and adapt accordingly. It’s exactly the same as if someone you recognize rushes past you in the street, clearly running late to something, and so waves a quick hello to you before continuing on, barely stopping to make eye contact. You would not then call out that person’s name, and have them stop and explain to you how they’ve been, how their day’s going, where they’re off to and so forth – it’s all about knowing when to take someone else’s lead. They want to keep moving, so let them.

If you’re confronted with one of the above interviewers, you’re going to have to follow their lead. Always remember not to say what you think they want to hear, but stay true to yourself and answer honestly. Don’t let their intensity or flippant demeanor rock you or stumble you. Don’t take their attitude personally – they don’t even know you. Just focus on delivering the messages you’ve been preparing for and practicing.

What is the best practice for Resume Writing?

There are lots of common questions that arise when it comes to resume writing, so we thought we’d provide you with the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions to do with it. Hopefully these can be of some help!

1) How long should my resume be?

Recruiters receive a high volume of resumes for each role.It’s important that yours is scannable. They can make their mind up about whether they are interested in yours quickly.

Limiting yours to 1-2 pages is probably best. Make sure you include all of the information that you feel will be relevant to your job hunt. It is important that you do not feel restricted when you do resume writing.

Bullet points and subheadings can help to cut down the length. This makes it easier for recruiters to identify the information they are after.

2) What should be included in resume writing?

Your resume needs to provide employers with a well-rounded idea of your professional experience and career to date, highlighting all of your relevant skills and achievements.

Some choose to write a short personal summary introducing who they are, where their experience lies and what kind of career step they are looking to make next, which is great for giving your resume a personal touch.

The key information that should be noted on resume writing are contact information, previous work experience, education, your top accomplishments and relevant skills. Including keywords that have been used in the job description will help to ensure your resume is flagged up when resume scanning software is used.

3) Should resume writing needs to be chronologically or functionally?

The format that you use for resume writing really depends on where you are in your career and the relevance of your past experience for the role you are applying for.

A reverse Chronological Resume Writing Style is the most popular format to use and lists your previous work experience from the most recent, to the oldest, along with information about your responsibilities and achievements within each role.

This format works well for people who have already established their career and are looking to progress in the same sector; rather than people who are looking for their first job or changing careers.

A Functional Resume Writing is much more skills-based and places focus on the information that is most relevant to the particular role. The main substance of your resume should be a list of your top achievements and experience that is most pertinent to the job.

You should still provide a summary of your work experience. However, this can be placed lower down on your resume; allowing you to be a bit more discreet about any employment gaps or a lack of professional experience.

4) How should I handle employment gaps in resume writing?

The likelihood of an employment gap damaging your chances of landing a new job really depends on two things. One, how long ago it was. Second, how long it was for. If the period of time was years ago and you’ve been back in work for some time, it really isn’t anything to worry about and will probably go unnoticed.

On the other hand, if your break in employment has happened more recently, which has spanned over several months or even years, then you may want to think about how you can explain this in a way that won’t hinder your job hunt.

So before resume writing, think about what activities you’ve got involved in during that time and any unpaid experience such as volunteering or community projects that you can use to fill the gaps. You may also wish to provide a brief explanation about any gaps in your cover letter when you apply for a role.

5) What if I have no experience?

If you’ve only just graduated or are looking for your first job, you may feel like you don’t have any work experience to list. You end up confused in resume writing. The key to this is showing passion. You may want to elaborate on the skills that you have developed throughout education and other non-professional experiences.

So in resume writing, you make an enthusiastic personal summary. You can demonstrate that you are driven. Try to show that you are focused on building a career within a certain area.

You should then provide a list of all of your qualifications, hobbies and past projects. Highlight all these that have allowed you to develop transferable skills that make you equipped for the job.

Even if you have no formal work experience, volunteer work and undertaking projects at school/uni allow you to develop skills. You can explore areas such as customer service, time management and team work that will benefit you professionally.

6) Should I tailor my resume?

Yes. What works for one role may not work for another. Thus, making alterations in resume writing for particular roles can boost your chances of being considered for the job.

Reorder information on your resume. Position the most relevant experience in the highest part of your resume. Feature keywords used in the job descriptions by rewording information on your resume. When doing this, read the job description thoroughly. Then, match up the requirements with the experience that you possess.

A great resume writing skill is as important as our great personality during job interviews. A well-presented resume can get us nearer to job success. So we better improve our resume writing style and ask ourselves those 6 frequently asked questions, too. So, start your job search now. Try Complete Staff Solutions. And, wow them with your good resume writing skills.

Being told your job is under review and that there’s a possibility of redundancy is like a dagger to the chest. Years of loyal service, late nights and early mornings only to be told, ‘we probably won’t need you anymore’! It’s like a Shakespearian betrayal. Okay, maybe not quite a Shakespearian betrayal… at least there will be some kind of compensation package to soften the blow. However, once you’ve accepted that your job is on the line, it’s important to be proactive.

Individuals who are the least proactive and unprepared, both practically and mentally, are the ones who suffer the most. For this reason I have developed 5 smart strategies. If redundancy does take place, you’ll already be in a position to move in to a new job and importantly a job which meets your professional ambition and fulfils your financial expectations.

1. Understand your CV

Do this to see the type of response you receive. Are recruitment agencies contacting you? How many jobs are you applying for before you are invited to interview? This will give you a clearer idea of market conditions. If you find that the response isn’t reflective of your expectations, which from my experience is usually the case, you can use that period to improve your CV/Résumé ahead of time. By having a better understanding of the market and already having an effective CV/Résumé will put you one step ahead of the competition.

2. Assess your own job

Think about where you see yourself in the next 5 years, and whether realistically you will be able to achieve that target within your current organisation. This applies especially if you’ve been at the company for a short time and you know that your redundancy package is going to be an insignificant amount. Therefore if you receive a job offer, you can accept it knowing that it’s a job you want and for a company that can progress your career.

3. Set boundaries

Due to financial circumstances many people are forced in to accepting a job that they wouldn’t normally consider. Despite providing the stability needed in the short term, it can sometimes have a detrimental impact on your long term career progression. The realities of this situation only come to light once you’re in the job and the anxiety of how you’re going to pay the bills are no longer an issue. By having a clearer understanding of market conditions and the types of jobs you are willing and unwilling to do will give you greater control of the process. This will allow you to make more informed decisions. Furthermore, make it clear to recruitment agencies the type of positions you are looking for.

4. Focus on your network

If you’re not on LinkedIn; sign up and start increasing your network. Focus on connecting with people that could potentially be valuable when it comes to hitting the job market, such as HR Managers & other advisors, and potential line managers. So if you are told that you’re going to be made redundant, you already have a wide network of people that you can contact instantly about possible opportunities.

5. Attend interviews

Whether you want the job or not, you have to remember that interview questions are a two way process and there is no compulsion for you to take the job (just like there is no compulsion them to offer you the job). This is a great way to familiarise yourself with the interviews process, as well as polishing your interview skills. If you find that your interview performances are not reflective of your true ability, than I would recommend getting some professional help.

Being proactive is the key and by following these 5 simple strategies, you can confront the possibility of redundancy head on and most importantly come out of the other side stronger and better!

“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity, an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty”- Winston Churchill

Confession time: recruitment is as much about quantity as it is about quality, and most recruiters work in a permanent state of overdrive to hit volume and placement targets.

As a result, successful recruiters are efficient recruiters: those who are able to quickly get through the huge stack of CVs sitting on their desks.

What does this mean for you? There’s no surer way to make a recruiter run screaming in the other direction than to hand over a multi-page monstrosity of a CV.

If your CV is more than 4 pages long or doesn’t follow a simple, easy-to-read format, you’d be well served by taking some time to simplify. The good news is: simple doesn’t equal plain, and it’s possible to have a sophisticated and nuanced CV without causing recruiters’ eyes to glaze over, beginning with these 5 strategies.

1. Use Grouping to your Advantage.

While reverse chronological CVs are certainly the most common – and preferred – CV style, you shouldn’t be afraid to tweak this tried and true format if you have a legitimate reason.

Professionals with significant project experience, consultants or sole traders with multiple clients, and people who’ve switched positions frequently within the same company are most likely to benefit from this technique, as it allows for a succinct summary of multiple roles.

The trick is to group responsibilities together whilst still highlighting individual projects and accomplishments.

My team does this by describing role mandates and common responsibilities in 5 or 6 bullet points, and creating a ‘Key Engagements’ or ‘Projects’ section with 1 to 2 bullet points per project to describe your role and highlight results.

2. Use the Russian Doll Approach.

I swear by this approach, because it allows me to subtly direct the readers’ attention to the most important experience, which is typically also the most recent.*

Think of your current role as the largest in a set of nesting Russian matryoshka dolls: because it’s the most important, it should take up the most amount of space – around 5 to 7 ‘responsibilities’ bullet points and 3 to 5 ‘accomplishments’ bullet points.

As you move further back in your career history, imagine each role as a smaller doll, and give it less space on the page. This will keep the overall length in check, while allowing you to give the most important information the detailed approach it deserves.

*Of course, this approach only works if your most recent experience is indeed the most relevant.

3. Master the Mandate.

If I’m honest, most long and complex CVs don’t have to be; the writer simply didn’t do a great job at presenting the information briefly.

Considering you only have 6 seconds to capture a recruiters’ attention, its crucial you make the time you have count. That means putting the most important information for each role up-front, so even recruiters that stop reading past the first bullet point get a good idea of what you did.

Make the first bullet point for each role a ‘super bullet’ that includes:

1. a high-level overview of the role,
2. the mandate,
3. and the main target.

Here’s an example: Divisional leadership role [overview] driving market expansion across 5 APAC markets[mandate] to turn around financial performance and restore divisional profitability [target].

4. What-Why Writing.

Many people have difficulty summarizing a role using less than 10 bullet points, and as a result, role descriptions spiral out of control and take up way more space than they need to.

The solution is to create fewer, but more complex, bullet points, using What-Why writing.

For each ‘responsibility’ bullet point, express what you did, leading with an action verb, and why you did it, showing the positive impact your actions had.

For example: Forged cross-functional partnerships with senior client stakeholders (what) to identify business requirements and ensure the project plan aligned with organizational priorities (why).

5. Be Selective.

It always baffles me when clients list every job and short course they’ve ever completed on their CV.

It’s hugely distracting, and often has the opposite effect to that intended, detracting from the experience and qualifications you really want the recruiter to notice, or making you look unfocused or out-of-touch.

While deleting irrelevant qualifications and experience is a must, sometimes it’s not enough. If that’s the case, use grouping and formatting to your advantage:

• Create a ‘Selected Qualifications’ section on the first page to draw attention to 3 or 4 of your most impressive credentials. Move all other relevant qualifications to an ‘Additional Qualifications’ section on the back page.

• Group similar qualifications together rather than listing them out separately:

• Australian Marketing Institute Short Courses: Public Relations Writing Tactics (2015), Event Promotions & Sponsorship (2013), Social Media Marketing (2012).

• List your most recent career experience in a ‘Professional Summary’ section on the first page, providing details for each role in the ‘Career Experience’ section. Create an ‘Additional Experience’ section to list, but not detail, roles prior to the past 10 years.

Before you hit “SEND” on a job application, ask yourself if the recruiter has to go digging for the good stuff. If they require a Rosetta stone to decipher your CV, chances are they’ll move on to the next candidate.

Remember that the best CVs are both sophisticated and easy to read. Do yourself a favor and take a few hours to simplify – in a smart way – and enjoy the results.

You see the perfect job, know you can do it, apply and anxiously await feedback. In the back of your mind you are thinking what do we look for?

I thought I would take some time to guide you through what a successful CV looks like from an internal recruitment perspective and give you tips and hints for success when applying directly.

Your CV is one part of the recruitment process that is entirely in your control. Get it right and you significantly increase your chances of being selected for interview. Get it wrong and you run the risk of your application being overlooked.

Section 1 – Header

No CV should be more than three sides of A4. It should be a synopsis of your suitability for the role in question, not a full itemization of your career history – and its presentation speaks volumes about your communication skills.

Make it as concise and compelling as possible, starting with the header. Save space elsewhere by putting your personal and contact details here and leaving out extraneous details such as date of birth, marital status or any photos.

Section 2 – Personal Statement

Your CV is your selling document. Open your pitch with your personal profile – a short paragraph that captures your key skills, core offer and career aspirations. This needn’t be more than 50 words – it should pithily sum up what makes you the ideal person for the job.

Section 3 – Career History

Give this section the attention it deserves. As the showcase for your relevant experience, it’s undoubtedly the most important part of your CV.

List your jobs in reverse order, starting with the most recent and giving basic details for each: company name; dates; job title. Write a quick summary of the role, followed by bullet points of your core activities and key achievements. If you have a lot of experience, stick to more recent jobs and projects.

Your summary shouldn’t read like a job description. Provide context by focusing on the tangible results of your work. For example, rather than ‘responsible for implementing SaaS project’, say ‘successfully implemented SaaS project on time, to budget, with excellent client rating and projected revenue increases of 15%’.

Use key phrases that will resonate with the reviewer (‘design’, ‘architecture’, ‘stakeholder management’ etc.) and clear, directive action words (e.g. ‘implemented’, ‘achieved’, ‘directed’, ‘recommended’).

Section 4 – Qualifications

List your degree, professional qualifications and relevant technology certifications in reverse chronological order. There’s no need to include every single technology you’ve worked with; only the ones relevant to the job you’re applying for.

CV Dos and Don’ts time!

Do:

• Consider using the structure outlined above
• Keep it concise – realistically, you only have 60 seconds to impress!
• Keep it simple and easy to read
• Organize it well – keep sentences short and use bullet points
• Make it relevant – it should only include information pertinent to the job you’re applying for
• Go into more detail about recent roles (summarize key tasks for older jobs and only elaborate if it’s relevant)
• Use facts not opinions to describe your achievements – ‘consultancy revenues rose by 20%’ says far more than ‘highly successful consultant’
• Detail your personal input into team accomplishments
• Explain any gaps in your work history
• Be honest and accurate – our recruiters need to verify the information you give to progress your application, so any anomalies will be picked up
• Review your CV at least twice before you send it – critically assess whether it best reflects your suitability for the role, scour it for mistakes and if possible ask someone else to proofread it too.

Don’t:

• Go over three sides of A4
• Use humor or attention-grabbing gimmicks
• Include photos or pictures
• Over-complicate things – with so little time to make an impression, it’s far better to use plain English and a clear format
• Repeat yourself
• Use the word ‘I’ any more than is necessary – you’d be surprised how easily a single letter can dominate a document
• Make your career summary read like a series of job descriptions – keep the focus on your achievements within each role
• Understate your case – this is the place to take full credit for your achievements
• Include hobbies or interests – you’re just wasting precious space
• Submit your CV until you are 100% convinced it doesn’t contain any spelling or grammar errors

The job of the cover letter is to get you an interview, but what if your resume doesn’t even get read?

One way of increasing your chances is attaching a great cover letter, as the job of the cover letter is to entice the reader to learn more about you and read that resume.

A well-written cover letter will help your resume or CV stand out from the crowd. A hiring manager, recruiter or HR person will be snowed under with applications such as yours and therefore you had better make yours be special.

The key question/problem the cover letter should answer/solve is “Why select you?” This means you have to clearly state what you do better than others, what makes you unique and how the reader would be making a mistake by not considering you for the position. Here are a few guidelines on putting together a killer cover letter today:

Details on the Cover Letter:

Make sure you put the typical details at the top of the page, get all the details right and check them a few times before sending off:

• Your Address
• Date
• Mr. /Ms. (Name of Employer)
• Title
• Company Name
• Their Address
• Dear Mr./Ms. (Their Name Again)

First paragraph:

We begin by starting our business, basically telling the reader what job you are applying for and why. Let’s keep this short and to about three sentences, cover these points:

• Reason for writing and which role you are applying for.
• Drop any names of people you know in the organization here, e.g. “John Smith in your department encouraged me to send an application as he thinks I have the required skills to succeed.”
• Give any compelling reasons you have applied for the position or company. Keep it short and sweet, with the view to inspire the reader.

Second paragraph:

Here’s your chance to tell the employer why you are the man/woman for the job. Bring out some of your most relevant skills and experiences and mention how they will be applied in the new position. Pick out three examples of major achievements and provide the story to back these up:

• Start out with a short introduction focused on your achievements and how your skills and experience will be a good match for the new job.
• Use the rest of the paragraph to support and back up your introduction. This is where you exhibit your evidence in terms of specific positions/roles/responsibilities and so on.
• Keep this paragraph punchy and designed to impress, not to bore anyone. Don’t write too much about one accomplishment that you are the most proud of as you don’t know what the reader will think.
• Wrap things up with the final sentence, repeat the job title and company to further position yourself as the right person for the job in the mind of the reader.

Last paragraph:

• A short paragraph that simply mentions your attached resume, tells the employer you are looking forward to an interview and let them know you will be in contact by a specific date.
• Don’t forget to thank the person reading your cover letter for their time and consideration.

Sign-off

Sincerely,
Your Signature (scan this)
Your Name
Attachment(s)

Word of warning

A classic mistake is to use the same cover letter for all applications. This is counter-productive and the employer can spot it a mile away. The one-size-fits-all cover letter will result in your resume being deleted before even opened.

If you are looking to get back in the workforce or feel now is the time to switch jobs, it is important to polish up your interviewing skills to put yourself in the best position possible to attain what job you want.

When going on your interview, your appearance and means of communication with your interviewer are just as important if not more so as to what resides on your resume.

It is important for those interviewing for a position to focus in on their non-verbal means of communication so they don’t slip up. Remember, your non-verbal communications can kill or deliver the results you want.

Be Prepared and Focused:

When you first meet and greet your interviewer, do you make good eye contact and deliver a firm handshake? If not, you could lose points right off the bat, leaving you to have to play catch up over the course of the interview.

Some other missteps that can doom an interview include not smiling, appearing unusually nervous, demonstrating bad posture, bad wardrobe or grooming and being animated when asked simple questions. Oh, this seems like a no-brainer, but don’t be late for your interview; you’d be amazed what message a little tardiness (non-emergency) can mean to an employer before you even sit down for a one-on-one chat.

A good way to avoid many if not these mistakes is by doing a practice interview the night before in front of family, friends and/or a mirror. While you don’t want to come across as too rehearsed, a little practice never hurt anyone. This also holds true with getting to your interview on time. It never hurts to do a practice run so you know the exact location of the interview and about how long it will take to get there.

Mind Your Body Language:

When it comes to starting the meeting, be sure to maintain good eye contact with the person interviewing you. By being focused on your interviewer, you’re engaged in the discussion and interested in what the company may be able to offer you; staring past the interviewer is surely not sending a good signal.

While not talking over or continuously interrupting your interviewer, it is to be expected that you will have some questions regarding the company, so prepare them ahead of time. This allows you to come ready to learn about the position you’re applying for, how your role will impact the employer and what the company can do for you.

Don’t Put Salary at the Forefront:

One question that should not be at the forefront of your list is how much money the job will pay, as nothing looks worse than if you’re only interested in the salary. While it is only natural to want to know what your income will be with your new employer, don’t be overly aggressive in getting to that issue.

Finally, the reason you’re on an interview in the first place is that you either lost your last job or are looking to switch jobs. With either being the case, do not talk bad about your former or present employer.

Don’t Burn any Bridges:

The last thing an individual should do is burn bridges with a former or present boss. Doing so can have a negative impact going forward on your career, not to mention come across to a potential employer as negative and one reason not to hire you.

When you go on a job interview – the bottom line is simple – Sell, sell and sell yourself.

“So why do you want this job?” Answering that question in an interview should be easy! Often the answers are:

• Well, I want a job…
• I want to work…
• I want to pay the mortgage/rent….
• I want a promotion, it’s a bigger job…
• I hate the job I’m in, I need to do something different…
• My family are moving so I need to change jobs…
• I’m a bit bored…
• I like the sound of it…

I could go on.

The difficulty with all those answers is that they may well be true and they may well explain why you have applied for a new job but they do not tell the interviewer any good reason why you should have the job. When you are going for an interview or applying for a job you need to give the interview compelling reasons for giving you the job and that starts with the basic question: Why do you want it?

So how do you give them that compelling reason? By treating this question as an opportunity for your sales pitch. By thinking about what it is that the interviewer wants in a candidate and what it is that they need to hear.

Ever been turned down for a job because you did not sound very enthusiastic? Been told that they were not sure if you really wanted it? It is a pathetic bit of feedback to give someone. Surely the correct logic is that they offer and if you don’t want it, you turn it down. If you are the best person for the job they should offer, but, it happens, so you need to make sure that it does not apply to you. This is your chance to sound enthusiastic, if not actually passionate, but how do you do that without sounding gushing and false?

Here are 4 key steps to selling yourself into that job:

When you are asked about why you have applied for this role, why you want it, etc. Start with:

Step 1:

‘This is a great company /organization because…….’  Everyone likes to be flattered, so tell them why you think they are a good company, what it is you like about the company….

Step 2:

Describe the challenges of the role, even if it is a job that is routine. What are the issues they face in getting someone to do the role well?

Step 3:

Tell them the things that float your boat, the things you have just been doing, the challenges you really enjoy and give some brief examples.

Step 4:

Think about why they might not want to hire you and refute their logic.

So, if I was going for a job in my local Co-op shop I might say:

I think the Co-op is a great organization, I admire their ethical stance and I was very impressed when they had no issues over horse meat. That’s the sort of company I’d like to be in. I know you need staff who can work shifts, who are good with customers and who will make sure that the shelves are kept stocked and tidy. I really enjoy working with customers, helping them find things, explaining the difference between products and I hate untidy shops. It’s important to me to be polite and friendly, when I worked in the garage I tried to get every customer to smile before they left! It has been a while since I have done shop work but I don’t think you lose the passion to please the customer and make sure they always come back – I haven’t.

Remember this is your sales pitch and this is where you can bring together your knowledge of them and your enthusiasm. It is all about why they are great to work for not why you need the job.

The interview is your opportunity to make an unforgettable impression on the company you want to work for and get the job you want. Here are some hints and pointers that will help you make that positive impression:

Preparation:

Always be fully prepared – often it is the one thing that an otherwise very competent candidate is lacking. DO YOUR HOMEWORK! Some of you are wondering what does that mean? Some tips for that include:

1. Drive to the location before the interview so that you know how to get there, where the parking is, etc.
2. Know the full name and title of the individual you are to meet with.
3. Learn as much as you can about the company.
4. Find out as much as you can about the interviewer and what they look for in a good candidate.
5. Know what your goals and objectives are for the future so that you can measure these against what is being offered.
6. Prepare questions that are specific to that position and that company.
7. Always be professionally dressed. Even in business casual environments, a business suit is required for the interview process.
8. Arrive on time.
9. Bring hard copies of your resume. Often the interviewer will have printed it for themselves but it is always good practice to have it on hand just in case.

• Bring a pen and a note pad in case you want to or need to make any notes.

The Interview:

1. Remember this is your opportunity to shine. When greeting the interviewer make eye contact, extend a firm handshake and address your interviewer by last name.
2. The interview is your chance to bring forth your strengths and to point out areas of your expertise that are applicable to this position. If you think you might forget some of these at the time, because of nerves, then be sure to list them on your note pad and, with your interviewer’s permission, refer to them.
3. It would be best if you could remember them in case you do not get the opportunity to refer to your notes. Practice your answers; it will help in your memory.
4. If you are interested in the opportunity, indicate that to the prospective employer.

Do’s and Don’ts:

1. Be on time or a few minutes ahead of the scheduled time.
2. If an application is necessary; fill it out in its entirety. Nothing is more annoying to an interviewer than looking at a blank application if it is part of their process. This, ladies and gentlemen, applies equally to interviews with companies and recruitment firms.
3. Remember to smile and present yourself in an energetic and professional manner always.
4. Never speak negatively about past employers or peers.
5. Always maintain eye contact.
6. Ask questions that are pertinent to the position and company.
7. Point out areas that are a match between your skills and the requirements of the position.
8. Be prepared to discuss ways in which you have excelled or situations where you have demonstrated your initiative and ability to be proactive.
9. Be enthusiastic and positive.

• Bring an original copy of your resume.

• Always answer with a complete sentence. No “yes” or “no” answers.

• Never smoke or chew gum in an interview.

Questions:

Arrive prepared to answer questions about:

1. Your strengths and weaknesses.
2. Why you are interested in that company.
3. What you know about the company.
4. Why they should hire you.

Arrive prepared to ask questions, such as:

1. What would be my day to day responsibilities?
2. What is the career path from this position?
3. What is the company policy on promoting from within?
4. How do I fit this role?

Do not ask questions like:

1. How much vacation do you offer?
2. Never initiate the salary question. Let your interviewer bring it up at the appropriate time.
3. How many sick days are offered?

Questions such as these only leave the impression that you are only interested in how this role and company will serve your needs rather than a give and take of rights, expectations and responsibilities.

When Interviewing with a Recruiting Firm:

This step in the process is often underestimated and mistreated. In the current market, more than 70% of available opportunities are handled by recruitment firms.

This includes permanent, contract, temporary and project. Please remember when you have a meeting with a recruiter whatever side of your personality you choose to display is the side your recruiter will tell their client about.

If you mistreat your recruiter by being late, not completing their internal forms, being surly and uncooperative in the interview with them or in the time you spend in their reception area they WILL NOT REFER YOUR RESUME to their client.

This is not because they want to be mean to you but because you are their reputation. Give this some thought…recruiters do not manufacture anything. Their product is their customer service and YOU.

If you, the candidate, mistreat the recruiter they can only assume you will also mistreat their client. They have worked long and hard to get that client and they will not risk sending someone in who will potentially damage that relationship. Make sure to keep in mind these interview tips so you can get the job you’ve been eyeing for.

If you really want the job you’ve been dreaming about, you’ll need to put forth a little more effort and nail your cover letter.

Most employers expect to see a cover letter with every submitted resume. They are no longer optional. Even if they were, why would you pass up an opportunity to explain why you’re perfect for the job? This is your chance to showcase your personality and convince the employer to call you as opposed to any other applicant.

The last thing you want to do is lie on your resume or cover letter. Hiring managers want to hire you, not a representation of what you think they want. All lies will eventually come out. The cover letter is a chance to explain everything that won’t fit on your resume and present yourself as the perfect candidate. Now that you realize how important it is, here are some tips to boost the quality of your cover letter and get your dream job!

Address your cover letter to the right person

This may take a little research on your part, but if it’s at all possible, address your cover letter to a specific person. “To Whom It May Concern” is not only overused, but it shows a lack of effort. It’s especially embarrassing if you use this and the name of the manager is in the job ad. It shows you just don’t care. That’s not the impression you want to give.

Call the company and get the name of the person the application is going to. Taking this extra step will not only show that you are sincere about getting the job, but you respect the manager enough to find out his or her name. Doing your research also help avoid embarrassing mistakes such as addressing your letter to a Mr. Chris Smith, when Chris is actually a woman.

Put emphasis on what you can do for them — not what they can do for you

The cover letter is time for you to highlight your skills and what makes you the perfect candidate. The interview will be the time for more of an exchange and to convey your enthusiasm for the job. Right now, you’re trying to convince them of why they should call you in. If they get a feeling that you only want the job for superficial reasons (pay, prestige, etc.), they’ll think that you’re only trying to take. A good employee recognizes that to be successful, you have to give and take.

The hiring manager wants to see what you can bring to the company to help them grow and succeed. It’s fine to show a little enthusiasm in your cover letter, but spin it to how it will benefit the company. Think something like, “I’ve been following your company since it’s start up and I’ve love to bring my skills to the team.” Then give some suggestions on how you can do that.

Don’t just summarize your resume

The hiring manager already has a copy of your resume. Don’t use your cover letter to rewrite your job history in paragraph form. Elaborate on certain jobs and emphasize what skills you used and achievements you made there.

If you’re new to the employment field, use experiences from school. You can talk about how you’re always chosen to be the group leader in class and it gave you ample opportunity to develop management skills needed to bring to your future position. The cover letter is the place for you to talk about experiences that won’t fit on your resume.

Customize your cover letter for every position you apply for

Hiring managers can smell a stock letter from a mile away. Also, if you’re using the same letter and just changing small details such as the job title or the manager’s name, you’ll eventually slip up and send the wrong letter to a job. There’s no faster way to get your application in the trash.

Every new application should have a new cover letter. It’s work to rewrite your cover letter, but it’ll payout. It shows the hiring manager that you’ve done your research and you desire the position you’re applying for. Include a specific fact that only pertains to the company you’re applying for such as “I enjoyed the post on your company blog about…It helped me to…”

Call to action

Now that you have some tips, take the time to research your dream job. Visit the company’s website and take some notes. Take key points from your resume and tell a story about them. Discuss your enthusiasm for the job, but put your emphasis on what you can bring to the company. It’s not hard to write a cover letter, just takes a little bit of thought!

Does your resume go better with a cover letter?

Some people say no, because nobody reads them. I agree to a point. Not all recruiters read resume cover letter. But I think many recruiters don’t because so many they see are a bit “blah blah blah.”

That’s when the resume cover letter says nothing new or exciting, nor does it say anything about why the candidate wants the job. In a sea of such banality, one way to make your resume cover letter stand out, is just to do a good one. You can do more than that, though.

Here are 10 rules to help you in making a compelling cover letter.

Rule # 1

Even if the job is advertised through a recruitment consultant you can still do your research. Call them and connect with them. They will probably not give you their client’s name but they may give you an outline of the challenges of the role as they see them. Your resume cover letter becomes far more engaging if you can tell the recruiter how they’ve inspired you to want to take this opportunity further.

Rule # 2

If you know who the company is, then there is no excuse for not looking up the website, doing thorough research and reading the LinkedIn profile of their company executives. And that’s just as a start.

The aim of this research is for you to find some compelling reasons to work for that organization and some ways that you can add value. So many people forget to say this on their cover letters.

Rule # 3

Your cover letter should clearly show you have read the job advertisement. The way you do this is to pick the key criteria in the advertisement and point out how you meet this in your letter.

Also use keywords from the advertisement, throughout your resume cover letter. That way it has a better chance of being picked up in screening software.

Rule # 4

Try to keep your cover letter to one page and three or four paragraphs.

The only real exception to this rule is if you are asked to respond to an “expression of interest.” An expression of interest is a mini-government selection criterion where you outline how you meet job criteria. Then your letter may run to two to three pages.

Rule # 5

Don’t be boring. Try to keep your own voice.

Rule # 6

Keep a logical format. I use “hook, ” “book, ” and “took.”

“hook” :- specific and memorable reasons as to why you want the role
“book” :- a coherent argument as to why you should be hired
“took” :- what you want to happen as a result of an employer reading your letter

Rule # 7

Be personal. If you have someone’s name use it. Ideally, a cover letter should start with a title Ms, Mr or Mrs.

The exception to this is when informality is invited. A first name is more acceptable in an informal email, perhaps if you already have had a conversation with the contact person.

Rule # 8

Type it. This sounds so basic. But I have to say this next bit because I have been asked this question.

Yes.

An application in writing generally means typed.

Rule # 9

Plain white paper please. Pretty pink perfumed pages or something similar are never a good idea. Your letter will be unique, but for the wrong reasons.

Rule # 10

OK I’ve crammed a few things here into one rule. A cover letter should not be:

– a repeat of your resume
– a standard letter that you send out to everyone
– hard to read
– full of spelling and grammar mistakes

There you are! You got those rules. Make a wow impression from your recruiters and employers with your compelling resume cover letter.

Not too long ago, the use of a cover letter was considered an essential component in the job application process, giving individuals the opportunity to highlight and elaborate on their relevant skills and experience in a more tailored way than on your resumé. Though in recent years, there has been a significant shift to online application systems. Cover letters are becoming less and less of a necessity.

Obviously if a company specifies that they would like you to include a cover letter, it wouldn’t reflect particularly well on you if you weren’t to supply them with one. Definitely, you should write it to the best of your ability. If there is no reference to a cover letter, it may not actually be worth your time writing one. It is likely that they assess candidates in alternative ways . Your cover letter may not be considered.

Recruiters don’t have the time to read a cover letter:

Recruiters will receive hundreds, even thousands of resumés in a working week. Frankly, they just don’t have the time to sift their way through all of them. Let alone hundreds of letters that accompany them. A large part of the time a cover letter just consists of a more elaborately worded version of your resumé anyway. You’re probably better off just making sure that all the important information is on your resume.

Automated online systems have taken over:

In the past, writing a tailored letter to an employer may be popular. Companies now have specific websites. Some used forms and fields to fill out regarding the job openings and your suitability. The systems will identify exactly which job you would like to apply for and will ask specific questions regarding your qualifications, skills and aptitude, cutting straight to the point and it is likely that this is the only information that recruiters will read, rendering cover letters obsolete.

Focus on what’s important:

It’s your resumé that does most of the talking when applying for a job. The way you present yourself on here will determine whether you are invited for an interview or not. It’s best to focus your energy on making it as strong and streamlined as possible. Centre your attention on customizing your resumé. Make useful connections, or building a portfolio of your work to exhibit your abilities.

All things considered, cover letters have most likely lost the significance that they once had. Time is valuable when you are on the job hunt. You can focus on producing a polished resumé. Do not waste your time writing them. You can make a CV that’s highlighting your strengths and career achievements. Try to do a resumé that can represent you in your best light.

When you’re looking for a job and writing a resume to help you land that dream position, you should not just be asking “How do I write a resume?” You should be asking “How do I write a great resume?” Or, “How do I write a resume that stands out—and stands out for the right reasons?” To get an interview, and to get a job offer, you need to get the attention of a hiring manager or recruiter.

As a hiring manager, I review thousands of resumes a month. There are certain things I look for in a resume that make me pay closer attention, and encourage me to learn more about an applicant’s experience rather than just set it aside and move on to the next one. If you’re struggling with getting a callback, you should consider incorporating some of these elements when you’re writing your resume. These seven secrets of an effective resume that I share below will help you write an effective resume and get your resume to the top of the stack every time.

1. Keywords, Keywords, Keywords.

Just like location, location, location in real estate, keywords and key phrases are the base for any great resume and they are how you can create a resume that will get you noticed. This is especially important for an online resume. To use keywords to create your effective resume, start by picking job-specific keywords that are relevant to your prior work experience, achievements, and career goals. When a hiring manager or recruiter does a search in their candidate database or on a job board, the keywords they search for need to be in your resume. Personality descriptors and vague soft skills are not what a recruiter or potential employer searches by. Examples of these words that you should leave out are: effective communicator, self-motivated, amiable. Better keywords to use when writing your resume are technical skills and actual position titles like: cost accountant, contract negotiation, and profit and loss management.

2. Tailor your resume to the position you are trying to pursue.

On the work history section of your resume don’t list all your duties at your previous job. This is a common resume mistake—too many job seekers create a resume that tries to impress an employer by saying “look at all the responsibilities I had!” They don’t care about the ones that won’t help them. Instead, for an effective resume, list the duties from your work experience that are MOST APPLICABLE to the position you are trying to obtain. These are your actual qualifications for the position, and this is what an employer cares about. Even better is to choose accomplishments and contributions that are related and list those as well. Which brings me to my next point.

3. List accomplishments and contributions, not just duties.

Employers want to see what you can do for them, what value-added service or skill set you are going to bring to the table. When I review a resume, I want to know what you actually accomplished at your last job and how that translates into what my company needs. Pick accomplishments that are specific to the job you are trying to get. To help you write a resume that specifically addresses a company’s needs, look beyond the job description to the company’s website or LinkedIn page to learn more about their culture, goals, and mission. An effective resume is as much about the company you are trying to impress as it is about you.

4. Market your knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Resume writing is marketing. I always tell my clients the first one-third of their resume is the most important. If the top third of the page catches my eye, then I will take the time to read the rest. You can make your resume stand out by creating a powerful career summary at the top and then adding a core strengths section right underneath.

5. Create a powerful introductory summary statement.

Your introductory statement needs to be related to the position you want to obtain, sell your best attributes, and be POWERFUL. When I read an introductory statement I’m looking for that WOW factor. I want it to grab my attention, tell me you’re the best candidate for my position, and make me want to read the rest of your resume. Don’t make it just a resume objective statement—in case I haven’t been clear enough already, you need to address what the employer wants and needs, not just what you want from them.

6. Highlight your strengths in a core knowledge section.

This is a great place for keywords. Use industry-specific keywords in this section. If you put your keywords here and disperse them throughout the resume, your chances of getting through an applicant tracking system—or being first to show in a potential employer’s search on a job board—dramatically increases.

7. Create an eye-catching resume.

With the tools available in even basic programs like Microsoft Word, there’s no reason for you to not have a modern resume that is visually appealing. Formatting matters and you need to design your resume layout to be reader-friendly and attention-grabbing. Pick an easy-to-read font, and use plenty of white space. Don’t try to cram everything into a one-page resume. A two-page resume is perfectly appropriate, and expected even, especially if it is an executive resume. If hiring managers open your resume and it is a crowded, jumbled mess they are not going to spend more of their time searching through it to find the information they need. A messy resume will likely be the end of my interest in hiring you. However, if your resume format, style, and layout are attractive and easy to read I will be more inclined to read through the rest of the document and learn about your work experience, achievements, and skill set.

Are you tired of your resume being rejected by applicant tracking systems? I know how frustrating it is to submit your resume and receive no response. I hate seeing qualified people never break through the screening process. It shouldn’t be that way. That’s why our local Labour Hire Consultants offer a Resume Review Service so you can start seeing better resume response rates! Just contact us to find out more.

As a recruitment company, we feel we can offer job seekers some well needed interview tips into the mind-set of recruiters and our decision making processes.

We see so many worthy candidates that we have to trust our instincts when it comes to choosing the cream of the crop. So here are the interview tips to make you a stronger candidate for the job outside of your CV.

1. Personality

Robots might be intriguing to watch but that doesn’t mean companies want one working for them. Someone who comes across as genuine and confident about themselves and their opinions will prove far more popular than a candidate wearing a polite mask of agreement. Building a rapport with an interviewer means that you will be more memorable, and have more chance of standing out from the crowd. And let’s face it – in a group of potential candidates, all with impressive backgrounds, the best way to get noticed is to connect with the interviewer on a more personal level.

2. Vibe

That indescribable feeling that someone gives you – it can either put you at ease around them or do the opposite. Us humans make snap judgments – it’s pure instinct – so being positive, smiling and greeting the interviewer confidently can help them feel positive about you in return.

3. Sociability

Long office hours and working as part of a team requires the ability to interact well with a number of different people. As biased as it might be, the recruiter will want someone who fits in with the team on more than just a work level. Companies are increasingly focusing on the culture and community of the work place. Usually, the most efficient employees are those happy employees.

4. Natural ability

If you are able to pick things up quickly this will lessen the amount of hand-holding needed in training – a huge benefit for companies. These days, employers are particularly worried about graduates; their lack of real work experience can mean they take more time to adapt to a work environment. Unless it’s a job that comes with training, companies will want a smooth change over between employees.

5. Appearance

A well-groomed appearance shows you understand the level of dress that’s generally expected in professional environments. Heed the saying ‘it is better to be over dressed than under dressed’. At the same time don’t let worrying about your outfit make you late for the actual interview – aim to arrive 10-15 minutes before the scheduled time.

6. Body language

Recruiters register body language – crossing your legs or arms might be a subconscious move, but remember to check yourself every once in a while and think about how your body language might be coming across. And yes, constant eye contact might feel a tad awkward in a small interview room, but it looks a lot better than staring at the desk the whole time.

7. Duration of roles

Websites and companies often under-rate certain aspects that recruiters will actually pay more attention to. For example, someone with 3 or 4 internships might, on paper, look better than someone with only 1 or 2. But consider the strength of each individual placement. Recruiters will note the length of time spent at each company and will get references about the candidate.

The candidate with only 1 internship may have spent 6 months there and have a glowing reference. If the other candidate’s internships are for shorter periods of time, with only standard references, the recruiter will choose the first candidate. A recruiter is searching for a strong candidate that will take to the task immediately. He will become a fixed member of the team.

8. Homework

Doing your research on the company is one of the essential interview tips! It means when they come to asking you tricky questions you can deflect them by relating it back to the company. You also use them as an example. Showing an understanding of the company and giving your own insight will tell the interviewer a great deal about your work ethic and ability. It also gives you the opportunity to ask your own questions and take control over the interview so it is not all one-sided. You can avoid making it feel more like a discussion.

Of course, looking good on paper is imperative, especially for securing those all-important interviews. However, during the interview, it’s those little extras that help the interviewer decide which candidate to go with.

How do we know that this process works? We follow up on each and every candidate that we’ve recommended. We wouldn’t be successful in the recruitment industry if we didn’t to put the right people forward for the right positions. For companies to confidently invest in us, we make it our business to get to know each and every candidate. All these are interview tips I can share as a recruiter.