Job Interviews

Master Résumé Writing in Three Easy Steps

By Job Journey on Monday, July 4, 2011

Writing your résumé is one of the first and most difficult steps you will take in your job search. One of the toughest challenges in résumé writing is condensing all you want to say into a few, short sentences. But, in order to approach the task like the best of the résumé professionals, you’ll need to rethink the goals and rules of a résumé.

Don’t Focus on Your Responsibilities
A résumé is not your life story. The only thing you should include on your résumé is achievements. Think of it this way, anyone can do their job, but only a small percentage of the population can do their job well.

The best way to showcase that you did your job well is from your achievements. Strive to make your achievements quantifiable, meaning they can be measured. Your accomplishments should be specific to your former position but also valuable to your new employer.

It’s hard to see you were a “good team player” on your résumé unless you can say you “joined an under-performing team and helped that team beat production delivery dates by two weeks.”

Don’t feel pressure to put anything other than achievements on your résumé. Think of anything that isn’t an achievement as a waste of space. Because you don’t know what a hiring manager will look at first – and if you have 10 great achievements and three previous job descriptions, the hiring manager may only read those three lines and toss your résumé. Think big and remove non-achievement statements.

Think of Your Résumé as a Marketing Document
Your résumé doesn’t need to be a historical statement but, rather, a marketing document. The best marketing documents show the product in the very best light, which means using objective tactics to make you look great.

Here’s an example: You join a retail store that just launched a new product. The product, being new, has a multitude of problems and the company is forced to hire someone to handle customer questions and calls. You start fielding the calls, work quite a bit of overtime, and eventually increase customer service satisfaction by 10%.

When writing the résumé, market your ability to perform customer service, be flexible during company crises, and increase customer satisfaction. Notice how much more effective that is than simply saying you “answered phones for a retail company?”

Remember, marketing requires some creativity and thought. Although it is important to quantify your success, be sure not to exaggerate or lie during this process. You are marketable enough without needing to stretch the truth.

Don’t Give Everything Away
The point of a résumé is to get someone to call you. Although you want to show your best on a résumé, you don’t want to show it all.

Hopefully, your résumé is not the only chance you’ll have to sell yourself to a hiring manager. During an interview, you will have a much more in-depth opportunity to highlight your strengths, achievements, and goals.

Knowing this, only put your very best achievements on your résumé. Leave the hiring managers intrigued, with questions that still need to be answered. This is the perfect way to impress and snag that follow-up phone call.

Crafting the perfect résumé is not an overnight thing. Résumés should be updated and maintained throughout your career. Remember to focus on your greatest achievements, market yourself, and leave your audience wanting more, and you’ll be sure to land your next interview.

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Top Elevator Speech Blunders

By Job Journey on Thursday, June 30, 2011

The term “elevator speech” has become widely used in the business world yet many job seekers are still unsure of its meaning. The idea of an elevator speech is to have a prepared presentation that grabs attention and says a lot in only a few words. Your core message should market yourself and/or your business in a way that makes your audience want to know more, rather than less about your professional endeavors.

With the pressure to craft something that conveys a huge impact in a short amount of time comes the opportunity for some mistakes. However, by being aware of these common elevator speech blunders, you’ll be well on your way to gaining the attention and respect of your next audience.

Not trying
The most common mistake is also the most simple to avoid; when it comes to elevator speeches, not trying is simply not good enough. Typically the thing that holds individuals back the most is their nerves.

Nerves can be addressed by practicing your elevator speech as much as possible. Your speech doesn’t have to be the exact same each time, but it should include key points that captivate your audience. These points can be researched, prepared, and shaped as you progress in your career. Remember that you are not guaranteed a perfect elevator speech simply by practicing – but the more thought and time you put into your elevator speech, the more likely you are to yield successful results.

Not preparing
Oftentimes, when someone asks what you do for a living, the response is typically your job title or position, “I’m an artist – or a teacher – or a receptionist.” Your audience will most likely say, “That’s nice,” and discontinue conversation. Instead, use words that interest your listener and force them to ask more questions.

Instead of simply saying you work in IT, respond with something that highlights your accomplishments like, “I work with small businesses that are struggling with computer problems.” Your audience’s ears will perk up immediately. Make each line you deliver effective. Remember, you only have a few seconds with your audience, so make sure your time is well spent.

Not relevant
Although stating you work for a company that has been in business for 60 years and it’s located off Main Street may identify your business’ location, it doesn’t tell your audience what you do to bring value to the company or how the business impacts the community. Remember, you have a very limited amount of time during an elevator speech. Avoid details that don’t add value to your position or that are irrelevant to your job duties.

If you open your speech with broad, vague information, your audience is likely to tune you out and may potentially miss something of interest to them.

Elevator speeches are becoming more and more common in business’ fast paced environment. Although the idea of describing your career in a few short moments may be daunting, it is something that will be easier if you practice, prepare, and know the relevancy of your message.

Career Advancement Job Interviews New Job Tips

Ramp Up Your Stalled Summer Job Search

By Job Journey on Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Today marks the official first day of summer with many individuals still looking for that perfect summer job. The national unemployment rate has risen to 9.1%, leaving many seeking seasonal or part-time jobs feeling frustrated and lost.

So, what can you do to reignite your stalled summer job search? Whether you’re looking for a seasonal position, or a career in your desired field, keep the following tips in mind.

Your job hunt is your job.
When on the lookout for a job, treat your job hunt as if it’s your full-time job. The majority of job seekers send out a number of résumés and then wait for companies to contact them.

Be proactive in your search and follow up with organizations you haven’t heard back from. Sometimes all it takes is a simple phone call to check on the status of the open positions to get the hiring process started.

Treating your job search like a full-time job will encourage you to build momentum, become more invested in the process, and even get a few offers from interested companies.

Revamp your résumé.
Reassess your cover letters and résumé to highlight specific skills you’ve developed in previous positions, rather than just listing work history. Tailor each cover letter and résumé you send for the specific position or company you are applying for. Taking a little extra time during the application process will add a touch of sincerity employers will not take lightly.

Quantify your achievements on your résumés. For example, if you helped reduce costs or increased sales at your last position, say so. Naming your achievements will be far more impressive than only listing former employers.

Work on your online presence.
Broaden your networking contacts online to ramp up your job search. Having a LinkedIn profile can be an excellent tool to refer hiring managers to during the interview process. However, know that your online presence will be viewable by potential employers so manage it closely.

Use social media to expand your contacts, but avoid the pitfalls that typically come with it. Don’t publish suggestive pictures of yourself, offensive tweets, or even status updates complaining about your current employer. Remember that anyone interested in hiring you has the ability to find your online presence, so use social media with caution.

Summer is associated with relaxation, heat, and seasonal jobs. Knowing that employers will have many candidates to choose from, it’s important to not allow a few stalls in your job search to keep you down. Persevere throughout the bumps and trials that come with job hunting and you’ll have much to celebrate this season.

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How to Succeed at Your First “Real” Job

By Miranda Wilson on Monday, March 28, 2011

You’ve pulled all nighters studying for mid-terms and finals. You’ve labored over group projects and read dozens of textbooks. Now you’re finally about to graduate and enter the real world. Prepare for your new career by learning what it takes to successfully transition from student to full-time employee.

Arrive for work on time. It sounds simple enough, but punctuality can often be a challenge for younger workers. Set yourself apart by making it a priority to always arrive at least five minutes early. You’ll also score major points by sticking around a few minutes past quitting time each day.

Come well-rested. Gone are the days where you can roll into class bleary-eyed and half-awake. Getting enough sleep ensures you’ll be alert and ready to contribute your full potential. That means going to bed early enough each night to get at least seven to eight hours of rest.

Dress professionally. Once you start your career, your wardrobe may require a little sprucing up. Remember, a good rule of thumb is to dress for the job you want, not the job you have. Take note of how leaders at your organization dress, and follow their example.

Limit your consumption of digital media. While texting and checking Facebook and Twitter are great ways to keep in touch with friends, those habits won’t help you make a good impression at a new job. While you’re at work, keep your focus on the task at hand. Resolve to only text, make personal calls, or check social networking sites during breaks or before and after work.

Make sure you understand your role. It’s hard to succeed at something if you don’t know the purpose behind what you’re doing. Is the core of your job increasing sales, improving customer relations, or reducing expenditures? Find out why your company needs you and then focus on doing those tasks to the best of your ability.

Be proactive about requesting additional assignments. Starting out at your new job, you may have periods where you don’t have much to do. Instead of being bored or just trying to look busy, seek out opportunities to help others and learn new things. Let co-workers or your supervisors know that you’re eager to pitch in and take on new challenges.

Be willing to serve others. When you offer your help, be prepared to give it – no matter the task. Don’t be offended if the boss asks you to do seemingly insignificant jobs like make copies or prepare coffee. Instead, consider it an opportunity to show others that you’re a team player.

Find a mentor. To learn the ropes, seek out an individual who excels within your company and ask them if they’d mind sharing a few pointers. They’ll most likely be eager to assist you – people are flattered to be asked for their advice. Co-workers who’ve been around awhile can help you get into the groove at a new job by teaching you the “unwritten rules” at your place of employment.

By preparing yourself for success, you’ll make a great first impression at your new job. Your supervisors will be wowed by your “can do” attitude and professionalism. You may even impress yourself with how much you can achieve when you put your mind to it.

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Are You a Job Hopper or a Job Shopper?

By Miranda Wilson on Monday, March 14, 2011

Job hopping and job shopping – there is a debate on what these two things mean and if one is more significant than the other.

As the economy continues to show improvement, many people are either looking for first-time employment, wanting to get back into the job market, or looking to change careers. There’s no denying that the job market has changed over the years, and it’s definitely not the same one where loyalty reigned supreme or many employees spent their entire career at one company. Today it has become more acceptable to switch jobs – even several times – during one’s career.

With more employers now looking to hire top candidates, it’s a great time to know the difference between a job hopper and a job shopper, and the impressions that could be associated with each.

A Job Hopper.
A job hopper is usually someone who doesn’t stay at job for a long time before they are on to something new and exciting. This individual has had many different jobs that aren’t necessarily related to the same field. Once considered to be something that only younger generations would do, job hopping has become a more widespread practice among all workers. After experiencing a recession where jobs were lost or where employees saw friends get let go, many have changed their mind on loyalty to an employer.

From an employee’s perspective, job hopping can have its benefits. It can allow you to gain new skills and invaluable experience in a variety of areas. It can also allow you to identify what jobs you do and do not like to do, helping you find your true career calling.

From a potential employer’s perspective, they might wonder why you’ve job hopped so much. If you’ve had several jobs in a short amount of time, an employer might be concerned about your commitment level. Also, they will probably want an explanation for all of your hopping.

So, before your next leap, take time to think about whether or not you can make your current job more challenging. And if it does turn out that you need something new, what might be a better option than a job hopper?

A Job Shopper.
According to an article on Yahoo! Finance, job shopping differs from job hopping because it is more structured and planned. Whereas a job hopper might just blindly jump into a new career without doing any research, a job shopper does the necessary homework before making a decision.

In addition, a job shopper has a direct goal in mind for what they want in a career and only transitions to new jobs that will help them achieve that goal. If you are planning to change careers, think about how a change can add to your skill set and improve the work-history story, better known as your résumé. And remember, it’s important to do your homework on your personal time rather than on your employer’s time.

When it comes to your job search, you want to make sure that you stand out from other applicants for all the right reasons. Take time to think through what you want to do for a job and a career, and what it’s going to require to get there. Be strategic with your search. The sky’s the limit in what you can achieve.

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4 Ways to Fight the Blues During Your Job Hunt

By Job Journey on Monday, February 21, 2011

Finding a job can be difficult, especially in today’s work environment with so many job seekers fighting for the limited number of openings. With job hunts lasting anywhere from six to 12 months or longer, it’s easy to get discouraged. But, it’s important to keep a positive attitude and not give up. In fact, since searching for a job is a full-time job in and of itself, here are four tips to help you stay motivated and fight the job hunting blues!

Get Organized
Amid sending out your résumés and cover letters, it’s important to keep track of your efforts so everything doesn’t start running together. Staying organized will help you stay effective and efficient on the job search. So, create a tracking system that includes the names of the companies you’ve contacted, who you talked to, when you talked with them, if you spoke over the phone, in-person, or through email, and what they said. Also, keep track of the results, such as if they said to call back in two months or if they requested a copy of your résumé. This not only helps you with your unemployment requirements, it will also ensure you don’t contact the same employer too often and provide a visual record of how hard you’re working.

Change Your Surroundings
It’s easy to get in a rut when you’re sitting at home scanning the classified ads or online job boards. When you get discouraged and tired, break out of the norm and change up your job search environment by going to a local bookstore or coffee shop to do your job hunting. Libraries are also good places to go, especially if you need a computer for searching job sites or emailing applications. As a bonus, these local meeting places often times have bulletin boards where employers post job openings.

Take a Break
Just like everyone needs to take a vacation now and then, you also need a break from your job search every once in awhile. Give yourself permission to rest. Maybe go outside and work in the yard or go to the park with your family or see a movie. You could also volunteer at a local charity, which is also a great way to build skills and experience. You’ll come back to the job hunt feeling refreshed, less stressed, and with a new outlook.

Ask for Help
Teamwork is an effective tool when you’re on the job hunt. The more people who know you’re looking for work, the more your chances increase of finding job openings. It’s also another way to build your personal referrals. Make sure everyone you have a conversation with knows you’re looking for a job – tell everyone. Also, staffing companies are another great way to multiply your efforts because recruiters help you locate a job that matches your skills and interest. You should never be charged, and you’ll gain access to companies and job openings that you might not have ever known about.

Today’s job hunt is a marathon, not a sprint, so it’s imperative that job seekers stay motivated and not give up. It’s easy to get discouraged, but if you get organized, change up your environment, give yourself a few breaks, and build a team around you, you’ll be well on the way to finding your next great job! So, try these four tips to keep your job search fresh and moving forward.

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Three Stories to Share During Your Next Interview

By Miranda Wilson on Thursday, February 17, 2011

It’s safe to say that interviews can be stressful. In an attempt to make a great first impression, you spend time preparing your résumé, picking out your interview outfit, and practicing answers for potential questions you might be asked by a hiring manager. As you prepare, don’t forget to think about some positive work-related experiences you can share with your interviewer.

It’s important not to let your nerves get the best of you. When the spotlight’s on you, use your 15-minutes of fame to tell the hiring manager why you’re the best choice. Take the initiative to tell them about you. Here are three areas about relevant work experience you can share in a few minutes to help you get closer to landing the job.

1. I function well on a team.
Employers want to know you can function well as a part of their team. Describe a time in a previous job where you worked on a team to successfully complete a project. Be sure to share your role and how you contributed to the process. Each individual on a team has different skills and abilities they bring to a group, so it’s a good idea to highlight how you helped achieve the final product.

2. In my previous job, I saved my company time or money.
Talking about how you impacted a company’s bottom line helps show you are not only innovative, but also a great investment. You think outside the box rather than just do what’s always been done. Anytime you can show an employer you can help them cut costs or save time – valuable resources in today’s workforce – it’s a great way to earn extra points in an interview.

3. I am good at problem solving.
If you can recall a time where you implemented a resolution for an obstacle, briefly share about it. What was your strategy and the steps you took to solve the problem? This helps demonstrate your reasoning skills and follow through – traits which are reflective of your leadership abilities and drive to succeed.

Even though it’s an interview, you don’t have to depend on them to do all the talking. Take a few deep breaths to settle your nerves and get ready to talk about you. By sharing short stories of how you excelled in past work experiences, you can show potential employers your true value as an employee.