Welcome to Resume Writing
Professional Resume Writers Article
. For a permanent link to this article, or to bookmark it for further reading, click here.
When Well-Written Resumes Don't Work
from: Linda Matias
Job seekers spend more time fretting over their resumes than any other process during a job search. This is because most believe that the resume serves as a magic bullet. But no matter how great you sound on paper, the reality is that a resume can get you only so far in the job search, even if it is well written.
The job search is made up of several key components including your outlook, job search activities, and interview performance. Each component builds on the next and if you lack strength in one area, your search will be handicapped. Below are telltale signs that your job search may be in jeopardy and the quick fixes you can incorporate to increase the chances your job search will be successful.
Signs You Have an Unenthusiastic Outlook
- You are quick to dismiss someone’s advice by making statements such as, “That doesn’t work. I tried it.” Solution: Keep an open mind when someone is offering you guidance, even if you have heard the advice before. Sometimes it takes a few times for a message to penetrate.
- After an interview you find yourself making comments such as, “The moment the interviewer saw me, I could tell he wanted someone younger.” Solution: No jobseeker is the perfect candidate. Some are too old, others are too young; some don’t have much experience while others have too much.
- You send out emails that read, “I sent a resume early last week and followed up, and you never returned my phone call. Are you ignoring me?” Solution: When you feel overwhelmed, frustrated or just plain angry, take a walk and clear your head before you send an offensive email.
- You aren’t taking personal responsibility for your own job search, instead blaming external factors for your lack of progress. Solution: There are some aspects of your job you can’t control, but the ones that you can (e.g. the number of calls made per day, networking events attended), take seriously.
Signs You Are Taking the Passive Approach
- You haven’t developed a job search plan and are flying by the seat of your pants. Solution: Don’t wing it. Take the time to map out a strategy and write it down. Don’t rely on your memory. There is something about writing down thoughts that makes you more accountable.
- You’re going it alone without the guidance of an interview coach and/or career coach. Solution: Partner with someone who will provide objective and constructive feedback. In doing so, you will be able to identify areas of strength and those that need improvement.
- You adopt the if-they-are-interested-they-will-call-me approach and never follow up. Solution: Take the initiative to call employers to inquire about the status of your application.
Signs Your Interview Skills Could Use Some Work
- You are always second best. Solution: Call past interviewers and ask them why you didn’t receive an offer. When you make it that far in the process, interviewers are more likely to disclose the reason you weren’t selected.
- You walk out of an interview saying, “Darn it! Why did I say that?” or “I wish I had mentioned my experience in ________.” Solution: After each interview, jot down everything you said that didn’t work, and how you would rephrase it for the next interview. Then, when you get home or back to the office, write a thank-you note to the interviewer(s) that mentions the lacking information or carefully revisits what you wish you hadn’t said.
- Every time you leave an interview you believe your performance was strong, but you never receive a job offer. Solution: Work with a Certified Interview Coach or a professional who specializes in interview training who will be able to assist you in discovering and correcting the problem.
About The Author
Recognized as a career expert, Linda Matias brings a wealth of experience to the career services field. She has been sought out for her knowledge of the employment market, outplacement, job search strategies, interview preparation, and resume writing, quoted a number of times in The Wall Street Journal, New York Newsday, Newsweek, and HR-esource.com. She is president of CareerStrides and the National Resume Writers’ Association. Visit her website at http://www.careerstrides.com or email her at linda@careerstrides.com.
Professional Resume Writers News
11th Annual Global Resume Writing Competition from Career Directors International Continues to Raise the Bar on ...
Career Directors International once again provides professional resume writers around the globe with the platform to showcase their exceptional resume writing and design skills in the 11th annual Toast of the Resume Industry (TORI) Award competition. It’s a war of words and style as the best of the best compete to prove that professional resume writing is more than just arranging skills and ...
Read more...Self-Employed Resume Writers and Career Coaches Get a Shot of Adrenalin for Their Businesses with Free 2012 ...
Being the best at a craft while also succeeding as an entrepreneur is a challenge in any industry. Self-employed resume writers and career coaches again benefit with powerful, targeted and free member teleclass programs from Career Directors International (CDI) throughout 2012 encompassing tracks in business and marketing, emerging technology for business and job seekers, and craft-specific on ...
Read more...The National Resume Writers’ Association Announces the Election of New Board Members
The National Resume Writers’ Association (The NRWA) announces the results of their member election for Executive and Regional Board members. New Directors and Representatives take office effective January 1, 2012.(PRWEB) January 12, 2012 In 2012, The NRWA will continue to expand the organization’s focus to encompass current career marketing trends such as LinkedIn and other social media profiles ...
Read more...Unpublished Writers' Day celebrated with workshop
Professional and aspiring writers take note — Jan. 29 is Unpublished Writers’ Day and an event will be held downtown Vancouver.
Read more...Business Briefs: Jan. 29, 2012
VCB sales director Evelyn Vazquez certified as diversity meeting professional Evelyn Vazquez, sales director for the St.
Read more...Resumes for the and #8216;average' student
Q Most model resumes are aimed at graduating college seniors who shine with super grades or impressive achievements. So, how can an average senior and#8212; who hasn't leapt tall buildings in one hop and#8212; construct a resumes that will open doors? and#8212; B.L.
Read more...The 6 Dumbest Resume Mistakes, and How You Can Avoid Them
MCLEAN, Va. , Jan. 17, 2012 Â /PRNewswire/ --Â With the majority of job searching and recruitment taking place strictly online, it is absolutely necessary to distinguish yourself from the crowd. In this ...
Read more...