When is the last time you spent time in LinkedIn? I know, it’s not *fun* like Facebook, and it doesn’t provide the instantaneous thrill of Twitter — sending out a message and immediately receiving a reply. [Read more…] about Revisiting LinkedIn – new features for job seekers and networkers
Does your resume need to grow up?
I see a lot of resumes. Some, quite honestly, need to grow up! If you are writing your resume in the style you learned in college, but college was…5, 10, maybe even 15 (!) years ago – it’s time for an update!
Certainly, styles have changed. Content has changed. (The previously required “Objective” is no longer even suggested, for example.) Suffice to say that a lot has changed! Do you really want to be sending the equivalent of “your father’s resume” when you apply for a job at that hip start-up? Or, even to the newly redesigned and rebranded business down the street? Probably not!
So many people forget that the resume style they used right out of school isn’t going to be the right choice now that they have actual “work experience.”
I hear from many job seekers who have many years of experience, but are still spending a lot of time listing awards won in college that have no significance for today’s reader. Many job seekers fail to move their “Education” section to the bottom of their resume once they have a position and enough experience under their belt (and no specific reason to keep Education on top). A few still list their high school diploma, even when they have a bachelor’s degree.
There is no fail safe ”one size fits all” advice for resume writers, but most job seekers will want to make these changes and more to their job seeking documents before applying for their targeted jobs. Otherwise, they will appear less experienced than they may be and jeopardize their chances for an interview.
Take a look at the “before” and “transformed” resumes on my site. Which one does your resume most resemble?
Change your job search strategy
You’re looking for a job? When is the last time you tried a new strategy? A change of direction?
This week, I will be sharing ideas to help you “change up” your job hunting efforts.
Intellectually, we all know that doing the same thing, over and over again,
but expecting a different result does not make sense. If you always got lost on the way to someplace, would you continue to try to get there without a map or directions? If you always burned dinner because you didn’t set a timer and are always busy doing a million other things, would you continue to cook without a timer? I hope not!
By the same token, continuing to sit at your desk, applying for jobs online with the exact same resume and wondering why you aren’t landing more interviews (or ANY interviews) doesn’t phase you? It’s a tough market! You have too much (or not enough) experience. Your background isn’t exactly perfect for your target jobs and no one will give you a chance. I have heard all of the excuses. Well, it’s time for some tough love: It is very possible that what you are doing (and NOT doing) is the reason you aren’t finding more opportunities.
Today’s tip: instead of looking for a job, search for an organization!
Read more at my blog on GreatPlaceJobs…
If you need help with your search, contact me!
photo by Fifi LePew
Answers to questions about the job search!
Keppie Careers strives to provide a toolbox of practical tips, useful advice, support and encouragement for job seekers.
We offer confidence, clarity and career search know-how! Read more about our career coaching and resume writing services on our website: keppiecareers.com.
Feel free to post a question about your job search here. We plan to respond in one business day!