How to Stand Out as a Job Seeker

How to Stand Out as a Job Seeker This week, we asked you whats the best way to stand out as a job seeker?  You got back to us with a variety of responses, but with a general theme. To stand out, you need to offer something no one else can. You need to be aware of the company you are applying to, and you need to tailor your CV and cover letter to that organisation. Theres some really useful advice provided by contributors to the discussion below. Thanks to everyone that participated for their feedback! Join our  #UROpinion  discussion  every Monday  on LinkedIn, where you can comment on our latest discussion now!   Here was my answer to the question on how Ive tried to  stand out as a job seeker: For me its conveying my personality online, selling me and my abilities! Visual content on my LinkedIn profile, own blog, a presence on relevant social networks, all whilst promoting my own new media content is how I convey what I offer! Anya Leadbetter, the first commenter on the discussion, touches on an obvious but essential tip: make sure you get a recruiters attention in any sane way possible. Use all contacts at your disposal can be the difference between getting no response from applications and landing your dream job. LinkedIn is a great starting point for contacting recruiters and distant contacts on job opportunities. Standing out means offering something that others cant provide. Candidates that have not only an impressive CV but are confident in how they carry themselves is a massive bonus. Confidently  talking on the phone is an impressive skill, recruiter Dan Fitzpatrick confirms: Dan Fitzpatrick Sourcing Top Retail Talent at Trak Recruiting As a Recruiter the candidates that stand out to me are the ones that present well on paper but then perform well in the initial phone interview. For me this is key, theres no point spending hours on a resume and then being flat on the phone, especially if you are looking for a role in Sales of some description. Michael Jones and Daniel Arlington both  had similar answers  regarding how it depends on what part of the hiring process its referring to. Job history stability is also mentioned. Hopping from one job to another is alarming to many recruiters! Michael Jones Co-founder @ HospitalRecruiting.com I think the answer to this question depends on which stage of the hiring process we are talking about. If its getting your foot in the door for an interview, and you have the right amount of experience and qualifications, then the next things an in-house recruiter will look for is where are you from and do you have ties to the area, and how stable is your job history. Both of those qualifications are viewed as key indicators of a candidates potential to be a long-term hire. There was an interesting study done a few years ago by glassdoor that showed in-house recruiters spend an average of around 7 seconds prescreening resumes, so they arent getting into a lot of the fine details at the initial stages of evaluating candidates. Daniel Arlington Business Analyst It depends on the sector in question. For example, there are often well cited stories of how, in the creative industry, there are those who have very inventive ways of presenting their CVs other than the standard form such as the designer who wrapped his CV around a chocolate bar. Alternatively, in other professional sectors its about demonstrating all the core competencies, but having a unique hook that can tie your personality to a companys culture. Tech recruiter Donta Moore says that for job seekers preparation and research is key. Candidates stand out when they show genuine interest in the company they are applying for. Donta also mentions the general rule of not applying for jobs youre not qualified for- youd be surprised how often this happens! Donta The Connector Moore Technical Recruiting Consultant at Rhapsody International This question needs to be answered in multiple phases. This is for job seekers wanting to work for a company not an agency: As a job seeker applying through an ATS system you want to be well prepared for not only the role you are applying for but the company you are applying with. Candidates that stand out are the candidates that have high intellectual curiosity about the company they are applying for. They are well researched and really want to work for the organization, and not just looking for a job. On a side note: If you apply for a role you do not have direct experience in, you need to be able to help the recruiter understand how your skills will transfer into the new role. I would also NOT recommend applying for a job you are not qualified for in hopes that the recruiter will see your resume and think about your skill-set for other opportunities. Most companies have an Jobs@ or HR@ email address in which you can express your interest in a role. Donta also added his tips for standing out on LinkedIn! Job seekers need to look at themselves as a Brand, and LinkedIn is one place you can increase your Professional Brand. I would 1st reach out to peers that have enjoyed working with you and ask for a recommendation. As a recruiter I like to read through the recommendations looking for consistencies in the message about a candidate. I would also recommend joining groups that are associated with your profession and being an active member of those groups (sort of like how we are responding to this question here in our group) as that is the network that could help you find your next career opportunity. Understand how to sell yourself as your LinkedIn profile is your opportunity to let everyone know about you professionally and neglecting to understand the power of this tool will catch up with you at some point in time. Curtis Sato touches on a very useful point: Candidates need to follow up on interviews. This may seem as desperate, but if you really want a vacancy it pays to check the status on an application with the source. It also shows interest when following up on a vacancy and may make a recruiter reconsider your application! Frank Gaine offered a more creative perspective. Content quality is vital in this field, more so than other creative fields were presentation and confidence are much more key aspects. Viewing the thought process and the journey is just as vital to creative work, as it shows how you came to a result, and that you didnt just stumble into your greatest idea yet. Kashyap Rathod UI/UX Designer at Shaadi.com It depends on the profile completely. I am talking about Designers and I agree with @Frank Gaine as design is not the ultimate goal of the designer but user experience is and for that the there needs to be research methodologies, scenarios, personas and much more is used. If you show the results of these then you are unique and different from others which will make you best and recruiters will love to hire you. Explain the thought process used and tell them how it helped the product to grow. Donta The Connector Moore Technical Recruiting Consultant at Rhapsody International Good note to make Frank. It does depend on the type of role you are looking for and what that profession find important. Nikki Tarr makes a vital point on CVs. Candidate that align their CV to the job isnt misleading, but tailoring your abilities to the vacancy available. Cover Letters directed at an employer is essential, as blueprint cover letters sound soulless. Looking at a job description and making adjustments to your CV will make an application stand out. Doing your research into a company, as Steve Lovig mentions, also adds to  sense of your fit for the role. Steve Lovig, PHR VP Human Resources, focused on Business Growth I suggest doing your research on both the recruiting firm, as well as their client, before you connect. If you have mutual connections, reach out to them for an introduction. Ensure you explain WHY youre the right candidate. Shine on the phone interview by knowing your stuff, and SMILING while you speak. Be prepared with stories of your previous successes for the interview, and be sure to ASK the hiring manager questions. Send a Thank-you note following the interview, and follow-up after 7 days. Its vital to offer something that will differentiate you from other candidates. As Karin Singh says, what value can they add to the company? Being overly prepared in some ways, such as the problem solving Singh mentions is a fantastic way of making an  application unique. Nigel Willis Application Developer After covering all the other bases such as CV and Q+A, offer something the others dont. Karin Singh Freelancer What makes stand out a candidate? If a candidate can already demonstrate in a very practical way what a difference he can make to the company. What value s/he can add to it. Something who has already written down a strategy how to tackle a companys problem/challenge and can effectively present it! That would truly impress me! Furthermore, if he/she did some proper research on the company, the job, the person who is interviewing him/her, the competitors. Knowledge is key and asking smart questions should not be underestimated. Christina E. Rodriguez  provides  the straightforward advice: do good work, get people to see it, and people will recognise you for your achievements. We ask our #UROpinion Question every Monday on Twitter. Be sure to join us on LinkedIn, where you can comment on our latest discussion now!   QUESTION: Should you stop job-hunting over Christmas? http://t.co/1FXGQek2oo #UROpinion pic.twitter.com/2xZ99CSQGN â€" Undercover Recruiter (@UndercoverRec) December 2, 2014

How to Write a Resume Summary of Qualifications

How to Write a Resume Summary of QualificationsWriting a resume can be a difficult process. Even with the proper tools and tips, it is still not always easy to write a good resume summary of qualifications.The first thing that needs to be done is original research. Take the time to look at other job postings and determine how those requirements have changed. This will give you ideas on how to adjust your resume so that it makes sense and is relevant to the job opening.When you are trying to change the information for the opening, make sure you know how to do it right. Don't make the mistake of skimping on your qualifications or the skills that you have. When you are doing this, don't give in to the temptation to add things that are not needed to make your resume look good.Many professional resume writers have an outline of things they want to highlight in a resume. In addition, they usually use this outline to keep in contact with their clients and have a template. This is extremely helpful because it gives them a way to keep track of how well their work is doing.However, what if you need more information? If you have found the job listing you want and you do not feel like making changes to your qualifications or skills, then it is time to begin making those changes now. Keep in mind that it can take a while to go through all of the changes required and not turn off your potential employer.Need to get something in there quickly? Simply get one sentence or paragraph completed at a time. The more information you add in, the faster you will get the job and the easier the entire process will be.Another important thing that needs to be considered is that you can take out some things that you really don't need. Make sure that you only remove things that are either redundant or that you do not think you would ever need. This will help you focus on the important areas and help you avoid putting all of your information in the wrong place.Lastly, be sure to always mentio n any new skills that you might have acquired throughout your career. These could include writing skills, new office management techniques, or any other skills you may have picked up as an employee. This is also a great way to make sure that you are adding the type of information needed to show how your skills have changed over the years.

Interview Strategy - Research and Prepare!

Interview Strategy - Research and Prepare! Once you secure an interview, researching and preparing for the interview is extremely important. Believe it or not, many job candidates don’t prepare for job interviews â€" and then they are caught off guard and walk away without an offer.   Spending just 30 to 60 minutes (at a minimum) can significantly improve your chances of securing a job offer. Start by researching the company and job to unearth unique qualifications and buying motivators that you can use to your advantage during the interview.  You need to fully understand what the company’s ‘problems’ are so you can position yourself as their problem-solver. Next, think about the job interview from the employer’s perspective. They are looking for the best fit â€" skills, experience, education â€" and, most importantly, fit with the company’s culture. Focusing on the needs and preferences of the company can help you identify which aspects of your work history and background will best serve your future employer. Understanding a companys needs will also help you align your answers during the interview, honing in on the select skills that the employer is seeking more details on.For example, if you are interviewing for a sales job, you may want to show them how you can: Increase sales, revenue, and profits Secure new business while retaining existing customers If you’re applying for an information technology position, you might demonstrate how you can: Resolve challenges through proper technology use Save the company money on their technology needs It also helps to understand that the information an interviewer wants from you falls into a couple of broad categories. During an interview the company will probe to find out: Who you are (are you as skilled as you claim?) What sets you apart from other candidates (why hire you over another candidate?) If you can solve a problem they have (all jobs solve problems; can you provide proof of tackling these challenges?) Why you might not be a good fit for the job (are there reasons to eliminate you?) Why you are looking for a new job (unemployed?  seeking a new  opportunity?) Preparing answers that address the categories above, while showing an understanding of the company’s requirements and buying motivators will help you tailor your responses during the interview.Your research before the interview can also help YOU ask better questions in the interview. Remember â€" a job interview is about “fit” â€" but the “fit” from your perspective is as important as “fit” from the company’s point of view. The job interview is like a first date â€" you want to see what you have in common and whether it’s worthwhile to continue to pursue a relationship or whether you should “see other people.”  What are your personal interview challenges?

How to Take Your Job Anywhere In The World - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

How to Take Your Job Anywhere In The World - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career The world feels small when you stay in the same place for too long. What if you could travel the world and work on your terms whenever you wanted? That’s usually the question that raises a big red flag and makes you walk out on the latest webinar or workshop scam you fell for. You likely know the term “digital nomad,” but think that it’s reserved for top YouTube stars or bloggers with a secret inheritance funding it all. Digital nomads are an ambitious bunch who love to travel and work hard to make that lifestyle possible by conducting their work online. Intermixing travel and work at affordable rates while enjoying yourself and leading an independent life isn’t a pyramid scheme â€" it’s you taking your life back in a realistic way. People of all ages see this lifestyle as a viable choice that you don’t want until retirement to enjoy. From remote jobs and freelance life to entrepreneurship, here’s how to take your job anywhere in the world. What Are Remote Jobs? The internet is now accessible in most areas of the world and allows workers to clock in from anywhere. More companies hire an online workforce to work from home and complete their shifts. Not all employees work well in cubicles, but when given the opportunity to choose their workspace, they still prove themselves as team assets. Various companies hire call center staff, engineers, coders, nurses, teachers, writers, designers and more to work remotely. Some positions require a space hardwired to the internet and a set shift with training in person for the first few weeks, but many more only require a reliable internet connection and a smartphone. As long as the quality product is in on time, you’re free to manage your work-life balance as you see fit. Many job search sites also advertise these types of jobs. Just type “remote” or “work from home” in the location section. Look on the websites of major corporations for remote options on their “work for us” section. Dare to pitch your employer to let you work from home â€" offer to do it on a trial flex-time basis to build trust. The Freelance Lifestyle Often referred to as the “gig economy,” the freelance lifestyle could encompass 50 percent of the workforce by 2027, and it’s multiplying. Many who lead the digital nomad life are freelancers and among the self-employed, using their talents in UI/UX design, graphic design, writing, sales and more to make a living. To go freelance, you pick a niche and specialty that you have a passion for and provide a list of services. You should have a portfolio to demonstrate your skills and work history. Check with old business contacts and those inside your network to gain new clients. Reach out to related businesses to combine forces and increase your chances of winning clients. The more you pitch your services, the better at it you will get. You may need to start at lower rates than you would like to as you build your portfolio, but don’t underestimate your skills. Account for costs in your fees, so you don’t end up in the negative. If pitching services as a freelance writer, you should demonstrate your knowledge on the subject, provide a brief outline of your well-thought-out idea and why it fits the audience. Follow editors on social media because they’ll sometimes post a call for submissions on a hot topic. Soon, you’ll travel to a destination and see twenty potential stories while sitting in a coffee shop. When your work takes you to a foreign country, use a company for asset management, such as managing your property, so you don’t have obligations weighing you down and impeding your business and travel goals. You can also pitch businesses for reviews and interviews in exchange for staying at a hotel or experiencing their services â€" remain ethical at all costs. Your reputation and livelihood depend on it. Entrepreneurs Entrepreneurial nomads do what’s called “bootstrapping” and base their companies in areas such as Colombia, Thailand or Chiang Mai. They pick an affordable commercial building and have more time and money to allocate to their venture. Entrepreneurs create new apps and online business. They might sustain traveling by mixing up their trades and freelancing part-time. One of the fastest ways to generate a lucrative business idea is to think of something that bugs you and offer a solution. Do you have a way to provide another solution faster or improve upon it? Obtain feedback from existing customers and research what’s out there. Develop a business plan and get started. Tips for Making the Move Whether you decide on remote work, freelancing or entrepreneurial endeavors, you also need to strategize for taking your work on the road. You can pick up and go, letting it all unfold with trust in the business and prosperity gods, but the more realistic option for success is planning before you make a move. Here are a few tips to get started. Set a Buffer Time Give yourself a buffer time to adjust to your new lifestyle and make the necessary plans. You’ll need a just-right amount of clients to pay for things back home, your taxes and travels. Having a buffer time allows you to catch mishaps in advance before they happen while you’re away and have a more difficult time addressing issues from afar. Save up Money Start setting aside money now to work toward your goals. Include mini goals, such as getting your passport, but also add a bigger goal of having a safety net in case you get stuck in a foreign country with a buck to your name. Secure Your Working Base Will you buy, rent or sit in a space to get your work done? Renting a space through a monthly or annual membership is now an option at many coworking initiatives. You share a space with other entrepreneurs and freelancers and have access to software and small business resources you might not be able to afford on your own, especially if you only need them on a short-term business. Collaborate to build your network and list of clients. You can also set up at internet cafes or coffee shops but watch your expenses. Two lattes easily become four, and your take-home pay suffers. Do It Once you have your new work life and travel destination arranged, it’s time to bite the bullet and do it. Pack your bags and go. Take Your Job Across the World You’re about to embark on an unforgettable digital nomad lifestyle where you choose your schedule and lead a better work-life balance. Taking your job with you across the world will lead to a more fulfilling life filled with work you care about and powerful experiences.

Estimating Costs in Atlanta GA For Professional Resume Writing

Estimating Costs in Atlanta GA For Professional Resume WritingShould you spend a small fortune to have professional resume writing done by a professional Atlanta Georgia writer? That question will be answered by the estimated costs in Atlanta GA that will help you determine the answer to your own question.You want a job that you will be happy with and not one that has quality work experience that is questionable. That is why it pays to do your homework and find the best kind of writer that is available. It is possible to pay less for high quality service than you would pay for a poor quality service.A reputable professional resume writer that meets all of your needs can be found by doing a little research online. You can find out the estimated costs in Atlanta GA for the services of a professional resume writer online. These costs can be compared to see how much the price would vary.Today's resumes are formatted differently than they were decades ago. In fact, you can find many of th e same job resumes that were submitted in the past that are found today. These resumes are easier to work with than many people realize. Many of the jobs that need professional resume writing are simple and can be written in a matter of minutes.If you have questions about the estimated costs in Atlanta GA for professional resume writing, you should check out the feedback pages on the writer's website. These pages are intended to give feedback from others who have used the writer's services. They are also a good place to see what the best prices are online.There are online estimates for the average service for professional resume writing. These estimates will include the cost of any kind of supplies needed. They will also take into account the cost of shipping and handling if applicable. Many of these companies will offer samples so that you can get an idea of the kind of writing style that is suitable for your resume.Resumes that are created by a reputable writer can also be customi zed to meet the needs of the employer. These companies can create your resume without the use of a template. This allows you to make the resume that best fits your personal style. This type of personalized service will cost a little more than online estimates that only include the estimate for a professionally prepared resume.Finding a professional resume writer in Atlanta GA is possible, even though there are a number of affordable writers available online. Many companies will provide the pricing of the service in Atlanta GA. This means that you can see what your options are online.

The benefits of international students are ten times greater than the cost

The benefits of international students are ‘ten times greater than the cost’ The latest news in things we all already know but the government doesnt understand comes in the form of a report which confirms that the benefits  international students bring to the UK far outweigh any costs associated with hosting them. We all know that international students bring so much to the UK in terms of their skills, ambitions, ideas, culture and economic spending power but apparently some people need reminding. One of the biggest surprises of the report was the areas of the UK which benefit most from overseas students. Its often assumed this would be London, but the Northern cities of Sheffield and Newcastle actually gain the most. Other areas reaping the benefits include  Nottingham, Manchester and Liverpool. So international students are actually distributing wealth away from the capital, and helping out those areas in need of some extra love. The report, by the Higher Education Policy Institute, found that although it costs £2.3bn to cover costs such as health and social security, in return international students contribute a whopping £20.3bn to the UK economy. So why arent the government listening? Immigration targets The fact is, following Brexit, concerns around immigration have become a HUGE issue that the government can no longer ignore. But their plan is to calculate how many people move to the UK every year, including international students, and reduce these numbers by tens of thousands. Of course, including international students in these figures is pretty ridiculous. They do so much good for our country, and actually very few even stay on after graduation. Research last year showed that under 5,000 a year stay on after their Visas run out a hell of a lot less than the 100,000 number previously being thrown around. With all the benefits they bring the UK, it seems like a crazy idea to try and reduce their numbers. How they benefit us Around 230,000 students arrive in the UK to study each year. In doing so they provide really important funding for our universities, and spend money in our local economies, sustaining jobs and boosting profits. The Director of the Higher Education Policy Institute, Nick Hillman, summed it up perfectly: Fewer international students would mean a lot fewer jobs in all areas of the UK. It is literally the sandwich shops, the bike shops, the taxi firms; it is the night clubs, its the bookshops. Without international students, some of the local companies might go bust. Some of the local resident population would lose their jobs. In short, overseas students are part of the life force of this country, and we should be doing so much more to appreciate them, and not to reduce their numbers. What happens next? The sad thing is, the UK has already got a reputation for having many top universities, but being ‘the most student hostile government in the world’, according to a report from Indias Hindustan Times. This is why its so important for us as individuals to show international students some love; no matter what our government thinks, we value the contribution they make. In response to the report, a Home Office spokesperson said: “There is no limit to the number of genuine international students that can come to the UK to study, and we very much value the contribution that they make. “We have no plans to take international students out of the net migration figures. Including them does not act to the detriment of students or the education sector and since 2010 we have seen the number of student visas increase by 24 per cent.” But by keeping overseas students in the overall net migration figures, the government is sending the wrong message. Labour Shadow Home Secretary Diana Abbott criticised the stance.  â€œTheresa May is increasingly isolated on this issue, stubbornly refusing to change her policy of including international students in the Tories’ net migration target. She is too weak to accept she is in the wrong.” Theres no guarantees about how the government will act going forward, but its clear that its our duty to show that international students are welcome in the UK and we appreciate everything they bring. Lets use 2018 to show them a little love. Connect with Debut on  Facebook,  Twitter,  and  LinkedIn  for more careers insights.

10 Free and Easy Ways to Help You Get a Job In Your Major - CareerAlley

10 Free and Easy Ways to Help You Get a Job In Your Major - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. A bird doesnt sing because it has an answer; it sings because it has a song. Maya Angelou Regardless of what methods or secrets anyone claims to have uncovered for finding a job, the truth of the matter is its a dog eat dog world out there. Theres no secret, no magic trick behind finding that dream job of yours it just takes a lot of hard work and a little creativity. Everyones story is different, so naturally everyones process is going to be different as well. So many times people stray into paying for career counseling, graduate degrees, professional certificates and go into even bigger debt simply because theyve forgotten the basics. These pursuits are noble of course, and the hearts of these individuals are in the right place. But the truth is sometimes we dont want to hear or do the simple answers. For example, whats the trick to losing weight and being healthy? Just eat healthy and exercise regularly. Thats it. Its hard and annoying, but effective. I majored in English and upon graduation encountered the same problems the rest of Americas college grads are facing. No jobs. At least, I thought there werent. After three months I was able to secure a job in my field doing what I loved. I currently work as an In-house Copywriter for a promotional flash drives company. I work specifically writing their marketing content while maintaining their blogs. Im not saying Im particularly successful, but if a writer can get work, so can you! The truth of the matter is simply going to college, graduating, and applying for a job will get you nowhere with majors like Architecture and English. So these steps are meant simply as guidelines for those of you who will undoubtedly struggle in the job market because of your chosen field of study. Remember to always think positively and believe in yourself. You worked 4 long years to become a professional in your field and thats worth something. 10.) Start with family. The number one person who cares the most about your well being and success is you. Second on that list are your loved ones. This could be your father, mother, brothers, cousins, uncles, spouse, or a very close friend. Make sure you have a good talk with all those who you consider family and ask them for advice. Swallow your pride and let them know youre in a difficult situation and are on the job hunt. Theyll be glad help you in any way they can and will be able to offer you a different point of view. The important thing is to remember that you dont have to do this alone. 9.) Let everyone know what you do and what youre looking for. Go beyond the scope of your family and close friends. Dont discuss the detailed personal matters of your situation, but just make sure everyone in your social circles knows what youre about and what you love. Tweet about how your favorite architecture firms or art galleries. Always share you goals and dreams. When someone asks you want youve been up to, share that youre looking for job in your field. Keep it friendly and casual. This is basic networking. 8.) Visit your local library. Seek professional career counseling and help. There are answers your friends and family just dont have. But dont make the mistake of paying for these services. Public libraries offer countless resources on career counseling and job hunting. There is dedicated professional staff that offer free advice and scheduled appointments to help you in any way they can. There service is usually far better than the university career counseling because they dont deal with 2,000 students every day. In fact most people are unaware of these services. There are also hundreds of books on resume writing, interview tips, and just about anything. Dont let this free resource go to waste. 7.) Learn the skills that complement your major. As an internet writer, it was very important that I learned SEO, basic HTML, Photoshop, and social media skills. . Look at additional skills mentioned in job postings for your field. These skills are not learned through your course work at the university, and they are rarely mentioned by professors or guidance counselors. Bottom line, there should be nothing on a required skills list for a job posting in your field that you are completely unfamiliar with. Go to the library and borrow some books on the subjects. You dont have to become a pro but you should have a general idea for each of these secondary skills. Many times this is the make or break factor between two job candidates. Dont be the one caught unprepared! 6.) Know your city. If you majored in history, do know all of your local museums? If you majored in political science, do you know all of your districts representatives and congressmen? If you majored in art, do you know you citys art district? Does it have an art district? You should ask yourself where are the most ideal places that youd like job placement at, and start your search there. Dont send an email. Show your face and introduce yourself. After the looking at the big businesses, go through the small ones. There are many places that are just starting out that dont have websites up yet. Local acting theatres and independent research labs rarely list themselves broadly over the internet. Try getting off the computer and doing it the old fashioned way. 5.) Create a website. There are plenty of free sites like WordPress and Blogger where you can create a free web site. In the digital age its important to have your own little space you can call home and invite others to visit. This shows that youre keeping up with the modern times and actively working on marketing yourself. Add professional details about your skills, background and goals, but also make it personal and fun. If you are on a tight budget and dont have a computer or internet from home then go to the library and use the computers there. 4.) Use Social Media. Join Facebook, Twitter, Google+ and various other blogs and social media sites to create a digital picture of yourself and your interests. Employers conduct digital background checks on their potential candidates. This is an excellent opportunity to show them how youre actively involved and interested in your field of study. Keep it professional and clean, but also be you. Youre a nice guy deep inside I promise! 3.) Volunteer. Volunteer your skills to family, friends and employers. Use what you have to offer and hone your job skills. Its ok to mention any type of volunteering you do in your resume as relevant experience. The fancy word for this is, internship. Really all employers want to know is if you can do the work and do it well. Show them you can by actively using your skills at any given opportunity. You never know who may be watching. more Improve your chances to find a job 2.) Make a portfolio. Have samples of your work. If youre a photographer, have a ton of your professional photos. If youre a writer, have blog entries, essays, and articles written. The key is that your portfolio is never finished. You have to keep adding and adding your most recent work to it. And yes, there should always be recent work! Employers want to see that youre constantly active and involved in producing content relevant to your field. It shows dedication and responsibility. But most of all, it helps you sharpen your skills. If a runner stops stretching outside of competition seasons, theyll lose flexibility. Likewise, its extremely important to keep practicing what you love so when the opportunity comes, youll be ready. 1.) Repeat. Keep trying. Keep going. Dont give up. It sounds like a Disney sports movie right? But it works. Youre not going to succeed by trying once. Keep applying to new positions at the firm you really see yourself at. Continue networking your passions to everyone your meet. Stay up to date on developments in your field and stay on the lookout for new companies coming to town. Consider looking outside of your town. Keep learning new skills related to your field. Update your portfolio and resume constantly. Keep scheduling appointments with a career counselor. Do not stop until youve reached your goal. It may seem impossible, but if you keep at it and try your best, then something good will come out of it. Vincent H. Clarke works as a copywriter with usbmemorydirect.com, a company that produces custom promotional USB drives. He graduated from the University of Hawaii with a Bachelors degree in English. This is a Guest post. If you would like to submit a guest post to CareerAlley, please follow these guest post guidelines. Good luck in your search. Visit me on Facebook //

How Much Detail Should A Professional Resume Have

How Much Detail Should A Professional Resume Have A professional resume is like a high-quality photograph of your career. Within that photograph, you can see incredible detail. If you have the capability to zoom in on a section, that detail is easier to see clearly. But the photograph doesnt show you everything about the subject, does it? If you want to find out more than you see in the photograph, you need to either look at more pictures or actually talk to the person in the portrait. Because your resume is a limited look at who you are and how you would fit into a potential job opening, the reader is looking for details that fit their criteria: Does this applicant have the credentials we need for the position? Does this applicant have the professional skills we need for the position? Does this applicant have assets that could compensate for a lack of credential or skill? As a result, the details in your professional resume need to be details that matter to the reader. Keeping your skills section professional, for instance, means that your love of live action role play probably isnt what they are looking for. On the other hand, if you are applying for a job that involves the ability to create costumes and characters, it might be exactly what they want. When you look at samples of professional resumes  there are a variety of details in each one. Each resume has been carefully edited for the inclusion of the types of detail the potential employer is looking for. There will be a right time to share an enthusiasm for a hobby, but your resume will be much more professional and much more attractive to that potential employer if the details on your resume are applicable to the job opening.