What You Don't Know Will Hurt... Your Resume. Get Back to Class

NOT WORKING? WORK YOUR BRAIN TO LEARN NEW SKILLS WHILE LOOKING FOR A JOB.

We’ve all been there: you don’t have a job, and your resume is all around the world and getting nowhere because it reads like everybody else’s. You have a high school diploma. Or you finished 2 years at a junior college. You may even have a Masters Degree. But nothing is biting, and you’re getting discouraged. We all know to “Dress for Success,” when going to a job interview, but your problem is getting your resume noticed so that you can get that interview. Without scolding you the way your mother or father (or a grandparent, whose opinion really counts), might, I will tell you that there is a chance that you just don’t know enough. Which is a godsend to your competition, which might have taken a little more initiative, and learned a new, related skill (or done some additional honing up on a current skill). While you’re doing all you can to network, peruse the newspapers, and search the Web, ask yourself, “Am I really doing all that I can to be employed?” Your conscience may answer back, “No.” If it does, go back to “school.”

There are hundreds of courses available in many venues, right where you live, that you can take to become more knowledgeable, which, in a way, may save your resume from dustbin oblivion.

What course(s) should you take? Well, for starters, learn a new skill or increase your knowledge about a skill that you already have. If you don’t have a GED--well, “by golly, get one” (that’s your grandma speaking). If you left school prior to getting your college degree, return to college. It need not be the college you originally attended, but it should be one that will accept most, if not all, of the credits you have accumulated. There are many local colleges and universities, as well as correspondence and on-line classes, that can round out your resume to show that you aren’t a boob who just sits around all day playing video games. You can even take online classes on YouTube! http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=courses&search_type=&aq=f

Master your computer. Most of us don’t really know all that our computers can do. Become an expert on your own computer. That additional knowledge could be just what you need to get hired, and, eventually, promoted.

Online classes are available at adult schools, and online at the University of Phoenix and many universities and colleges, including Ivy League institutions as well as state colleges and universities, and through Kaplan online, etc. You need not return to your original institution, but you should make sure that the school you choose will accept most, if not all, of your previous classes. If you feel too told to go back to school, you’re wrong. You’re never too old to start learning.

Even if you’re shy, there is still no excuse. You can take brush-up classes online. With online classes, it’s just between you and the computer (and the professor who reads your work and gives you your grade). And don’t let a low grade hinder you. Just keep on plugging! Remember, Einstein said,” Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.” And he should know! Just keep learning; you DO have it in you.

Here are some websites that might give you a head start (I searched randomly, and no one has offered me any income or other remuneration for posting his or her site here):

Test your typing skills: http://www.typingtest.com/

Test your English (British): http://www.britishcouncil.org/learnenglish-central-test-test-your-level.htm

Test your math skills: http://www.hankthecowdog.com/game/math.htm

http://www.ehow.com/how_4828839_test-math-skills-reading-comprehension.html

Test your word power: http://www.askoxford.com/worldofwords/thesauri/test/

Some sites require payment, but they test you in subjects which most employers expect you to have mastered if you’re seeking an office job, for instance (bookkeeping, payroll, etc): http://www.icb.org.au/Test_your_Skills_now

Get free downloads of software to learn the basics: http://wareseeker.com/free-quicken-trial-offer/

Become accredited to beef up your resume: http://www.quicken.com.au/partners/accreditedTrainers.aspx

Take any number of courses online at www.free-ed.net or http://www.free-ed.net/free%2Ded/FreeEdMain01.asp

Go to an online “school” to learn any number of subjects:

http://www.selfmadescholar.com/classes.html

Invest some money in increasing your knowledge: it will pay off, and will look good on your resume. Get a certificate in your current field, or in a new one. Certification will also add to the quality of your resume (even a Certification in First Aid and CPR). Watch your confidence expand as you tack on more skills, and your employer select you for your hard work.

Resume readers generally take from 30 to 60 seconds to read each resume, and there are certain things that they look for: what you did in your last (or most relevant) job, your education (to see if you meet the qualifications for the position), and your certifications and/or awards, if any. If that information catches their eye, they will read your highlights and career objective (or summary), and glance at your earlier employment. If all goes well, your resume will be put into a “to be considered” pile, the first “short list.” Your cover letter may not be read until the second “round” of resume readings. For large businesses and organizations, the computer will do the first “reading,” looking for key words, even before your resume is read by an actual resume reader. This makes it imperative for you to really be on target with your resume.

Particularly now, in this “recession” economy, you need everything possible going for you. Increasing your educational qualifications shows that you are serious about your career, have the discipline to seek more knowledge, and are thus likely to be a good employee.

Returning to school may be just the ticket to your new job!

SECURE YOUR CONTACTS FOR THE SECURITY OF A GOVERNMENT JOB.

One of the very few bright spots in this worst job market since the 1929 Depression is USAJOBS, the official website of the US Federal Government. Federal employment is exploding! Because of the many Federal agencies that have been expanded or newly created, US Government jobs are at the very top of the job pyramid. The website lists posts nationwide, state by state, and gives the total of applications sought per state. You can become a USA Jobs Member by signing up online, where you can post your resume, apply for Federal jobs, and receive automated job alerts. Although this is the quickest way to find out about employment with the US Government, it's only as good as raising your hand in a stadium full of others who want the same attention. In addition, these lists can be deceptive. Many postings are obligatory because there must be a perception that a particular agency, which may already have chosen an in-house candidate (rather, selectee), is still taking offers from the general public. Do your research first, if time permits:

1. Learn what you can about the position by calling and talking to someone in the HR department or in the actual office.
2. See if you can meet a member of the Agency for lunch to pick her or his brain. You may offer to pay for lunch, but there's a limit to how much you can spend (not more than $25, in the past). Whatever you do, do not take your resume with you. Develop a relationship with the person, and get a candid assessment of how the office operates and whether or not you'd be a good fit. Ask probing questions about whether your interlocutor actually likes working there. What are the pros and cons? Are there office politics, or are the employees pretty straight forward, just doing their jobs?
3. After the lunch, immediately write your lunch guest a quick note, thanking her or him for taking the time to meet with you. Mail your letter. Letters from the public are a rarity in most jobs, so you'll get special attention if you write on personal stationery. In the letter, you can even ask a question to keep the dialogue open; if your contact calls you or writes back, you now have a contact in the Federal Government.
4. When you feel the time is right, find out from this person to whom you should send your resume to make application for the position, perhaps asking if you should call the head of the department. Follow what your contact says--exactly, and do not deviate from the advice you get. Someone is trying to help you now, so honor his or her advice.
5. After one month has passed, take your contact out to lunch again, or invite him or her to an event that relates to his or her work where you can be in an informal setting.Soon enough, you'll find out what's happening with the position opening. You'll also likely find out that the wait will be 6 months or even longer. In the meantime, continue to look for work in other sectors.

The government is a monolith, but it is made up of individuals. Your contact might not be in the know as much as he or she thinks, so you want to keep your options open to meet other people who may be of equal or even more assistance to you. Your resume does count, but your contacts count more, nowadays, in gaining employment--even when looking for work in the Federal Government. Just as you would in any relationship, navigate the waters carefully and deftly. Be genuine. Most of all, be patient. True friendships take a long while to develop. Don't bet the farm that you'll get the job, but hope that you have at least made a new friend!

Some of the tips given above are also applicable to job-seeking at the state, county, and city government levels, as well as to educational administration, particularly in higher education.

Resumes: One Page or Two? It's Not About Taste...

One May Not be Enough

The dilemma over whether a resume should be one or two pages has created two schools of thought. This question has no final answer, however, and there are as many proponents of the one-page, one size fits all resume as there are opponents, who say that one page does not reveal enough information.

The issue has been almost as controversial as how toilet paper should be placed on the dispenser: so that sheets roll over or roll under (how and why this inspired national debate a few years ago is beyond me). Ultimately, we at www.Affordable-Resumes.com take the position that "what works best" is the appropriate answer. Whether a resume should be one or two pages should be determined on a case-by-case basis. Not good enough? Well, look at the following scenario; what would you do?

Bob, 48 years old, has owned a construction company for the past 8 years, focused on building commercial properties. Prior to that, he was a lawyer for 15 years. Given the roll-back of construction nationwide, he's decided not to build anymore, and will return to the practice of law, this time as a bankruptcy attorney. During his pre-construction years, he practiced criminal defense for the local District Attorney's office.

In this case, a two-page resume is in order. It's very important to be able to explain Bob's career experiences, which are varied. A resume has two tasks: (1) recounting one's employment history, and (2) highlighting the strengths, qualifications, and experiences that make the candidate eligible for the position. Here are some rules[1] to guide you in helping Affordable-Resumes create or revise your own resume:

Recent college graduates, skilled trades persons, professionals, and other employees with less than ten years of experience usually need only a 1-page resume.

Professionals with ten or more years of experience normally require a 2-page resume.

A senior executive's resume might be as long 4 pages, under certain circumstances.

Nothing is etched in stone, but there are some givens where a good resume is concerned:

• A resume should not avoid the truth. Do not delete any educational or employment information.
• Explain your life in a chronology that makes sense.
• If there are employment gaps, they can always be explained in the cover letter.
• Accept the fact that a resume is an individual picture that tells each person's unique story.

Be willing to take your "lumps" if you don't heed the advice given herein. We work with you to make sure that you are putting your best foot forward into the job market. Finally, remember that you have only one opportunity to make a good first impression.

[1] No Nonsense Resumes and Cover Letter: the Essential Guide, Enelow & Boldt, 2008

HOW TO STIMULATE YOUR RESUME WHILE WAITING FOR THE STIMULUS PACKAGE

With the economy rapidly tanking and many losing their jobs and/or homes, money is very tight. Many job-seekers really need a new or updated resume but just cannot afford one, even one done by a low-cost but excellent resume-writing company like affordable-resumes.com.  While we feel that anyone can benefit from hiring a resume writer or resume-writing company (preferably ours--hey it's our blog), it is possible for you to write your own. Listed below are 15 pointers for writing your own resume:

1. If your library has resume books, look them over and borrow one. If you have a choice, pick the most recent one.

2. Be as accurate and complete as possible in describing the jobs you have held.

3. Make sure that you write a competitive, compelling resume, one that captures the attention of your prospective employer.

4. List each of your job-related skills. A skills-rich resume is never overlooked.

5. Make sure your resume is targeted to the job that you want, and shows that you can and will do the work required.

6. Be sure to list all employment dates, job titles, employers, and duties that you performed. If you are new to the job market, list any internships, certificates, awards, associations (including offices held, if any), and volunteer work (including offices held, if any).

7. Always tell the truth, even if it is unfavorable. Often you can explain the circumstances in your cover letter, stating what you learned as a result of the experience, et al.

8. Resumes can be sent via "snail" mail, email, or fax, but snail mail or email are preferred over fax.

9. If there are gaps in your employment history, be prepared to disclose them if you are granted an interview. They can also be explained in your cover letter; and every resume should be accompanied by a cover letter!

10. Find out what type of resume characteristics are preferred by your prospective employer, then fashion your resume according to that preference if you can.

11. Always limit your resume to two pages, unless you are applying for a job in academia, where a curriculum vitae is usually required. If you have been in the job market for less than 10 years, limit your resume to one page.

12.Resume readers spend an average of 30 to 90 seconds on each resume, so it is extremely necessary to be concise and informative. Of course, it is essential that grammar and spelling be correct.

13. The first reader of many resumes is a computer. Look at the description of the job to which you are applying, taking notice of action verbs, nouns, and adjectives used. If some of these "buzz" words are not included in appropriate places, they cannot be picked up by the computer, and your resume may be filed in the "round file," discarded before it is ever seen by a live reader.

14. Be sure to include all information about your education, including major(s), minor(s), and degree(s), if any, name(s) of institution(s), city/cities, state(s), and date(s) of graduation or attendance. If you have no post-secondary education, list your high school diploma, major (if applicable), name of school, city, state, and year of graduation.; if you did not graduate from high school, list the name of the last school you attended, the city and state, and the years of attendance.

15. Be sure to include any professional organizations to which you belong, including offices held, if applicable; the same goes for any additional training, certifications, licenses, etc., awards, certificates, and volunteer activities.

Of course, we at affordable-resumes.com want to make sure that your resume really shows who you are, your unique talents, and what you will bring to your new job. Even if you want us to write or update your resume, the questions listed above will need to be answered in order for us to do the very best on your behalf. We will tailor the information that you give us into the best possible resume, one that will make the resume reader take notice, even when that reader is a PC or Apple. So, whether you are planning to have us work for you or not, take 15!

Your Resume - Your Best Friend

A good resume demonstrates that you are better organized and prepared than your competition. According to Martin Yate, a nationally renowned career adviser, "it's a staunch friend who only speaks well of you and can gain you entrance into undreamed-of-opportunities."

No resume gets read unless a prospective employer is trying to solve a problem. Resumes that get acted upon are those that demonstrate the job-seeker's potential as a problem solver. Your resume must speak loudly and clearly of your value as a potential employee. And what you will bring to the job has to be articulated thoroughly, quickly, and effectively. That's where www.Affordable-Resumes.com comes into your life. We'll help you explain what you've done in a manner that tells the resume reader that you're someone that they need to hire, or interview, at least.

Your resume gets you in the door, so it must be able to stand on its own. It must emphasize what has happened in your work life, what actions you took to make those things happen, and what personal characteristics you brought to your job(s) that contributed to solving the problems of your former employer(s). It focuses attention on your strengths, showing you as a potential powerhouse of an employee, while at the same time drawing attention away from those areas that are less well-defined or lack vigor. You can do this even if you are changing the entire direction of your career.

Most resumes are deadly dull. But we at www.Affordable-Resumes.com believe that yours can be different. It should be short on words (and pages), but long on facts, showing an energy that reflects who you really are. An added, often hidden, benefit is that a good resume will focus your attention, helping you prepare for job interviews. When you have taken the time to analyze and package all of your strengths in the organized fashion that is required for a good resume, you will be able to speak fluidly about your background skills in a fashion that is guaranteed to impress the interviewer.

Your resume will also be your last and most powerful advocate. After all candidates have been interviewed, prospective employers go over their notes, application forms (if used), and the resumes supplied by the candidates. A powerful, positive resume gives you a definite edge.

In this 21st Century global economy, it is important to widen one's perspective, thereby enhancing one's employment opportunities. Take a good look at every job that you have held; or, if you are a brand-new job seeker, any internships or volunteer experiences that can highlight your qualifications. Don't get fixated on one particular job, or even one particular career. Long-gone are the days when you got a job at the beginning of your work life and stayed there until retirement. Most of today's job-seekers will have, at the very least, two career changes; many will have three or more, particularly given current economic woes.

At www.affordable-resumes.com, we take the time to help our clients take stock of what they've done when seeking a new resume. A resume is not just facts about where you worked and for how long. In these times, it has to brag about your accomplishments, in an understated way. And it must TELL THE TRUTH about your skills. Citing Martin Yale again, he advises that "you have to know where you've been, where you are, and where you're headed." Here at Affordable-Resumes.com, we work with you through each job you've held, to eke out every ounce of information we can about your accomplishments. Then we list these accomplishments, very gently, so as not to overpower the reader with bravado or boasting. One can brag without being obnoxious about it -- and that's the hallmark of an Affordable-Resumes.com resume or any other good resume service.

What's in a Title? Your Skills - That's What!

Believe it or not, even in this bleak time of recession, there are job shortages! Notwithstanding all the dim news about job losses (over 2.5 million in 2008), people are being hired as you read this. We're proud of the fact that our company's efforts have contributed to an increase in the job rolls, as our clients have contacted us to say that they have received job offers. So, while you should pay attention to the job market statistics, don't use them as a reason for not trying to obtain new employment. Affordable-resumes.com provides you with the top-notch resume and cover letter that will help you to achieve your goal.

Listed below are some cutting-edge careers which are both viable now and poised for future growth, mking them ahead-of-the-curve careers, according to the latest US News and World Report information:

Asian Business Development Specialist
Behavioral Geneticist
Computational Biologist
Data Miner
Emergency Manager
Green-collar Specialist
Health Information Specialist
Immigration Specialist
Offshoring Manager
Patient Advocate
Simulation Developer
Solar Installer
Wellness Coordinator

http://www.usnews.com/articles/business/best-careers/2008/12/04/ahead-of-the-curve-careers-2008.html

Before you dismiss all of these job opportunities as being impossible for you to fill, look more closely.  Many skills are transferrable and we invite you to find what skills you have which can mutate into another career path.  For instance, if you have data-entry experience, you could probably become a Data Miner.  Most people with management experience could adapt to becoming emergency managers with little training (as emergency implies that there will be some learning on the job).  If you have any health-care education or experience (nurse assistant, health technician, even clerical experience in a health-care setting), take a gander at Wellness Coordinator, Health Information Specialist, and Patient Advocate. If you have roofing experience, become a Solar Installer. And if you speak Spanish, an Asian or an African language, there might be a position for you with an immigration law firm as an Immigration Specialist.

Do not think that because your present job doesn't fit the exact title of the job specifications that you're out of luck.  Do a bit more digging.  Do some research to find out what the requirements of a job are before you dismiss yourself as underqualified.  Discover what a Solar Green-collar Specialist and a Simulation Developer do. You might meet some of those qualifications, and some employers will provide on-the-job training if all other requirements can be met.  A willingness to learn is key in any position one holds, and your enthusiasm for undertaking a new career path could be the difference between a "No thank you," and "You're hired!" If you have business experience AND speak an Asian language, definitely look at becoming an Asian Business Development Specialist. In other words, don't focus upon your limitations, but look at your possibilities, and don't be afraid! As you can see from the jobs listed above, only 2 (Behavioral Geneticist, Computational Biologist) require specific college degrees (Genetics and Biology). If you possess either of these degrees, you should look to see how you might be able to qualify for one of those positions.  Quickly!

A personal example: When I interviewed for my first administrative job, I was asked what kind of mangement, supervisorial, or administrative experience I had. I was told that my reply - that although I had no such educational or paid experience, I had run a household of 8+ (husband, 6 children, 2 cats, 2 dogs, and 2 turtles or fish), keeping track of appointments and schedules, making sure bills were paid and meals were prepared (while holding down a full-time job and going to school) - convinced the interview committee to hire me. That, and the resume that I had written for myself. When I retired, over 22 years later, from another organization, I directed 9 departments, with hundreds of employees. I had also kept my resume writing skills honed, and was able to begin a new career with www.affordable-resumes.com.

I thought outside the box. You, too, can, and should, think outside the box. Don't limit yourself.   http://www.affordable-resumes.com asks in-depth quesions to help you better define, or redefine your qualifications.   We are committed to helping you succeed. 

Don't Let Layoffs Keep You Down - A Good Resume Is the Best Pick-Me-Up

Let's face it. This is not the best time in our nation's economic history. We're all anxious about what the future holds. Some of us will lose our jobs. Some of us will keep our jobs, but will lose important benefits. The losses will likely hit everyone in some form or fashion. But, if you see a glass half empty, it's harder to fill it up. If it's half full, you've just a bit more ways to go before you'll be drinking the cup of prosperity. A good resume might be the trick to helping you see a brighter future.

In the last two days, two of our resume clients have gotten interviews within 24-hours of sending their first redrafted resumes out! Even though the job market is down (and still falling), people are being hired every day. So if you've been laid off, don't despair. There is a job out there with your name on it. It is up to you to find that right spot where you will fit perfectly. Take a good, hard look at your job skills and your current resume, and ask yourself: is that really who I am? Are you really just a title or position who did something blah, blah, blah? Or is there much more to you that can be put into the resume to show off your uniqueness, your talents, and your personality? After all, your resume represents you on paper. Who are you in person: that's what your resume should show.

In thinking about who you are, you might consider answering the following questions:

Do you have management, supervisory, sales or technical experience?
What is your computer expertise?
Would you accept part-time employment?
Do you have bookkeeping or accounting skills?
Do you have good interpersonal communication skills?
What licenses and certifications do you have?
What kind of technical experience do you have?
What was your college major?
What was your college minor?
Do you have retail experience?
Are you a team player?
Can you work alone?
Can you work under supervision?
Have you worked in the profit, non-profit, or government sector?
Are you motivated, task-oriented, hard-working, persistent?
What languages do you speak, and how well do you speak them?

Ask yourself how many years of experience you have in each of the above areas. If you have received any awards, what are they, and how could they be useful in your employment search?

Finally, look at your hobbies, avocation, and volunteer experiences. Could you make a living at any of these? If so, can you tie the job strengths to which you responded earlier to this possible new line of work?

Once you have done this, you will have completed the first phase of your job search - KNOWING YOURSELF AND YOUR QUALIFICATIONS. Next time we'll tell you how to proceed with your new knowledge.