Now that we’re in a new year, we want to make sure that you’re armed with best information so that you can land a job ASAP.
Many factors played into your not being able to find a job in 2009.
While the economy and the job market had plenty to do with it, there
comes a point when you have to look at yourself and what you are (or
aren’t) doing and how it’s affecting your job search. Let’s start with
the most basic thing you need in your job search: a résumé.
Here’s a little résumé 101 to refresh your job search this year, excerpted from “Career Building: Your Total Handbook for Finding a Job and Making It Work.”
Writing your résumé: Hiring managers spend an
average of one minute scanning a résumé. You have just a short window to
convince them that you’re either fabulous or the most boring person
alive. Which is it gonna be?
Here are the elements that your résumé should include:
Contact information: Your name (if your formal name
is Abigail but you go by Abby, use Abby), address, phone number, e-mail
address and Web site. And make sure to use a professional e-mail address
for your job applications. Employers aren’t likely to call HotPants1234@hotmail.com.
Career summary or objective: This gives the hiring
manager an idea of who you are immediately — before spending the 60
seconds skimming your résumé and deciding if he wants to bring you in
for an interview. Many job seekers equate a summary with an objective.
While both are two to three sentences appearing at the top of your
résumé, they are different.
An objective states a job seeker’s desired job description, and is
often ideal for people who are just starting out in the work force or
changing industries. Some words of warning: It could pigeonhole you and
limit how employers see you. If you are looking to take the next step in
your chosen field, consider writing a career summary instead.
A career summary gives an overview of your work experience and/or relevant education.
Summary of qualifications: This calls out the most
relevant information for the job. If you include this, the hiring
manager doesn’t have to hunt for your abilities. This is an easy way to
tailor your résumé for each job application. Look at the required skills
listed in a job posting and use this as an opportunity to highlight the
skills needed for the job. If you are changing careers or industries,
this section helps you highlight certain transferable skills.
Technical skills: This is where you can show your
computer and software proficiency. Are you missing a technical skill
listed in the job description? Don’t throw in the towel. Seventy-eight
percent of hiring managers report they are willing to recruit workers
who don’t have experience in their particular industry or field and
provide training/certifications needed.
Work history: This is where you list chronologically
any work experience – titles, employer and dates of tenure. List only
the most recent and relevant information; no one cares about
your ninth-grade babysitting club … unless you are looking for something
in child care (even then, save it for your cover letter).
Education: Include your dates of graduation, college major and minor, degrees earned or expected graduation date.
So there you have it; the very basics you should include on your
résumé. Other things to remember to include? Keywords, accomplishments
and no errors.
If you need some help writing your résumé, check out CBResume, or if you’d like a free critique of your current résumé, click here.
Questions? Just ask us here. In the meantime, here is some more light résumé reading to check out:
Work history:
This is where you list chronologically any work experience – titles,
employer and dates of tenure. List only the most recent and relevant
information; no one cares about your ninth-grade babysitting club …
unless you are looking for something in childcare (even then, save it
for your cover letter).
