Calgary Resume Writer

Heat Up Your Job Search!

2012-01-25T13:38:00.004-07:00

There has been a lot of discussion in the career industry this month around educating clients on the importance of career management. Industry experts are finding that more and more job seekers desperately require a higher level of understanding in job search preparation and career management, but many still refuse to invest. Why is this? I personally feel that most people feel confident that the skills they already have (regardless of how out-of-date they may truly be) are ‘good enough’. But good enough will not cut it in today’s tough job market. Employers expect job seekers to be more polished in each aspect of the job search process (resume, cover letter, social media, interview, salary negotiations – to name the top few!) and if you haven’t updated your skills in this area for some time you are going to find yourself sticking out like a sore thumb, wasting precious time and money - getting frustrated fast!

We stress to all clients that learning how to sell yourself in a job search is the most important skill you will ever need, no matter what job you have or desire to obtain. In order to be successful in your job search and get out of your career rut we strongly recommend investing in top resources and being open to exploring innovative and current approaches to the job search.

This month we are pleased to announce our new collection of resources, to help you heat up your job search and hone your skills in several key job search topics and areas. Our new easy to follow and targeted resource guides include:

• Resume Foundations: Learn how to effectively develop and format a current resume.
• Cover Letter Foundations: Explore the importance of cover letters during a job search.
• Getting LinkedIn (A Step by Step Guide for Job Seekers): Find out how to easily leverage your job search using this top networking site.
• A Job Seeker’s Guide to Employment References: Gather tips on how choose and properly compile these crucial items.
• Questions to Ask During an Interview : Educate yourself on good questions of your own to ask during an employment interview.
• Resume EBuilder: Have our team walk you through developing your own interview-winning resume in this comprehensive audio and visual package.

All of our new guides can be located on the Resources page of Career Impressions website! http://www.careerimpressions.ca/resources.php

This chilly season, take some time to invest in yourself...and in turn invest in your future!

New Year = New Resume (for the gainfully employed as well!)

2012-01-15T11:21:00.000-07:00

It happens every January - people vow to make some big changes in the upcoming year. Many will decide its time to seek out a new job or even tackle an entirely different career. Yet, even if you are not seeking new employment in the near future it is strongly recommended that you resolve to spend some time on your resume!

To start, updating your resume each year will ensure it is fresh and current. You never know when you may stumble across the perfect job opportunity, be approached to apply for a role that will advance your career, or have your work situation suddenly change. Having your resume ready will eliminate the stress of having to update and prepare it in a pinch; you can take the time without the pressure to review current resume trends and modify your document accordingly.

Secondly, re-evaluating your resume gives you the opportunity to reassess your skills, achievements and accomplishments. Many people forget their own value, and since your resume is your own personal marketing tool, you want to ensure all of your notable skills are present. If you find that you are unable to add much to your resume at the start of each year; resolve to find ways to make yourself more marketable. Expand your skill sets both inside and outside the workplace by joining a professional association, attending a company conference, enrolling in a skill booster course, or volunteering within the community. You want your resume to show progression and growth.

Now many people find updating their resume a daunting task, so here are a few simple tips to help you stay on task and get it done right:

1. Ensure all current achievements, awards, skills and employment details are added, keeping in mind the way they are displayed throughout the document is crucial.
2. Remove dated or irrelevant information to make room for new details; the resume should not change in length, only in content.
3. Make certain the resume reflects appropriate keywords and current industry jargon.
4. Tailor the resume for every role you end up applying for; an unfocused resume will not secure you an interview.

Finally, if you are uncertain or just plain overwhelmed about creating a quality resume on your own, seek professional assistance. Professional resume writers are skilled at creating current and compelling resumes to help you stand out on paper and get noticed! This New Year, resolve to invest in your future.

Calgary Job Seekers

2011-12-22T08:17:00.002-07:00

As we gear up for the most magical day of the year I wanted to take a moment to thank all of you - the faithful followers of my blog post, Twitter account and Facebook page. All of you have made my year (and the team's year at Career Impressions) so very fulfilling! At Career Impressions we have been so lucky to connect with and serve a wide range of clientele - from all over the globe - with the majority of our clients being right here in the wonderful city of Calgary!

As our gift to you this holiday season we wanted to remind you of the importance of dealing with a recognized professional during your job search. We are hearing too often of scam artists or less-than-professional 'resume writers' in the city of Calgary that are providing more harm than help to job seekers. Remember to always fully investigate an individual's credentials and expertise before engaging in services with them. Ask yourself:
Does their website or persona involve high pressure sales tactics?
Do they claim a wide breadth of experience with no supporting credentials in the industry?
Do they purposefully talk down about other organizations?
Are you unable to reach a live person via phone to have someone answer all of your questions in more detail?
Are the prices too good to be true...or does the organization claim an impossibly quick turnaround time?
All of these are red flags. I myself recommend reviewing an organization's website in detail - if the grammar of their website is poor and/or a rambling sales pitch than how can they be guaranteeing a perfectly polished career document...?

Fore more advice on how to review and select the perfect professional to help you, I strongly suggest the following articles:

Who Can You Trust in the Resume Writing Industry? by Sharon Graham; Canada's Career Strategist

What Exactly IS a Certified Professional Resume Writer

This holiday I want to ensure that no job seeker strays down the wrong path; may 2012 be even more fulfilling for you, and may you have a truly merry Christmas!

Should the Holidays Stall Your Job Search?

2011-12-07T19:22:00.002-07:00

Although the holidays are traditionally about taking time to rest, relax and spend time with loved ones, continuing a job search in earnest despite this time of year is a great idea. Many job seekers make the mistake of stopping a job search over the holidays, assuming everyone else is doing the same. It isn’t true. There are still plenty of jobs that need to be filled and lots of employers searching for the best fit!

On top of there being an abundance of seasonal jobs out there (which could lead to other opportunities) there are several other good reasons that continuing your job search during the holidays is a good idea:

1. Competition may be less intense as many job seekers take ‘time off', incorrectly assuming that job searching during this time of year is fruitless. Take advantage and continue to apply to open roles; an organization may desperately want to fill a role before the new year commences.

2. This time of year is ripe with holiday social events where you can network and spread the word about your search. Schedule in plenty of time to attend events, both personal and professional, to mingle with a variety of people. You never know who may offer you a lead or an opportunity.

3. The holidays are a great excuse to connect and re-connect with all contacts. Send out greeting cards or initiate contact with people you have worked with in the past or haven’t spoken to for awhile. Find a creative way to let people know what you are searching for.

4. Worst case, simply use this time of year to fully prepare for the boom in job recruitment that occurs when everyone returns to work in January. Solicit the help of career professionals during a time when they may not be as busy and put an action plan into place for the upcoming year. You do not want to be caught unprepared (or slow out the starting gate) when great opportunities are posted in early January.

Have you been lucky with your job search during the holidays? If so, let us know!

The Proof is in the Results

2011-11-23T14:53:00.009-07:00

So you are applying for a new role and the job description says you require the following skills: “management, communication and organization”. Will you be like the majority of job seekers and simply regurgitate these skills into your resume in the form of vague reference? Will you write something along the lines of: “Excellent communication skills with the ability to lead and manage others” or “Capable of completing tasks in a timely manner”. ? If so, watch out! Employers will not lap up this lack-lustre content. Instead, many employers may choose not to read your resume any further after seeing these commonly repeated and horrendously generic statements.

So how can you catch the eye of recruiters? It’s simple: provide the proof.

If you have increased sales, driven new initiatives or collaborated closely with others you can not just say so, you must provide an example of how the application of these skills resulted in good outcome. Support all statements with concrete achievements or success. Even better, quantify facts as often as possible (how many, how much and how often) to add even more value.

So instead of saying you have “Excellent communication skills with the ability to lead and manage others” you might reference a time you guided a team to great achievement, such as: “Directed the creation and execution of $18M marketing strategy in collaboration with 6 department heads; generated additional organizational revenues of $5M after two years time”. This strong statement is eye-catching, quantitative, results-oriented, and it implies good leadership and good communication skills…. there is no need to specifically list the skills because the proof is in the results.

So ask yourself, does your resume provide the proof?

How Much Career History Goes on a Resume?

2011-10-31T09:53:00.001-06:00

Many of our clients are senior professionals and possess a work history of ten to twenty years. A lot of these clients come to us stressed because they are not sure how to approach their lengthy career histories on a resume (which must be as lean and succinct as possible). The answer to this inquiry varies - and is dependant on each individual’s background and targeted position - yet a general rule of thumb is to showcase just the last 10 years of work experience.

Now, this general rule will not apply if a job seeker is targeting a role that has great relation to a job done further in their past, they are making a career change and need to draw from earlier career skills, or they have only held a limited number of positions over a long period of time.

Scenario One: Jane started working as an Office Administrator and handled a lot of internal human resource tasks. Eventually she moved into Legal Assistance and worked there for over 10 years, but now she finds herself targeting a role in Human Resources. Her earlier career history, (which was more than 10 years ago), is very relevant and still needs to be highlighted in the resume.

Scenario Two: John’s early career was in Education. After just a few short years in Education John moved into Administration and after many years finds himself wanting to make a career change and work within the non-profit sector. The job John is targeting requires educational skills so John will need to present his very early career history on his resume, even though it dates back more than 15 years.

Scenario Three: Mary has been with the same organization for over 20 years, in just two main positions. As she seeks a new role her resume will naturally include her most recent positions even though these show a lengthy career history.

It can be very challenging deciding on which jobs to include and which to remove and it can also be tricky for job seekers to take an objective approach on their skill sets and know when to ‘let go’ of the past!! Too often we see job seekers that refuse to target content and believe that all career history must be present. At Career Impressions we carefully review each client's entire career history and then develop the best strategic approach on how far back (and which positions) should be mentioned in the new resume. We also believe that in many circumstances, when it comes to resumes, less is more!

Fall Job Search: Your Fresh Start or Frantic Fail?

2011-09-25T14:55:00.006-06:00

With the turning of the leaves organizations start to lumber out of the lazy summer months to kick off a peak recruiting period, surprisingly still unbeknownst to many job seekers. According to Lisa Switzer, a Recruitment and Careers Consultant with SwitzerSolutions, there are indeed: “cyclical times where recruiting hits a peak across many industries” including the Fall. Lisa goes on to explain that “the majority of organizations run their business on yearly bases that are then divided into quarterly chapters". This impacts recruiting because "budgets are reviewed and money is either allocated, increased, decreased, or erased completely; many of these budgets include an analysis of projects that are either ending or ramping up, potential projects in queue, where current attrition rates sit, what new positions are required, and how quickly they need to be filled". Lisa stresses that the start of Fall this week means the "3rd quarter is wrapping up and what was left “on hold” over the summer is kicking back into high gear – including recruitment.”

Yet many job seekers are slow out the starting gates and are drastically unprepared for the sudden peak in activity, feeling more than the crunch of fall leaves. Does this include you? Here are some tips that will get you in top job searching mode so you don’t miss the perfect opportunity:

• Get ready, well in advance of peak recruiting periods. Don’t just wait for the right opportunity to pop up somewhere before taking action. Application times may be short and if you rush getting your materials together you run the risk of sloppy presentation. If you miss this peak period remember there will be another one in the Spring.

• Update *all* career documents. No, not just your resume. You must have a complete application package which includes: a comprehensive cover letter, a tailored resume, a references list, an active and complete LinkedIn profile, a thank you letter, and possibly even an executive biography.

• Hire professional assistance if you are struggling to update or compile your career material on your own, but remember that Professional Resume Writers can take several weeks to create customized materials and during peak periods (such as the Fall) demand on services is so high that you may have to wait even longer to get the help you need.

• Brush up on your interview skills. Again, do this before the dream job calls you in! If you haven’t had an interview in awhile you need some time to get back in groove and ensure you are aware of current interviewing trends. A Certified Employment Interview Professional can give you the most up-to-date tips and help guide you through some tough questions to get your communication skills polished up.

• Know who you references are going to be. Speak with these people in advance and find out what they are going to say about you. If the person seems nervous or not forthcoming on their opinions of your work it is probably best to ask someone else.

• Get your messages in sync across all medians; social media sites (LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook), your career documents (cover letter, resume, biography), your personal business card, your personal website and/or your blog. If an employer does a sudden online search of you, what will they find? Hopefully not a jumbled mess of mismatched thoughts and details that are long neglected. Instead, ensure that your unique value proposition is highlighted and strategically aligned throughout all supporting materials.

The message is clear; prepare in advance! Now that you know more about peak recruiting cycles don’t fall victim to the frenzy. Instead, go nail your fresh start with confidence this Fall!

Job seekers: tell us, were you well aware of cyclical recruiting trends? Recruiters, what tips would you offer job seekers preparing for a job search this Fall?

Re-Entering the Workforce

2011-09-07T21:13:00.003-06:00

There are many reasons people take time away from the workforce; to have kids, travel, pursue further education, or because of an unexpected job loss. No matter the reason, a common challenge remains: how to get back into work after time away. There are gaps to explain in the resume, interview skills that are rusty, and sometimes a great deal of stress about how to approach a job search.

Tackling a job search after an employment gap should include:

• Networking! Speak up and let everyone know you are looking and what exactly for. Close to 80% of jobs are not posted on public job boards so you must get out and make connections; use your network.

• Social media. This one might be surprising to some who haven’t job searched in awhile, but the truth is the majority of employers now use social media to advertise roles or pursue candidates. If you aren’t on LinkedIn, Facebook or Twitter, you need to be!

• An up-to-date resume. No, I don’t mean your old resume with your most recent work experience on it. Current resumes must be leaner, cleaner and extremely succinct. If you are not familiar with up-to-date resume trends or how to manage the gap in your work history - seek professional assistance.

• Polished interview skills. Again, if you haven’t interviewed for awhile, your interview skills are not up to par. You must be confident relaying your value proposition and key messages in a variety of interview settings and towards a long list of potential questions. Most importantly, are you well prepared to handle the question about the employment gap in your career history?

• Updated skills. If you have been away from the workforce for a very long time or you are looking to make a career change, you will almost certainly need to update or acquire certain skill sets and abilities. Keep your skills up-to-date by engaging in regular professional development or community activities related to your targeted role.

• Sound career advice. If you are not completely confident about what type of role you should pursue (time for a career change?) it would be a very wise decision to seek the assistance of a trained Career Coach. They can walk you through skill assessments and help you research roles which fit your aptitude and lifestyle.

Finally, keep in mind that looking for a job is a full time job of its own. You need to devote large chunks of focused time on every step of the process. Never assume that all you need is a good resume or brushed-up interview skills. The key to success is a complete package of well prepared documents and tactics.

Underestimated Interview Savvy

2011-08-17T20:07:00.001-06:00

It has happened…you got called to interview for a job you have your heart set on. Awesome! Yet maybe you haven’t been on an interview in years and you are feeling a little rusty. Do you brush that nervousness aside and assume you know what you are doing? Do you practice canned responses that worked several years ago? Do you simply decide to go-with-the-flow and not sweat it? Definitely not! Times have changed; employer’s expectations are higher and job candidates are savvier. Since you don’t know who your competition is for the role you can not risk taking the interview process lightly. You must:

• Prepare! This includes researching the company, re-reading the job description in detail, finding the right outfit, and knowing your skill sets inside and out.
• Create your core messages. If you don’t know what this means – you should! Employers don’t want canned responses; they want you to relay your skills in a way that interests them. You have to demonstrate you are the right fit for the role in every single answer you give.
• Practice…practice…practice. No, I do not mean rehearsing mechanical and empty answers; instead focus on delivering your value proposition. Be ready to answer questions with a variety of well thought-out key messages. Practice speaking in front of mirror, or better yet, videotape yourself.
• Dress to impress. If you don’t own a suit, get one. It is not ok to show up in anything but the best for each interview, even if the organization dresses casually. Remember…first impressions!
• Compile several good questions to ask during or after the interview. Yes, for YOU to ask. You haven’t forgotten that an interview is a two-way assessment, right?
• Finally, get organized and minimize stress. Gather extra copies of your resume and references, allow yourself lots of rest the night prior, set aside time to get ready prior to the interview, know how to get to the location, leave lots of time to travel, and ensure you arrive 10-15 minutes early.

These simple steps will help boost your confidence and better prepare you for one of the toughest job search processes. Never underestimate the importance of each employment interview and you will surely give yourself a leg-up.

Career Impressions is now offering interview coaching as part of its exclusive services. Visit: www.careerimpressions.ca and click on the Interview Coaching tab at the top of the page to learn more.

Is Your Resume Sinking Your Job Search?

2011-07-12T21:00:00.004-06:00

Time and time again I see resumes that are drowning in a sea of detail! Text heavy documents are sinking the job search of many frustrated job seekers, who are left wondering why they are not getting called for interviews. The answer is simple: employers are not interested in reading long narratives; instead they want a short and well tailored overview that speaks to their needs and showcases the skills they covet.

I find myself constantly reminding job seekers that they need to think: Quality over Quantity when developing their resume. A resume is not a biography and it should NOT contain copious amounts of detail about absolutely everything you’ve ever done during your career. Not even close! Instead, make sure your resume offers a solid sampling of relevant facts related to the targeted role. Think marketing tool, not novel!

Below is a short ‘test’ to decide if your resume is weighing you down. If you answer yes to any of the points below, grab a life vest and start bailing!

1. The resume is longer than two pages. Only in rare circumstances are longer resumes required. Today's resumes must be leaner and more succinct to be taken seriously. I regularly write one page resumes for all types of job seekers, including executives! Save the details for the interview.

2. The Employment History section reads like a job description. Lengthy overviews of each role (focused primarily on tasks/duties) are vague and pointless. Employers are not interested in what you did, but how well you did it. Skip the generics and focus on your personal performance in each role.

3. There are no bulleted points. If you are only presenting details in paragraph form, watch out! It is very easy for key points to get buried in large chunks of text and for people to tire before reading in entirety. Always bullet key points for easier readability and to separate out accomplishments and achievements.

4. Bulleted points are longer than two lines each. To keep points succinct, aim to keep each bulleted point to two lines. If you can’t say it in two lines or less, you are rambling.

5. There are more than five bulleted points per employment role. If so, reduce. Just like heavy text, a long list of bulleted points diminish the impact of the information and bury key points.

6. Excessive filler words like: “a, to, the, of…”. Although these words are warranted at times, in a resume they should be eliminated whenever possible. For example, instead of saying:
“Created the marketing campaign in close collaboration with five people on the team and managed the project planning process from start to finish”
You can say: “Created marketing campaign together with five team members; managed project planning process from start to finish”.

7. Career history dates back more than 15 years. Do not make the mistake of listing every job you have ever had if your career history extends over 15 years! Listing 10 years of experience in a resume is typically plenty enough.

The truth is, employers don’t care about all the details. They want to know results, and most importantly they want to know if you can make results happen for THEM. Make it easy for employers to locate key results in your resume by keeping it lean and clean... and enjoy smoother sailing during your job search!

Job Search Mentality: Behind the Times or Forward Thinking?

2011-05-29T13:25:00.016-06:00

Even with the high demand on our specialized services, I am still surprised by the amount of people that are not aware that professional resume writers exist – and not because they went looking and couldn’t find any, but because they honestly never even thought to try. I meet people all the time who have never heard of my occupation and think that I am an anomaly…but let me assure you I am not. My services may be unique in the high level of standard, but my profession is a rapidly advancing trend along with a vast array of job search resources that are escalating in depth and breadth. Searching for a job in 2011 is a lot different than most people think. It is a lot more competitive and requires a lot more savvy. If you are a job seeker you need to know about (and utilize) every available tool there is to give you a leg-up in your job search.

The biggest problem I see are job seekers stuck in an old fashioned way of thinking… believing that the job search process is an individual (and arduous) task. Not true. Nowadays all different types of job education personnel and organizations exist to aid you through one of life’s most stressful tasks: the job search! There are career coaches who can assess your skill sets and help you explore employment options, resume writers who can compile targeted resumes that stand out in a crowd, interview coaches who can aid you in polishing up your employment interview skills, and recruiters who can connect you directly with the job of your dreams.

Now, if you are one of the many job seekers out there slogging through a tough job search alone, consider swapping your old fashioned approach for a new age one and seek professional help! If you are hesitant about doing so, or believe you have what it takes to attempt it on your own, take a moment and imagine another (savvier) job seeker that IS making use of top-notch assistance during their job search. This forward thinking job seeker is potentially increasing their chances of: locating the job of their dreams, getting their resume noticed in a massive pile of others, connecting with the interviewer and making the best sale of their unique skills and abilities, and ultimately landing a job in a faster, easier and less stressful manner. And that job they are going after… what if it is the same one you want?! Still confident you can outshine them?

The simple truth is this, if you don’t make use of the resources out there during your job search, you are taking a gamble with inadvertently showcasing your weaknesses to potential employers, who have raised their own standards and won’t pass up ‘mistakes’. These mistakes could be the lack-lustre resume you submitted with formatting that is not reflective of current times, or it could be your inability to effectively communicate your skill sets on paper or in person. Don’t raise red flags on old fashioned thinking (nobody wants it);instead get with the time and seek assistance where you need it.

At Career Impressions we are trained to create a targeted resume for you that is concise, compelling and perfectly tailored for the job you desire. Take the guess work out of the resume process and save yourself time and money in the long run by having it done right, the first time. If you need assistance with other aspects of the job search process, let us know – we can connect you to a professional within our employment community network.

We want you to succeed, so tell us: how can we help!?

The Resume, Revolutionized

2011-05-11T14:00:00.000-06:00

Although it is difficult to track the true origin of the resume, it is safe to say that when formal application processes went into place, the resume was formed. Interview Studio Blog has a spiffy visual chart that suggests the resume could have started as early back as 1482, not long after the formal printing press was invented. Huh.

Regardless of when the resume was formally created, the most important fact is that the resume has remained a constant and vital tool in the employment process – widely used for several decades, but drastically refined and advanced in just a few short years!

A decade ago a resume required just three basic sections: contact details, employment history and education. Reverse chronological work history was the norm, detailed job descriptions were typical, and length wasn’t strictly dictated.

Today’s resumes are much more refined; formats have evolved to include the combined resume, content must now be skilfully selected and heavily results-focused, and length is carefully measured. Nowadays a resume must contain: keywords, concrete examples of achievement and success, related qualifications, and unique branding statements. The kicker, all of this must be said in a much leaner manner.
According to Career Thought Leaders 2011 white paper "The Now, The New and The Next in Careers": "It is essential to keep [today’s resume] short”.

Career Thought Leaders' paper (which is an excellent compilation of current career trends) further emphasizes that in the present: “Resume branding is a must; particularly for professionals, managers, and executives… a personal brand is an authentic differentiator that identifies and communicates the unique value of an individual clearly and concisely”.

Not only has the content and focus of resumes’ changed, but their method of delivery as well. Although hardcopy resumes are still used, they are also distributed via email, posted online, or shared through social media sites. Google itself acts as your own ‘digital resume’. A simple online search can turn up plenty of details about you (or anyone!), and employers are using online searches with greater intensity to scout out potential candidates in addition to reading through submitted documents.

So now ask yourself, how evolved is your resume?! Does it have keywords or core competencies? Does it showcase a succinctly structured profile with a high impact value proposition? Does all of your online material display a cohesive brand? If this all sounds like gibberish, or if you are still using a resume created more than 10 years ago, you probably want to revamp it before ‘employ’ing it in future job searches! A resume today must scream “advanced”….. not “obsolete!”.

Market Value

2011-04-14T12:09:00.007-06:00

Take a moment and ask yourself if your resume contains the dreaded and dreary words ‘responsible for’. You think it might? Ohhhh, say it isn’t so (insert dramatic wail here!). What if I told you that the words ‘responsible for’ translate into ‘absolutely average at’ - would you use that statement in your major marketing document instead? I highly doubt it. Yet the truth is, if you have the words ‘responsible for’ in your resume, you are basically telling the employer that you have nothing special to offer. Might as well write: ‘no value here’ because being ‘responsible for’ something (on a resume) doesn’t say much at all.

What about the phrase “duties included”; does your resume say this? Ok, please don’t tell me you pasted a copy of your job description(s) right into your resume!? A lot of job seekers do, despite the fact that employers find generic job descriptions of no value. Think about it, employers aren’t interested in what was assigned to you; they only want to know the results!! Past success translates into future success, so it isn’t too late…go and swap out any generic statements with concrete examples of achievement and results. You want to ensure your resume is marketing you as a valuable commodity.

Now, it was recently brought to my attention that a “resume writer” within the community has made some claims against the value of professional certification (basically, that anyone can get certified, even without the right skill sets). First off, they are knocking something they obviously know nothing about it. Secondly, I know for a fact that designated writers in our field did not get presented with a designation by chance or fluke! Lastly, this particular writer argues that their personal background is enough to make them an expert resume writer. Although I agree that experience counts for something, I do have to question why this writer’s online samples include “completely average at” phrases. Valuable? I think not. Certification is most definitely a value-added process, because it separates the average from the advanced.

Prevent yourself from coming across as completely average by ensuring you do not waste space in your resume introducing what you were ‘responsible for’. It is a given that you were required to get certain things done; that is the whole purpose of employment. Instead, take care to emphasize related skills in your resume, along with concrete examples of success = results!!! If you are not sure how to set yourself apart on paper and you are not personally savvy at creating an impressive representation of your work history, a Certified Professional Resume Writer can extract the unique worth of your skill sets, and effectively communicate your key messages for you.

Collaborative Creation...Not Fast Fix

2011-03-18T13:51:00.005-06:00

With each passing month it becomes increasingly obvious that professional resume writers are a highly coveted commodity, especially here in Calgary. Our service demand continues to grow and there are times we struggle to keep up. With wait lists growing many people are impatient and want to know why we can’t just ‘fix up their current resume’ so they can have a great document and be on their merry way. Good question. The answer: we are not a quick fix solution; instead we pride ourselves on providing a comprehensive resume service where dedicated time is spent on each individual’s information. Just like custom craftsman we do not rush our process; we carefully carve out the very best strategic document for each job seeker. No two documents are ever the same and we devote the appropriate amount of time and energy into each of our ‘masterpieces’. When people then ask us why we don’t hire more ‘help’ to speed up the process, I have to remind them that we are specialists, with unique skill sets that have to be studied, practiced, and solidified. It can take a professional resume writer many years to completely perfect the art of resume writing, and we pride ourselves on providing a level of service currently unmatched in the city.

If you are seeking a quick fix or a fast turnaround on your resume, we are not your solution. We are resume experts... confident that we are worth the wait and worth the value if you are willing to invest in it. Ask yourself if a rush is worth the risk.

Impressions

2011-02-16T14:04:00.004-07:00

According to the encyclopaedia, an impression is: “the overall effect of something”. A rather broad statement, but that is the very danger with impressions; they can be interpreted so many different ways. Impressions can also be hard to change. We have all heard the expression: “you never get a second chance to make a good first impression”; that very first effect you have on someone can be taken to many extremes and be very hard to alter.

So how can you be sure your personal impression, in all you do, is a good one? Well, for starters you should pick a brand for yourself and stick to it. Have a clear and consistent message in everything you do, keeping in mind your goals and personal value. Decide what it is that you want people to know about you, and in all of your travels and interactions keep this message (brand) front of mind. It should be fairly obvious early on if your message is being communicated appropriately and if your impression is a good one. If it is not, modify it until you see the results you want to see.

This same approach should be taken with your resume. When you write your resume, ensure it incorporates your main message and clearly communicates your value. Take careful consideration of the impression your resume is making with the reader: is your content targeted, is your format clean and crisp? If you have sent your resume out to several employers without any results it is time to revaluate and revamp the document. Modify your resume until you see the results you want to see; make certain your resume leaves a lasting impression with employers!

What impression are you aiming to make in your job search or career? Have you thought about your personal message and the unique value you possess? If not, start now. You never know when you may need to start applying it in order to make a career change, or to encourage people to believe in brand YOU!

Job Search Education: Pass or Fail?

2011-02-02T10:32:00.011-07:00

This month I had a post-secondary student approach me for resume assistance. Savvy move on her part, as she was a mature student with a diverse career history and many career paths. Yet, part of her request was securing a resume that would be good for both industry applications AND to submit as part of a course requirement. Hmm, interesting. I asked to see the course marking guide, and needless to say I was slightly dismayed. Not only would it go against several of my personal approaches to resume writing, it had generic and restricting guidelines that I felt would do nothing to help this student stand out in today’s job market. There was a brief moment where I struggled with deciding if I should write a resume so that she could pass her class, or write a resume that would get her a job. That debate didn’t last long. Securing work is the ultimate goal of most post-secondary students, and a resume's sole purpose is to secure an employment interview. Yet, I didn’t want to leave her hanging, so I wrote two resumes for her and she was very happy. To be honest though, I wasn’t. I wrote one resume I was very pleased with , and then I conformed to the ‘marking sheet’ and produced a document I would not normally endorse.

The entire experience left a bad taste in my mouth. I became acutely aware of the other students who had not sought professional assistance and started wondering what would become of them. Sure, some of them would still get a job with their standard resume....but some wouldn’t! If students had stuck to the supplied guidelines (that were, in my opinion, going to generate a large pool of generic looking resumes) would they really have every advantage heading out into the workforce? Now, to be fair, there may have been deeper instruction and more comprehensive resume education provided to these students than I am aware of, but having once worked as a Career Advisor at a post-secondary institution, I am guessing not.

I also come to the realization that good quality resume education needs to become more of a priority in the educational system; school boards and post-secondary institutions need to invest in high calibre job search assistance for their students, starting as early as possible. And yet, this is typically not the case. But why not?! People go to school to gather skills to assist them in pursuing a great career, and yet the only way most people are going to get their dream job is by writing and producing a quality resume.

How would you rate the job search assistance you received as a high school or post-secondary student, and do you think educational institutions should place more emphasis(and resources) on quality and current job search training? How can we improve job search education at the post-secondary and even high school level? Perhaps career experts be consulted, or internal staff should be specially trained in current trends and best practices. After all, this is our future workforce!

Resume Success Series: Educate or Execute?

2011-01-22T20:18:00.021-07:00

There are two common ways to assist someone: you can teach someone how to do something themselves (educate) or you can do it for them (execute). In both cases there are pros and cons. Education is focused around empowerment, but a lot of professional services focus on the execution and completion of services. There are certain circumstances that warrant one method over another, but what about when it comes to your job search, or your resume?

Over the years I have heard a lot of people say that the best person to write your resume for you, is yourself. After all, you know yourself the best, and isn’t your resume an honest sale all about you?? Ok, yes, but what about those who don’t speak English very well, or lack comprehensive writing skills, or simply can not articulate their own value? Should those people’s resumes highlight their weaknesses instead of selling their related skill sets? People respond saying that anyone can learn how to write a good resume. Hm. Just like anyone can learn how to fix their broken leg if they really try? I mean, aren't we our own best care providers, seeing how we know ourselves the best? Touché.

Ok, sarcasm aside....does the old Chinese proverb: “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime” apply here? If I teach someone how to write their own resume will this skill assist them for life? Possibly - but times change, information evolves and new resume trends occur. Teaching someone how to write a resume today is a lot different than it was 10 years ago. People would need to invest in ongoing education to be successful at writing a resume throughout the duration of their career, and let’s face it, not everyone is keen on being educated on absolutely everything out there.

So why not just hire someone to write your resume for you? Some people feel like it is cheating. I completely disagree. Those who seek professional resume writing assistance are being job search savvy. They understand that the real goal of a resume is not to prove that you can write one, but to secure an employment interview. They don’t want to waste time, energy and effort trying to learn something they may only apply a few times during their lifetime, and they certainly don’t want to risk writing a poor resume that results in being passed over for a position.

Now, I am all for quality education, further education and getting empowered, but when it comes to writing resumes I think professional execution is best. Yes, I am biased...but I am also keen on educating everyone on why. =)

At what end of the spectrum do you fall? Would you rather someone educate you on writing a quality resume, or simply execute the task on your behalf? Many have said they are somewhere in the middle: calling on the expert to create one for them, but welcoming a chance to learn how to tackle it on their own. A happy medium?

Resume Pet Peeves

2011-01-09T19:43:00.013-07:00

Writing resumes for a living has given me a lot of opportunity to review some that are good, bad and just plain scary! Although there are no hard and fast rules when it comes to creating a resume, there are certainly key factors that should be present and many things that definitely do not belong. A few of my own personal pet peeves include:

1. Missing contact information. Really! I have to wonder how a job seeker expects an employer to contact them for the interview if they don’t have their telephone number or email address listed. Hm.
2. The use of personal pronouns. A resume is a subjective document and you are the implied subject, so eliminate the “I, me, or my” throughout. It is stunning to see how many people still use personal pronouns in their resume!
3. Large groupings of text. Have you heard…employers typically scan a resume for just a few seconds before deciding if it passes or fails. If a document is content heavy there is little chance the employer is going to spot the highlights.
4. Boring and bland. This goes for both appearance and content. I can spot a resume template a mile away, as can most employers! So don’t use one. As for content; best not to copy something you saw written somewhere else. It has already been said. Find a new way to sell your skills so you can stand out.
5. Resumes over two pages long. Although certain circumstances warrant resumes longer than two pages; it is rare. Lengthy resumes lack strategic content. If your ‘essay’ rambles on, the recruiter will most likely tune out.
6. Reverse chronological formats. Yes, I admit it, I don’t like them. They also fall into the boring and bland category above. Today’s current resumes are best compiled into a combination format for more flexibility and greater enhancements.
7. Times New Roman font. It is an overused and overdone font. There are so many other great fonts to choose from, a personal favourite being Calibri.
8. The tired closing line: “references available upon request”. Yes, employers will certainly ask you for these when they want them, so why waste space stating the obvious.
9. Overstated superlatives with no supporting facts. If you are going to write that you are an outstanding communicator, or fabulous team player, you gotta provide the proof. Employers will not be sold on words alone.
10. An objective. Again, isn’t it obvious that you covet the job you are applying for? Instead of an objective, consider a snappy profile at the start of the document that catches the eye of the recruiter.

So, if some of these points are getting under my skin, imagine how the employers feel reading these every day. I bet they are silently begging job seekers to avoid these simple mistakes. Don’t let one of these blunders be the fatal error in your job search.

Visit us online today:Career Impressions

New Year = New Resume!

2010-12-30T20:23:00.004-07:00

"Resume Writing" vesus Professional Resume Writing

2010-12-07T21:19:00.010-07:00

As a continuation to last week’s blog post, I wanted to further address (and clarify) the difference between ‘resume writers’ and professional resume writers with supporting credentials. I also have some tips to assist you with your search for the very best in the industry.

To start, if you were to conduct a simple Google search for a resume writer in your city, an array of different people and organizations would pop up. So, how do you know who to trust? You first need to filter out those individuals offering general ‘resume writing’. These writers may advertise excellent backgrounds in HR, recruiting or writing but they have no formal education in resume writing itself. Although their experiences assist them with understanding resume dynamics there remains the question about the standard of their work. If you do feel comfortable engaging with a ‘resume writer’ always ask for samples, speak with them in detail about their resume writing experiences, and find out if they are connected with others in the industry. Are their services personalized or do they use templates? Will they meet with you face-to-face if required? How do they go about attaining your career history and strategizing your document? Finally, what are their costs? Cheaper is not always better. A $50 resume written in 24 hours is NOT the marketing tool you want or need.

I recently called a company advertising ‘resume writing’ here in my city and posed as a job seeker. After sharing that I required a resume for a certain target market the ‘writer’ rambled on for several minutes about how great he was and how bad all the other writers in the city were. Oiy - terrible business acumen! To top it off he didn’t ask me a single other question about myself and just tossed a random price my way. Scary!

Now, after narrowing your search for organizations with professional resume writers you should then make note of their location. Many organizations assist client’s world wide (very common), so your search will surely include many resume writers that are not located within your own city. Although there is nothing wrong with collaborating with a professional resume writer long distance, there is something to be said for personal face time. It all depends on your personal comfort level. Do you work best speaking face to face, or can you effectively communicate your requirements via telephone or email? Lastly, I recommend inquiring if the actual professional resume writer will be handling your file, ensuring that they are not ‘farming it out’ to less experienced writers on their team.

Overall, I recommend job seekers search for these most prominent resume writing credentials:
• CPRW (Certified Professional Resume Writer)
• NCRW (Nationally Certified Resume Writer)
• MRW (Master Resume Writer)
• CERW (Certified Expert Resume Writer)

Each of the above certifications are attained through different associations. The most widely known, longest standing organizations specializing in career professionals include:
• PARW/CC (Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches)
• NRWA (National Resume Writers Association)
• Career Management Alliance
• Career Directors International

Finally, for the best tip of all! Most associations include an online database where you can search for a credentialed resume writer in your immediate area! So save the Google searches for something else. Go to the source to seek out the very best!

What is a Certified Professional Resume Writer, and Why Hire One?

2010-12-01T10:33:00.010-07:00

Very often I get a funny look after I share what I do for a living. “You write resumes??” people ask me, slightly confused or sympathetic. Yes, I do. Not only do I dedicate myself to writing crucial job search documents, I am one of only an elite few of Certified Professional Resume Writers in Canada – 29 to be exact. And although my profession has yet to permeate the Canadian market, CPRWs exist in the masses down in the United States, where they are nothing but the norm.

Typically the next question I get is: “What exactly is a Certified Professional Resume Writer?” Excellent question. A CPRW is someone who has proven their expertise in resume writing and obtained the esteemed designation from the Professional Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches (PARW/CC), whose headquarters are located in St. Petersburg, Florida. The PARW/CC was founded back in 1990 to assist career professionals with sharing current information and trends, and for demonstrating their expertise in assisting job seekers with attaining their career goals. The CPRW is an industry standard of excellence that is slowly becoming more recognizable all over the world. Obtaining a CPRW involves commitment, talent and a thorough understanding of the job seeker’s greatest marketing tool; the resume. We have to pass a tough examination and submit samples of our work which are examined by a panel of seasoned judges.

After sharing the above, people might then ask me: “Why would someone hire a CPRW to write their resume? Aren’t resumes pretty easy to write? Why would I pay someone to do this for me?” Again, good questions. I ask in return for people to consider why they hire a variety of professionals to assist them. For example, why hire a mechanic to fix your car? Why hire a plumber to fix your leaky pipes? Even more basic, why visit a hairdresser to get your hair professionally done? The answer is simple: to ensure the job gets done right. Certified Professional Resume Writers are skilled in a critical piece of the job search process, and at what value would you place your job or your career? Pretty high I am sure. That dream job you want: why risk not getting it because your resume did not meet the current standard or make the best impression with the recruiter!

In parting, I pose these questions to all job seekers: is your resume adequate or is it outstanding? Are you completely confident your resume will get you the interview? Finally, are you sure your resume will stand out from the crowd, displaying current trends and appropriate keywords that will make a connection with the employer? If not, hiring a CPRW would be a valuable and wise investment for you.

Mind Your Manners - Job Search Etiquette

2010-11-22T07:16:00.006-07:00

Displaying proper manners is always important, but probably even more so during a job search. When seeking work you want to make a lasting impression with employers in the most positive way possible. Sometimes it can be overwhelming and downright stressful trying to keep track of the current resume trends, best interview practices and networking know-how’s, so here are a few tips to keep front of mind:

1. COVER LETTERS and RESUMES:
• Never address your cover letter to a generic “Sir or Madam”. No one appreciates being addressed in this general and archaic fashion. To avoid offending the reader at the very start of your job application, locate the recruiter’s proper name and address it to them directly (Dear Mr. Watson), or drop the salutation line altogether and simply address the job itself (RE: Marketing Manager).

• Keep your personal email address professional. An email address such as eyeam2hot4u@account.ca leaves much to be desired. Displaying an unprofessional email address at the top of your resume, or on the personal business cards you hand out at networking events, will not create a good first impression.

• If you are going to list your cell phone as a means of contact on your resume, answer it professionally at all times. You never know when an employer is going to be calling to arrange an interview, and they will judge you on this initial conversation! Only answer your cell phone at appropriate times…the bathroom, the noisy bus or when you are half asleep are not good times to answer your phone if a recruiter might be calling.

• Speak with your references before providing their names to prospective employers. To start, it is good etiquette to ask your references for permission before passing along their contact details. Secondly, you don’t want them to be caught off guard by a reference call; they will not be prepared and may blow your chances of getting the job. Lastly, you want to know what your references are going to say about you. Are they going to help or hinder your job search?

2.INTERVIEWS
• Practice your handshake. You will use this form of greeting at networking events, at the start and end of interviews, and even during casual encounters. Be memorable by ensuring your handshake is firm and confident, not limp, hesitant or bone-crushing.

• Take extra care with your grooming; wear clean pressed clothes, avoid heavy perfume or aftershave, ensure your shoes are polished and that you have on minimal accessories. Do not distract the recruiter with your flashy pink purse, heavy make-up or loud tie.

• Never chew gum, eat or drink food, or answer your cell phone during an interview! These tasks are downright rude and will certainly ruin your chances of securing the job.

• Always send a thank-you letter to the recruiter(s) after an interview. The power of s simple thank you goes a long way.

3. NETWORKING
• When conversing with people at events remember to smile and look each individual in the eye. Try not to monopolize conversations; instead ask appropriate and engaging questions.

• Nail down your 30 second ‘elevator speech’. This brief synopsis is your spoken sales pitch that you should be able to present in a pinch. You never know when you may be presented with an opportunity to sell yourself. You do not want to mumble or stumble over words when asked about yourself, so practice in advance to ensure your message is delivered with ease and confidence.

• Utilize social media to network, but take extra care to keep your online presence clean. It is becoming much more common for recruiters to research job seekers online. What does a simple Google search turn up on you? Find out before the employer does!

What job search etiquette tip tops your list? Do you have a tip which you have found valuable during your personal job search?

You Have a Great Resume....Now What?

2010-11-08T12:42:00.006-07:00

So you got yourself a great resume which has been carefully crafted to sell your related skill sets to employers. Now what? If you are not targeting a specific job posting, you want to get your resume into the hands of the right recruiters. Sure, you can post your resume on all sorts of job boards, but did you know that almost 80% of jobs are found by directly connecting with the right people… and only 20% are secured using traditional job search methods? Yup, if you really want a job, you are going to have to spend some time outside of your house, away from your computer, getting your resume into the hands of the recruiters yourself! Don’t be passive with your job search. Instead, network. Join a professional association or go to seminars, workshops or conferences where there is a good chance you can connect with members within your job community. Spread the word that you are seeking a certain role and associate with the people who can aid you.

On the other side of the spectrum, consider using social media to assist with your job search. If you have been shying away from getting involved with social media, you have been missing out on a tonne of job opportunities. To start, get yourself a LinkedIn profile! This profile acts as your online resume that thousands and thousands of recruiters have access to. Further utilize the site to make personal connections with employers, participate in discussions, join groups, and follow companies you are interested in pursuing opportunities with. Finally, get on board with Twitter and Facebook and learn how to make valuable (and professional!) interactions with people in your industry. Recruiters are using social media sites more and more to support their recruitment processes, so make yourself visible online and learn how to utilize these resources to speed your job search.

For more tips on how to effectively network, visit Dr. Randall S. Hansen’s article “Networking Your Way to a New Job”.

And for more on utilizing social media as part of your job search, I recommend the article “7 Secrets to Getting Your Next Job Using Social Media” by Dan Schawbel.

Resume Success Series: Identifying Your Strengths

2010-11-01T09:58:00.006-06:00

In order to create a resume that stands out, you must be able to effectively communicate your value proposition to employers. Start by focusing on your personal achievements and determining what sets you apart from other job seekers.
Take some time to brainstorm (jotting down notes as you go) on your best qualities, personal attributes and career accomplishments. Reference your notes to compile skill statements, which you can then use in your resume. To assist you with your brainstorming session, ask yourself the following questions for each past position held:

* What difference did you make to the company you worked for?
* Did you increase sales? If so, by what percentage or amount?
* Did you generate new business, bring in new clients, or forge affiliations?
* Did you save your company money? If so, how much and how?
* Did you design and/or institute any new system or process? If so, what were the results?
* Did you meet an impossible deadline through extra effort?
* Did you bring a major project in under budget? How did you make this happen? How were the dollars you saved used?
* Did you suggest and/or help launch a new product or program? If so, did you take the lead or provide support? How successful was the effort?
* Did you take on new responsibilities that weren’t part of your job? If so, did you ask for the new projects or were they assigned to you?
* Did you introduce any new or more effective techniques for increasing productivity?
* Did you improve communication? If so, with whom and what was the outcome?

■ ■ ■
Resume Strategy #7: Use Function to Demonstrate Achievement
You’ll create a more powerful resume presentation if you can translate your job functions into achievements.
- Wendy S. Enelow, Certified Professional Resume Writer “Expert Resumes for Managers and Executives”

Does Your Resume Tell, or SELL?

2010-10-25T14:50:00.002-06:00

Ok job seekers; here it is…the biggest resume blunder you can make: simply telling employers about you and not selling your related skill sets and accomplishments. That’s right, I said sell!! Your resume is a marketing tool that must be carefully crafted to show employers why they should hire you! Brain dumping about everything your previous positions involved is not going to catch the eye of recruiters or get you an interview. Instead, you want to use strategy to showcase the most relevant facts and provide just a sampling of your best material. If you do this right the resume will surely hook, line and sinker!

Another way to approach the sale of you within the resume is to treat yourself as a unique brand. To start, review how some of the most famous brands are advertised. Do they use long winded, generic commercials that outline all of the specifics? Nope. Instead, famous brands have quick, targeted messages and snappy sales points that are relayed in quick commercials. Famous brands use strategy to sell…and so must you!

So next time you sit down to craft a new resume for a certain position, remember its’ purpose. To get you an interview! And how can you improve your chances of having the reader take notice of the skills you have to offer? Strategically position yourself as a unique brand with a targeted message. Make them a sale that is hard to refuse!

Do You Have An Employment Gap?

2010-10-11T20:39:00.002-06:00

Many job seekers find themselves grappling with the best way to positively address an employment gap in their resume. Although time away from work is not uncommon, it is still vital to tackle work history gaps with careful consideration, avoiding red flags with prospective employers.

There are various reasons individuals may have employment gaps. Maternity or sick leave are fairly common, as is time-off to pursue further education. Other gaps may include time to travel, caring for an elderly or ill family member, or simply being laid off.

If the work history gap occurred for an extended period of time, a job seeker should consider using a Functional Resume format. This format is an excellent platform for presenting related skills and abilities while reducing the emphasis on dates - which is more common in the Reverse Chronological resume format. However, if an employment gap was for a relatively short amount of time or due to a more favourable reason (maternity leave being the most common), a simple reference can be made in the supporting cover letter. A brief mention is all it takes to fill the void and pacify the curious employer. The specifics of work history gaps should be saved for the interview, where job seekers must be prepared to elaborate on these gaps in a positive and confident manner!

The biggest mistake a job seeker can make when addressing their employment gap is to try and hide it. Eliminating dates or presenting large gaps between dates in a resume can make employers nervous, and falsifying dates can be disastrous! Even a simple (positive) explanation is better than trying to fabricate the past, or avoiding it altogether.

Regardless of the reason for an employment gap, job seekers should tackle it with confidence. Remind the employer about what you have to offer and sell them on the skills you gained and obtained during any and all past experiences.

Information Extremes

2010-10-05T14:16:00.001-06:00

One of the greatest rewards I have as a resume writer is assisting clients of all different backgrounds. I enjoy expanding my own skill set while writing resumes for individuals of varying occupations and career histories. Never knowing what kind of unique role a new client might be targeting; I thrive on finding the perfect way to market their skills and achievements on paper.

On the flip side, one of my greatest challenges is successfully managing the information my clients present to me. You see, in order for me to write a successful resume for a jobseeker, I need to know all the ‘facts’. Yet this request for information is sometimes taken to one of two extremes. The first extreme involves clients that present copious amounts of information on their career history, believing that every last detail is of utmost importance. Their overloaded information is what I call ‘the rambling autobiography’. There is no structure to the information, which reads more like a novel than a marketing tool. Clients of this extreme have a difficult time targeting their content and feel that the more their resume presents, the better. Wrong! Recruiters do not have time to sift through pages of information looking for related skills.

The other extreme is the client who offers little to no information to work with. Getting details out of them is like coaxing a cat into water and their mentality is more along the lines of: ‘just read my mind and work your magic’. These clients have no concern for providing solid or detailed facts; it is assumed I will create something compelling out of the bland, boring or nonexistent facts they haphazardly compiled. Wrong! Even if I do massage the client’s content into something a bit more presentatable I know their chances of landing the job is minimal. Why? Basically, if they can’t answer my straightforward request about what sets them apart, or what their greatest skill sets are – how are they going to ace an interview?

Both information extremes stem from the same problem: lack of confidence. These particular clients are not confident in their skills and abilities, and they are unable to make a relationship between what they have to offer and what the job requires. Only relevant and related facts should make their way into each resume, and there has to be something unique to make the employer take notice!

At the end of the day these challenges are easily overcome with some careful analysis or coaxing and encouragement…..and through it all I like to remind myself, and my clients, that a good resume contains quality of information over quantity.

Resume Success Series - Part 2

2010-10-01T13:52:00.003-06:00

Jobseekers, the following errors are guaranteed to get your resume noticed - for all the wrong reasons:

1. Missing contact information. Don’t make it difficult for an interested employer to contact you. Offer multiple forms of contact that are easy to spot within the resume.
2. Absent design components. Lack of bullets, distinguishable headers or clear formatting make the resume hard to read.
3. Personal pronouns such as: I, me or my. Resumes are to be written with “I” as the implied subject; pronouns are redundant.
4. No dates. Employers will assume you have something to hide if dates are missing throughout the document.
5. An objective. Keep the bland and overused career objective off your resume! Instead, add a targeted profile or areas of expertise at the start of the document.
6. Too lengthy. Resumes over two pages typically lack strategic content. Provide just a sampling of your related skills sets and accomplishments, not a play-by-play of each past position.
7. Large font type. Large fonts create a juvenile appearance. Strive for a professional impression with a font somewhere between 10-12 in size.
8. Spelling or grammatical errors. Always proofread before sharing your resume and have a friend read it over for you too, just in case!

Cover Letter Creation

2010-09-28T17:57:00.008-06:00

In a previous post I emphasized the importance of cover letters as part of every jobsearch package. As a follow-up, here are some tips for those of you struggling to compile a winning cover letter of your very own. Follow these simple suggestions to help you get on the 'write' path with cover letter creation.

First, keep front of mind that the cover letter's main purpose is to connect with the reader and persuade them to read your attached resume. Cover letters also provide you with an opportunity to express yourself (yes, employers are going to analyze your cover letter to see how well you put your thoughts on paper and market your skills and qualifications in a written format), so never doubt the power of this one page document. Write clearly and formally, include enthusiasm for the targeted position, and focus your thoughts and ideas around what the reader wants. Also ensure you:

1. Write each cover letter in a formal business letter format. If you are uncertain about this means - take the time to research it! It will be very obvious to the reader/employer when this format has not been used, and it will not bode well.

2. Stay away from weak words or phrases. Writing things like: “I think” or “I feel” are passive statements. Instead you want to entice the reader with your confident qualifications. Instead try: “I am certain” or "My proven results...".

3. Keep the cover letter to one page in length and don’t feel like you have to use every inch of space. Think: quality of information over quantity!

4. Tailor each cover letter to the position you are applying for. A generic cover letter will not cut it! You want to provide examples of the specific skills that relate to the targeted role, and prove to the employer that you have what it takes to do their job.

5. Try to avoid coming across as too self centered. Avoid starting each paragraph with the word "I".

6. Finally, do not forget to sign your letter if you are supplying a hard copy!

Is Your Resume Ready?

2010-09-16T09:35:00.003-06:00

Over the past several years many people have experienced company layoffs, cutbacks or uncertain futures. Rather suddenly jobseekers were forced to dust off their ole resume, or develop a resume for the very first time. Yet the stress of unexpectedly having to update or create a resume that stands out in challenging times can be extremely overwhelming. More than ever people need targeted, high impact resumes to help them get noticed in the competitive job market. To help you keep your cool when tackling your resume during troubling times, here are a few pieces of advice.

First, be prepared. Never shelf your resume for more than a year before updating it. Keep the document current by regularly adding new job skills or accomplishments to it, and by removing older or unrelated information. Even casually jotting down notes in the resume margin or making simple additions or subtractions to the resume every few months will make an unexpected update much more manageable.

Secondly, make yourself more marketable. If after one year you find you are unable to add much to your resume, contemplate ways to boost your skills both inside and outside of the workplace. Take on some professional development: upgrade a certification or qualification, enroll in a course at a local post secondary institute, attend a company conference, or join a new professional association. You could also become more involved in your community, or request additional responsibilities within your current role to add and expand your skill sets.

Next, ensure your resume is well written so it effectively illustrates your strengths and talents. Always tailor your resume towards your targeted job or industry, and pepper industry buzzwords throughout it. Keep the resume content focused around achievements and accomplishments versus generic tasks and duties.

Finally, if you are uncertain or just plain overwhelmed about creating a quality resume on your own – seek professional assistance. Professional resume writers are skilled at creating compelling resumes to help you stand out and get noticed. You never know when a new opportunity will arise that requires an immediate application, or when an unexpected job change may occur. Keep your resume ready; help smooth job search anxiety.

Spur Your Resume into Action!

2010-09-09T09:51:00.004-06:00

Your resume should create a compelling argument for what sets you apart as a potential candidate for any given role. This does not involve long winded lumps of information to cover off the requirements. Instead, grab the reader’s eye with clear concise statements that start with varying action verbs.

Recruiters are busy people, and rarely do they spend more than a few minutes scanning each new resume. What are they looking for? A convincing argument from you, the jobseeker, to keep them reading. Action verbs are strong words that engage the reader and assist with showcasing your skills and achievements. Many action verbs are capable of conveying a large amount of information all on their own, so choose your action words wisely. Always ensure your action verbs compliment the role’s related skills sets, and avoid using the same verb twice. Offer a variety of action words throughout your resume (and cover letter!) to illustrate your unique abilities and accomplishments, and keep the reader hooked!

My Top Ten ‘Action Packed’ Words:
• Architected
• Achieved
• Negotiated
• Pioneered
• Delivered
• Initiated
• Championed
• Leveraged
• Orchestrated
• Accelerated

For a comprehensive list of over 75 action verbs, check out Career Impressions custom eBooklets located on our website: http://www.careerimpressions.ca/resources/php

Resumes - According to the Hire Authorities

2010-09-04T14:57:00.012-06:00

Recruiters spend a lot of time looking through resumes, but time is precious so sifting through piles of monotonous documents is a fine-tuned challenge to spot the very best...fast! In order for your resume to stand out and be selected for an interview it must be error free, targeted in content and extremely professional. How can you ensure your resume doesn’t become shredder food? Read on to receive a few tips from recruiters who have plenty of experience sorting resumes into the good, the bad and the truly unworthy!

Irene Jackson works as a Campus Recruiting Advisor for Suncor Energy. She reviews resumes daily, and feels that a whopping 70-80% of them are in need of some serious assistance. According to Jackson, “the biggest misconception people have about resumes is that less is more”. Instead she wants to see “more about what you’ve accomplished rather than leaving me to make assumptions”. Jackson also feels that “the most common resume mistakes are spelling errors, no email address, outdated contact information, or personal information such as height, weight and birth date”. Jackson recommends having a professional polish up your resume “before submitting it to an employer…adding a fresh perspective that will allow you to present your skills and experience in a professional light”. She also feels that professional resume assistance “enables you to represent yourself in a dynamic way on a piece of paper” - which is no easy task.

Your resume is just as likely to hit the shredder for obvious errors, as it is for lacking basic visual appeal. Just ask Adam Lewis, a Manufacturing Test Manager for NovAtel Inc. Lewis says “I think a lot of people assume that the information is the most important part of the resume, but the presentation is equally, if not more, important”. Jacqueline Eddie, a Store Manager for Aeropostale, agrees. She is regularly recruiting and may screen up to three dozen resumes a week. Visual appeal rates high on Eddie’s screening list, as she says “the top three things I look for and expect to see in a resume from an applicant is good layout, easy to read content, and skills that are relevant to the position”.

Eddie believes that over 75% of the resumes she sees are “very poor and need help” and that “a professional resume writer can provide quality assurance to help your resume shine”. Adam Lewis also stresses the importance of professional resume help, and says “having an impartial and experienced set of eyes compile your resume could help increase your chances of success”.

Still confident your resume will guarantee you an interview? It can never hurt to have an expert confirm before you apply. Too often job candidates are either overconfident or inexperienced in resume creation, and employers find their resumes lacking certain qualities that a professional resume writer could easily correct.

The Certified Professional Resume Writers at Career Impressions are experts in crafting truly impressive resumes and cover letters for all industries, occupations and career levels. Contact us today, and improve your odds at catching the eye of the recruiter!

Resume Success Series: Part 1

2010-09-01T09:16:00.005-06:00

Resume Strategies: Write with Success

Utilize these key strategies to create an effective resume:

1. Keep it Structured
Organize your information with clearly marked headers and simple design components. Don’t make employers hunt for the essentials.

2. Sell...Don’t Just Tell
Skip the mundane facts. Instead, promote your skills and abilities. Treat the resume like an advertisement: all about you!

3. Remain Truthful
Avoid padding the resume with false details. Employers will find out. Ensure you can support statements and speak on your skills and qualifications during an interview.

4. Use Appropriate Keywords
Pepper industry “buzzwords” throughout your resume. Prove that you have the skills required for the role, and aid with scanning methods.

5. Know Yourself
Emphasize confidence in your qualifications and abilities. Avoid passive words and phrases, and convince the employer that you are the best person for the job.

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DID YOU KNOW?
There are only 28 Certified Professional Resume Writers (CPRW) in Canada, but hundreds in the USA! Beware other organizations in Calgary that offer “Professional Resume Writing”. Career Impressions has the only CPRWs in Calgary! Our esteemed designation sets us apart from other resume writers; we are proven experts in crafting truly impressive resumes for all industries, occupations and career levels.
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Career Impressions

2010-08-27T14:22:00.006-06:00

It has been much too long since I last posted, and for that I do apologize! I have been head down, focusing on the creation of my new organization: Career Impressions.

Career Impressions is Calgary's first and only team of Certified Professional Resume Writers, and it was conceived to meet the growing demand for high quality resume writing in Western Canada!

Please visit our new website for full service details and rates, and "Like" our page on Facebook to receive regular tips, tricks and resume advice!!

Sincerely,

Adrienne Tom, CPRW
Founder
Career Impressions

Look Good on Paper

2010-04-11T12:33:00.003-06:00

Adrienne Tom is pleased to be featured in newspapers across Canada. A copy of the article can be viewed here.

Jobseekers: a resume writer's job is to help drive the discovery of what sets you apart. Hire a resume writer to help you determine what your marketable skills are. Invest in your future!

Cover Letter Misconception

2010-03-15T20:00:00.002-06:00

Too many jobseekers are making a massive mistake by assuming cover letters are not required as part of their job application, or just not important. Although some employers do claim not to read cover letters, why risk it?! A poorly compiled cover letter on top of a brilliantly written resume could blow your chances at an interview, especially if an employer only reads the cover letter before tossing your application into the trash. Many jobseekers invest excellent time and money to ensure their resume is top notch, but do not bother to create a matching cover letter to go on top of it. Treat the cover letter with the same respect as the resume and ensure it is professionally formatted, properly addressed and targeted in content. Do not blow your chances at your dream job by ignoring an important piece of the job application.

Resume Formats

2010-02-27T19:26:00.016-07:00

When it comes to writing a good resume, one of the first steps is to choose the most effective format for selling you. Before applying for a position you should gauge the position requirements, assess your matching skill sets and then decide which resume format will be most successful in conveying your message to the recruiter.

Job seekers typically utilize the most familiar format when writing their resume; the reverse chronological resume. It lists your most recent positions first, allows room to highlight related skills and achievements, and is easy for the reader to follow. Yet, many individuals (recruiters included) find this format overused and a bit overrated. It is a ‘safe’ format that may run you the risk of being overlooked. In a sea of resumes can you be sure your reverse chronological resume will stand out?

On the other end of the spectrum is the functional resume, which is very different from the reverse chronological format. It groups together your related skill sets and minimizes the specifics of each past position held. The functional format works well for individuals with employment gaps, those re-entering the workforce, or for those making a career change.

However, the functional format is a bit controversial and some recruiters claim to severely dislike it. Some recruiters believe that a candidate is trying to hide something with this format, although not everyone agrees. Some recruiters truly appreciate seeing a clear match between job seekers’ skill sets and their job requirements; which this format affords. Overall, if you feel you can make a better sale of your related skills and abilities in a functional format, you should consider it.

Finally, there is the combined resume format. It is technically the best of both worlds; with the greatest flexibility in how a candidate can display their related skill sets and career history. There is no direct order to how information should be displayed, and if written appropriately it can allow for the greatest impact. The combined resume format is diverse enough to set a candidate apart, but direct enough to get the required sale across.

Keep in mind that a resume format should be carefully chosen for your unique situation, and that you may require different resume formats for different job applications.

Invest in the Future

2010-02-20T12:18:00.007-07:00

My current client base includes very few students or new graduates, and this is most likely due to the free resume assistance offered by most campus career offices (although it is limited in depth and scope), and/or because students are not aware of the true value of hiring a professional resume writer.

However, since I used to work for the University of Calgary Career Services (hence my knowledge of its depth and scope), I have some sound advice for the student population:

1. First, free resume advice is not always the best advice. I can not stress enough the true value of a professionally written resume - especially for new graduates. In a competive job market one of the best ways to secure the coveted interview is to ensure you have a winning resume. A resume's job is to secure you an interview, so eliminate the wasted time and money that a poor resume will certainly cause you by ensuring your resume is top notch.

2. Next, do away with the misconception that as a student you have no skills to sell! You have plenty of skills! I recommend brainstorming a list of everything you have to offer, and take into consideration your education, your volunteer experience and all of the part time jobs you have held. There are plenty of skills to be found.

3. Own your skills. After you have created a list of the skills that you possess- be confident in them. Believe in what you can do, as this will translate into both your resume and future interviews. If you are not confident in yourself and your abilities then employers will not be either.

4. Target your resume for the industry or occupation you are pursuing. Meaning, custom tailor the resume's content and skill sets to ensure they relate to the role. Prove to employers that you have what it takes to do the job. Include concrete examples of your skills and abilities in your resume, and stay away from laundry lists of basic tasks and duties.

5. Finally, get your resume ready well before you graduate. Many employers begin posting and recruiting for new graduate roles very early in the new year. Do not wait until the Spring to have your resume created.

Last but not least students- stay away from canned resume templates, and seek professional resume advice if you need it. Invest in your future!

Calgary and area Resume Assistance

2010-02-15T20:28:00.005-07:00

Calgary's first Certified Professional Resume Writer - Adrienne Tom offers custom resume and cover letter creation for all industries.

Visit her online: Career Impressions