I am so pleased that you are finding useful information on our blog. Because of the current job market, I am adding a new site to help with Future Career Development Planning (http://www.myfuturecareerdevelopmentplanningsite.com) and have started a Facebook group - Career Development Planning for the future. I hope you will check out our new site or join our group on Facebook. Many of you might disagree with some of the information on this blog. Don't hesitate to post where you feel the information is incorrect, as we appreciate the discussions that come from the difference of opinion of our readers.


Mistakes Job Seekers Make Series: Resumes

Mistakes Job Seekers Make Series: Resumes


Free Online Articles Directory




Why Submit Articles?
Top Authors
Top Articles
FAQ
AB Answers

Publish Article

0 && $.browser.msie ) {
var ie_version = parseInt($.browser.version);
if(ie_version Hello Guest
Login


Login via


Register
Hello
My Home
Sign Out

Email

Password


Remember me?
Lost Password?

Home Page > Business > Mistakes Job Seekers Make Series: Resumes

Mistakes Job Seekers Make Series: Resumes

Edit Article |

Posted: Aug 30, 2010 |Comments: 0
|



]]>

Copyright (c) 2010 Dorothy Tannahill Moran

What would a discussion about job seeking be without talking about the resume? The resume is the most tangible aspect to job hunting and seems to be the place everyone runs to first. Creating an effective, powerful resume is within everyone’s grasp.

I’m going to focus this article not so much on a list of issues, but rather on a philosophical element that seems to be missing in the job seeker when putting together their resume. I will quickly list the most prevalent issues first, then get to the element I’m discussing.

- The most common problems I see with resumes:
o Too long. Longer than 2 pages; or it’s 2 pages with small font in an attempt to cram as much as possible in 2 pages.
o Too vague. Uses vague terms, doesn’t really tell the reader what position they’re after or leaves you guessing what they actually did.
o Says almost nothing. So brief it looks like they spent 5 minutes whipping it up. Suggests that either the applicant has nothing to offer, never really worked or is incapable of understanding their own assets.
o Doesn’t really tell the story. Talks about responsibilities, nothing about accomplishments.

Now that we have that out of the way, I’d like to outline the philosophical aspect to this that I think will be far more helpful. The philosophical piece I’m talking about is this: you are selling yourself to a hiring manager. You have to appeal to the hiring manager, not only at a logical level, but also at an emotional one. Let’s break this concept down:
- Selling Logically. You are selling yourself. You are trying to help the hiring manager solve a problem, which is that they have work that needs to be done. That work will help move the business forward in some manner. The logic you are appealing to with your resume is that they want to know the following things:
o Do you have the background that would suggest you can perform the job?
o Will you be able to perform in other areas of the business? I.e., can you either learn new things or have a depth to you that suggests you can work beyond this immediate scope of work?
o Are you a risk? Risk can vary. The hiring manager would like to think you will stay on board long enough for it to be worth hiring you.
- Selling Emotionally. Decisions to hire are like dating and marrying. Once the initial screening has taken place and they decide you might be worth serious consideration, the emotional part kicks in. As with any selling, there has to be a reason to consider buying in the first place (the logic), but the decision gets made at an emotional level. You are appealing to aspects like: avoiding pain – gaining pleasure – ease of doing things – solving a problem – being cool (ego) the list goes on. When you are appealing to the emotional side of the decision, they want to know the following:
o Will we like working with you?
o Does your history suggest you perform well and consistently?
o Will I/we work well with you?
o Do you have a good work ethic? Shared values?

If you are truly thinking about this process and what the hiring manager is thinking about, then you need to do the following in your resume:
- Use key words. If you are responding to a posting or a discussion, make sure you repeat some of the key words they use. Your resume will be found easier and will capture their attention.
- Emphasize. Don’t just list your responsibilities, but put size, shape and texture to them.
- Emphasize. Tell them about your accomplishments. They want to know you can deliver and just how well you work. Again, size, shape and texture by adding in things like volume, numbers, results, and commentary from higher ups, customers or peers.
- Weave your story. Who are you? What are you known for? Make that obvious in your resume. Don’t make the hiring manager work to figure out how great you are. They don’t have the time to do that. Answer their questions before they toss out your resume.

Most of the time your resume is the first point of contact with your potential place of employment, which means you want it to capture their attention. Don’t be inhibited in letting it tell a powerful story – your story. We tend to be a bit shy when it comes to “blowing our own horn,” but you have to look at it differently. You aren’t bragging. There is a big difference between bragging and telling your story so it draws the manager in at both the logical and emotional level. If you don’t do it, who will?

Retrieved from “http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/mistakes-job-seekers-make-series-resumes-3162761.html

(ArticlesBase SC #3162761)

Liked this article? Click here to publish it on your website or blog, it’s free and easy!

Dorothy Tannahill-Moran -
About the Author:

Can you Count on your Resume? Here’s the help you need: http://nextchapternewlife.com/products/resume-product/ Dorothy Tannahill-Moran is a Career Coach Her programs cover: Career growth and enhancement, Career Change, Retirement Alternatives and Job Search Strategy. Want to discover specific career change strategies that get results? Discover how by claiming your FREE gift:http://CareerMakeoverToolKitShouldIstayorShouldIGo.com/

]]>

Questions and Answers

Ask our experts your Business related questions here…200 Characters left

Who is eligible for job seekers allowance ?
How many people on job seekers allowance ?
How many people claim job seekers allowance ?

Rate this Article

1
2
3
4
5

vote(s)
0 vote(s)

Feedback
RSS
Print
Email
Re-Publish

Source:  http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/mistakes-job-seekers-make-series-resumes-3162761.html

Article Tags:
career coach, career, job search, job seeker

Related Videos

Related Articles

Latest Business Articles
More from Dorothy Tannahill-Moran


Beware of Government Job Scams

Looking for a job in this shaky economy? The government is hiring and con artists are taking advantage of eager job seekers. (02:20)


HR Experts Advice to Job Seekers

Learn how to Identify your skills, interests and abilities. Perhaps this will enable you to find a new career or direction. (03:13)


Where to Find a Job

Substantial numbers of Americans are still looking for work. Economist Alan Levenson picks the industries with the most hope for job hunters. (01:19)


What Media Companies Look for when Hiring College Graduates

In Chapter 5 of 13, Reflecting on his post-college years and big media and Internet job experience (MTV, Heavy.com, Fuse), musician and writer Conrad Doucette advises recent college graduate job seekers to use their youth, curiosity, and energy as strengths. Media companies seek these attributes, not industry experience, when hiring recent college graduates. Doucette found his own direction post-college during months living in London. He spends the London months listening, not talking, learning (02:54)


7 Reasons Why You Should Prioritize Your Resume

If you are jobless and can’t figure out how to write a resume no matter how hard you try, here is the secret that’s helped over 20,000 job seekers! Watch your FREE VIDEO right now at http://www.interviewmastermind.com/freecourse/?source=yt (03:03)

Resume Advice: Avoid Gimmickry In A Job Search

In today’s highly competitive job market there is a great temptation to employ gimmicks with the hope of making one’s resume stand out from the crowd. That’s a bad idea. This article provides examples of gimmickry that failed and offers advice for creating a winning resume.

By:
Ramon Greenwoodl
Businessl
May 20, 2010

Job Interview Advice: Why You Need a Career Coach

Career coaching is sometimes thought of as a counseling session for “what do you want to be when you grow up?” That has its place, for sure, but career counseling is not career coaching. Career coaching works a lot like athletic coaching—it’s an experienced trainer standing behind you, helping you get past your weak spots and improving your game so that you can win—in this case, that means getting the job offer you want.

By:
Peggy McKeel

Careers>
Interviewsl
Aug 21, 2010

How Social Networking Sites Can Derail Your Job Search

A recent poll conducted for Careerbuilder.com showed that 26 percent of hiring managers admitted to using the Internet to perform background checks on job candidates. A further 12 percent admitted to using social networking sites such as MySpace.com and Facebook.com as a screening tool.

By:
Surranna Sandyl
Careersl
Feb 09, 2007

Three Things I Learned About the Job Search from Home Improvement

Before you tackle the important job of getting the job you want take some time to set a good foundation. A little work on the front end to create a focused plan, learn the basics for job search success and consult with those more knowledgeable will save you time and frustration and will lead to a better finished product- the job you want!

By:
Markell R. Steele, Career Counselorl
Careersl
Apr 03, 2009
lViews: 136

How To Job Search During The Holidays

With the holidays now in full swing, there’s a tendency to want to relax and put your job search activities on the back burner. Many job seekers think that employers have stopped any hiring they might be considering and will ramp up in the New Year. If you buy into that, you’re missing 6-8 valuable weeks of search time. Use these 4 job search tips to stay on track during the holidays.

By:
Markell R. Steele, Career Counselorl
Careersl
Dec 17, 2008
lViews: 165

To Be Successful – Manage Your Job Search!

Economic times have been difficult for job seekers who are wondering where their career plans fit into all of the chaos. The successful job seeker is consistently making strides in marketing themselves. Understand the tactics employed which typically differentiates and propels the successful job seeker from the rest of the pack! Read on …

By:
Lenny Keitell

Careers>
Career Managementl
Dec 02, 2009

9 Keys to Job Search & Career Success

In recent months, the job market has become increasingly competitive. But even as the economy slows, and there are increasing numbers of job seekers in the job market, there are many professionals who have been incredibly successful in conducting fast, effective job searches. What do they have in common? How are they doing it? Here are nine tips to speed your own job search and drive it to a fast, successful conclusion.

By:
Michelle Dumasl
Businessl
Jul 02, 2008
lViews: 177

Mistakes Job Seekers Make Series: Job Search Methods

This is the third in a series of four on mistakes job seekers make.

By:
Dorothy Tannahill-Moranl
Businessl
Aug 28, 2010

Guerrilla Resumes Review-Guerrilla Resumes

Do you extendable for a corking job? Would you suchlike to travel in your chosen theatre or to wee a drastic vocation commute? If you possess an unpaid resume, all of those things you are imagination of leave never vindicatory be a phantasy!

By:
StevWickhal
Businessl
Jan 20, 2011

Mortgage Payment Protection

If you are a home-owner, then 2011 should be the year that you start to take out mortgage payment protection insurance. This type of insurance will enable you to keep up your mortgage payments should you become unemployed for a length of time.

By:
saml
Businessl
Jan 20, 2011

Attract Clients – Amateur vs Professional

To attract clients in your life coaching practice, you must be a professional. This article describes the differences between being a professional and amateur life coach.

By:
Jason Westlakel
Businessl
Jan 20, 2011

Top 10 Retail Store No-No’s

Take note of the what you should avoid on your retail store.

By:
Anne Carterl
Businessl
Jan 20, 2011

Surefire Quick Ways to Increase Vending Sales

Quick Ways to Increase Vending Sales

By:
Anne Carterl
Businessl
Jan 20, 2011

The Crucial Need Of Project Management Training

Project Management Training has been a crucial need in any organization. Without this, the organization won’t be able to survive. It teaches certain things that will help develop the manpower and improve the abilities of the employees.

By:
John Reilingl
Businessl
Jan 20, 2011

Customer Service Software and Call Centers

Before we discuss customer service software we need to understand what this is. This is a computer program that guides items related to customer service, such as emails, calls, etc. related to the products or services offered by a company. Call centers handle the needs of customer service.

By:
Preston Manel
Businessl
Jan 20, 2011

Choose The Right Terminal Switch

The good news that comes from growing your company is the expanding potential of gaining more of the marketplace, and greater earning potential for your business. The bad news, however, is that it growth also puts more strain on your infrastructure, computers, and the need for setting up and monitoring multiple servers that are on your expanding network. The right terminal switch for your system is critical.

By:
Hector Kleinl
Businessl
Jan 20, 2011

Career Management: When You Can Do the Job, BUT You Aren’t a Cultural Fit

Company and group culture is a subtle thing to identify and even trickier to navigate if you aren’t a fit. What should you do if you don’t fit?

By:
Dorothy Tannahill-Moranl
Businessl
Jan 17, 2011

Job Search: How Your Unemployment Can Cause Long Term Issues For You And How to Avoid Them

We all know that getting back to work is important but did you know there are permanent changes that can happen to you if you unemployed too long? Changes you might not want to make.

By:
Dorothy Tannahill-Moranl
Businessl
Jan 12, 2011

Job Search: Plastic Surgery To Get A Job?

Is plastic surgery the answer to a job search gone stale?

By:
Dorothy Tannahill-Moranl

Careers>
Career Managementl
Dec 19, 2010

Career Management: What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up?

What is the number 1 reason fail to change careers?

By:
Dorothy Tannahill-Moranl
Businessl
Dec 15, 2010

Career Advice – Dissecting Work-Life Balance

Work life balance means alot of different things to different people. Learn some various ways to look at it and acheive it.

By:
Dorothy Tannahill-Moranl
Businessl
Dec 07, 2010

Career Development: Creating a Two Part Exit Strategy

If you’re changing jobs or careers you want to think through a great exit.

By:
Dorothy Tannahill-Moranl
Businessl
Dec 04, 2010

6 Strategies to Turn that Holiday Job into a Permanent Position

6 Strategies to help you turn a temp job into a permanent position

By:
Dorothy Tannahill-Moranl

Careers>
Career Managementl
Nov 24, 2010

Career Change: You won’t Change for Love or Money?

You don’t have to fear changing careers because you will be financially impacted or risk other things in your life.

By:
Dorothy Tannahill-Moranl
Businessl
Nov 15, 2010

Add new Comment

Your Name: *

Your Email:

Comment Body: *

 

Verification code:*

* Required fields

Submit

Your Articles Here
It’s Free and easy

Sign Up Today

Author Navigation

My Home
Publish Article
View/Edit Articles
View/Edit Q&A
Edit your Account
Manage Authors
Statistics Page
Personal RSS Builder

My Home
Edit your Account
Update Profile
View/Edit Q&A
Publish Article
Author Box


Dorothy Tannahill-Moran has 17 articles online

Contact Author

Subscribe to RSS

Print article

Send to friend

Re-Publish article

Articles Categories
All Categories

Advertising
Arts & Entertainment
Automotive
Beauty
Business
Careers
Computers
Education
Finance
Food and Beverage
Health
Hobbies
Home and Family
Home Improvement
Internet
Law
Marketing
News and Society
Relationships
Self Improvement
Shopping
Spirituality
Sports and Fitness
Technology
Travel
Writing

Business

Agriculture
Ask an Expert
Business Ideas
Business Opportunities
Corporate
Customer Service
Entrepreneurship
Ethics
Franchise
Fundraising
Home Business
Human Resources
Industrial
International Business
Leadership
Management
Negotiation
Networking
Non Profit Organizations
Online Business
Organizational
Outsourcing
Presentation
Project Management
Public Company
Public Relations
Sales
Six Sigma
Small Business
Strategic Planning
Team Building
Training

]]>

Need Help?
Contact Us
FAQ
Submit Articles
Editorial Guidelines
Blog

Site Links
Recent Articles
Top Authors
Top Articles
Find Articles
Site Map
Mobile Version

Webmasters
RSS Builder
RSS
Link to Us

Business Info
Advertising

Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the Terms Of Use and Privacy Policy | User published content is licensed under a Creative Commons License.
Copyright © 2005-2011 Free Articles by ArticlesBase.com, All rights reserved.

Can you Count on your Resume? Here’s the help you need: http://nextchapternewlife.com/products/resume-product/ Dorothy Tannahill-Moran is a Career Coach Her programs cover: Career growth and enhancement, Career Change, Retirement Alternatives and Job Search Strategy. Want to discover specific career change strategies that get results? Discover how by claiming your FREE gift:http://CareerMakeoverToolKitShouldIstayorShouldIGo.com/


Article from articlesbase.com