If you are in an occupation in which openings are pursued for filling by professional recruiters (head-hunters), you might consider another option to enhance your visibility: the web resume. However, if you are protecting your current job, this option would need to be considered with great care as online sourcing methods are also used by HR recruiters.
There are a few key advantages to having a “web” presence. One is that you can easily share the website’s URL in circumstances in which resumes would be not appropriate, such as networking. The URL could be included on a personal business card. Secondly, recruiters know how to strategically use Google searches to bring up candidate web resumes. They work with LinkedIn, but they also work through Google in their searches.
People often think that a web resume necessitates a domain hosting charge, but that is not true because it is generally a page on an existing website. A free resource (and one of the most respected web resume outlets) is http://www.visualcv.com/, where you can create the web resume with hyper-links and portfolio pieces for free. You can also safeguard your privacy by setting the level of visibility.
Sorting through the options , however, can be time-consuming and confusing. Aberlene Resume is available to assist you if you are interested in strengthening your online visibility or creating personal business cards.
Monday, October 31, 2011
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
The Power of the Thank You Letter
Does sending a thank you letter / email after interviewing sound cliché? Trite? If so, you may be in the majority opinion as most people do not follow up with this step.
And yet, as it is a step that most neglect, if done right it could set you apart. The purpose of this communication is not merely to thank interviewers for their time, but to instill your value in their minds.
Although it’s a good idea to start with a “thank you,” go beyond this to:
1) Remind them how your qualifications exceed their requirements;
2) Briefly illustrate your worth through providing a solution to a problem discussed during the interview or by using a short example of how you’ve excelled.
3) Let them know how interested and enthusiastic you are about the position;
4) Address anything important you feel you should have in the interview.
Keep the letter as brief as possible and to the point. In today's world of "information on steroids," this is critical to make sure it is read.
A good thank you letter can help get you noticed. A great one can help you rise to the top of the pack.
And yet, as it is a step that most neglect, if done right it could set you apart. The purpose of this communication is not merely to thank interviewers for their time, but to instill your value in their minds.
Although it’s a good idea to start with a “thank you,” go beyond this to:
1) Remind them how your qualifications exceed their requirements;
2) Briefly illustrate your worth through providing a solution to a problem discussed during the interview or by using a short example of how you’ve excelled.
3) Let them know how interested and enthusiastic you are about the position;
4) Address anything important you feel you should have in the interview.
Keep the letter as brief as possible and to the point. In today's world of "information on steroids," this is critical to make sure it is read.
A good thank you letter can help get you noticed. A great one can help you rise to the top of the pack.
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
Tips on Choosing a Resume Writer
Evaluate for writing skills: Work only with someone who is a Certified Professional Resume Writer. Although the industry is not government-regulated, there are very reputable organizations (such as the Association of Resume Writers and Career Coaches) who certify writers based on exams and review of their work by qualified peers. Also, check the background of the person you are considering to see if it contains any earlier writing or marketing experience.
Review the writer's samples: This alone will tell you a great deal about the writer's talent and understanding of resume dynamics. Be wary of writers unwilling to share samples. If they claim their resumes are "proprietary property" or are concerned about potential clients stealing their work, they are crying foul for no reason. Resume writers regularly share fictionalized samples of their work in publications and marketing websites. Look for experience that reflects an understanding of the job market: Consider how long the person been writing resumes and whether they have done so in your industry. Inquire as to whether their background also includes any human resources, career services, or recruiting experience.
Search their website for evidence of results: Read through testimonials and see if there is any aggregate results listed. Many services survey their clients as to their satisfaction.
Be careful in working with services that rely on multiple writers: If you do, obtain as much information as you can on the specific writer with whom you will be working. Large services often randomly assign writers, perpetuating the possibility of a poor match.
Review the writer's samples: This alone will tell you a great deal about the writer's talent and understanding of resume dynamics. Be wary of writers unwilling to share samples. If they claim their resumes are "proprietary property" or are concerned about potential clients stealing their work, they are crying foul for no reason. Resume writers regularly share fictionalized samples of their work in publications and marketing websites. Look for experience that reflects an understanding of the job market: Consider how long the person been writing resumes and whether they have done so in your industry. Inquire as to whether their background also includes any human resources, career services, or recruiting experience.
Search their website for evidence of results: Read through testimonials and see if there is any aggregate results listed. Many services survey their clients as to their satisfaction.
Be careful in working with services that rely on multiple writers: If you do, obtain as much information as you can on the specific writer with whom you will be working. Large services often randomly assign writers, perpetuating the possibility of a poor match.
Advantages of Web-Based Resumes
Long gone is the day of relying on a simple paper resume. Today’s complex world of communication requires Word, ASCII / plain – text, and PDF as basic versions to have. But another alternative to consider is web-based resumes.
For those conducting a confidential job search, this type of resume can serve as a two-edged sword. A resume online for anyone to bring up in a simple Google search will open up more possibilities with recruiters who are scouring the Internet (as well as social media). However, your company’s HR recruiters can also come across your resume.
In many cases the web resume is more ideal for those whose job search is not confidential. However, VisualCV.com offers control over online access. It is a well-respected site that also posts open positions and encourages recruiter involve-ment. There is no cost, but the process is time-consuming. Aberlene Resume is available to help with this, other web-based alternatives, and any other job search document needs.
For those conducting a confidential job search, this type of resume can serve as a two-edged sword. A resume online for anyone to bring up in a simple Google search will open up more possibilities with recruiters who are scouring the Internet (as well as social media). However, your company’s HR recruiters can also come across your resume.
In many cases the web resume is more ideal for those whose job search is not confidential. However, VisualCV.com offers control over online access. It is a well-respected site that also posts open positions and encourages recruiter involve-ment. There is no cost, but the process is time-consuming. Aberlene Resume is available to help with this, other web-based alternatives, and any other job search document needs.
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Choose Your Resume Writer Carefully
Whom you choose to write your resume is an important decision that will impact the impression you make on hiring managers and the salary level you can negotiate.
Our careers are central to our quality of life and our ability to support our loved ones. With that in mind, here are a few facts you should know about resume writers:
Anyone can declare themselves a resume writer. This is an industry that is not government-regulated and the background of resume writers can span from administrative support to business professional to recruiter to career counselor and more. Most writers have solid credentials based upon their history in employment counseling, recruiting, or human resources, but this should be evaluated carefully. The writer's background will be indicative of their understanding of the job market and ability to work with their clients.
Large online resume services often rely on numerous writers. That means that just as the talent of each writer varies, so does the quality.
Not every person with a history in recruiting or human resources possesses the level of talent required to craft a persuasive resume. It is an art, not a science. An effective resume writer needs a background that illustrates understanding of hiring managers and the skill to effectively write in marketing language to represent another person. No easy task.
You can be more effective in picking a writer if you know what criteria to base your decision on. See our upcoming tips on choosing a writer.
Our careers are central to our quality of life and our ability to support our loved ones. With that in mind, here are a few facts you should know about resume writers:
Anyone can declare themselves a resume writer. This is an industry that is not government-regulated and the background of resume writers can span from administrative support to business professional to recruiter to career counselor and more. Most writers have solid credentials based upon their history in employment counseling, recruiting, or human resources, but this should be evaluated carefully. The writer's background will be indicative of their understanding of the job market and ability to work with their clients.
Large online resume services often rely on numerous writers. That means that just as the talent of each writer varies, so does the quality.
Not every person with a history in recruiting or human resources possesses the level of talent required to craft a persuasive resume. It is an art, not a science. An effective resume writer needs a background that illustrates understanding of hiring managers and the skill to effectively write in marketing language to represent another person. No easy task.
You can be more effective in picking a writer if you know what criteria to base your decision on. See our upcoming tips on choosing a writer.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Using Job Boards Wisely
Relying too heavily on applying online can severely limit your job search and eat up too much valuable time.
The reality is that it is very easy to download your resume or paste it into a textbox to quickly apply for a position. It is so easy that recruiters are being inundated with hundreds of resumes and sometimes establishing a cut-off. Part of the problem is that because of the easy access and application process, many people are applying to jobs for which they are only marginally qualified for, or for jobs that do not even match the qualifications on their resume.
We advise using no more than 30% of your job search time applying online and doing so selectively after carefully comparing your qualifications to the requirements and checking out the company.
Be sure to use a multi-prong approach to your job search, utilizing networking (traditional and online), recruiters / staffing agencies, job fairs / job clubs, and other resources. Also, be sure to follow up whenever possible. It can make a big difference. I recently received a message from a client saying that he only had one unsuccessful interview in a couple of months until he started calling agencies directly to follow up after submitting his resume. He reported that he then quickly had interest from four companies and has two second interviews scheduled.
The reality is that it is very easy to download your resume or paste it into a textbox to quickly apply for a position. It is so easy that recruiters are being inundated with hundreds of resumes and sometimes establishing a cut-off. Part of the problem is that because of the easy access and application process, many people are applying to jobs for which they are only marginally qualified for, or for jobs that do not even match the qualifications on their resume.
We advise using no more than 30% of your job search time applying online and doing so selectively after carefully comparing your qualifications to the requirements and checking out the company.
Be sure to use a multi-prong approach to your job search, utilizing networking (traditional and online), recruiters / staffing agencies, job fairs / job clubs, and other resources. Also, be sure to follow up whenever possible. It can make a big difference. I recently received a message from a client saying that he only had one unsuccessful interview in a couple of months until he started calling agencies directly to follow up after submitting his resume. He reported that he then quickly had interest from four companies and has two second interviews scheduled.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Protect Your Identity in Your Job Search
We all understand that identity theft can be a true threat. Job hunters in particular need to be wary because they share so much personal information. Here are a few pointers to help you protect yourself.
First if you are applying online for jobs, eliminate your street address and zip code from your contact information on all resumes that you post. This information is critical for credit card verifications. Making it public just makes it easier and more appealing for someone to try to steal your identity.
Beware of employers who ask for background checks before offering you a job. There's no reason to do this before you are hired, and you should suspect any requests to do so before-hand.
When using a resume posting service, be sure to take advantage of their confidentiality feature. This is especially important for job seekers who are protecting their current jobs. The last thing you need is to have your current employer find your resume.
First if you are applying online for jobs, eliminate your street address and zip code from your contact information on all resumes that you post. This information is critical for credit card verifications. Making it public just makes it easier and more appealing for someone to try to steal your identity.
Beware of employers who ask for background checks before offering you a job. There's no reason to do this before you are hired, and you should suspect any requests to do so before-hand.
When using a resume posting service, be sure to take advantage of their confidentiality feature. This is especially important for job seekers who are protecting their current jobs. The last thing you need is to have your current employer find your resume.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
The Thank-You Letter as a Strategic Self-Marketing Tool
Most people forget to send a thank-you letter after interviewing. Mistake. Those who do send one often fail to capitalize on this wonderful opportunity to further promote their value. Big mistake.
While it is true that this type of document should thank the interviewer for their time and interest, a greater impact on the hiring decision can be made by incorporating one or two of the following strategies.
While it is true that this type of document should thank the interviewer for their time and interest, a greater impact on the hiring decision can be made by incorporating one or two of the following strategies.
- Emphasize an achievement that epitomizes the skills identified as most valuable during the interview. As succinctly as possible, remind the employer of how one of your major career achievements is predictive of what you offer.
- Share additional relevant information from your background that was forgotten or missed. The stress of interviewing and the quick responses required means we can inadvertently forget to mention an important accomplishment or provide an insightful comment. This forum provides a second chance to do so.
- Build a stronger relationship through sharing something that may be helpful or of interest to the interviewer. Most interviews usually touch upon goals and / or challenges of the company. Using these “touchstones” to follow up with some research is a tactic used by few, but sharing an ensuing article or relevant ideas goes beyond stating interest in a company to truly expressing it.
- Overcome an objection or potential barrier to being hired. Gently confront something that you feel “in your bones” will keep you from being seriously considered. For example, if you do not possess a certain software skill identified as being essential, consider indicating your willingness to learn, mentioning if you are a quick study.
- Provide a rational for the employer to see you excelling in the position. Prepare a strong closing statement that expresses your enthusiasm and commitment to achieving success in this new role.
Hand-written notes provide a warm, personal touch. Mailed letters look very professional. But in today’s world of fast-paced technology and communications, a hard-hitting, concise thank-you email may be the best bet.
Don’t miss out on what is likely your last opportunity to shape the impression you make. Do write and send out quickly a powerful thank-you message after you interview.
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