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Job
Seeker Resources
Need some professional
advice? Here are 20 fact-filled articles to help you compete in today's
fierce employment market:
Resumes
Ten Keys to a Dynamite Resume
Resume Design Tips and Template
A
Stronger Resume To Increase Your Odds
Choosing
a Resume Format: Summary vs. Chronological
Beefing
Up an Anemic Resume
The
Dangers of Resume Overkill
Interviewing
The
Secret to Interview Success
Don't
Talk Yourself Out of a Job
How
to Answer Interview Questions
What
to Ask the Interviewer
Four
Classic
Interview
Questions—and
How to Prepare for Them
Discussing
the Subject of Money
Career
Decisions
How
to Evaluate a Job Offer
What
Does the New Job Really Pay?
Salary
Negotiation Techniques
Intelligent
Job-Changing
Strategy
Career
Strategy: It Pays to Diversify
Transition
The
Proper Way to Resign
How
to Leave a Job Gracefully
Resignation
or Retaliation?
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Beefing Up
an Anemic Resume
By Bill Radin
To get the most
mileage out of your resume, you’ll want to emphasize certain aspects of your
background. By doing so, you’ll present your qualifications in the most
favorable light, and help give the employer a better understanding of your
potential value to his or her organization. To build a stronger
case for your candidacy, try highlighting the following areas of interest:
Professional achievements of particular interest. For example, if
you’re in sales, the first thing a hiring manager will want to know is your
sales volume, and how you ranks with your peers. If you’ve won awards, reached
goals or made your company money, let the employer know.
Educational accomplishments. List your degree(s) and/or relevant course work,
thesis or dissertation, or specialized training. Be sure to mention any special
honors, scholarships, or awards you may have received, such as Dean’s List,
Cum Laude, or Phi Beta Kappa.
Additional areas of competency. These might include
computer software fluency, dollar amount of monthly raw materials
purchased, or specialized training.
Professional designations that carry weight in your field. If you’re licensed
or certified in your chosen profession (PE, for example), or belong to a trade
organization (such as ASTD or ASQC), by all means let the reader know.
Success indicators. You should definitely include anything in your past that
might distinguish you as a leader or achiever. Or, if you worked full time to put
yourself through school, you should consider that experience a success
indicator, and mention it on your resume.
Related experience. Anything that would be relevant to your prospective
employer’s needs. For example, if your occupation requires overseas travel or
communication, list your knowledge of foreign languages. If you worked as a
co-op student in college, especially in the industry you’re currently in, let
the reader know.
Military history. If you served in the armed forces, describe your length of
service, branch of service, rank, special training, medals, and discharge and/or
reserve status. Employers generally react favorably to military service
experience.
Security clearances. Some industries require a clearance when it comes
to getting hired or being promoted. If you’re targeting an industry such as
aerospace or defense, give your current and/or highest clearable status, and
whether you’ve been specially checked by an investigative agency.
Citizenship or right to work. This should be mentioned if your industry requires
it. Dual citizenship should also be mentioned, especially if you think you may
be working in a foreign country.
In a competitive
market, employers are always on the lookout for traits that distinguish one
candidate from another. Not long ago, I worked with an engineering manager
who mentioned the fact that he was a three-time national power speed boat
champion on his resume. It came as no surprise that several employers warmed up
to his resume immediately, and wanted to interview him.
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