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Are you leveraging a recruiter in your job search?

Great Resumes Fast — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 15:33:04 +0000

I’ve heard it said hundreds of times since 2008….the economy is just bad, and there are no jobs. The truth is this statement is not 100% accurate. Depending on your geographical location and current profession, you may find it’s tougher than it used to be. There are still jobs out there, and it truly comes down to how far you’re willing to go to get your foot in the door. Will have to take a more junior role than you’re used to? Is it possible that you may take a slight pay-cut? If you haven’t been in touch with a recruiter who specializes in your niche, you’ll never know.

Why work with a professional recruiter?
They know the market. It’s their job to know trends in your field and industry. They know all the decision-makers in your industry, and know exactly who’s hiring and who’s not. A recruiter is your best untapped resource, if you treat them with the respect and honesty they need in order to assist you in your job search. There’s no risk for you as a candidate; most recruiters do not charge you anything for their services. They are paid ONLY when they successfully place you in a new opportunity.

Should I post my resume on job boards, and let recruiters contact me?
Are you concerned about your privacy? If so, keep this little tid-bit in mind….spammers have memberships to the major job boards, and your information feeds them contact information to reach out to you with a constant flow of spam. They have your home address; not a super-smart idea. If you don’t believe me, post your resume and see who calls you. Job boards can be useful to you as a candidate, if you know how to gain the most knowledge from them. I suggest visiting a job board aggregator like Indeed.com, and searching for jobs that match your skills, in your targeted area. Once you have your results, you can save this search, and have the results emailed to you daily or weekly. This is a great way to know EVERYTHING that’s going on in your profession, without putting your personal information out there for the whole world.

Finding a career coach, versus a recruiter.
If you’re an aggressive candidate who has a checkered employment history (you’ve made a lot of changes, or recently switched careers altogether) a recruiter may not be in a position to assist you. Remember, they only get paid when they place you with an employer; so if their ability to place you is in question, you may need to hire a career agent, or coach. The difference is you will pay a fee for the services of a career agent/coach. Expect to pay anywhere from $1000 – $5000 for their services, depending on what services are required to get you in the door of your next job. Some career agents will charge only a small up-front fee, and the balance once you’ve started your job. Others will set-up a monthly payment plan until the balance is paid in full. In either case, their service can be an invaluable asset for individuals who are unable to obtain a job on their own.

Recruiters, headhunters, staffing specialists and talent acquisition professionals assist candidates in landing their next job faster than they could expect to on their own. Before you blame an imperfect economy, get in touch with one – soon!

Article courtesy of the Recruiting Blogswap, a content exchange service sponsored by CollegeRecruiter.com, a leading site for college students looking for internships and recent graduates searching for entry level jobs and other career opportunities.

From our friends at http://icareersearch.wordpress.com – Executive Recruiter, Social Media Consultant, Resume Writer and Author

5 Must-Know Essentials For Writing a Results-Generating Resume

Great Resumes Fast — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 19:51:14 +0000

It is both astonishing and sad that so many people enter the job market with an insufficient resume. Too many people perceive a resume as just a piece of paper and do not comprehend how imperative a resume can be in promoting you within a competitive job market. The job market is overflowing at the present time with qualified individuals. To be noticeable, get attention, and yield strong results, as many professional resume writers will tell you, your resume must establish an exceptional first impression. An old-fashioned format, passe content, and an ugly design are all guaranteed ways to land your resume in the circular file while the employer turns to the next job seeker who actually spent the time to write an enticing resume that speaks to their needs. The vast majority of people struggle through long, unsuccessful job searches that could be turned around in an instant if only they took the time to revamp their resume.

If you are guilty of this line of attack then you need to know that you’re in for an extended and protracted job search. You simply have to be sure that your resume is top-notch if you are going to win a chance of even getting to an interview, let alone getting a job. You have to demonstrate how you are a fantastic candidate, an excellent problem solver, and will exceed expectations and produce concrete results.

Here are some guidelines if your resume is in need of an overhaul.

1.Your focus must be directly apparent. Never write an all-purpose generic resume. Your resume must express, in the space of a few seconds, precisely who you are, what you can deliver to the table, and how you will fit in the company you are applying to. When possible, personalize your resume for each specific job opening.

2. Write about the positive outcomes that you delivered for past employers. It’s just not good enough to write about the responsibilities. You have to demonstrate how you delivered benefits to past employers, using real numbers if at all possible to demonstrate what you brought to the bottom line.

3. Use design elements to tastefully heighten the eye appeal of your resume. A resume created from a template will just ensure that you blend in with others and not stand out. Be strategic and use design elements to draw the eye to key areas of importance.

4. Write in terms of success stories related to the challenges that you faced and the actions you took to meet the challenges. Write about the results of your actions and the strategic importance for your previous employer. This is known as the Challenge-Action-Result (CAR) method of writing a resume. The stories will make you memorable and help the employer comprehend how your past achievements will translate into future value for them.

5. Rethink everything, proofread meticulously, and ask a friend to check it over again. Any errors will seriously detract from the professional, quality, and detail-oriented picture that you should represent. This may seem like an obvious point, but so many people neglect it to their detriment.

These are five essential tips to help you strengthen your resume in a very competitive job market. To be truly effective you should consider the wise investment of hiring a professional resume writer. Professional resume writers know how to market people and will often be able to help you identify a value proposition that will help you stand apart from the competition and shine in those interviews.

Michelle Dumas runs of one of the longest-standing and most respected professional resume writing firms on the internet. Since 1996, Michelle has empowered thousands of professionals with resumes that get results and win jobs fast. Get insider resume writing tips that you won’t find anywhere else at her website. Go now to www.distinctiveweb.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6788603

5 Reasons Your Job Search Is Still Going

Great Resumes Fast — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 00:05:45 +0000

In order to advance your career and get your job search back on track, there are a few things that you must do correctly. As a job seeker, finding a job should be your full-time job. Many people work tirelessly to find a job, but they keep coming up short, so today we’re going to have a look at the 5 reasons that your job search is still going and why you’re not getting the response that you feel you should. If you find yourself doing any of the following, then today is a great day to take action.

1. You do not make your job search personal

What this means is that you’re still sending out generic resumes with no target. Instead, get personal. Find the names of HR Managers, company directors or anyone involved in the hiring at the company. Then you send them a personalized note with your custom-made resume to their company explaining your desired position and how you could help the company.

2. You are looking in the same place as everyone else

One thing you have to keep in mind is that there are a lot of unemployed people right now. Many of these people will be looking in the exact same field, geographical area or they have the same skill level as yourself. One way around this is to find opportunities through networking, online job searches and by using job boards to find hidden career options. If everyone is looking in the same place, it will only drown out your voice. Be different and look at all of your options.

3. You believe every word you hear about the recession

If you think everyone is living hand to mouth, then you are very mistaken. America has a lot of opportunity for people who are willing to look. Yes, it’s tougher than usual, but not impossible to find a job that suits you. Take a few minutes to review the positive aspects and reduce your stress level. An open mind will lead towards an open job.

4. Poor email etiquette

Every time there is a job fair, we see this problem emerge. People do not read their emails and proof them, but you can bet that your prospective employer is reviewing every little detail about your resume. Misuse the word “your” in place of “you’re” and it’s a dead giveaway that you did not proof your email. Another way that people send out poorly written or constructed emails is if they do not have a subject, have a subject line that reads, “have a look at my resume” or poorly written opening lines in the email. Try to show a little patience and take some time to review your emails before you send them.

5. You’re not as productive as you believe

Sending out a few resumes during the morning and then taking the rest of the day to watch some TV is not a productive job search. Get into the habit of diligently looking for a job. Make yourself a schedule and stick to it. All you have is you. So, work hard and you will find the right career for you.

Erin Kennedy, CMRW, CPRW, BS/HR, is a Certified Professional & Executive Resume Writer/Career Consultant and President of Professional Resume Services, Inc. She is a nationally published writer and contributor of 12 best-selling career books. She has achieved international recognition following yearly nominations and wins of the prestigious T.O.R.I. (Toast of the Resume Industry) Award. Erin has written thousands of resumes for executives and professionals.

As a proud member of CDI, NRWA, PARW, and AORCP, Erin also sits on CDI’s Credentialing Committee for new certification candidates and serves as a Mentor for CDI’s Member Mentoring Committee. She also is a featured blogger on several well-known career sites. Find out more here: http://exclusive-executive-resumes.com

3 Ways to Avoid A Resume Template and Make Your Resume Unique

Great Resumes Fast — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 10:32:31 +0000

Have you ever been guilty of copying a resume template to make writing and submission flow a bit more smoothly? Don’t feel bad if you have. But do keep in mind that by taking this route you run the risk of appearing inauthentic to hiring managers who are looking for unique candidates. It’s easier than you think to write your own resume, so let’s try to step away from the template and instead create an original one using the following tips:

Think About What’s Important in Your Resume

The people who take time to create templates are doing the public a service by guiding them through the often tedious process of writing a resume. This is undoubtedly a kind and selfless thing to do. But the problem with using templates is that not only do many of the same people use one template, but the information in templates is usually deemed important to the writer and may not be relevant to your career.

So when writing your own resume, it’s a great idea to think about what’s important in your own career. Is communication more important than technology in your field? Then you want to place your focus there. The idea is to really look at not just what your field needs but what the position needs from you. The truth is that your resumes will vary with each job you apply for, so take time to think about what’s important to you and the company as you write each unique resume.

Create Sections Specific to Your Career

In a template, you’ll find a number of sections such as Education, Job History, Professional Affiliations, and more. While some concepts are standard in resumes, others can be tweaked to meet your professional needs. For instance, you might need to mention job history, but also one to zero in on technical experience. In your resume, you might need two sections for employment background whereas a template might include only one.

Incorporate Your Own Flair

You are a unique, independent, strong candidate with plenty of experience and personality. This should shine through in your resume. So as you write your resume, while it’s good to keep certain ideas at the forefront of the process (stick to professional fonts, add white space, use bullet points, incorporate action words, include a career summary and job target, place important details near the top, etc.), it’s great to come up with your own unique design that shows your flair.

If you’ve never written a resume in your life, then a template works wonders in giving you guidance, so you don’t have to close your eyes every time you see one. But use them only as inspiration for your unique resume that focuses on your personal strengths—not those of the template writer. Taking time to make your resume unique is exactly what will make you stand out from the pack.

For more resume advice follow us on Twitter @GreatResume.

Tips for the Unemployed Six Months or More

Great Resumes Fast — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 11:35:28 +0000

If you have not found a job in the past six months, you would want recruiters and employers to believe that you still are interested in working. Sure, an employer may wonder why, but not just view you negatively. However, a recent article points out that some employers are using being unemployed long-term (over six months) as an excuse to separate these workers from the competition. That is why the long-term unemployed must prove their desire to be a part of the workforce.

Here are some tips for you to keep in mind if you’re among the long-term unemployed:

Use free resources- Visit your local library or career center to find information that is relevant to your job search. There are usually people who are willing and able to help you.

Take an online class or find a free workshop- These are opportunities to learn new skills or enhance other ones, which can make you a stronger candidate for the job you want.

Volunteer- Volunteering allows you to serve others and show people what you can do. It can also enhance your resume by filling in gaps between jobs.

For more tips to help the long-term unemployed, see the source below.

Being out of work for any length of time isn’t ideal for most people, but if it has been six months or longer, employers may not believe you are interested in obtaining a job. Use these tips to improve your job search, and show employers that you have a place in today’s workforce.

Courtesy of William Frierson a staff writer for CollegeRecruiter.com.

-Source-
http://thecareernews.com/newsletter.php?news=2572

Article courtesy of the http://www.recruitingblogswap.com a content exchange service sponsored by CollegeRecruiter.com, a leading site for college students looking for internships recent graduates searching for entry level jobs and other career opportunities.

10 Great Executive Resume Keywords and How to Use Them

Great Resumes Fast — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 16:05:06 +0000

10 Great Executive Resume Keywords and How to Use Them

There are a lot of ways to enhance an executive resume, one of them being to add appropriate keywords throughout the document. Keywords work wonders in improving any resume because they add depth while addressing key points that hiring managers in the field are looking for.

There are a number of great keywords that could make a difference in an executive resume. The key is choosing the right ones for your circumstances, then utilizing them appropriately to have your resume make the greatest impact when applying for a new position.

Why Keywords Make a Difference

Although you’ve probably read over and over again that keywords have an incredibly positive impact on resumes at every professional level, you may be wondering exactly why keywords make a difference. In short, a single keyword, if used correctly, can communicate multiple skills and qualifications.

For instance, if you use the keyword sales when applying for a job, an employer will assume you have experience, not just in business development but also sales closing, negotiations, and customer relations.

It’s also good to keep in mind that keywords function as the backbone of resume-scanning technology. This technology scans your resume to determine if certain keywords are present. If they’re not, you may be declined for a job because the technology assumes you’re not truly qualified.

10 Great Keywords and How to Incorporate Them

Enhancing your executive resume with specific keywords can be a tricky proposition, mainly because you don’t want to just choose popular keywords that don’t relate to the position for which you are applying. You have to pay attention to keywords found in the job posting—as well as those that relate to the company—to decide which to add.

However, there are some keywords that work well at the executive level and often span multiple fields. Although the following are not guaranteed to suit your resume, they could be considered good choices: 1) P&L responsibility, 2) new business development, 3) corporate administration, 4) organizational leadership, 5) crisis management, 6) multi-site operations, 7) consensus building and teaming, joint ventures and alliances, 9) best practices and benchmarking, and 10) performance optimization.

Once you’ve chosen which keywords should be added to your executive resume, it’s good to incorporate several into your career summary at the beginning of the document since the scanning software will be immediately searching for these words. Also, it’s good to add them to your job target/headline—and even consider creating a separate section titled Executive Qualifications (or similar) that allows you to group several together when listing your skills.

Both the resume-scanning technology and human eyes of a prospective employer want to see relevant keywords added to your executive resume. The more you incorporate (without spamming, of course), the more detailed your resume will feel to recruiters and employers searching for their next great candidate.