The Must-Have Resume Companion. The SoloSheet™ by Spin Strategy

Article Source:  http://bit.ly/XwZnv

Everybody looking for a job has a resume.  Great.  You are now equal with everyone else in the world. 

Some resumes are better than others and it’s important that yours clearly outlines the value that a company can expect to find in you.  And one that excites an HR or hiring manager about the fit and promise your background suggests. 

But how do you begin to differentiate yourself while providing a tangible tool for others to truly know how they can help you?

The answer is a relative of the “one-sheet“.  A term that originated in the movie business, a “one-sheet” is a single page document used to sell an idea, a concept or in your case, yourself.  The key is that everything you need to know is right there on one page.  A movie poster is the quintessential one-sheet.  What else do you need to know?   

So the idea of one piece of paper to sell something isn’t new.  And, to be honest, the idea of a one-pager to present your candidacy for jobs isn’t new either.  There are a number of good templates out there.

What amazes me is why so few people that I meet have one.  Is it an awareness issue?  Are job seekers stuck in the past?  Is it laziness?

Perhaps it is a mix of all these issues.  Regardless, I have a format that I adjusted for my own use during a 2007 search that I wanted to share today.  

It is a free downloadable template.  Available now on the Spin Strategy website. 

I call this a “resume companion”.  Why?  Because it includes many of the key pieces of information from the resume without the burden of too much data and with the addition of very tangible and actionable data.

So who wins when a job seeker has a tool like the SoloSheet™ ?

•  Job seekers have a focused and very tangible pitch sheet – perfect for the quick exchanges common at many structured networking events.
• Recruiters have a simpler format from which to make quick decisions as to the fit with their client listings.    
• Fellow job seekers can now better help those they network with based on the additional data. Data that makes lining up new friends with new jobs much easier!

Now, let’s go through each section of the SoloSheet™ to describe how it is built differently from a resume.

 

NAME AND POSITIONING STATEMENT

The key difference here is the positioning statement.  Whether you have this on your resume or not, it is critical to quickly and well position yourself in a crowded market.  Keep it short and make sure it says key things that make you unique.

SUMMARY

The summary is a short written paragraph that tells the story of your positioning statement.  It can prove your position by providing credible evidence along with a solid reason why (or two).

WORK PHILOSOPHY

This statement is one that I added.  It tells how I approach my work to achieve the desired results.  If you have built up a structured thought process or methodology to achieve success, introduce it here.

WORK HISTORY

Unlike your resume where the details of each position provide more granular evidence of your skill and experience, here you are simply providing a chronological history.  One that tracks company (industry), title (promotions), and dates (loyal vs. opportunistic).

CAREER OBJECTIVE

Here’s another difference from the resume (at least mine).  The SoloSheet™ includes a career objective because it is critical that your network know what you are looking for in your next role.  It should include title, industry, geography, company size and any other data that would help people assist you. The more specific the better. 

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

These are critical.  Think of the top 4 or 5 from your resume for your past 2-3 jobs.  The ones that, when combined, show the breadth and impact that you have on an organization.

KEY COMPETENCIES

This can be a bulleted list or a written list separated by commas.  These are 8-10 specific skills that allow someone to line you up with specific job descriptions.

TARGET ORGANIZATIONS AND GEOGRAPHY

This is perhaps the most important aspect of the SoloSheet™ when used at a networking event.  When fellow job seekers know what companies you are specifically targeting, it is much easier for them to help.  You may be remembered as “the marketing person looking at Pepsi and Heinz“. 

So . . .

In an ideal world, there are 10 people walking out of a networking event with your SoloSheet™.  It is marked up, key words are circled and a few stars are drawn next to a few of your target organizations. 

Your network now has a solid method to keep track of you, a tangible way to remember who you are and, importantly, has an actionable list of organizations where you’d like to work.

Easy for your network = results for you. 

If you’d like to see an example of how one was filled out, write a comment by clicking on this link and going to the bottom of the article.

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Non-Profit Jobs – from Todd Herschberg

Here is a link of a Non-Profit Job Board:

http://ocean.jobamatic.com/a/jobs/find-jobs/q-non+profit

Building your Personal Brand by Kevin Liebl

Article Source:  http://kevinliebl.wordpress.com/2009/08/22/personal-brand/

The past couple of weeks I have written about how corporate roles have changed and how we all must prepare ourselves for this new corporate world. Today, I want to discuss the topic of personal branding. With respect to the job market and your career, personal branding is a means of defining and promoting your skills, strengths and interests in an effort to raise yourself above the white noise.

Define your Objective – Before you do anything, sit down and determine what you are trying to accomplish. People create a personal brand for many reasons, but in this case, let’s assume you are trying to create a professional brand that will establish you as a leader in your chosen field. This seems simple, but remember that people are successful if they have both the ability and the passion to succeed. Make sure that the brand you want to promote is both of these. Be as specific as possible (e.g., public relations manager for small to medium sized technology firms). Think about what defines you and separates you from the pack. How do you want people to see you?

Discover your Current Brand – Next you need to understand what brand you have today. Remember that everyone has a brand. If you ask your colleagues to describe you, what would they say? I firmly believe that none of us “own” our own brand. The market owns the brand. The market determines what our brand is. I can say that my brand is that of a “Business Management, Marketing, Leadership and Social Media Expert”. The truth is that you, the reader of this blog will decide what my brand is after you read this (and hopefully other ) articles. All I can do is promote, and hopefully influence, your perception of my brand.

Define your Messaging – Once you know what your current brand is (e.g., mid-level marketing manager) and what you want it to be (e.g., social media expert), then you can begin to define your messaging. What will you do to change the market perception of you from your “current” to your “target” brand? What will you communicate to the marketplace to define your brand? Will you promote your skills in a specific area? Will you give examples of your knowledge? Will you position yourself as a resource to others?

Choose your Tools – There are an overwhelming number of tools at your disposal to begin to brand yourself. My advice is to choose carefully because each tool has a unique value. Talk to others who have used them and determine what value they provide and how much effort is necessary. Remember that some of them can be a huge resource drain. In my opinion, some of the best tools for building a personal business brand are as follows:

Social Media

• LinkedIn – This is the single best tool at your disposal to define your business brand. Fully build your profile and keep it current.
• Facebook – Determine quickly if you are going to separate your business brand from your personal brand. If you don’t want business associates seeing your college photos in Mexico, then secure your Facebook page or keep it professional.
• Twitter – The power of Twitter is only beginning to be defined. Create a Twitter feed and use it to define your brand and cross-link back to your other online sites.
• Blog – Your blog becomes your online profile. Make sure you cross-link between your blog, LinkedIn, Twitter, and other online sites.
• VisualCV – This is a powerful tool to create an online resume, separate from your LinkedIn profile.
• Email Signature – This is often overlooked. Create an email signature with hyperlinks to your LinkedIn profile, Twitter feed, VisualCV, and blog.

Physical

• Resume, Biography, Transition document – These are all useful documents for different audiences. The transition document should be a single page targeted at people you will network with who may be able to help your career.
• Business Cards – Create a separate business card from your full-time job that defines your brand. Include all your social media contacts (e.g., LinkedIn, Twitter, Blog, etc.)

Face-To-Face

• Never forget the importance of face-to-face communications. We sell ourselves best in person, not online or on the phone. Make sure that you attend networking events, find opportunities to speak on panels, and simply meet with colleagues 1-on-1 from time to time.

Implement your Plan – Now that you have defined your objective, messaging and tools, it is time to implement. My advice is to set realistic goals for yourself. It is easy to get overwhelmed. Start simple and build from there. Once you begin, listen to the feedback. Is your LinkedIn profile getting traffic? Are your blog postings resonating and getting comments? Learn from the feedback – both positive and negative. Create a two-way dialog with your target audience. Make sure you respond to people who take the time to comment on your blog. Always be sincere and helpful. You will make mistakes, but if you are sincere and helpful to your network, you should be fine. Finally, be consistent. The effort you put into building a brand will fade quickly if you do not continue the effort. By setting realistic goals, you should be able to continue your branding effort regardless of your workload. It simply becomes a part of your normal career.

Remember, your network and your personal brand are the two things you carry with you from job to job. With a little planning and effort, they will pay huge dividends. Good luck, and let me know how I can help…

Job-Hopping, Revisited

Article Source:  http://career-advice.monster.com/job-search/getting-started/Job-Hopping-Revisited/article.aspx

Sobering New Rules to Live By

By Allan Hoffman, Monster Tech Jobs Expert

Have you had maybe a few too many IT jobs over the last few years? If you were chasing bigger opportunities — and a bigger paycheck — during the tech boom or were downsized repeatedly during the bust that followed, you may find that you’ll need to address prospective employers’ concerns that you’re a job-hopper.

“If you were a chronic job-hopper during the dotcom days, people may be questioning your integrity and loyalty,” says Allison Hemming, founder of the Pink Slip Parties, networking events for laid-off professionals. “Within the pink-slip community, there are people panicked over this question.”

The overheated job market made job-hopping common during the boom, but those were different times. Companies now want to know a candidate’s reasons for job-hopping, though dotcom-era switches may earn a special dispensation.

“I think there’s an understanding that from 1997 to early 2000, it was part of the madness that the country was caught up in,” says Jason Berkowitz, chief operating officer of Hunter Recruitment Advisors.

Nevertheless, hiring managers and recruiters emphasize the need to prepare for the inevitable questions about your employment history.

Follow these rules:

• Steer the Conversation to the Positive: Rather than focusing on reasons an employer may see as a negative — namely, chasing after options or a higher salary — find ways to emphasize positive aspects of working at a variety of organizations.
• Practice Your Answer: Too many techies enter interviews unprepared for questions about job-hopping. “They know it’s coming, and they freak out when it comes, and then the interview’s over,” says Hemming, author of Work It! How to Get Ahead, Save Your Ass and Land a Job in Any Economy. She recommends writing down your answer, rehearsing it out loud, editing it and videotaping yourself. “Get comfortable with answering, and focus on the upside,” she says. “You need to be ready.”

Consider these specific tactics when planning how to handle a history of job-hopping on your resume and in interviews:

• State Why You Left on Your Resume: Berkowitz says he sees more resumes where a parenthetical explanation — “Company closed due to lack of funding,” for example — will appear after the dates of employment. You can even use your resume objective to indicate that you’re seeking employment with a stable company, he notes.  
• Communicate Your Soft Skills: With employers angling for techies with soft skills, emphasize how your experience at different companies allowed you to hone your ability to work with a variety of people, such as customers, senior executives and owners, recommends Evan Burks, senior vice president at staffing firm Comforce.  
• Provide References: References from your job-hopping days, even from managers at a firm no longer in business, can show you were a prized employee.  
• Show Your Loyalty: “You need to demonstrate that you stick to other things,” says Hemming. A long-term commitment to volunteer work for a specific organization, for instance, can demonstrate that you’re not always moving from one opportunity to another.  
• Convey the Scope of Your Experience: Focus on how you got the chance to work on a variety of projects, thereby gaining skills needed by your prospective employer, Burks suggests.  
• Have Solid Reasons for So Much Coming and Going: To a certain extent, employers want to get a sense of your reasons for joining and leaving a company. “You get a lot of really bad answers,” Berkowitz says. “You get a lot of people saying they got offered a lot of stock options.” Avoid being glib. Instead, strive to convey the thoughtful, well-researched reasons why you switched jobs.
• Know How You Can Fill Their Needs: “Bring it back to them,” advises Hemming. What problem does the prospective employer want to remedy? Think of a way your previous experiences will help the new company.

Of course, job-hopping may also call for a certain degree of self-examination. “Ask yourself, ‘Why is this happening?'” Hemming recommends. “Could you be making smarter choices?”

 

Thirteen Networking Mistakes

Article Source:  http://tinyurl.com/m9yp8e

By Dan Woog, Monster Contributing Writer

You wouldn’t wear jeans to a job interview, but do you pay as much attention to job-hunting etiquette when networking? If you’re approaching potential contacts in an offhand way, you may be putting them off entirely. Learn what the most common networking mistakes are so you don’t have to make them.

Waiting

Many people start networking only after they’ve lost their jobs. Effective networking means creating contacts and relationships while you’re still employed.

Being Clueless

If you’re heading to a networking event, make sure you know why you’re going. Do you want a job? If so, are you seeking something specific, or will anything do? Are you looking for contacts or a mentor to provide guidance? As soon as someone starts talking with you, you have to hold up your end of the conversation. If you don’t know what you want, you can’t do that.

Being Unprepared

Thinking you know what you want is not the same as knowing it. Treat networking the same way you would an appearance at Carnegie Hall. Practice your pitch as well as your answers to questions about your career goals that might arise.

Forgetting Business Cards

There is nothing more embarrassing than establishing a good relationship with someone, extracting a pledge of help and then searching around for a cocktail napkin to write on. Spend a few extra bucks to print professional-looking cards on good-quality paper.

Using a Silly-Sounding Email Name

Sure, your friends know you as “SexyMama4U” or “TimeForHemp,” but when looking for work, stick to a serious email address, such as your real name.

Being Pompous

While you’re networking, you need to listen to what everyone else is saying. People help by offering advice. They are not interested in hearing how much you already know.

Monopolizing Someone’s Time

At a networking event, everyone wants to mingle. And if you’re networking over the phone or by email, understand that the person you’re speaking with has a life that extends beyond you.

Dressing Down

Look sharp at networking events. Mind your manners, shake hands firmly, stand up straight, make eye contact and show respect in any way you can. A networking event can be a dress rehearsal for a job interview, but no one will help you get your foot in the door if you give the impression that you’ll slouch through it once it’s open.

Being a Wallflower

Men and women with contacts and power meet many people; they remember only those who stand out from the crowd. Be assertive, and act like a leader. But don’t go overboard. You want to convey self-assurance, not obnoxiousness.

Being Passive

If someone says, “Sorry, we don’t have anything right now,” take a minute or two to ask follow-up questions: “Well, what’s the outlook for future possibilities? Do you know anyone else in the industry who might have something? Any thoughts on what my next step should be?” Persistence shows true interest on your part and may help the person you’re networking with come up with ideas he might otherwise overlook.

Lying

It’s tempting to say, “So-and-So gave me your name and told me to call.” It might even get you a meeting. But eventually Such-and-Such will learn that So-and-So did not tell you to call. And you’ll have burned not one, but two bridges.

Treating Your Networking Relationships as Short-Term Flings

No one likes to be used. Follow up every conversation with a thank-you note, email or call. Let your contact know whether his suggestions panned out or not. When your job search ends — for whatever reason — inform the person who has helped you. You may think your networking is over, but your paths may cross again.

Forgetting Where You Came From

Anyone who has ever networked, whether successfully or not, owes an obligation to all those who will network in the future. Return the favor and help someone else.

 

Gossip Your Way to a Great Job

Article Source:  http://hotjobs.yahoo.com/career-articles-gossip_your_way_to_a_great_job-980

by Maria Hanson, LiveCareer

Titillating as it can be, gossip is something most people realize they should avoid, especially at work.

But there is an upside to gossip. In a recent survey by staffing firm Randstad USA, more than half of the respondents felt gossip was useful to job hunting. Gossip can also help you identify new opportunities within your own workplace. And even the most casual office chit-chat can give you insight into your work, your company, and even your own job security.

Follow these tips to gossip to your career advantage:

1) Rethink your idea of gossip. Work gossip isn’t just about who’s dating whom in the office. Any piece of information about a company or industry can be used to your advantage. Reading journals and websites specific to your industry may give you useful information about which employers are growing their workforce. Or hearing a rumor that free snacks in the break-room are a disappearing perk can be a heads up that your organization is doing some belt-tightening.

2) Don’t automatically shun all gossip. People often hear important work-related items first through the office grapevine. By ignoring all gossip, you could be isolating yourself. Attend seminars, parties, and other gatherings that provide a chance for networking. Be receptive, listen, and ask probing questions. But don’t participate in talking badly about anyone.

3) Filter the gossip. If you just listen, and tune out the nasty stuff, you won’t get a rep as a gossip monger. But you’ll be on the right channel if there’s news that could help your career. Open your ears and extract the opportunity-rich tidbits. For example, you may hear about something as seemingly insignificant as a hiring manager’s love of dogs. If you’re a dog lover, this could be just the gem you need to make a connection with the person who makes hiring decisions.

4) Put the info to work. Take the information you’ve gathered and use it to get to the right people. Email the hiring manager of a company that just won a big contract — and send your resume highlighting your relevant experience.

Find out how to tailor your resume for a specific position with your free resume guide.

5) Befriend a connector. Share your gossip with a connector. A connector is someone who seems to know everyone and effortlessly disseminates news. Likewise, if you need to do damage control, there’s no one better to approach.

6) Be your own gossip. If you’ve had a success you want known — something that could get you noticed in high places — get the word out there yourself. Not sure how to toot your own horn? Appropriate bragging has its place in the workplace. For example, at a staff meeting, you could mention a successful group project that you spearheaded. This can get you and your team the favorable attention you earned.

Gossip doesn’t have to involve backstabbing or spreading hurtful rumors. Useful gossip is about connecting with others in a positive way. Knowing your interests and using this knowledge to make connections with others can help your career.

Take a free career test to identify your interests and strengths and find out what kind of career opportunities best suit you.

7 ways online job boards can help your job search

By: Julie Rains at partner blog Wise Bread.

There was a brief period, before the last recession, when my career-services clients actually found jobs on online job boards. They’d post résumés and interview requests, and job offers quickly followed.

For the past several years, though, clients have told me they felt as if online applications led to a black hole: Résumés were submitted but companies never made contact. Even a rejection letter would have meant progress, indicating that a human was somehow involved in the decision-making process.

Though I don’t recommend online boards as a direct path to a new position, I do find them extremely useful in a job search.

For someone launching a job search, online job boards can provide a wealth of information. I have had consistently good results with Monster.com, though there are many other general boards, industry niche boards, and aggregators of job listings, such as CareerBuilder.com, Indeed.com, and Dice.com.

My focus is on finding well-written, detailed job descriptions that indicate specific responsibilities and requirements. Many descriptions are vague and useless to me; others, however, seem to have been constructed to outline highly specific needs for real jobs with viable companies. A bit of fluff promoting the company and its tremendous benefits and great working environment is fine but should be accompanied by a multi-bulleted list of duties, beginning with an overview and then mentioning key areas of accountability as well as position requirements.

Here’s what I use these job descriptions for:

Do a reality check. One of the first things a job seeker should do is define his ideal job or target position based not only on career goals but also on education, experiences, knowledge and skills. Figuring out whether such a position actually exists is a natural next step, made pretty easy with a keyword search.

Pinpoint a job title. A job title is useful in conveying goals to a hiring manager in words that she’ll understand. Postings with position descriptions can be useful in matching real-world job accountabilities with a job seeker’s professional capabilities. Though organizational structures may vary among companies, there will often be enough similarities to pinpoint a job title. Job seekers can then reference this title in communications with potential employers or those who may offer referrals, and use the title in searches of the careers sections of target employers.

Uncover obstacles to landing that perfect job. In some cases, a job seeker has most, but not all, of the qualifications. Not being a perfect candidate shouldn’t rule out searching for that type of position. But, if certain skill sets or types of experiences are requested repeatedly by a number of employers, then a job seeker could consider taking a class or learning a new technology, for example, or figuring out how to communicate why his experience is similar to the experience requested by the hiring manager.

See what companies are hiring and where the jobs are. Though I like to read articles about what industries are hot, what companies are hiring, and which geographical areas are experiencing an economic boom, I use specific job postings with real companies to make decisions about where to concentrate a search.

Refine or write the résumé. My modus operandi is to create a first draft of a résumé and then use job descriptions to make adjustments. I might add a position duty or a computer skill that seemed insignificant but appears on most job postings. For a job seeker writing her own résumé, the online job descriptions could be useful in creating or fleshing out the résumé.

Find keywords. Job seekers may be fearful that they won’t use the right keywords and their résumés will never be selected by computerized screening systems. Scrutinizing well-written, detailed job responsibilities and requirements can provide the job seeker with current keywords.

Craft a cover letter. Customizing each free cover letter to match the exact requirements of each target job can be time-consuming and energy-zapping. Instead, craft the letter to meet the descriptions and requirements for a handful of similar positions, and use that letter as the base for subsequent letters.

I typically don’t give unsolicited advice to individual clients, but, if asked, I will mention that putting oneself out there (posting a résumé for anyone to see, with no privacy settings) has not been particularly fruitful for many job seekers. To avoid the black hole of Internet searching, some clients have found that referrals from business associates (former co-workers, vendors and customers), direct inquiries to targeted companies, and communications with those in industry or trade groups are more helpful than blindly posting to online job boards.

Have you used online job boards to find a job lately? Share your experiences in the comments.

A 12-Step Program for Surviving Unemployment

A 12-Step Program for Surviving Unemployment

by: Employment Spot

Lost your job and don’t know where to turn? Relax, according to the National Association for Counseling and Development, the average person goes through five to seven careers and ten to 12 job changes in their lifetimes. So how do you cope with the stress associated with losing a job and trying to finding another? Experts say to take it one day at a time and follow this 12-step program.

Step 1
File a claim for unemployment insurance at your local state unemployment office on the first business day after you lose your job. Your benefit payments will help bridge the paycheck gap until you find another job.

Step 2
Unemployment is one of the most stressful events you will ever go through. Whether you’ve known about your termination for months or you just got your pink slip this morning, you’re likely to experience a variety of emotions ranging from guilt and sadness to anger and depression. The important thing to keep in mind is that your feelings are normal and that you need to give yourself the proper time to work through them. Take the next week off. Sleep in, have lunch with friends, or work out.

Step 3
Go through your checkbook register or your debit card receipts. Determine how and where you spend your money. Find ways to cut unnecessary expenses.

Step 4
Writing a good resume takes time. Spend as much time as necessary putting together a resume that accurately describes your qualifications and achievements. Whenever possible, list measurable results and concrete examples of your achievements. Here’s a real-life example: Led a customer service project team that resulted in a 20 percent decrease in customer complaints within three months.

Step 5
Although each and every cover letter you write must be customized for the company to which it is being sent, it doesn’t hurt to have several well-written paragraphs ready and waiting. You can customize this draft in the weeks to come when applying to each prospective employers.

Step 6
It doesn’t take long for a job seeker to learn that the old statement, “it’s not what you know, but who you know,” really is true. Knowing someone on the inside or getting your foot in the door is key. A good place to start networking is with your former co-workers, friends and family members. Ask them if they know of any opportunities in your field or if they know of anyone who may have an opening in the industry in which you are interested.

Step 7
During a job search, first impressions are critical. Make sure you have at least one interview suit ready to go so that you are prepared when you receive an invitation to interview. Although most companies have business casual dress codes, casual dress is never appropriate on a job interview. On the contrary, job interview attire is a critical component of your job search that must not be overlooked.

Step 8
Experts suggest that job seekers spend at least three hours preparing for each interview. You should research the company with which you are interviewing and the industry in which it operates. You also should draft concise answers to the most commonly asked interview questions such as why you want to work for the company and what you can do for the company. To demonstrate your interest in the position, you also should plan to ask the interviewer several questions of your own such as the skills the ideal candidate will possess and how a typical day looks in the job.

Step 9
Looking for a job is a full-time job. Make sure your friends and family know that you are off-limits between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. each day.

Step 10
Look for ways to expand your skill sets while you have the time to do so. Is there a computer program you’ve always wanted to learn and never had the time? How about an executive seminar or workshop that you think would be interesting but couldn’t afford the time out of the office? Take advantage of your time off by using it to learn a new skill. Learning anything new can be a huge boost to your self-confidence.

Step 11
After 5 p.m., your time belongs to you. It’s more important than ever that you let off steam by participating in activities you enjoy. Take a jog, visit a museum, accept a babysitting job or rent some movies. Do what you enjoy . . . you’ve earned it.

Step 12
One of the worst things you can do after leaving a job is to isolate yourself. If you were part of a mass lay off at your company, stay in touch with your positive-minded former co-workers. Accept invitations from friends and family members to go out. Invite your friends over to watch movies or to exercise together. The key is staying in circulation and staying positive through interaction with people.

Sell yourself during the job interview – How to battle the questions

Sell yourself during the job interview

How to battle the questions

By: Victoria Hong

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) – If there’s a job you want, you only get one chance to sell yourself and that’s during the interview.
The key is to be enthusiastic and prepared, prepared to give the right answers to key questions that are likely to come up during the interview.

When teaching his interview workshop BET-C career center director Joe Sullivan preps job seekers for what to expect.

He said be prepared for some common questions:  First, tell me something about yourself?

“When getting questions that broad, maybe what you want to do is come back with another question. ‘I’d love to, where would you like me to begin?’ So can qualify question to see if employer wants to talk about work experience, education or some personal things as well,” said Sullivan.

Most employers will also ask what you know about their company, and that is why you should always research the company, its products, its mission/brand, as well as goals and recent developments; you must be prepared.

Another common question:  What is your primary weakness? Always take a positive attribute that may become a weakness in extreme, such as perfectionist, acknowledge it and show you’re working on it.

Sullivan said, “So can take positive attribute and say I have to be on guard that I don’t take to extreme and because I already recognize that you kind of showing I already work on it.”

“What are the questions that are commonly asked?  What are your responses to questions?  What question do you ask employer?  And once kind of polish your response and work on questions, you should sit down with spouse, friend, neighbor and practice,” said Joe.

Always follow up after an interview with a thank you note, some question if a card or typed formal letter is more appropriate.

“When doing workshop 10-15 years ago, I was told to send card and all aplied to one company.  The interviewer called and asked who teacking the workshop?  They should be sending out type written letter on the side of conservatism,” said Joe.

Copyright WIVB.com

The Federal Resume Part Four: Do’s & Don’ts

The Federal Resume

Part Four: Do’s & Don’ts

By: ResumeEdge.com

In some ways, federal resumes are similar to those you might create for a job in the private sector. However, there are also marked differences. Keep these guidelines in mind.

DO:

• Follow all instructions carefully and completely (resumes will be scanned, so this is important).
• Limit your resume to three pages (plus the separate page for supplemental information).
• TYPE your resume, ensuring that it is clear and legible. Handwritten resumes will NOT be accepted. A typewritten original or a high-quality photocopy is acceptable.
• Provide a laser-printed original if you do not use the official Resume Builder for your agency. Avoid dot-matrix printers, bubble-jet printers, and low-quality copies.
• Type with black ink on 8.5″ x 11″ white bond paper, printed on one side only.
• Use a minimum margin of one inch on all sides of your printed resume.
• Use standard business type fonts, such as Courier or Times New Roman, in 10-12 point.
• Use capital letters for section headings, as long as the letters do not touch each other.
• Proofread for any errors. Pay particular attention to spelling.
• Be specific when naming the computer software or types of equipment with which you have experience (e.g., Microsoft Word, Lotus 1-2-3, Excel, Unix, Oracle, computer-assisted design equipment, etc.).
• Describe your experience with specific words rather than vague descriptions.
• Be truthful! Falsification of your resume could result in termination or withdrawal of an offer of federal employment, and it may be punishable by fine or imprisonment. If selected, you will be required to sign a statement that all application materials are correct, complete, and made in good faith, and that no information has been falsified.

DON’T:

• Staple, fold, bind, or punch holes in your resume.
• Use vertical or horizontal lines, graphics, or boxes.
• Use two-column format or resumes that look like newspapers.
• Use fancy treatments such as italics, underlining, shadows, or bullets.
• Use unknown acronyms or abbreviations. Only use acronyms that are well-established and commonly understood.
• Submit your resume on colored paper.
• Submit your resume as an attachment to an e-mail, unless the agency specifies that it wishes to receive resumes in that manner.
• Fax your resume.
• Submit any documentation not specifically requested.
• Expect your resume or any documents submitted to be returned.

Read More

• Part 1: An Introduction
• Part 2: Self-Nomination
• Part 3: Supplemental Information