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How to Write Masterpiece Resumes and Nail Interviews

How to Write Masterpiece Resumes and Nail Interviews

Kylie | Excelle

March 06, 2008

Since we are constantly trying to out-smart old-money fraternity boys and improve our chances of getting a new job or promotion, we’ve got to know how to carry ourselves. But is it not true that many of us rely on our outgoing personalities to outperform others? Of course, this is an important part of being an empowered woman; but how can you be sure that it gets through on your resume? Your cover letter? Your business proposition?

If you’re anything like me, you only audit your résumé when it’s absolutely necessary. Lately, I’ve been realizing that it makes a lot of sense to keep all of my documents up to date, as much as possible. This way, I can put my best foot forward and really stand out – no matter what I’m looking to accomplish in the business world.

This guide offers a technical walk-through of resume techniques, strategies to get in touch with the go-getters at the company you are applying for, and a lot more.

Step-by-Step Guide to Traditional Résumés

• Tie your qualifications to the type of position you’re seeking.

• Your professional summary is your persuasive sales pitch to potential employers.

• Earlier jobs require minimal information, though they are important to demonstrate career advancement..More…

Functional Resume

•Clearly and concisely explain what you offer and what you seek.

• Focus on specific industries or lines of business but avoid listing job titles.

• If you are looking for a career in a field that you do not have specific qualifications in, highlight some transferable and marketable skills that you do have.

• If you’re not sure of the exact months, you can include years only.
More…
General Cover Letter Template

• Introduce yourself by explaining briefly why you are interested in this person, company, or position.

• Do not begin with, “Hi. My name is….

• The closing paragraph should offer a specific action for following up.

More…
Informational Interview Template

Start with a brief introduction of yourself and reference a mutual contact if one exists.

• Be straightforward: tell him or her that you are asking for information and advice in an effort to advance your career.

• Close by thanking the reader for his or her time and consideration.

More…
How To Ask if Your Résumé has Been Received

• Every job seeker knows that you often submit résumés without hearing anything in return.

• There are effective, professional ways of finding out if the company you’re interested in has received your résumé.

• Resumés are often lost or overlooked so while you’re assuming that your résumé has been received and reviewed and that they have declined you, they may not even know you exist.

More…
Impress the Hiring Manager (and the Receptionist)

• Smile. Don’t beam a 500-watt fake grin constantly, but greet others with a friendly smile, and try to relax so it doesn’t look forced.

• Dress appropriately. While casual dress is common in many workplaces, always follow the old rules of dress when applying for a job.

• Do your homework about the company, but also be ready to converse with everyone from the administrative staff to other managers.

More…

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  • Kbswcc07_max50

    TalentTalks

    3 months ago

    4 comments

    To those not getting results, here are few quick things to consider... Your resume must be:

    Relevant to the job you are seeking
    Edited to be concise & 100% error-free *
    Action & Achievement-Oriented
    Leading to interview - this should be automatic if the above are accomplished...

    * as for the most likely issues - proofread for: poor spelling, improper grammar, incorrect word-usage, typos, inconsistent fonts, unattractive formatting, too much clutter, sloppy layout, random capitalization of words that should not be capitalizated or those that should not being capitatized, spacing and punctuation problems.

    For more information on career management and job search topics visit: http://talenttalks.wordpress.com/

  • Look_at_my_poison_max50

    careershark

    3 months ago

    10 comments

    I will be attending classes for my Bachelors degree in game production full time on September 7. I'm on pell grants and some loans as well. So I'm trying to taylor my timeing so that I will be able to keep attending class and and balance work with that, I'm takeing care of my sister also. If I drop below 1/2 time then they take the grants and I'm left with an outstanding bill and still looking for work. I'm at a cross roads and not sure what else to do. What is some tips that can be given on resumes' that maybe I've somehow over looked?God bless and I hope those of you out there looking now will find the one your looking for.

  • Look_at_my_poison_max50

    careershark

    3 months ago

    10 comments

    I have been searching for a job in retail, although I have searched in more than one area, and have gotten no response and bearly a glance in my direction. I have done about 4 different resumes' targeted to certain places and some that have been for a specific job type. Does anyone have any advice on what I can do to make my chances higher for being hired? I've been looking since late febuary.

  • Photo_user_blank_big

    RobinAnn

    3 months ago

    2 comments

    I will be graduating on August 30 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and I am interested in employment in higher education preferably an academic advisor on the collegiate level. I am interested in any information anyone might have about searching for jobs in that particular field, any information for a new professional seeking employment would be greatly appreciated.

  • 3_women_by_anzete_max50

    sistaruth

    9 months ago

    2 comments

    I am trying to get employment to fit into to school hours. The tips seem useful .

  • Picture_18_max50

    Vielka

    10 months ago

    48 comments

    Denise_m, I can probably help you out with the tools and resources I have that were passed onto me. Think of it as a "pay-it-forward" gesture. I will be glad to help you out.

    Best Regards,
    Vielka Escovar, vme29@yahoo.com

  • November_08_045_max50

    shawnthevbnative

    about 1 year ago

    20 comments

    Great tips! I made a few changes based on the tips alone. Minor changes that I hope will help improve/streamline my resume.

  • Photo008_max50

    Denise_m

    about 1 year ago

    8 comments

    Since I am really behind times,I believe this to be a very resourcefull help in writing resumes,although I still would appreciate a bit more help if anyone has the time,thanks and god bless

  • Photo_user_blank_big

    Kleona

    about 1 year ago

    2 comments

    Good tips. I also read that you should tailor your cover letter to the hiring manager. To do so, research the company and try to find out who the hiring manager actually is, not just "Dear Hiring Manager"... although if you can't find out - this is an acceptable substitute.

  • Picture_006_max50

    Elorraine

    about 1 year ago

    824 comments

    This is great information!!! ,But where else would one find it? WomanCo simply out of this world.

  • Photo_user_blank_big

    arunajain

    about 1 year ago

    2 comments

    hey people can any one help me in writing my resume please please

    Aruna

  • Picture_009_max50

    LaQuetta

    about 1 year ago

    4 comments

    This is very helpful information. I have not read all of the information but so far I really appreciate and can benefit from all resources provided!! Thanks!

  • Photo_user_blank_big

    Account Removed

    about 1 year ago

    Great info on resume improving.

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