Two Qualities All Resumes Should Show

Resumes

two qualities all resumes should show
Your resume is a compilation of your career for the purpose of evaluation. The reader of your resume is looking for indications you will be suitable for a specific opening and that reader uses your resume to determine if an interview should be scheduled. One way to categorize what will be looked for is summed up in two areas: learn and lead.
The ability to learn is essential no matter which position you are filling in an organization. From the top executive to the lowest rung of the career ladder, if you aren’t continually seeking to learn how to increase your effectiveness, you are dead weight. This can be shown in a resume through several means:

  • seminars and classes attended
  • organizations and volunteer activity
  • certifications

The ability to lead is really the ability to think and act independently for the good of the group. Some of this ability isn’t going to show in a resume — having the strength of character to avoid gossip, for instance. Still, a resume can show that you have accomplished goals. The positions you have held in any organization, the time spent as a member and the activities you participate in all show leadership by example even when they are not “head” positions. Your references will reveal what kind of person you are, which indicates what kind of worker you probably will be.
During an interview, you are assessed in the light of your resume. The impression the resume gave is adjusted to include the face-to-face interaction and the whole package is considered. Will you be able to learn the job? Will you be able to do the job well even when distractions occur? Will you be a positive force in their particular workplace? If your resume hasn’t shown that you might fit, you will probably not be called in for that interview.
If your resume hasn’t resulted in being called in for any interviews, maybe it’s time to look at it again. Does it show that you know how to both learn and lead? Is it well written? Professional Resume Services has carefully built a site with many ways to help you develop an excellent resume for distribution. Explore the tips and services and see how your resume can be one that gets you that interview and the opportunity to learn and lead in a new job.
 
 

One Mistake To Avoid In Your Job Interview

Interviewing

one mistake to avoid in your job interview
This is going to sound obvious, but you’d be surprised how many people make this mistake when they walk into an interview for a job: they never bothered to research the company.
When you get the dreaded question, “why are you applying for this position?”, do you know enough about the company to answer confidently? Imagine the impression that interviewer will have of you when you say, “I am interested in this position because of the company’s mission statement” or “I enjoy the field of _________ and this position offers many opportunities in that area”.
It is important to know at least the basics about the company, its structure, and its stated mission/goals/purpose.  The person who is interviewing you is attempting to discern if you will fit into their company culture and become a viable team member. They want to know that you care enough about the job. By demonstrating you’ve taken the time to learn about the position gives the interviewer an idea of what kind of employee you’ll be.
When you are acquainted with the company you are ready for the interview. If you are asked “Do you have any questions?,” you can intelligently respond with queries that show you did your homework. You are aware of the size of the workforce and the structure of the management team. You know the stated goals of the organization.
Researching the company before the interview is worth every minute you invest because it prepares you for anything you may be asked.

We all hear about “persistence pays off” and “if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again”. We are told to be persistent about what we want and if we really try hard enough, we’ll get it. But at whose expense? And when is it time to let go and move on?

I’ve recently come in contact with someone who wants to sell me something. This is something I’ve been thinking about buying for some time, but have taken my time because I want to be sure it is right.  I’m usually an impulse buyer (bad, I know), but this is different because it pertains to my work. So, I’ve been looking at this particular product from a new company that seems on the up and up, even though they are brand new to this market.

As I was quietly browsing online, I decided to send an email with a question. Big mistake. It started an endless stream of emails, phone calls, and more emails to try and entice me to buy. The first few emails I didn’t mind, but now it’s become a hassle. I don’t like to be rude and I don’t like hurting anyone’s feelings, because he seems like a nice fellow. So, I’ve told him gently in my emails that I wanted to think on it some more. Still, the emails haven’t stopped. Oh, the emails, the emails. Please STOP!

Now, I don’t want the dang thing anymore, I just want him to lose my email address. With his constant persistence, he has lost my sale. Not only did he lose my sale on that one product, but I will never go to the site AGAIN. Why would I chance the month’s worth of emails and aggravation?

So, when is persistence too much? When is it too much during the job search/interview process? How many times should you call the HR person/recruiter? I’ve been asked this a lot. I think post interview follow up is an excellent thing. Post interview stalking is completely different. You really only need to call once. Twice is pushing it. Chances are, they DID NOT lose your phone number/email/address, etc. They will call you when they are ready. Believe it or not, they do have other things to do in their daily work life. Sales clients tend to think, ‘if I pester them to death, they will know how great I will be in the sales position’. Ix-nay that idea. It will work against you.

I know all about impatience and just wanting to know. I am terribly impatient and tend to hurry things along to get to the prize. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned to sit back and wait for things. They usually always appear. So, rest assured, if you are the candidate they want, they will call. It might not be in your timeline, but they will call.