Top 5 Tips for Implementing Resume Keywords

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These days, employers have very little time to spend looking through resumes in search of those with the perfect skills sets. Utilizing applicant tracking systems they can easily search for candidates that meet their criteria. While this makes the process much more efficient it also means if your resume doesn’t contain the exact criteria they’re looking for, you can easily get passed over – even if you are perfect for the job! One of the best ways to do this is include a keyword list.

Here is a simple way to create a quality keyword list on your resume:

1. Scour targeted job descriptions for resume keywords and key phrases in order to get ideas for yours. This includes technologies, established processes, business practices, certifications, languages, or any specific skills valuable within your industry (i.e. SQL Server, QuickBooks, Agile methodologies, Six Sigma, directive selling processes, etc).

2. Think outside the box. Analyze ways you have excelled at in your previous positions. Did you discover special talents, master certain programs, or learn other job functions along the way? These can be highlighted in your keyword list, which can make your document more visible.

3. While you should keep an open mind, be sure to include keywords that accurately describe your expertise. If you are only slightly familiar with C++, it is best not to include “Advanced C++ Experience” in your keyword list. Many positions require you to pass a skills test to secure the position, and you must be prepared to show your knowledge.

4. Stick to specific keywords and phrases. Use no more than 16 bullets as hiring managers don’t really want to read your top 50 skills and you don’t want to waste valuable resume real estate.

5. Avoid going generic on the skills in your keyword list. These should be skills that make you unique compared to your competition. “Goal-Focused Teamwork” and “Good Communication” skills are status quo skills and do not belong in this section.

Keywords are a great way to sum up your top skills, stand out in applicant tracking systems, and grab a hiring manager’s attention. Always be sure to match up applicable wording from the job description with your existing keywords to get that extra edge. And remember, your keywords should be just like you as a professional: smart, attention-getting, and a great fit to the job you want!

Project Management No-Nos That Apply To Your Job, Too

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Though I’m not a project manager, I often pick up issues of PM Network to see what kind of career advice it has. I often find that the career advice it gives is widely transferable to many fields beyond project management. The February 2012 issue of PM Network boasts an article titled “10 Mistakes That Could Get You Fired,” which I found to be both enlightening and applicable to almost all industries.

So many professionals are guilty of these missteps that it bears spreading the good information that the article provides. I picked out five of the 10 mistakes featured in the article (some were indeed more focused project management) that could apply to any professional. Here is a summary of those mistakes outlined and how they may apply to you:

1. “Guesstimating.” Providing clients, teams, and superiors with guesstimates and of required or requested data can be dangerous and can ruin your credibility if proven false. In a large executive meeting I once attended, a young analyst was asked to address a crowd of corporate clients to provide information on an upcoming new product. When asked in front of the crowd by our company CEO to provide the date of launch the analyst gave a noncommittal “mid spring” as his answer. Frustrated the CEO fired back “Spring is not a date; it’s a season.” However prepared the analyst thought he was, he quickly learned that rather than replying with a “let me get back to you on that”, his guesstimating efforts wouldn’t cut it in that corporate environment.

2. “Ignoring processes.” It may be true that rules were made to be broken, but processes certainly weren’t. Companies establish processes in order to maintain productivity, comply to regulatory requirements, or for any other number of reasons. But they do have rationale. If an assignment requires you to take an extra step to prepare reports, you can bet there is a reason. To that, processes could use improvement so to good idea to keep your eye out for those that may not be benefiting the company.

3. “Always saying ‘yes’ to the customer.“ This point could definitely be applied to many service industries in which the customers’ insistence on one or more decisions can stifle productivity, cause poor quality, and even cause failure to deliver the end result. While keeping the client happy is of vital importance, providing a quality end product is of equal significance, and the customer can benefit from your expertise if delivered correctly.

4. “Forgoing user feedback.” Depending on your interpretation, this can relate to the previous point – rather than listening too much to customer feedback, this one addresses not listening enough. Weather in a product or service industry, knowing what your customers are looking for is of paramount importance. Look at your clients as if they are your extended product, service, or process testers, and be responsive to their feedback. They will appreciate being heard.

5. “Overlooking change.” Adaptability is a talent that is in high demand in this job market. Employers want to know you can not only role with changes, but that you can thrive in them. Change is a permanent part of your job no matter what it is you do, and overlooking it will only make your job grow without you. Keeping open avenues of communication and documenting new processes are keys to thriving despite change.

Many trade magazines give great advice that can carry over into multiple industries. If you see a trade publication in a doctor’s waiting room or client’s office, leaf through it and look for nuggets that you may be able to apply to your career path. Check out the original article here: http://www.pmnetwork-digital.com/pmnetwork/201202?pg=7#pg30

“Moving On Up” Webinar Q&A Now Available

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My Pragmatic Works webinar “Moving On Up: Positioning your resume above your competition” was a great success. Attendance was fantastic and I got a lot of really great questions, several of which I would like to share with everyone. Thanks again to all who attended and to those of you that asked questions!

 

Q. What is the recommended number of bullets for each position?

A. I would recommend using no more than six bullets for each position. Some research has shown that readers tend to lose interest after the sixth bullet and either move on to the next list or skim the rest with little attention to detail. This could be a problem for someone who has 10 to 12 bullets for each position, as much of the important info in those last bullets could go unread.

 

Q. How do you make your gaps be filled if you leave off dates?

A. First of all, you never want to leave off recent dates. I would only omit dates prior to 1990 as a general rule – give or take a few years. To be fair, it’s all really situation-specific depending on the client. Secondly, to fill up gaps of time it’s common for people to use sole proprietary work they did, consulting work they did, part-time work they had, or even freelance projects they worked on. Even if a client took six months off to care for a family member, they could, for example, use that Microsoft Access class they took at the local college to show their continual dedication to professional development.

 

Q. I complete 5 years here this month.  Is it a good idea to create an internal resume to highlight my additional relevant education and project accomplishments to share with my new boss? Should I also add previous experience?

A. Yes, you definitely don’t want to rely on the resume you used five years ago to get your current job. Your job is changed, your focus has changed, and so have you. I would absolutely recommend you have an internal resume as well as a resume for external purposes, as your focus is likely to be different internally and externally. I often write resumes for clients who want to move up in their current company, and since outside competition is so fierce you simply can’t rely on your old resume to win your next position just because you already work for the company. And yes, I would recommend retaining previous experience in your new resume, especially if it is relevant to your position and industry.

 

Q. If a job description is asking for salary requirements/history, how would you recommend talking to/discussing if your job history salary has been mostly below national average for an industry position?

A. Not knowing your specific situation, I would suggest you address the request as briefly and delicately as possible in the cover letter as many employers are merely looking for reasons to disqualify candidates. Obviously, you would only discuss salary if it is specifically requested in a job description. You would certainly not want to mention it in the resume, only in the cover letter. Further, I would recommend not giving hard numbers if possible, which would be limiting and could put you out of the running unnecessarily. There are many resources and career coaches that give good advice on how to specifically address this common issue. If you are interested in career coaching services, I have several resources that can help you.

 

Q. Some recruiting companies don’t like tables. I cannot remember the excuse given but, I think the software does not parse the tables properly.

A. This is very true. Graphics, tables, graphs, images – these are all difficult or impossible for applicant tracking systems to read. If you choose to use a table or graph in your resume, it’s a good idea to know whether or not your resume will be loaded into some sort of database. However, if your resume will be going literally from your hand to the hiring manager’s hand with no electronic interference, it’s safe and even a good idea to use eye-catching tables and graphs.

“Moving On Up” Presentation Now Available!

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Thank you to everyone who attended my webinar “Moving On Up: Positioning Your Resume Above Your Competition”! I was excited to share some of the tricks and trends of resume writing, and I have posted the presentation for all to view here:

Moving On Up Webinar

If anyone has any questions about the content or their resume, feel free to email me at ceng@resumerocketeer.com.

Tip of the day: How to send a cover letter via email

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A fairly common question I hear from clients is, “how do I send a cover letter via email?” Well, my advice is to always copy and paste the content into the body of your email. You never want to attach the letter as a Word document to the email and expect them to read it. Most hiring managers simply do not have time to open and scan multiple documents in search of your resume. They just want to know who you are and why you are emailing them!

A cover letter can indeed be a powerful tool that introduces you and catches the attention of your potential employer, making them interested in learning more about you in your resume. Therefore, I would always advise clients to present their cover letter right there in the email itself.

Here is a quick guide for how to do that:

Preparing your cover letter: Open your cover letter in Word and take a look at it. Is it more than three paragraphs long? If so, edit it down by removing the most irrelevant information. While a printed cover letter may be perfectly suitable at five to six paragraphs, an e-letter should be far shorter.  This is because people tend to skim over words on a computer screen and hiring managers are likely not to finish reading a long email. Once you get your cover letter to a suitable length, copy and paste it into a new email.

Introduction: Formal printed cover letters need a traditional business letter template, but email cover letters are acceptable with a simple “Dear Mr. Jacobs,” (or “Dear Hiring Manager” if your contact is unknown).

Salutation: Resist the temptation to insert an electronic signature as an image. Some email systems do not pick up HTML and your signature image will not go through, so your salutation will appear incomplete. Simply type your name followed by your contact information (phone number and email address). Note: If possible, avoid using your current company’s email; opt instead to use a personal email account.

Subject Field: Be sure your subject field is clear and succinct. A simple “David Andrews’ resume for Engineer II position” will suffice. You may also choose to include the job posting number for the position to which you’re applying.

Attachments: DO NOT forget to attach your resume as well as any required support documents (i.e. portfolio, academic transcripts, etc.)

In the digital age, applying for jobs electronically is a whole new – and more competitive – ball game. But, including your cover letter in the email itself makes the presentation of your resume more organized and convenient for busy HR professionals.

No Job You Target Is The Same, So Why Is Your Resume?

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If you have found yourself blanketing the job market with a single resume, you’re not alone. Most professionals submit the same resume for every job, or worse, upload one generic resume for every relevant job on Monster or CareerBuilder. But, not every company is looking for the same set of skills or the same background, and professionals with the most success are those who personalize and adapt their resume to every position depending upon what’s required.

Though the process can be time-consuming for busy job seekers, Resume Rocketeer now offers a new service that tailors your resume to your targeted positions for you. And the process couldn’t be simpler. Once we complete your newly rewritten professional resume, just send each job description you’re targeting to your writer (up to 12), and your writer will do the rest. You can expect polished, refocused versions of your new resume to appeal to each of your targeted positions.

Contact us today and ask us for more information about our resume packages and this new special service!

Three Keys To Job Searching While Unemployed

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As so many out-of-work professionals will agree, an active job search quickly becomes a job in and of itself. That is why it is so important to take it just a seriously as if you have a full-time job! When there is a substantial gap between jobs, it is easy to get discouraged and lose motivation, but there are some reliable ways to stay focused in the career game while you are out there searching.

 

1. Get up and get going. Sleeping late and job searching in your pajamas sounds great, but it is massively unproductive. It is best to keep a steady habit of waking up by 8 a.m., showering, getting dressed (keep it casual if you wish, but avoid those old sweats!), and starting your search by 9 a.m. This way, you are right in line with the rest of working world and you won’t feel so excluded. Also, research has proven that looking presentable, even though you are at home, helps with productivity.

 

2. Organize your job search. Keep an Excel spreadsheet updated with jobs for which you have applied. For each job you should list the job title/reference number, the date you applied, format you used to apply (e.g. emailed resume, online application), the date you plan to follow up, interview dates/times, any personnel contacts you have within the company, and notes. This will help prevent a lot of frustration and make you feel like you are making progress.

 

3. Stay on task and take shorts breaks. Whether you have a job or you’re unemployed and looking, your day should start essentially the same. Grab a cup of coffee and sit down in front of your computer (or head to the public library if you don’t have an internet connection). Open your spreadsheet to get a sense of where you are in your search, make your to-do list for the day, set some realistic goals, and take periodic breaks as needed. Here is a sample list:

 

To Do on (Date):

1. Email resume to Sandra at Bradford & Sons, Inc. (Posting for Accountant II)

2. Apply to Smithington Associates via online application (Posting for Accounting Supervisor)

3. Follow up with Sherry Miller at Huffington & Miller, LLC (applied last Wednesday)

4. Break for lunch.

5. Call Matt’s brother about open position at his firm.

5. Search for new openings.

6. Get a haircut before tomorrow’s interview at CRC, Inc.

Remember that it can be challenging to work from home – especially when you’re not getting paid to do so. Relieve distractions by separating yourself from tempting activities – TV, internet, household chores – and find a quiet place to work.

 

When you are out of work it is easy to become overwhelmed, discouraged, and even depressed. But, if you keep a positive mind and approach your job search just like you would a job, you will find a sense of accomplishment at the end of each day and, odds are, a job in your near future!

My Resume Writing Webinar Is Fast Approaching!

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I am thrilled to be gearing up for my upcoming interactive webinar titled “Moving On Up: Positioning Your Resume Above Your Competition”, which will be featured on Pragmatic Works’ SQL Server training website on February 9. My webinar will cover the basics of resume design and content for IT professionals, specifically those working with SQL Server, and I am so excited to share some insights and guidance on the latest trends in technical resume writing.

Many thanks to Sherri McDonald and Pragmatic Works for the opportunity to share my knowledge!

Reduce The Detail & Get Your Resume Noticed

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You only have about 30 seconds to get a hiring manager’s attention before they move on to the next resume. It would make sense to create the most concise, captivating piece of literature they pick up that day. But, so many professionals choose to detail a long laundry list of responsibilities from each job going all the way back to the beginning. It’s time to re-think your resume, lose irrelevant and messy details, and watch your resume take on a new, streamlined look and feel.

One of the worst offenders of the too-much-detail offense is to have overly wordy, responsibility-driven bullets. For example, if you are applying for an accounting job, there is no need to spout the obvious day-to-day tasks you undertook – they assume you can create a balance sheet, handle debits and credits, operate QuickBooks, etc. What they want to know is what kind of measurable results you have created, how you have innovated your previous positions, and what you can offer over and above your competition.

Here is an example of a bullet that cuts out unnecessary detail (also adding more relevant detail) and focuses on accomplishments to add impact:

Before: * Managed top-selling team to conduct incoming and outgoing calls, handle customer service requests, update inventory system, fill orders, issue receipts, create reports to deliver to management, and follow up on customer complaints.

After: * Led 12-member team to company’s top sales position by executing stellar customer service deliverables from order fulfillment to issue resolution.

While each of the tasks listed in the first bullet are essential to a customer service job, these experiences are more or less expected and mundane. Bringing the more impressive information to the beginning (led team of 12, top sales positioning) and then highlighting a couple more impactful tasks (order fulfillment, issue resolution) makes the bullet more concise and impressive.

A couple other ways to streamline are to summarize and reduce information older than 10 years as well as positions that are outside of your current field. When you have such a short amount of time to get a hiring manager’s attention, these details make all the difference. Give your resume some punch and you will be one step closer to the job you want!