NY Resume Writing

Shakespeare said: “Brevity is the soul of wit.” But is brevity the soul of resume? As a recruiter, we encourage our applicants to have resumes that are as concise as possible, but not at the price of short-changing themselves and leaving out valuable information that can possibly secure them a job! So what’s a job seeker to do?

Here are some quick tips to see which category you fall into:

YOU SHOULD HAVE A ONE PAGE RESUME IF:
-You recently graduated college/ high school graduate or are seeking any entry level job with much of your resume emphasizing your education and transferable skill set.
-You have ten years or less working in the same types of jobs in the hopes of staying in a similar type position, with much of the resume stressing your job skills.
-You wish to make a career change with very little experience in the new field.

YOU SHOULD HAVE A TWO PAGE RESUME IF:
-You have more than ten years experience and are in a Management or Executive position, with your resume demonstrating your leadership skill set.
-You are a Consultant where your work has required many projects, with your resume listing clients and significant works.
-You are in an academic/ medical role and need to have a CV or Curriculum Vitae with specific details outlined.
-You have authored many published works that need to be documented.

The most important thing to remember about any resume is that it must be able to be read as one cohesive document, with the information all relevant to the job you are pursuing, without being redundant . And when in doubt, don’t be afraid to consult a resume specialist! Most will give your existing resume a free critique and point you in the right direction.

 
Job interviews are like a secret art form; there are protocols that must be followed. 
However, no one offers classes in interview decorum or discusses the "do"s and "don't"s. 
The only way to learn about how to 

present yourself at an interview is from an interviewer's point of view. 

But therein lies the  problem; a potential employer won't give you an HONEST 

answer as to why you were not chosen for the job. 

So here is a blog series that will help you learn the inside secrets to get 
AND KEEP your dream job!

 

SECRET #1: You can and WILL be judged like the 
cover of a book 
That old saying “you can't judge a book by it's cover” is a reminder 
that there is always more than meets the eye. But in the context of a 
job interview, this phrase has no relevance. Employers can and do 
judge you by the way you present yourself. A first impression starts 
the moment you walk through that door and you only get one shot to 
make it right; no do-overs, no instant replays, no shot at redemption. 
Yet one of the most common reasons for a job interview 
to go wrong is an unsavory appearance/demeanor when you walk through the door. 
So what exactly does this entail in terms of your appearance? Don't 
assume that just because you're dressed in your Sunday best that it's 
enough. A fine Armani suit loses it's appeal if it's covered in coffee 
stains and wrinkles. At the same time, dressing too casually will give 
the impression that you're not taking the interview seriously and in 
turn- you won't be taken seriously by the interviewer. Ideally, your 
apparel should first and foremost be clean, fit you well, and 
broadcast a professional look. Don't let your fashionista instincts 
take over with an overuse of accessories and frills; you're walking 
into a potential office of employment, not a  photo shoot for Vogue. 
 
Proper attire for a job interview is basic knowledge, but nonetheless 
deserving of a quick summary. For men, the go-to interview outfit is a 
suit (make sure the pants and jacket match) of modest color and a tie, 
preferably one that isn't covered in cartoon characters. Shirts should 
be ironed, a conservative color, and devoid of stains. As for shoes, 
it always pays off to invest in a nice pair of dress shoes in either 
back or brown. Your socks should be of a dark color and reach up to 
mid-calf; no ankle skin should be visible when you sit down. Facial 
hair should be neatly trimmed or freshly shaved. 
 
Ladies have a a few more choices in interview apparel. Skirt length is 
an important factor; despite what you might see in office T.V. Shows, 
your thighs should be covered when sitting. Longer skirts are also 
professional, but should not be too billowy. Overall, if you can wear 
it to a club, than don't wear it to an interview. Make-up should be 
worn conservatively as should jewelry. If you happen to be 
interviewing in a creative environment, than there is a little more 
lenience in terms of accessorizing. But if you are not 100% sure about 
wearing something that might be a little “much” then play it safe and 
leave it at home. 
 
Grooming-wise, your hair should be neat and combed, fingernails 
cleaned and body odor – undetectable. Perfume and cologne should be 
used lightly or not at all; you want to leave an impression on your 
interviewer with your qualifications and not your musk. If you are a 
smoker, then hold off on the cigarettes an hour before the interview; 
some people hate the smell and others actually have allergies to the 
smell of smoke. 
 
Lastly, be aware of how you carry yourself as well as your attitude at 
a job interview. Body language sometimes says more about you than what 
you wear. Like mom always said- stand up straight, shoulders back and 
chest out. Avoid crossing your arms, it will make you seem closed-off 
or bored. Attitude-wise, check any foul moods you might have at the 
door. The question “How are you today?” is merely a social formality. 
Nobody wants to hear about how awful the traffic was on the ride in. 
Obviously, don't be snippy or sarcastic when answering questions. Even 
if you are just trying to be humorous, you're in a job interview, not 
performing stand-up comedy. Appearance  as well as attitude means 
everything to employers because you're not just representing yourself, 
you're representing their company. 

Imagine this: you're sitting in an office for a job interview.
Everything is going well so far; the employer is impressed with your
resume and your answers to his or her questions have proven adequate
up to this point. You're almost in the clear and well on your way to securing
your dream job. But then an odd question surfaces that leaves you
verbally and mentally stumped: If you were an animal, what would you
be and why?

Your mouth dries up and your palms start sweating. The wheels in your
head begin turning at a rapid rate but your mind goes blank. Panic
sets in and the employer eyes you with an intrusive gaze that leaves
you stumbling over your words and wreaks havoc on that good first
impression that you tried so hard to make when walking through the
door.

What would posses someone to ask such an off-the-wall question? If the
question at hand is not relevant to the job, why would it be asked?
The answer is: employers want to see how well you can think on your feet.
They want to see if you'll get rattled and freeze up or breeze through
the question with confidence and verbal prowess. They might even want
to test your creativity or sense of humor. They want to challenge you
before the job is even yours. This is a test to see how well you'll
respond to the stress of the workplace.

So what do you do when faced with a question such as “if you were an
animal, what would you be and why?”  Take a deep breathe, and allow
yourself a moment to compose a response. A little bit of silence is
better than blurting out something even sillier than the question just
asked. You don't have to be witty or brilliant; just honest. Here are
some examples of decent answers to a question such as this:

I would be a lion so I could be the king of the jungle, because it is
survival of the fittest in both the jungle and the business world.

An eagle, a symbol of strength and patriotism who can also fly above
and view the world at different angles.

A wolf, because while they move in packs they can also break away and
be independent when needed.

An elephant, because I am able to remember lots of facts and important data.

A seeing-eye dog because I like to guide and help those who are less
fortunate than me.

Above all, take comfort in the fact that are no wrong answers to
off-the-wall questions such as this. The important thing to remember
is to not panic and blurt out the first thing that comes to mind;
think it over and back up your response with simple but strong
argument. Always expect the unexpected when you walk into a job
interview. The ability to show that you are capable of  little
out-of-the-box thinking will set you apart from the other applicants
and better your chances of landing that dream job.

So many people have come to my employment agency in search of work since the beginning of the year. While we do have many more job opportunities than we did last year at this time, the market is nowhere near what is was, say five years ago. And the openings that we do have are requiring that the job applicant do more work for less money. When I explain this, many job seekers are extremely frustrated and do not understand why this would be the case.
I explain that: the job market has softened a bit, but employers are expecting more for less in a market that is saturated with great employees! Now it is not enough to just have good skills. Companies are seeking applicants that have the whole package of good skills, excellent experience as well as a strong educational background for a minimal wage.
Why would an unemployed job seeker accept a position making 20% less than they were earning at their previous job? Because statistics show the longer you remain unemployed, the more difficult it becomes to get back in the job market or because having medical benefits for you and your family can easily make up for that 20% decrease or because you want to get situated in a company and have the opportunity to grow from within- or maybe you’re just sick of sitting home on the couch watching Oprah!
Whatever the reason, it’s the eager applicants that are willing to stay late and accept additional projects and help out in other departments that are thriving in this job market, using this to their advantage at raise and bonus time. It has been a brutal winter in the job market, but hopefully the spring, that is predicted to be just around the corner, will bring some much needed relief.

In the job search, like in life, apparently image is everything.  A recent study just came out that showed that employers were three times more likely to hire a job applicant who wore glasses.  The reason?  People wearing glasses are presumed to be more intellectual.  Also, employers were more likely to hire a job applicant who came in carrying a briefcase.  That person was perceived to be more organized and professional.

The message this sends is that our image is being examined on all job interviews!  What can you do to improve your professional image and thus increase your chances of getting a job?

-Always wear business attire to an interview, ensuring that you look neat and well-groomed.

-Use the most professional manners on the job interview, such as shaking hands with all managers, waiting patiently to be interviewed, following up with a thank you note.

-Research the company and the business owners before the interview so you can ask intelligent questions and have a better understanding of the products and services offered.

-Act confidently on the interview, by sitting back on the seat and making direct eye contact when speaking.

By using these tips, you can improve your chances in the job market and put your best foot forward to create the most professional image!

In today’s economy recruiters are receiving more job applications than ever. With such a high volume of resumes, employers are able to get exactly what they are looking for in an employee. Here is some advice on how you give yourself a better chance of getting noticed.

Tip #1: Tailor your resume.

To show your potential employer that you possess all the qualification that they require, customize your resume to show them that you qualify for the available position.

Tip #2: Follow directions!

If a job listing tells you to contact them a certain way and not another; make sure that you follow their directions. Not only are you making sure that your application is not being sent straight to spam, but you are also showing that, as a potential employee, you are capable of following directions.

Tip #3: Make sure that you are applying to the right jobs.

Employers are seeking candidates that are right for them. The common tendency is that applicants are applying to jobs with the assumption that the employer is going to find a position that would fit them. In reality, when someone who is not qualified for a position sends in their resume, all a recruiter can think is ‘Did you even bother to read the job description?’

Tip #4: Presentation matters.

Do not just send in your resume. The person who receives it may not know what job you are seeking, so do them a favor and send them a cover letter along with your resume stating exactly what position that you are applying to. Customize each of your messages so that they apply to every application that you are sending out. You want your potential employer to know that the position that you are applying to really matters.

Tip #5: Don’t be discouraged.

You might be doing everything the right way. Don’t be discouraged if you do not hear a response right away. Some employers are getting so many applicants, that it is taking them over a month just to sort through all the resumes. Another thing that has been happening is that positions that were posted are sometimes eliminated because of budget reasons.

Year-end evaluation time is almost here- and that can mean bonuses and raises and promotions.  Are you ready to make the most out of this opportunity?  Yes, that’s right- I said OPPORTUNITY.  How often do you have the chance to sit face to face with your Managers and discuss…YOU?

If you are well prepared, this can open doors and set your career on target.  Here are some tips:

HAVE A GOAL IN MIND

Go into your meeting with an idea of how much of money you feel you are entitled to or a new job title you feel you deserve.  Base this on realistic research, for your industry, or other past bonuses in your company.

BE READY TO STATE WHY YOU FEEL YOU DESERVE THIS RAISE OR PROMOTION

Citing “cost-of-living” is not, and I repeat NOT, justification for a raise, because “cost-of-living” deals with how you spend, not how much you earn; therefore just spend less!    Mention specific projects you took on, over and above your normal work load or additional departments or new employees you assisted or trained.  Talk about extra education you pursued, outside the office that pertains to your job.

TALK ABOUT WHAT YOU HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH AT THE COMPANY IN THE COMING YEAR

Have concrete ideas of how you can help to add value to the company.  Perhaps the company could save money by switching vendors?  Have a report prepared, documenting pricing and savings that could be achieved.  Maybe you can add value by revamping the filing system to be more efficient?  Write out a plan detailing your idea and bring it in your meeting.

IF ALL ELSE FAILS

If you are in your meeting and you have calmly and politely stated all the above information, and your managers STILL refuse your target goal, there is no harm in asking: What can I do differently that might get me to that goal?  And then go one step further, and say: may I ask you for a 3 month performance review to see if the raise/promotion I am seeking is warranted?

Remember to keep your cool, have your facts together and know what you want!

For more information or tips go to www.mpc-nyc.com

Why should you not put personal information on resume?

Some people put their social security number on their resume, setting themselves up for identify theft.  Furthermore this is not relevant information, and you may be viewed as unprofessional. Some people put their hobbies on a resume, however this may also be irrelevant.  The only time it might be relevant is if your hobby is basketball and you are applying for a job as a basketball coach.

In addition, having irrelevant information on your resume eliminates room for more relevant headings.

For example, computer skills are more in demand than ever. Knowing how to unitize any software programs such Microsoft Excel and power point are typical use in an office. These skills would be more relevant. Therefore, hobbies and personnel interest should be omitted unless they represent your career goals.  You must keep in mind that you are marketing yourself with your resume. The more concise, the better.

“NOT YOUR MOTHER’S RESUME!”

In today’s tough job market, resumes are getting more scrutiny than ever.  You don’t want to go out in there with a document that stands out for all the wrong reasons. If you handing out resumes with any of the following information, it could be a sure sign that your resume needs an update.

FAX NUMBER:  All resumes should have an email address as part of the contact information!  Almost all jobs today involve having and checking emails, so employers will assume if you don’t list one, you probably don’t have much computer savvy. If you don’t have a personal email address, register for one.  They are free and it lets the employer know that you are familiar with current technology.

OBJECTIVE:  An objective can be extremely limiting in its scope and pigeon hole you into one position.  Employers today are looking for resumes that contain a strong profile statement, as opposed to an objective.  This allows you to speak about your accomplishments and elaborate a bit on the resume about what you bring to the table.

TYPEWRITER FONT: All resumes should be printed on a computer.  Any typewritten documents are a sure sign that the job applicant is not up to date with the technology needed.  Take a computer class at a local library or community center or ask a friend or relative to teach you.

OUTDATED SOFTWARE:  If your resume lists a software that offices rarely use anymore, such as WordPerfect, which was all the rage 20 years ago, then you are asking to be passed over for a position.  Most companies have long since replaced that with Microsoft Word.  If you are not familiar with the most up to date office technology, it would be worthwhile to gain some proficiency.

It is extremely important to make sure that your resume portrays you as someone who is familiar with the latest office technology and most current applications.  This will allow you to put your best foot forward and land that job.