Monday, March 08, 2010 by
Alternative Resumes
, under
Resumes
A recent LinkedIn group discussion provided several interesting comments from resume writers, HR professionals, and other business people on the use of colour on resumes. The opinions of conservatives (NO! Keep it black & white! A resume should follow traditional guidelines!) were fairly balanced with the thoughts of progressives (YES! Use lots of colour! It shows your personality!).
It would be safe for you to assume that I, as the author of Alternative Resumes: Definitely NOT Your Parents' Resume Book, believe in the benefits of colour and other "alternative" tools to spruce up a resume. And you would be right - I do. Although none of the resumes in that book use colour due to publisher restrictions, I do show how graphics can be used effectively on a resume. However, I am also quick to point out that you need to know your audience because they are not suitable in all situations.
Colour is the same. I review hundreds (thousands?) of resumes a year and I can say that colour is being used more and more often. Since resumes are viewed more often on screen now than on paper, job-seekers feel that gives them more options with resume design. That is true, and it does, but keep in mind that many employers still print resumes for interview purposes. Therefore, make sure the colour on your resume prints well (even in black & white) before submitting it.
Another important consideration, of course, is how you actually use colour on your resume. I recommend using it as a text enhancement, the same way you would with bold or italics, or for lines separating sections. It can be effective for drawing the reader's eye or highlighting important words or phrases. Make sure not to overuse it however, or nothing will stand out.
Colour, as with other non-conventional tools, can enhance a resume if used appropriately. However, it's important to know your job target and make sure the overall message of your resume doesn't get lost.
|
Saturday, March 06, 2010 by
Alternative Resumes
, under
Job searching
Although applying for entry-level jobs online through email or company websites is becoming more common, many employers still allow you to apply in person. This may include such businesses as retail stores, restaurants, movie theatres, and gas stations. If you do apply in person, consider the following list of DOs and DON'Ts.
DO
Be prepared. Treat applying for a job like a job interview. Dress appropriately and leave your friends behind. Know something about the company you are applying to, bring multiple copies of your resume and references, and be prepared to explain why you would be a great addition to their staff.
Ask for the manager. They are the decision-makers and, as nervous as you may be, you will have to meet them sooner or later. Shake their hand and present yourself as confidently and professionally as you can. Also treat the rest of the staff the same because they may provide their own feedback to the manager.
Sell your qualifications. It’s a sales presentation. Know your key selling features and use them. For example: “Hi, my name is Mike and I am very interested in working for your company. I have one year of customer service and cash handling experience, a customer service certificate, and open availability. Do you have a moment to look over my resume?”
Establish a follow-up plan. You may be told that they aren’t hiring and that’s okay. Rather than shrugging your shoulders and turning away in disappointment, realize that although they aren’t hiring today, things could change tomorrow or next week. Therefore, respond with something that moves the relationship forward, rather that stopping it dead in its tracks. For example: “That’s no problem, I just wanted to take this opportunity to meet you. Would you mind if I come back in a couple weeks to see if anything has changed?”
Record details of the visit. Once you have left the premises, go somewhere private and record the details of the visit. What was the manager’s name? Did they give you any clues as to when they would be hiring? Did they give you any instructions to follow? Did they mention another location may be hiring? Did they give you the okay to return in a couple weeks?
DON’T
Don’t walk in and simply ask if they are hiring – even if they are, it's unlikely you'd be considered with a first impression like that.
Don’t ask to “drop off” your resume – it lacks assertiveness and appears lazy.
Don’t let them see you holding a stack of resumes – you may be applying everywhere but they don’t need to know that.
Don’t ask for an application form – if they want you to fill one out, they will ask you to.
|
Many young people still get wide-eyed at the prospect of getting a government job. It's often viewed as a stable, secure career choice that will offer above-average compensation, excellent benefits, and abundant opportunities for advancement. But is it feasible for new post-secondary grads to target positions in government? And are those jobs appropriate for anyone?
Well, it's not just feasible, it's actually a very attractive option according to an article in this week's Calgary Herald. The federal government recruits students and grads through a variety of programs including co-ops, work experience placements, and internships. Provincial, territorial, and municipal governments often have similar programs, and recruiting activities at all levels are expected to continue and possibly even expand.
But is it the right option for you? Both the Calgary Herald piece and this article from The Province highlight the fact that most people enter the public service because they have a strong desire to contribute to the betterment of society. They believe in the purpose of the public sector and the service it provides its citizens. If these values don't rank high on your list, you may find yourself frustrated by the bureaucracy found in government work.
Before you enter any new field, it's important to conduct thorough online research and information interviews. This will help ensure that you start a career that is in line with your skills, interests, personality, and values.
|
I have been a fan of Ernie Zelinski, the Canadian author of The Joy of Not Working, for well over ten years. His advice helped me discover my values for work and life, and led to the development of my long-term action plan. Indeed, ten years ago one of my stated goals was to become a published book author. After self-publishing for the past five years, I have now reached that goal with Alternative Resumes: Definitely Not Your Parents' Resume Book! Needless to say, his work has had a tremendous impact on my life.
Real Success Without a Real Job is one of his best. He starts off by stating that one of the keys to success is "not accepting society's definition of success as our own," and then defining what success means to him personally:
"One of the most important elements of real life success to me is having the freedom and independence to make choices in what I do with my life. Success means doing what I want at the time I choose."
He goes on to examine non-traditional career options such as working at an unreal job or starting an unconventional business. Real-world examples can be found on almost every page, like the story of the American couple who work part-time for an auto dealer driving luxury cars across the state (and sometimes across the country) to customers and other dealerships. They get to travel and visit out-of-town friends while making money and enjoying a sense of freedom at the same time. Driving cars for a living may not be everyone's cup of tea, but it sure gets you thinking beyond what's typically found in the college brochures.
As an author himself, it's understandable why he strongly recommends the information business of writing and publishing. No employees, low overhead, and the staying power of intellectual property are just a few of the advantages of a writing career. However, this book isn't just for would-be authors. His lessons on creativity and non-conformity can apply to any field.
Zelinski's books are always an enjoyable read, non-academic, and full of thought-provoking quotes from (sometimes) famous people:
- Bo Bennett: "We can create the ultimate job security by becoming less dependent on the organization for which we work and more dependent on our own resources."
- Jim Rohn: "Formal education will make you a living. Self-education will make you a fortune."
- Mark Twain: "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do."
I encourage anyone who isn't satisfied with their career to pick up a copy of Real Success Without a Real Job, particularly those who feel unfulfilled in their work or desire a stronger work-life balance. It will help you to broaden your horizon without putting you to sleep.
|
What are key selling features?
Your three or four qualifications that will be most important to the company you are applying to.
What can be considered a key selling feature?
If you are applying for an advertised job, what important qualifications are they looking for? If you meet those requirements, those will be your key selling features. However, if you are targeting employers that haven't advertised any positions, then you have to decide what you think will be most important to them.
Your key selling features could include anything in your background - it all depends on the industry, company, and position you target:
- Number of years/months of relevant work experience.
- Relevant academic education.
- Relevant workplace training or certification.
- Language skills.
- Availability.
- Driver's licence.
- Particular computer skills.
Do they ever change?
Different qualifications are important to different employers. If you are applying for a job in a restaurant, one of your key selling features may be your Food Safe Certificate. However, if you're also applying for a job in a clothing store, recognize that your Food Safe Certificate will be irrelevant to employers in fashion retail. Always try to put yourself in the shoes of a hiring manager and ask yourself what qualifications would be most important to them.
How do you use your key selling features?
Since they are your most relevant and important qualifications for a chosen target, you need to make sure employers know about them. Therefore, they should be showcased in a prominent position on your resume, such as in a summary of qualifications at the top. They should also be referred to in a cover letter, if you use one, included in your sales pitch when you meet a hiring manager or network contact in person, and discussed in greater detail in a job interview.
|
