MJW Careers Commercial - Truck Leap
Showing posts with label hiring. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hiring. Show all posts
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Surefire Resume Killers That Will Murder Your Career
As a former human resources recruiter with over 10 years experience, I would commonly go through hundreds of resumes for any one particular position. And while it became tedious to sift through the same inadequate pieces of paper over and over, there was always a diamond in the rough.
A resume that stands out can create a sense of urgency for a recruiter to present it to the hiring manager without even calling the candidate first. Of course, that isn't the reality, because we do have to pause and track down the one with the "golden eggsume." Recruiters investigate all candidates to see if they really do match up with the opening.
Now you're asking, "what did that person have on his or her resume to make them stand out?" Simple... they can do the job and the resume reflects that. As much as I would like to just spend time on top candidates, I still want to help the rest of the fold, should they ask why they didn't get chosen. With that, I give you five surefire resume killers that can become deal breakers, in no particular order.
Get Rid of the Fluff - People tend to use too many adjectives (i.e., "fast learner", "hard working") when describing themselves or their experience. Do not be one of those people! Anyone can say they are a "team player". These descriptions are subjective and cannot be proven. We also don't need to know how you helped Bill get to work for a week when his van broke down.
It Isn't a Novel - You do not need to write a paragraph for each job description. I once had a candidate send me a summary of his work experience, as opposed to a nicely formatted section including employment dates, employer, location and title. My hiring manager told me it had to be cleaned up before he would even review it, so I passed the memo along to the candidate and apparently he was too lazy (or offended) to make any edits. Even though he was a fit for our opening, it was on to the next candidate!
Lack of Depth - Write tangible descriptions relating to your skills and duties. Provide numbers or results you produced and quantify the statement with that information. Anything is better than broad statements. They are annoying and a major turn-off for HR people and managers. Data and numbers showcasing your ability to impact the bottom line is what they want to see. So find out how you were able to increase revenue or decrease expenditures for your previous employers and make it known on your resume.
One Title, One Resume - Tailor your resume to the job you are attempting to land and market yourself specifically for this job. Hiring managers are focused on what they need and expect your resume to be geared towards that need. If you are interested in multiple job titles, create multiple versions of your resume. Make sure they are based on the company's job descriptions/titles you apply to and tailor them towards those openings.
Not Enough Buzzwords - Use words from the job posting to customize your resume each time you send it out. If the job posting says "project management," use that same term in your resume as it relates to your experience. Most recruiters are not experts on every single facet of every single opening, so they constantly are seeking out information from actual candidates to further their knowledge about the openings. With that said, try to help them out and put buzzwords onto your resume so they can see that you actually have comparable skills to that job posting. Plus, when recruiters search databases to find your resumes, most of the time they use those same buzzwords.
A superior resume displays your marketable or transferable skills and experience and "pre-sells" you. Not to only gain an interview, but make it so that when you walk in, the interviewer's reaction is: "I've read your resume, and I'm really looking forward to meeting with you." A superior resume puts you ahead of the ever-increasing competition, so you can be confident that you get noticed over the hundreds of other people applying.
A resume that stands out can create a sense of urgency for a recruiter to present it to the hiring manager without even calling the candidate first. Of course, that isn't the reality, because we do have to pause and track down the one with the "golden eggsume." Recruiters investigate all candidates to see if they really do match up with the opening.
Now you're asking, "what did that person have on his or her resume to make them stand out?" Simple... they can do the job and the resume reflects that. As much as I would like to just spend time on top candidates, I still want to help the rest of the fold, should they ask why they didn't get chosen. With that, I give you five surefire resume killers that can become deal breakers, in no particular order.
Get Rid of the Fluff - People tend to use too many adjectives (i.e., "fast learner", "hard working") when describing themselves or their experience. Do not be one of those people! Anyone can say they are a "team player". These descriptions are subjective and cannot be proven. We also don't need to know how you helped Bill get to work for a week when his van broke down.
It Isn't a Novel - You do not need to write a paragraph for each job description. I once had a candidate send me a summary of his work experience, as opposed to a nicely formatted section including employment dates, employer, location and title. My hiring manager told me it had to be cleaned up before he would even review it, so I passed the memo along to the candidate and apparently he was too lazy (or offended) to make any edits. Even though he was a fit for our opening, it was on to the next candidate!
Lack of Depth - Write tangible descriptions relating to your skills and duties. Provide numbers or results you produced and quantify the statement with that information. Anything is better than broad statements. They are annoying and a major turn-off for HR people and managers. Data and numbers showcasing your ability to impact the bottom line is what they want to see. So find out how you were able to increase revenue or decrease expenditures for your previous employers and make it known on your resume.
One Title, One Resume - Tailor your resume to the job you are attempting to land and market yourself specifically for this job. Hiring managers are focused on what they need and expect your resume to be geared towards that need. If you are interested in multiple job titles, create multiple versions of your resume. Make sure they are based on the company's job descriptions/titles you apply to and tailor them towards those openings.
Not Enough Buzzwords - Use words from the job posting to customize your resume each time you send it out. If the job posting says "project management," use that same term in your resume as it relates to your experience. Most recruiters are not experts on every single facet of every single opening, so they constantly are seeking out information from actual candidates to further their knowledge about the openings. With that said, try to help them out and put buzzwords onto your resume so they can see that you actually have comparable skills to that job posting. Plus, when recruiters search databases to find your resumes, most of the time they use those same buzzwords.
A superior resume displays your marketable or transferable skills and experience and "pre-sells" you. Not to only gain an interview, but make it so that when you walk in, the interviewer's reaction is: "I've read your resume, and I'm really looking forward to meeting with you." A superior resume puts you ahead of the ever-increasing competition, so you can be confident that you get noticed over the hundreds of other people applying.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Asking for a Raise and Salary Negotiation Techniques in a Declining Economy
To get the money you deserve, you have to ask for it and explain why you deserve it. In a bad economy, wondering "When is the best time to ask for a raise?" is sort of like asking "When is the best time to buy a house?" The answer is, "Whenever you need a house!" So if you feel you need (and deserve) a raise, now is the best time.
Reasons You May Feel Hesitant
1. You feel lucky to even have a job.
2. You worry the boss might view it as "unacceptable" or out of the question.
3. You are afraid of being rejected, demoted, or fired.
4. You feel guilty because friends and colleagues are laid off or cannot find work.
5. In general, fewer Americans are getting a raise (across all industries).
Your boss cannot fire you for asking for a raise. Under normal circumstances, it is customary to ask for a raise every 12-18 months. If you received a mediocre raise, ask your boss if you can revisit the discussion in 4-6 months.
The most opportune time to bring up a raise is after you have earned a major victory for the company or department, or whenever you are on the boss' good side. Schedule a convenient, stress-free time for your boss. If you prefer, ask them if they want to discuss it over coffee so it feels more comfortable.
Getting Ready
Any time you negotiate salary or a raise; you must be confident and be prepared. Compile a list your contributions and for each item, state its impact on the company's bottom line.
Here are some examples:
1. Goals met
2. Projects completed
3. Problems solved
4. Impact on your department or team
5. New ideas or projects generated
6. Tasks fulfilled
7. Knowledge gained
8. Expectations exceeded
9. Kudos from clients and co-workers
In your discussion, follow these guidelines:
1. Acknowledge that you understand the economy and company's financial situation.
2. Do not insinuate that your current salary or job position is a problem.
3. Never give an ultimatum or threaten to quit if you do no get a raise.
4. Do not tell them if you have a better offer from another company.
What to Expect When You're Expecting...a Raise
First and foremost, get ready to hear "No". When you know it is coming, you can respond unemotionally and state your prepared arguments. Take the initial rejection as jumping off point to start negotiation. Reiterate your best arguments and then about other possible options.
Budget can be a real issue for negotiating a higher salary or raise, especially in a tough economy. Non-cash options are a great alternative if your employer's budget cannot grant a raise or higher salary. These perks may seem less attractive than what you hoped for, but they do save you money and make life easier.
If you still come away empty handed, set up another meeting in 4-6 months or whenever the budget improves. For the mean time, define goals with your boss that you can meet to win a raise the next time.
Reasons You May Feel Hesitant
1. You feel lucky to even have a job.
2. You worry the boss might view it as "unacceptable" or out of the question.
3. You are afraid of being rejected, demoted, or fired.
4. You feel guilty because friends and colleagues are laid off or cannot find work.
5. In general, fewer Americans are getting a raise (across all industries).
Your boss cannot fire you for asking for a raise. Under normal circumstances, it is customary to ask for a raise every 12-18 months. If you received a mediocre raise, ask your boss if you can revisit the discussion in 4-6 months.
The most opportune time to bring up a raise is after you have earned a major victory for the company or department, or whenever you are on the boss' good side. Schedule a convenient, stress-free time for your boss. If you prefer, ask them if they want to discuss it over coffee so it feels more comfortable.
Getting Ready
Any time you negotiate salary or a raise; you must be confident and be prepared. Compile a list your contributions and for each item, state its impact on the company's bottom line.
Here are some examples:
1. Goals met
2. Projects completed
3. Problems solved
4. Impact on your department or team
5. New ideas or projects generated
6. Tasks fulfilled
7. Knowledge gained
8. Expectations exceeded
9. Kudos from clients and co-workers
In your discussion, follow these guidelines:
1. Acknowledge that you understand the economy and company's financial situation.
2. Do not insinuate that your current salary or job position is a problem.
3. Never give an ultimatum or threaten to quit if you do no get a raise.
4. Do not tell them if you have a better offer from another company.
What to Expect When You're Expecting...a Raise
First and foremost, get ready to hear "No". When you know it is coming, you can respond unemotionally and state your prepared arguments. Take the initial rejection as jumping off point to start negotiation. Reiterate your best arguments and then about other possible options.
Budget can be a real issue for negotiating a higher salary or raise, especially in a tough economy. Non-cash options are a great alternative if your employer's budget cannot grant a raise or higher salary. These perks may seem less attractive than what you hoped for, but they do save you money and make life easier.
If you still come away empty handed, set up another meeting in 4-6 months or whenever the budget improves. For the mean time, define goals with your boss that you can meet to win a raise the next time.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
JobStickers Podcast #2: You've Been Laid Off! Now What?!?!
DOWNLOAD:
LISTEN:
Welcome to the 2nd official MJW Careers podcast! This week we will be discussing what to do immediately following a layoff.
On the show, we discussed some tips and don't forget about our “Free Resume” contest. For more info about these and other great job hunting tips, please visit www.jobstickers.com or our website www.mjwcareers.com.
For more information on the "Free Resume" contest, check out http://mjwcareers.blogspot.com/2011/01/announcing-free-resume-contest.html
LISTEN:
Welcome to the 2nd official MJW Careers podcast! This week we will be discussing what to do immediately following a layoff.
On the show, we discussed some tips and don't forget about our “Free Resume” contest. For more info about these and other great job hunting tips, please visit www.jobstickers.com or our website www.mjwcareers.com.
For more information on the "Free Resume" contest, check out http://mjwcareers.blogspot.com/2011/01/announcing-free-resume-contest.html
Friday, January 14, 2011
JobStickers Podcast #1: WAZO 107.5 Wilmington 01-13-11 Radio Show Interview
DOWNLOAD:
LISTEN:
Welcome to the 1st official MJW Careers podcast! To set things off, I will be sharing my morning radio show interview with Foz and Jocelyn over at WAZO Z107.5 in Wilmington.
On the show, we discussed some resume tips as well as our “Free Resume” contest. For more info about these and other great job hunting tips, please visit www.jobstickers.com or our website www.mjwcareers.com.
For more information on the "Free Resume" contest, check out http://mjwcareers.blogspot.com/2011/01/announcing-free-resume-contest.html
LISTEN:
Welcome to the 1st official MJW Careers podcast! To set things off, I will be sharing my morning radio show interview with Foz and Jocelyn over at WAZO Z107.5 in Wilmington.
On the show, we discussed some resume tips as well as our “Free Resume” contest. For more info about these and other great job hunting tips, please visit www.jobstickers.com or our website www.mjwcareers.com.
For more information on the "Free Resume" contest, check out http://mjwcareers.blogspot.com/2011/01/announcing-free-resume-contest.html
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