How This One Trick Can Help You Land That New Job
Consider this an immediate confidence booster.
Photo: ColorJoy Stock
Need a confidence boost? Try this to see how many jobs you're actually qualified for.
Figuring out your transferable skills is key to transition into a new role or a new area of your career. Most people get extremely intimidated by exploring career opportunities outside of their comfort zone, however, what people often don’t realize is that there are a lot of skills that are transferable between careers. If you’re feeling a little down on yourself or just need a confidence boost, do a quick search to see what transferable skills you hold and how many jobs you’re actually qualified for. The results will likely surprise you (in a good way)!
Why is it important to figure out your transferable skills?
If you want to explore new career options, it’s key to figure out your transferable skills and highlight these on your résumé. You might think that the first step to furthering your career is having a great résumé, but in order to create a résumé that will best serve you, you need to decide what you want to gain from it. Why? Because a truly great résumé is catered to the jobs that you’re applying for and highlights the transferable skills that you hold. If you don’t know what kind of jobs you’re going to be applying for, you can’t highlight the right transferable skills and utilize the correct wording and phrasing to ensure that you align with the requirements of the job.
Here’s how to figure out your transferable skills and land that next job.
Don’t focus on the job title
People tend to box themselves in with specific job titles. When you’re trying to figure out your transferable skills, it’s very easy to get stuck on the job title, so instead of searching based on job titles, search based on your skills. This will open you up to new opportunities and give you a better perspective about what job is right for you and what kind of jobs you’re qualified for. You never know what job opportunities are out there until you do a broader search based on the skills you have instead of searching for a specific job title.
Browse through current openings
The easiest way to do this is by going to job sites and searching for one of your strongest (or favorite) skills. For instance, if you’re extremely skilled and enjoy working with Adobe Photoshop, search “Photoshop” and see what kind of positions come up. This will help guide you in the right direction. Similarly, if you excel at project management, customer service, or using specific software, you can search those terms as well to get a better idea of what kind of jobs focus on those skills.
Additionally, if you’re really feeling stuck, you can simply browse through current job openings without keyword searching them. If you’re taking this route, browse through job openings, go through the job descriptions, and highlight the skills you have. This will help you gather information about what transferable skills you can highlight based on different areas of work. It will also give you a better idea of what kind of jobs you can apply to going forward.
Take note of important skills that are repeated in multiple job descriptions
Research suggests that CEOs now rank adaptability and collaboration on a par with traditional skills such as problem-solving and risk management. Due to the rise of startups and small businesses, employees are often required to wear many hats, work with cross-functional teams, and adapt to the role as situations arise.
As a job seeker, these are crucial skills that you want to highlight. Instead of writing “adaptable” on your résumé, show employers how you have adapted to various situations. For example, you could say something along the lines of “hired as an administrative assistant and served as an editorial assistant managing social media postings, website content, and liaising with contributors to organize submissions.” This highlights your ability to go above and beyond your role and shows that you adapted based on company needs.
For an easy way to put together your thoughts and gather information about what you’ve accomplished, create SOAR stories (Situation, Obstacle, Action, and Result) for yourself.
Figure out what words and phrases to include
Do some research on what businesses are actually looking for in a candidate and pay attention to trends of required skills or experience in your industry. Is there software that you continually see as a job requirement? When you browse potential job opportunities, are there any specific skills required? How about certifications? Is there any specialized training that could benefit you when it comes to your job search?
The more research you can do, the better. You want to get a better understanding of what potential employers and recruiters are looking for in candidates within your field so you can highlight these transferable skills and requirements on your résumé.
Exploring new career opportunities can be intimidating, but if you figure out what transferable skills you hold, you might be surprised at how many jobs you’re actually qualified for. Instead of focusing on specific jobs titles that you think will be the right fit, focus on figuring out your transferable skills and go from there!
About the author: A native San Franciscan, Michele Lando is a certified professional résumé writer and founder of writestylesonline.com. She has a passion for helping others present the best version of themselves, both on paper and in person, and works to polish individuals' application package and personal styles. Aiming to help create a perfect personal branding package, Write Styles presents tips to enhance your résumé, style, and boost your confidence.
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This story was originally published on April 18, 2028, and has since been updated.
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How to Proactively Search for a Job as a New Graduate
It’s time to start strategizing.
Photo: Andrew Neel from Pexels
Graduation is coming up quickly, and if you’re about to finish school, it’s time to start strategizing to make some big life decisions. Scary, right? This might be the biggest transition of your life thus far, but it’s ultimately just one small leg of your journey.
Instead of treating your job search as one daunting task, break it up into less intimidating tasks that you can accomplish one at a time. This is how to proactively search for a job as a new graduate.
Brainstorm
First off, start by brainstorming to figure out what you want to do and what you want to look for in a job. Consider a few different scenarios to give yourself a well-rounded and realistic feel for where you may end up in the next few months. There’s no way to tell what could happen, but it’s smart to go through a few possible options and goals to figure out a rough game plan for each. Use your brainstorming session as a time to figure out what you want next, and strategically plan your next career move.
Take a look at your transferable skills, figure out what jobs you’re qualified for, and do some soul searching to figure out what kind of job is really right for you. Whether or not you wanted to have a job lined up after graduation, this is your opportunity to take the time and plan your next career move so that you’re excited about it. Take control of the situation and make your next move worth it so you can start your career on a good note.
Update Your Résumé
Once you’ve brainstormed to get a better sense of what direction you want to take your career and what kind of jobs you want to apply to, make your résumé great and articulate all that you have to offer. You might not want to sit down and update your résumé, (yes, I know it’s not how you want to spend your free time) but it is important to do so.
Gather information about past jobs, internships, class projects, and other information that highlights what you bring to the table. This will help you create the most effective document to meet your needs.
Reach Out to Your Contacts
The ultimate way to get your résumé into the right hands is to use your industry connections. If you have a contact who can direct your résumé to the right person, use it. “Job search is about going beyond the résumé to get noticed. Real relationships with colleagues and friends matter in getting a foot in the door,” says career coach Alyson Garrido.
Reach out to industry contacts to let them know you’re about to graduate and are looking for new opportunities. People are often willing to help, but they cannot do so if they aren’t aware that you’re interested and open to new opportunities.
Consider sending an email like this:
Hope this note finds you well! We met [where/when you met] and I wanted to circle back with you and see how things are going. [Insert a question about how an event went or touch on something you spoke about when you met].
As you may remember, I'll be graduating this coming [month] and am looking for new opportunities in [field]. [Company] is on my short-list of dream companies, and the mission strongly aligns with my personal philosophies, so I wanted to see if there might be any current or future openings I could look into.
I’ve recently updated my résumé and have attached it to this email for your convenience. Please let me know if you have any questions, and feel free to pass it along if you see fit.
Thanks in advance for your help! Please keep me posted on how things are going and if there’s anything I can do to return the favor.
Best,
[Your Name]
Leveraging your network is one of the best ways to find and secure new job opportunities. Doing so enables you to get your résumé in front of the right person and often helps you bypass large applicant pools, especially during the graduation rush.
Focus on the Quality of Applications, Not the Quantity
It can be tempting to just hit “apply” on every position that might seem like a potential fit, but instead of focusing on how many job applications you submit, try to create a couple of really strong applications with résumés that you have customized for each position based on the job description.
Often people employ the “spray and pray” tactic when applying for jobs. This term has become common among recruiters when describing a candidate that applies to tens or hundreds of positions in the hopes that someone will bite. On average, each corporate job opening attracts 250 résumés. This means that your résumé has to be outstanding in order to stand out from the crowd.
When using the spray and pray tactic, résumés usually don’t hold the specified requirements or keywords, causing them to get turned down immediately. When you don’t customize your résumé to each job, it’s clear that you’re using the spray and pray tactic. This isn’t an effective job search strategy, and it also doesn’t bode well for your reputation among hiring managers or recruiters.
Remember That It Takes Time
Ultimately, finding a job that is a good fit for you takes time. There are so many factors that go into finding a job such as company culture, location, salary, scope of work, timing, etc. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed or dejected because your job search isn’t going as well as you hoped, but it’s important to realize that it’s not personal.
Finding a job is hard for everyone! Finding a job that meets your criteria and is a good fit for you and your potential employer is difficult whether you’re searching for your first job out of college or looking to make a lateral move as an executive.
About the Author: A native San Franciscan, Michele Lando is a certified professional résumé writer and founder of writestylesonline.com. She has a passion for helping others present the best version of themselves, both on paper and in person, and works to polish individuals' application package and personal styles. Aiming to help create a perfect personal branding package, Write Styles presents tips to enhance your résumé, style, and boost your confidence.
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This story was originally published on June 10, 2019, and has since been updated.
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You Heard It Here First: Social Media Profiles Are the New Cover Letters
Here's how to get yours right.
Photo: ColorJoy Stock
Gone are the days of submitting your résumé and cover letter and calling that: “applying for a job.” Today, employers are looking for an extra edge, for your humanity, and for what makes you tick. We hire people after all, not machines.
In comes social media: the ultimate look inside who you are, what you believe in, and what makes you you.
Here’s a pro secret: before your potential recruiter, boss or CEO even downloads your résumé or scans your cover letter, they will search your name. Your LinkedIn profile will pop up, maybe your Twitter, perhaps your Instagram profile will appear right in front of their eyes.
Are you proud of what’s there? Are you putting your best foot forward to a potential employer?
The key to nailing social media and secondarily, manifesting your ideal career opportunities, is to be proactive and infuse your expertise, value, personality, and humanity into your online presence.
Here’s how to optimize your social media presence for your job search.
Why You Need to Proactively Position Your Social Media Presence
I always say, “If what you’re posting isn’t okay for your future boss to see, then you probably shouldn’t be posting it at all.” Social media is no longer just “social media;” social media is the internet. What you put out into the world, stays in the world.
Now, this isn’t to convince you to create a two-dimensional, ultra-professional-looking social media presence, because that’s what your résumé is for, right?
As an employer, I am not looking to hire human doings. I am looking to hire real human beings. I want to envision the type of person I am working alongside.
Of course, they have to be able to do their job and have the right talent, but they also need to add value to the company and fit in with our culture. The way I, and any other employer, can truly find that fit is by viewing your holistic online presence.
Use social media as a way to tell your whole story. It is the 360-degree package of who you are that brings that extra level of authenticity and humanity to your application. Whether it’s LinkedIn or Clubhouse, TikTok, or Instagram, there are so many opportunities to share yourself and talk about your know-how.
4 Steps to Nailing Your Social Media Profiles
Optimizing your profile is a secret sauce when it comes to enhancing your social media presence.
Step One: Profile photos and a memorable bio are a must.
Since social media is all about making connections, your profile photo should reflect who you are, and so should your bio. Choose a high-quality photo that can be used across all social channels to increase your searchability. Beef up your bio with relevant successes and links to any of your ongoing projects or events.
Step Two: Update your website link to something relevant.
Think: a personal website, the link to your Medium account, maybe you’re an actor with a reel compilation on Vimeo, drop the link in your bio!
Step Three: Be accessible to potential recruiters.
Include links to your other social accounts, email, and website to keep the conversation flowing. In other words, make it easy to connect outside of social.
Step Four: Remember, what you share on social media is a direct reflection of who you are.
Create content, be an active participant in engaging and sharing other people’s content and you will stand out regardless of if you’re looking for a job.
You have the tools, now get optimizing.
But, What About My Actual Cover Letter?
Circling back to your actual cover letter, this should be the vessel to share your experience and your talent. But why stop there?
Infuse your cover letter with calls to action to check out your work and other accomplishments. Whether it’s your blog series, your podcast, your website, or even your SoundCloud, you can direct people to these mediums to help paint a fuller picture of who you are.
At the end of the day, you are a three-dimensional, living, breathing being and it’s your job to translate this to your one-page cover letter—and beyond.
“Use social media as a way to tell your whole story. It is the 360-degree package of who you are that brings that extra level of authenticity and humanity to your application.”
—Jessica Zweig, CEO of SimplyBe. Agency
About the Author: Jessica Zweig is the CEO of SimplyBe. Agency, a premier personal branding firm based in Chicago and serving clients across the globe. Named a “Personal Branding Expert” by Forbes, a “Top Digital Marketer to Watch” by INC, and honored with the Gold and Silver Stevie® Award for “Female Entrepreneur of the Year” in 2018 and 2019, Jessica facilitates sold-out workshops and speaks on the power of personal branding to corporations including Google, Salesforce, Virgin, Nike, Motorola, Red Bull, and Bank of America. She also hosts the top-ranked marketing podcast The SimplyBe Podcast. Jessica’s debut book, “Be: A No Bullsh*t Guide to Increasing Your Self Worth and Net Worth by Simply Being Yourself,” launched in February 2021 with Sounds True, an imprint of Macmillan.
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Did You Know These Seemingly Innocent Interview Questions Are Illegal?
Be prepared.
Photo: Smith House Photo
So, your interview is off to a great start. Your résumé is perfect, and the hiring manager is clearly impressed. It’s going so well that it almost feels like a meetup with an old friend rather than a formal interview. This is usually a good sign, but be careful—you might be offering up unnecessary information that could hurt your chances of landing the job.
It’s widely known that federal laws prohibit direct questions about race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, and all other protected classes, but sometimes the question isn’t so direct. So, what are the seemingly innocent questions to be cautious of during an interview? We break it down for you below to ensure you know the best way to successfully navigate your job interview.
Are you planning to start a family soon?
Starting a family is an exciting and monumental moment in a person’s life, but unfortunately, employers could potentially view it as an inconvenience or question your commitment to the job ahead of you. A new hire looking to start a family could mean possible lateness, frequent sick days, doctor’s appointments during work hours, and long absences at the company’s expense.
How to Answer: I’m not at that point in my life yet. I am interested in what a career path looks like at this company. Can you give me more detail?
Can you work on the weekends?
Most corporate employees are off the clock on the weekends even when overtime is required. If you’re a salaried employer, the company might expect you to be available on the weekends or on short notice if there is an emergency. But unless Saturday and Sunday are required workdays, the interviewer shouldn’t ask about weekend availability. This question could be seen as an attempt to find out the applicant’s religion. Although it may not be, candidates may feel forced to share religious obligations when asked this question.
How to Answer: Of course, if you nailed an interview for your dream job and are eager to put in the extra weekend hours, then, by all means, say “yes.” You can also assure them that you will attend to any unexpected emergencies at your earliest convenience without divulging any other information.
Do you own a car?
Much like asking about weekend availability, an employer shouldn’t directly ask you if you have a car unless the job requires you to use your own vehicle. Most job seekers have seen “must be able to commute to X location” on a job post. The employer most likely wants to make sure that you’ll be able to make it to work on time, especially in places where public transportation is limited.
The Equal Employment Opportunity Office has a different take on this question. They consider it protected financial information, so not hiring someone based on their answer is discriminatory. This question also puts physically impaired individuals who are unable to drive at a disadvantage. Asking why someone doesn’t have a car could leave a disabled candidate feeling forced to disclose their impairment.
How to answer: Politely inform your interviewer that you weren’t aware the job required you to use your own vehicle. This will prompt them to share their true intentions for asking the question which will most likely be related to attendance. Assure them that you will be able to get to work at your scheduled time.
Are you a member of any cultural organizations?
Being a member of a cultural organization has many benefits. Members are usually required to do volunteer work and/or maintain a high grade point average and are able to obtain prestigious internships through alumni connections. Sounds like a great bullet point on your résumé, but it can also be used by interviewers to discern your race.
A simple statement like, “Which one is that? I think I’ve heard of it before,” during a phone interview could be seen as prying for that information.
How to answer: You can list the member requirements and benefits without sharing the cultural aspects of the organization. This information can be found online with a quick Google search, so keeping it on your résumé is a great way to avoid any company with such bias.
Can you list your emergency contacts?
Has your interview ever gone so well that the interviewer replaces “if you are hired” with “when you start” while listing off the day-to-day duties of the position? They may have suggested that you complete some paperwork to get it out of the way even before an official offer has been made.
One part of the new employee packet that you can ditch without an official offer is the “Emergency Contacts” page. This information can reveal your sexual orientation and national origin if you decide to list your significant other or parents’ names. Additionally, questions about the relationship between you and the people you live with are prohibited for the same reason.
How to answer: Inform the interviewer that you need a bit more time with one or more pages of the packet. Ask them if you have the option to fill it out at home and bring it back on your first official day.
Do you drink?
More companies are starting to offer unique perks in order to attract and retain amazing talent. Happy hours and on-the-clock fiestas have become a common occurrence. Casually asking if you’re a social drinker while explaining the company culture could be their way of trying to see if you’ll fit in.
However, this question might not fly with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Asking about alcohol consumption could force a candidate with a prior substance abuse issue to disclose their medical condition/diagnosis.
How to answer: Keep it short and sweet. Feel free to answer with a simple “yes” or “no.”
What was your previous compensation?
Try to put yourself in a business owners’ shoes for a moment. You’ve found the perfect employee on paper and they’re even better in person. The only thing that could make their dream candidate even more ideal is if their salary expectations are within budget.
Don’t talk yourself out of the salary you feel you deserve by mentioning your past pay. Employers know that one of the keys to retaining amazing candidates, like yourself, is offering a competitive salary and benefits package, so know your worth going in and be prepared to confidently navigate this conversation.
How to answer: Try to steer the conversation away from past compensation by politely but firmly stating why you deserve your desired salary. Mention that this number is based on your skills, experience, current salary trends, and the work required for the position.
Tip: Be Prepared
Ultimately, it’s up to you to determine whether or not you feel comfortable answering possibly coded questions. Before proceeding, consider how your answer will affect your chances of receiving an offer of employment. If you’re confident that you want the job, then be sure to craft a response that steers the conversation in a positive direction.
Practicing your answers to these and other standard interview questions will make sure nothing throws you off your game. When interviewing, keep in mind that employers are most likely not trying to trick you, but you should always do your research and be prepared. It’s a good idea to understand the law and know your protections.
About Career Group: Career Group Companies is a boutique recruiting firm that specializes in temporary and full-time administrative placements. We work with leading businesses, constantly raising the bar to provide a premium approach to search that others can’t reach. We take the time to get to know our clients and candidates, so we’re in a better position to make well-informed matches that we know are going to work.
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This story was originally published on June 10, 2019, and has since been updated.
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4 Tips to Land a Job After an Employment Gap
Make your work come back.
Photo: Create & Cultivate
Figuring out how to find a job after a career break can be frustrating. Many jobs want to hire candidates with recent work experience, and if you don’t have that, the job application process can be extremely daunting.
While it may feel as if you’re stuck in a perpetual state of unemployment, there are many ways to get back into the workforce after extended time off.
Stay active, and show this on your résumé!
Most of the time a career break happens due to other obligations. Whether it’s raising children, taking care of a sick family member, or other personal reasons, taking time off from traditional employment rarely means that you’re just sitting around twiddling your thumbs. Even if you’re not working for profit, one of the most important things to do when you’re trying to find a job after a career break is to highlight what you’ve been doing. This can be anything from volunteering at a school or local charities, to any side projects or side jobs you’ve taken on.
Highlighting how you’ve been staying active in your community will give you something to put on your résumé and it will help you network. You never know who you’ll meet and who will notice your work ethic. Volunteering isn’t only about networking, but it gives you something current to put on your résumé. If your last position ended years ago, your résumé may get overlooked simply because of the fact that there is nothing current on it. However, if you highlight what you’ve been doing in the interim, (i.e. volunteering, raising kids, caring for a family member, etc.) you can use that to fill in the time where you weren’t working. Even if you volunteer once a week or once a month for a span of time, you can use that to fill in employment gaps. As an added bonus, a study found that volunteering is associated with 27% higher odds of employment.
Network
Networking is essential to finding a job, but when you’re coming back after a career break, it becomes more important than ever. According to studies done by Glass Door, referrals are associated with a 2.6% to 6.6% higher chance of an accepted job offer. Reach out to recruiters, friends, and industry professionals to put the word out there that you’re looking for a position. Often people won't know that you’re in the market for a new role, and if they don’t know, they can’t help you. It’s a very small world, and you never know who might have an industry connection or information on an upcoming availability.
Go out and get coffee with friends or family in your industry. Pick their brain and ask if they have any suggestions for how to find a job after a career break. They may know of an opportunity which you can use to boost your résumé or skill set.
Another great option is to reach out to recruiters. There seems to be a negative stigma about working with recruiters, however it can be wildly beneficial, especially if you have a large employment gap on your résumé. Recruiters often have inside knowledge on positions that haven’t been posted to the public. They also have direct interaction with hiring managers and will be able to get your résumé in front of someone immediately. How do you get in touch with a recruiter? Do a simple google search or look for recruiters on LinkedIn. Recruiters are always looking for strong candidates, so if you can reach out and highlight your motivation or skills, they will almost always be willing to help with your job search.
Take a Class
Are you volunteering and networking but still find yourself with extra time on your hands? Take the opportunity to learn a new skill or brush up on old skills by taking a course. If you want to get out of the house and have somewhere to go, look into community college courses. Don’t want to make that sort of commitment? Go for online courses you can do at your own pace.
Do you notice that a lot of jobs require QuickBooks or another specific software? Take an online tutorial or course so you learn about the program and can put it in the skills matrix of your résumé. You don’t need to become an expert on it, but if you can take a course to familiarize yourself with the subject or program, you’ll be able to include that information on your résumé. Ensuring that you have the skills and software knowledge that employers are looking for will help you find a job after a career break.
At the very least, watching YouTube tutorials will give you a better understanding of how the software works. This way you can include “Familiar with [software]” on your résumé. Including this phrase will help your résumé become more searchable, and will bring you up when a hiring manager or recruiter searches for candidates with that software knowledge.
Explore Contract or Temporary Positions
The temporary employment industry employs millions of Americans. While there seems to be a negative connotation with the words “temporary” and “contract,” these positions can open many doors for you. Contract and/or temporary work can help you in four main ways:
It will give you current work to put on your résumé
It gives you immediate income while you’re searching for a long term position
It lets you network with industry professionals
It gives you the opportunity to show off your capabilities
If you excel at your temporary position, chances are that you will meet people who can a) point you in the right direction, b) know of a job that may interest you, or c) will work with you to keep you at the company but progress to an area that best suits your qualifications.
There is truly no downside to temporary work. It’s not always smart to take a position in an industry or path you’re not interested in, temporary work gives you the opportunity to explore your options and networking opportunities.
While it may be intimidating and daunting, learning how to find a job after a career break isn’t as hard as it seems. The most important things are to stay active and highlight your skills and abilities. Don’t be stagnant and wallow in your sorrows. Take charge of your life, get out there, and make it happen!
About the author: A native San Franciscan, Michele Lando is a certified professional résumé writer and founder of writestylesonline.com. She has a passion for helping others present the best version of themselves, both on paper and in person, and works to polish individuals' application package and personal style. Aiming to help create a perfect personal branding package, Write Styles presents tips to enhance your résumé, style, and boost your confidence.
Love this story? Pin the below graphic to your Pinterest board.
This story was published on September 23, 2018, and has since been updated.
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Your Complete Checklist to Writing a Résumé From Scratch
Your next career move starts here.
Photo: ColorJoy Stock by Christina Jones Photography
Writing a résumé is hard, and it’s often something that’s not taught in school, so consider this your crash course in how to write a résumé that will land you the job.
Now, first things first. Before you start listing your qualifications, it’s important to know what you want to gain from your résumé. What are you going to use it for? Will you be applying to higher education programs, internships, or jobs? If you’re already in the workforce, do you want to stay on the same career path or do you want to transition into something different?
Your résumé will differ greatly depending on your answers to these questions, so it’s crucial to go through this exercise before getting started. Next, you’ll want to gather your information. So let’s get started.
Contact Information
When you’re figuring out what information to include on a résumé, start with the basics. You should always create a header with your contact information. Make sure you include the following:
Phone number
Email address
Location (Just include your city and state; no need to write down your exact address.)
Website if applicable (Note this is NOT your LinkedIn profile. If you’re using LinkedIn correctly, you will be easily searchable, so there’s no need to include the direct link on your résumé.)
Headlining Statement
A headlining statement is a crucial part of a résumé. It takes the place of what once was an “objective” but is much more effective. Think of a headlining statement as a snapshot of your career. It’s a quick two to three sentence maximum statement about who you are, what you do, and what value you bring as a candidate.
Skills Matrix
Putting your skills toward the top of the document immediately increases the effectiveness of your résumé. Recruiters look at a résumé for approximately six seconds. That means you have mere moments to show that you are qualified and demonstrate what you bring to the table. When you put your skills matrix towards the top, this shows the reader exactly what you have to offer and highlights that you are qualified for the position right off the bat.
The faster you can grab someone’s attention and persuade them you’re the right candidate for the position, the more likely you’ll be to get past the initial influx of applicants.
Employment Information
Depending on what stage you’re at in your career, you might not have traditional employment information. If you do have traditional work experience, gather your dates of employment, (month and year) job description, projects you worked on, and any additional information you can include like how many people you managed.
If you are in school or are just starting out in your career, you’ll want to include volunteer work and/or internship information. If you need to add even more relevant industry experience, include information about relevant school projects you worked on. This will help highlight your ability to work on a given project under constraints and will help highlight your relevant industry knowledge.
If you are listing class projects on your résumé, use the school name in place of the company name, and include something along the lines of “[Class Title] Project Manager,” “Student Project Manager,” or “[Class Title] Student” in place of a job title.
Specific Metrics and Achievements for Each Role
The key to a great résumé is highlighting exactly what you’ve achieved and what you can bring to a new role. This is not the place to include a general job description that can be used for anyone with that job title. Include specific information about what you did, how many people you worked with or managed, projects you worked on, and project results to ensure that your résumé immediately reflects your achievements and what you can bring to the table.
Anyone can say that they’re great at their job, but very few people can actually show it. When you’re noting your achievements, think about how you can quantify what you’ve done.
Education Information
Unless it is your highest level of education or you are in your first year of college, do not include information about your high school diploma. Similarly, there is no need to include GPA unless you’re currently in school and have a very high GPA (3.8 or above).
When it comes to listing education, start with the highest level of education at the top and list backward from there. For example:
PhD information
Master’s information
Bachelor’s information
High School information
Unless you are currently in school or are in a profession where your degree is a key factor, (i.e. medicine, law, etc.) your education should be listed at the bottom of your résumé. If you are in school or in one of the professions where your education is very important, your education will go towards the top under your skills list.
Certifications and Specialized Training
Including certifications and specialized training on your résumé make a huge difference in how impactful your document is. Even if you don’t have specific certifications but you’ve had internal training, taken an online course, or even just an online tutorial, include that on your résumé.
About the Author: Michele Lando is a certified professional résumé writer, personal branding expert, and founder of Write Styles. She has a passion for helping others present the best version of themselves both on paper and in person and works to polish individuals' application package and personal style. Aiming to help create a perfect personal branding package, Write Styles provides resources to enhance your résumé, professional appearance, and boost your confidence. Michele strives to help others gain the confidence to put their best foot forward in a personal and professional light.
This story was originally published on January 6, 2020, and has since been updated.
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C&C Classifieds Nº41: Provista, Inked Brands, Le Grand Courtage & More
You should feel rested after that long weekend and ready to hunt.
Fresh Listings
Classifieds No. 41
How do you feel after that long Memorial Day weekend? Rested? Relaxed? Ready to hit the ground running? We thought so.
The holiday weekend might mark the unofficial start of summer, but if you're ready to dig in and find your dream job before the official kickoff on Tuesday, June 20th, then bury yourself in our newest batch of Create & Cultivate Classified right now.
Finding your dream career is a click away. And if you're feeling stumped on why you're not hearing back from certain companies, click over to read about the crazy stat that will change how you're applying.
Inked, Los Angeles, CA
Le Grand Courtage, Los Angeles, CA
Provista, New York, NY
UrbanStems, Washington, DC
AwesomenessTV, Los Angeles, CA
Small Girls PR, Los Angeles, CA
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C&C Classifieds Nº28: The Infatuation, The Spare Room, Amazon & MORE
Happy #InternationalWomensDay!
photo from White & Wander
Happy Humpy Day everyone! To get you through the rest of the week, we've assembled some BOMB-DOT-COM opportunities just waiting for you to check out. You have two more days until the weekend (ouch!) so you might as well make them count.
And since today is a very special Wednesday (aka #InternationalWomensDay), we thought it appropriate to share with you some badass quotes from some of our favorite women. Seriously, you will not be disappointed with your decision to read this!
Happy #InternationalWomensDay!
THE INFATUATION (LOS ANGELES, CA)
THE SPARE ROOM ( LOS ANGELES, CA)
SWARM AGENCY (ATLANTA, GA)
BH COSMETICS (LOS ANGELES, CA)
AMAZON (SANTA MONICA, CA)
VSCO (OAKLAND, CA)
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C&C Classifieds Nº27: Cult Gaia, Eloquence, GirlGaze & MORE
Check it off the to-do list.
photo credit: Jessica Bordner Photography
The week is half over, what have you crossed off your to-do list? If looking for a new job is still lingering at the bottom of your list, this could be the day you cross it off for good. We've got an amazing group of companies, all looking for qualified, responsible candidates just like you. All you have to do is fine-tune that resume, hit send, and you are well on your way to landing the job you've been daydreaming about for weeks. Oh, and since we have your attention: here are 6 tough interview questions you might face during your job search.
You've got this.
J PUBLIC RELATIONS (SAN DIEGO, CA)
GIRLGAZE (LOS ANGELES, CA)
ELOQUENCE (LOS ANGELES, CA)
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C&C Classifieds Nº21: Ban.do, Digital Brand Architects, Univision & more!
Get in that last job application before you check out for the holiday.
We bet that you're packing your bags right now getting ready to put your OOO auto-reply on and check out for the holiday weekend.
Or, you could still be hunting for that next opportunity to lock in for 2017. Whatever the case is, we've got you covered to continue your job search.
This week, we've got fresh new listings from our good friends at Ban.do, Digital Brand Architects, Univision Communications Inc., and so many more! To get access to the full listings, enter your info below!
Happy Holidays!
If you have signed up for access to the C&C Classifieds before, click here.
Should You Take a Job Outside Your Industry?
You need money, but you need to think big picture.
Is it better to take a job outside your industry, or wait until something better comes along? It’s a precarious situation. If you wait for something to come up, you might be waiting (and struggling financially) for a while, however if you do take a job that’s outside of your desired field or specialty, you may be settling when something else is right on the horizon.
When you’re deciding whether or not to accept a position, it’s important to ask yourself 3 main questions:
Is this the direction you want to take your career?
Is there room for growth?
Do you have the luxury of being picky about what kind of job you take or do you need to find something now (due to finances, employment gaps, etc.)?
Ultimately, if it’s not the direction you want to take your career, it’s not worth it. If you have the opportunity to take a new job, but it’s not the direction you want to take your career, it’s not worth the risk. If you’re exploring an opportunity because it has better pay or better benefits, that is a personal decision where you have to weigh the pros and cons. But think on this: if you drive 20 miles south when you want to go north, you’re going to have to drive an extra 20 miles back in the direction you want to go. Essentially, once you take your career in an opposite direction, it is that much harder to get back on track.
What will happen if you take a long term job that isn’t what you want? On the surface, it may not seem terrible. Everyone understands that you need to make a living and subsequently do what needs to be done to make that happen. However if you do take a long term job that isn’t in the direction you want to go, you might be creating more hurtles for yourself.
Think of it this way: If you have been working in business development but want to transition into marketing, the more positions you take in business development, the more likely you are to appear as a business development professional, and less likely to appear as a marketing professional. If you want to transition into marketing, a better way to go about this would be to take classes and volunteer to collaborate on projects with the marketing department at your current company. Then it makes sense when you apply for a marketing role. Even if you have to start at the bottom, taking a role in the right industry or field is an important step. The more you can put on your resume that’s marketing related, the more your marketing skills will be highlighted.
When you’re looking to transition jobs or roles, it is important to think about the big picture. This is where the “room for growth” question comes in. Are you exploring other opportunities only to find that you have to start at the ground? If you want to take your career in a specific direction, look for roles that point you in the direction of your goals. Focus on positions where there is room for growth, so that even if you have to step down a level in authority, you can take solace in the fact that the end justifies the means.
"When you’re looking to transition jobs or roles, it is important to think about the big picture."
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Everyone starts from the bottom at some point, so as long as there is room for you to grow and learn, there is nothing wrong with starting from scratch.
What Should You Do If You Haven’t Found the Right Opportunity, But Need Money Now?
If you are struggling financially and find yourself eager to work, even if it’s not the best position, consider taking a temporary role where you can explore your options and establish new connections. There is nothing wrong with taking a temporary or contract position to fill the transition space, however taking a permanent job is just that-- more permanent.
In this case, I always suggest that people look into temporary or contract positions. The partnership of "temporary" and "job" has a somewhat negative connotation, but I personally know many people (myself included) where temp positions have opened completely unexpected doors.
Temporary positions serve three main benefits:
They give you income while you’re in transition or in between jobs;
They give you the freedom to look and apply for other jobs while you’re still working without the guilt;
They establish networking connections and opportunities for you.
If you excel at your temporary position, chances are that you will meet people who can a) point you in the right direction, b) know of a job that may interest you, or c) will work with you to keep you at the company but progress to an area that better suits your qualifications.
There is no down side to taking a temporary position in between jobs, because if you don’t like it, you can simply end the position. Similarly, if you do find a better position, there is no need to feel bad about leaving a job or a company. A temporary position is made to be flexible, so companies are generally pretty understanding if you find a full time position that is better suited for you long term.
It can be frustrating when deciding if it’s better to take a job outside your industry or wait until something better comes along, but ultimately, you have to keep your eye on the prize. Focus on finding positions that will propel you in the right direction, even if you have to work your way up, and work hard to highlight your unique skills and abilities.
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A native San Franciscan, Michele Lando is a Certified Professional Resume Writer and founder of writestylesonline.com. She has a passion for helping others present the best version of themselves, both on paper and in person, and works to polish individuals' application package and personal style. Aiming to help create a perfect personal branding package, Write Styles presents tips to enhance your resume, style, and boost your confidence.