Don't Create a Job Description Resume

Tips on Finding a Job >> The Job Description Resume

Back in my resume screening days, nothing frustrated me more than the dreaded "job description resume." Instead of listing a series of accomplishments, this type of resume merely contains a list of previous job descriptions from the applicant's past. If you're serious about getting a job, you need to avoid this common pitfall.

How do you know if your resume falls into this trap? Here's a simple test. Scan your resume for the words "responsible for" as in the following phrase: "I was responsible for producing TPS reports on a daily basis..."

If you have an abundance of these phrases, then you probably have a job description resume. Why do hiring managers dislike this kind of resume? Because it only says what you were responsible for in your previous jobs. It doesn't say what you actually did. In other words, a job description resume is like saying, "I showed up for work every day." You won't get very many offers from that!

Notice the difference between these two resume bullet points:

• I was responsible for producing TPS reports on a daily basis, with the appropriate cover sheets on them. [blah]
• I created an inter-departmental reporting system that streamlined the production process and eliminated mistakes across the board. [hooray]

You can clearly see the difference in the above comparison. In the first example, I didn't actually do anything. I'm simply saying what my responsibilities were. Did I meet them? Did I exceed them? Nobody knows. But in the second example, I'm explaining a specific accomplishment and how it helped the company.



No hiring manager likes to receive a list of responsibilities, because it doesn't help evaluate the job candidate. And if a hiring manager cannot evaluate you through your resume, you can forget about an interview. When they have a stack of resumes before them, managers will not call you for clarification about your resume. They'll simply toss it aside. But you can avoid this fate by listing specific accomplishments.

Learn More: This blog post is part of an ongoing series of lessons. Visit the table of contents page to get more tips on finding a job.

Reviews of Executive Job Search Websites

Job search websites are nothing new. They've been around nearly as long as the Internet itself. But over the last couple of years, a variety of websites have come online to help with the executive job search process. Some of these websites are even salary-specific, only listing jobs in the 100K and above salary range.

In this article, I'll review some of the websites that cater to executive job search candidates. If you have an executive background, these websites can save you time and energy by narrowing the search process.

6FigureJobs.com -- The name of this website gives you a pretty idea of what you're going to find. It limits the job postings to those over $100,000 in salary, which means that it mostly includes professional and executive job listings. You can search by industry, job function, location and keywords. I did a test search for marketing jobs in the entire state of Texas, and it only came up with one listing, which seems a little scant to me. It's still worth checking out, though.

TheLadders.com -- This is a fairly new job search website for executives, and they've been doing a lot of marketing to support their growth. You've probably even seen one of the commercials on TV. They claim to pre-screen every job before listing it on the site, to ensure that it falls within the 100K or above range. The website functionality and usability is superior to other executive job search sites that I reviewed. You'll have to sign up for an account if you want to use the site though -- it doesn't seem to allow casual / anonymous visitors to search it.

ExecuNet.com -- This website is simple to use. You start by entering a functional area (skill) and choosing a state in the U.S. This search engine seemed to have a lot more executive jobs than some of the other sites tested. For example, a search for executive marketing jobs in Texas turned up dozens of listings on this website, whereas the same search on 6FigureJobs.com only turned up one listing.

ExecGlobalNet.com -- This site operates a bit differently than most executive job search websites. To get started, you would complete a short profile about yourself, including your professional background. Companies with executive roles to fill would (theoretically) search the website for qualified candidates. If they found you and thought you were a match, they would send you a description of the job. You could then evaluate it and follow up if interested. Because of this, it's a bit more passive than some of the other job search websites on this list. But it's worth experimenting with at the least.

RiseSmart.com -- With this website, you would register and fill out a profile including your ideal job. Then, every few days, you would receive job listings that could be a potential match. When you find one that interest you, you'd apply for the position through the site. Click on the "View Demo" link in the main menu, and you can watch a video explanation of how this executive job search website works, what makes it different, etc.

Learn More: This blog post is part of an ongoing series of lessons. Visit the table of contents page to get more tips on finding a job.

Choosing the Best Resume Format - Don't Sweat It Too Much

Tips on Finding a Job >> Your Resume Format

I remember taking a resume class when I was in college, where they told us to use a certain resume format for scenario 'A,' a different format for scenario 'B' and so on. It all seemed so rigid to me at the time, and since then I've read dozens of articles from "experts" who have argued back and forth on this subject. It's enough to make your head spin!

A few years later, I found myself in the role of a hiring manager, screening the resumes sent in by job applicants. And you know what? I didn't care what format a particular resume was in, as long as it was (A) well organized and easy to read and (B) relevant to the job posting. In other words, if I could easily read the resume to find relevant experience, the format did not matter to me at all.

Some resume "purists" will disagree with me on this, and that's fine. But I have spoken to enough people in hiring roles to know that the specific format will not make or break a resume. Here's the bottom line -- if a resume is organized in some logical way, and it showcases the right skills and credentials, it will probably make it through the initial screening process.

In all of the screening situations I've been involved with over the years, I've never heard a manager or supervisor say: "Well, these three people seem to be equally qualified, but this one uses the chronological resume format, which is my absolute favorite, so she gets my vote!" It jut doesn't happen this way.

The Best Resume Format

Personally, I've often thought the best resume format was the "hybrid" style -- one that combines the best qualities of several different formats. Aside from that, readability and organization should be your guide.

I also recommend that you tailor a unique resume each time you apply for a job. This will give you more flexibility with the information you include, and it will help you put your most relevant skills and accomplishments right up top. In my experience, this is much more important than adhering to the guidelines of this or that resume format.

It's also important to realize that much of the resume guidance online today it outdated. There's certainly no harm in this kind of old-school advice, and it does have it merits. But it can often lead to a condition I refer to as "analysis paralysis," in which the job seeker spends more time tweaking the resume format than doing something useful -- like finding a job.

People have been regurgitating the same advice for decades about the "functional" resume format versus the "chronological" format, which one to use in which situation, etc. But there are no studies that prove one format more effective than another. It's all based on common sense.

Instead of locking yourself into such a rigid mindset, I recommend taking the following approach:

• Gather some sample resumes online. You can find plenty of them by doing a Google search. College websites usually have a good collection of them.
  
• Find one that matches the kind of job you are seeking, as much as possible.
• Start with that format, and then customize it as needed to incorporate your information.
• Step back and ask yourself: "Does this resume put my most significant credentials toward the top?" If it does not, rearrange it until it does.
• Then ask yourself: "Is this format arranged in a logical way? Will it make sense to a stranger?"
• Make sure your resume is easy to read by using one-inch margins, bold sub-headers, bullet points, etc. I've tossed many resumes aside in the past simply because they had no formatting. A page full of dense text with no spacing or subheading is hard to read -- it literally hurts your eyeballs!
• Do you have a friend or family member who has experience screening resumes? Somebody in a supervisory or management role? Ask them to look at your first draft and suggest improvements.
• And then get out there and start job hunting. Once you feel that your resume is the best it can be, start putting it to use. Tailor the content as needed for different job descriptions, but don't spend any more time sweating the format.
  

Here's what you should take away from this. Resume formats are a good starting point, but they are not written in stone. You can use a sample resume or a template to save time when creating your own, but you shouldn't feel like you are tied to any particular format. You're not.

Yes, your resume should be well organized and follow some kind of logical structure. Yes, it should be formatted to make it easy to read. Most importantly, your resume should contain the types of skills and experience the company is looking for. But beyond all of that, most hiring managers will not care what format you use.

Learn More: This blog post is part of an ongoing series of lessons. Visit the table of contents page to get more tips on finding a job.

A Tough Job Market for College Graduates - But Not Impossible

Article Summary: College graduates who enter the job market in 2009 and 2010 must compete with an unprecedented number of unemployed Americans with more on-the-job experience. Here are some tips for overcoming this challenge.

College graduates have always faced certain challenges when entering the job market for the first time. A lack of experience resulting from the time spent in college is the first thing that comes to mind. But for the rest of 2009 and well into 2010, college students will face another big challenge -- the job market is flooded with unemployed but highly experienced candidates.

The first step to success is understanding just how competitive the job market will be for recent college graduates (and anyone else seeking employment, for that matter). So allow me to present some downright startling statistics.

Job Market Snapshot

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, mass layoffs led to more than 500,000 separations. In other words, half a million workers with some degree of on-the-job experience flooded the job market at the end of 2008 and beginning of 2009.

In November of 2008, the unemployment rate in the U.S. was 6.7%, which was the highest number in more than fifteen years. But it has only risen since then. In January of this year, the nationwide unemployment rate had reached 7.6%, and it's expected to continue rising through the rest of 2009.

What does all of this mean for recent college graduates and those who will graduate this year? It means this: College graduates entering the job market in 2009 and early 2010 will face more competition than we've seen since the Great Depression.

Did I get your attention with that last statement? Good. That was my intention. In fact, that's the whole point of this blog host -- to give you a realistic view of the current job market and how it might affect you. But you don't have to be frightened by these statistics. You just need to understand them, and you need to realize that you'll have to go above and beyond if you want to land a good job in 2009.

Advice for College Graduates

So, what can you do to increase your chances of finding a job in a highly competitive job market flooded with experienced workers. It's a big challenge, for sure, but there are certain things you can do to tip the scales in your favor.

1. Be Willing to Settle for Less

This is the best piece of advice I can offer to recent graduates who are entering the job market. If you're expecting to wave your diploma in the air and have people offering you management jobs, you'll probably be disappointed. Why? Because in 2009 and 2010 you'll be competing with legions of job seekers who have advanced education and real-world experience. The economy will make sure of this.

So the first thing you need to do is enter the job market with realistic expectations. I'm not telling you to aim low in your job search -- not at all. I'm telling you to realize what you're up against, and to be open to a wide variety of opportunities. This is not the kind of job market where you should pass up an opportunity just because it's not your dream job. The next opportunity might not come for a long time. If you have student loans and credit card debts to pay off, this is even more important.

2. Leverage Your Network

As a recent college graduate, you may not have an extensive network of business contacts. But you still have a network of friends and family, and many graduates before you have found jobs by tapping into this network. Here are some tips for using your network effectively. In this kind of job market, you need every advantage you can find, and this includes your personal contacts and family members. You never know who has useful connections until you ask. So put your pride aside and ask for help.

3. Be Flexible With Your Location

Some cities have been hit worse by layoffs and unemployment than other. So depending on where you live, you may want to seek work in a nearby city or even out of state. For example, a recent graduate from Wayne State University in Detroit might want to look for a job outside of that city. With the car company layoffs, there's even more competition for job seekers there.

With this being said, you have a better statistical chance of getting a job if you apply for positions where you currently reside. Applying for jobs out of state (or even out of driving distance) is much harder, because you can't just pop in for an interview at the employer's convenience. Take it from me -- some hiring managers won't even look at a resume that's not from a local resident, and for this very reason. So start local, focus on the places where you'd like to live, but be flexible and willing to go where the work is.

4. Limit Your Living Expenses

You've just graduated from college, and now you're excited to strike out on your own and make your own living. I know how you feel. I've been there. But before you plop down a deposit for the high-priced apartment, consider how it affects your job search process. The more bills and living expenses you pile up, the higher the salary you'll need to cover them. And the higher you go up the pay scale, the fewer jobs there are. Living with the parents might not be the cool thing to do, but it could save you a lot in the way of monthly expenses. That is, if they'll even let you back in! :-)

5. Go Above and Beyond to Distinguish Yourself

When there's a lot of people competing for a limited number of jobs, you have to work harder to set yourself apart. You can do this in many ways, and it doesn't always come down to past work experience. For example, a marketing / advertising major who is looking for a job in that field could set up a creative website where they "sell" themselves as a product. I once created a website called HireBrandon2007.com, and it helped me land a job with a direct marketing company.

You should also tailor your resume for each job posting. This allows you to prioritize certain skills and credentials to make your resume more relevant for the position being advertised. Here are some more tips for going above and beyond to find a job in this tough market we are in. This one is a must-read for college graduates, so be sure to check it out.

6. Communicate Better Than Your Competitors

I've hired for several entry-level positions in the past, which means I've screened a lot of recent college graduates who were entering the job market for the first time. More often than not, I was appalled by their lack of basic communication skills. I won't theorize on how instant messaging has eroded communication (that's another article entirely), but I will say this. The few applicants who know how to write a polished email and communicate well on the phone really stood out. I often hired them over equally qualified candidates for this very reason.

You'd be surprised how much communications skills can help when you're applying for a job. In the past, I would check resumes simply to ensure the person had the basic skills needed to get started. Then I would used the initial phone call and the interview to assess their communication skills, enthusiasm, etc. I have turned down qualified applicants who could not communicate well, and I have hired barely qualified applicants who were great speakers and writers. A lot of hiring managers feel the same way about this.

Conclusion and Going Forward

It's a tough job market for college graduates right now, and it will be for some time. There's no doubt about that. But this doesn't make it impossible to find a good job -- it just makes it harder. Your first step is to accept the reality of this situation. If you can face the facts about the challenges before you, you'll be more inclined to meet that challenge head-on, and this is exactly what you must do. Follow the advice offered in this article, and across this blog in general, and stick to our guns. You'll find a job soon enough.

Learn More: This blog post is part of an ongoing series of lessons. Visit the table of contents page to get more tips on finding a job.

Create a Master Resume and Tailor it as Needed

Tips on Finding a Job >> Master Resume

If you want to be competitive in an overcrowded job market (which, unfortunately is what we'll have for a while), you must create a resume that's tailored for each specific job. In other words, don't send the same exact resume for every job posting. Why? Because each job is different from the next, so you should highlight the parts of your resume that best match a particular job description.

This is why it's also a good idea to create a master list of skills, which we covered in a previous lesson. It allows you to dip into your "skills and credentials pot" and pull out the most relevant items to put onto a particular resume (for a particular job).

You'll notice I'm using the words "particular" and "specific" a lot in this lesson. This is a key concept you should apply to your job hunting. In order to find a job in a market that's flooded with out-of-work applicants, you need to get ultra-specific with every aspect of your process.

So when you create a resume for a certain job, you need to ask yourself: "What skills and credentials does this company need the most, based on the description they've provided? Which part of my background best fits the job requirements they have?"

Here are the simple steps involved in this process:

• First, create a master resume that includes everything from your master list of skills.
• Don't worry if this resume seems too long. You'll create a tailored version for each job posting, which will be shorter (and more relevant).
• Save this master resume on your computer, and label it accordingly so you can easily find it in the future. This will be helpful when you have several versions of your resume.
• When you find a job that matches your background, open up your master resume and then ask the questions in green font above.
• Tailor your master resume to create one that is ultra-specific for the particular job you are targeting. Front-load it so the most relevant items are at the top of the list.
• Reword your skills and credentials as needed to match the job description as closely as possible. Notice I said "reword" and not "fabricate." Don't ever lie on a resume.
  

Let me give you an example of what I mean, when I tell you to reword your skills and credentials to match a job description:

Let's say I'm looking for a job in the technology field. I've got a lot of experience managing computers, installing software, etc. I've even got a little supervisory experience in my past. So I stumble across a job posting that seeks an I.T. manager, and they mention a certain set of skills, something about maintaining office workstations.

Now, my master resume might include this kind of information, but it might also be buried in the list or otherwise de-prioritized. If I'm smart, I will create a resume for this particular job, and I'll reword and rearrange all of my credentials until they closely match the requirements of this new job.

Don't ever send a "catch-all" resume to a hiring manager. Remember, it's a tough job market out there, and you need to go above and beyond to get hired. So before you send a resume in response to a particular job posting, spend at least fifteen minutes adjusting it to match the posted requirements. And don't forget to a do a solid round of proofreading whenever you tweak your resume.

Learn More: This blog post is part of an ongoing series of lessons. Visit the table of contents page to get more tips on finding a job.

Free Online Resume Builders - Tips and Recommendations

The Internet has simplified many aspects of the job hunting process, and that includes resume writing as well. These days, you can find a variety of resume builders online, and many of them are free to use.

But you should use them with caution. While a resume building website can give you a head start on the process, I haven't found one yet that created a good finished product. In other words, use the free online resume builders for what they are -- a helpful starting point for gathering ideas. You will still need to do some work to produce a finished product, even after you use the website.

With that disclaimer out of the way, here are a couple of the online resume sites I experimented with. If you're going to use one of the websites to help with your writing process, I recommend checking out the ones below.

www.howtowritearesume.net -- It seems to me that somebody spent a lot of time, energy and money developing this website. It has a really nice interface that's easy to use. You have to sign up for an account to use their online resume builder, but it's freee to sign up. It's also free to use the resume program. They have some "advanced features" that they charge for (I didn't find out what they were), but you can use the basic resume builder tool without paying for anything.

www.emurse.com -- This website is similar to the one above, in that it requires you to sign up for an account. But it's free to sign up. You create a resume through this site by choosing one of their templates and following the helpful pointers for adding your information. It gives a lot of tips along the way, which I liked.

Tips for Using Online Resume Builders

Here are some things to keep in mind when using these types of websites to create a resume (and when job hunting in general):

• I don't see any need to pay for extra features, especially with the abundance of free resume advice and templates you can find online today.
• Remember, these tools are just a way to save some time by getting a head start. You'll still have to work on your resume to get it just right, even after using one of these websites.
• Posting your resume online will not get you a job, especially in a highly competitive job market like the current one. Some of the builder websites offer you the option to post your resume for "exposure" to potential employers. But take it from me -- employers typically don't surf the Internet looking for resumes. They post jobs and then let the resumes come to them.
• Before you use one of these websites, you should spend some time reading up on general resume tips and advice. Most of the free online builders will offer you some tips as you go through the process, but it's not enough. If you're serious about finding a job in this economy, you should spend several hours researching how to write a great resume.

Learn More: This blog post is part of an ongoing series of lessons. Visit the table of contents page to get more tips on finding a job.

Your Job Search Network Should Include Friends and Family

Tips on Finding a Job >> Use Your Personal Job Search Network

Nearly everyone I know has gotten a job through a "friend of a friend" or a family connection at some point in the past. I know I have. When you add up all of the people you know, and them factor in all of the people they know, you end up with an extended job search network that might be your path to success.

So what do you do? For starters, you just send a quick email out to all of the people you know -- the people you're close to anyway. This might include family members, friends, previous coworkers and colleagues, previous bosses, neighbors, or anyone else you can think of. You'd be surprised who might have useful connections!

This is what a job search network is all about. It's people helping people. At some point, we have all been in a position where we needed the help of others. So don't be embarrassed about asking people for help. If they are truly you're friend, or if they truly care about you in some other way, they'll be glad to help in any way they can.

Tap Your Network Early

I always tell job hunters to make this one of the first steps in their job search process. There's a very good reason for this. It could be a big shortcut, and it could make the rest of the process unnecessary. If you tap your personal job search network of family and friends, and somebody knows somebody else who needs the kind of skills you have, then you could possibly skip the entire job hunting process. So do this first.

Here's how to go about it:

• Send out a short email to let people know you're "in the hunt" for a new job.
• Tell them you can copies of your resume, if they need to pass them along to anyone.
• If somebody has a possible lead for you, contact them on the phone to discuss it.
• And don't forget to send a thank-you note if somebody gets you an interview.

Your personal job search network is probably more powerful than you realize. Add up your friends, family members and colleagues, and you've got an extended network that could number well into the hundreds or thousands. It only takes you about ten minutes to send an email to these folks, to let them know you're searching for a new job. So do it!

Learn More: This blog post is part of an ongoing series of lessons. Visit the table of contents page to get more tips on finding a job.

Get a Job by Going Above and Beyond the Competition

Tips on Finding a Job >> Go Above and Beyond

Layoffs continue at a disturbing rate across the United States, and there simply aren't enough new jobs to go around for all of the newly unemployed. What does this mean to you, if you find yourself unemployed in 2009? It means you must go above and beyond to get a job in this economy.

Therein lies the theme of this blog post. In this lesson, I'll give you some ways to go above and beyond with your job search, thereby getting the attention of potential employers. Because let's face it ... with so many people looking for work, and relatively few jobs to go around, you'll need to work harder to stand out in 2009. The sooner you realize this, the better your chances of getting a job.

Here are three ways to stand out from the competition as you try to get a job in 2009:

1. Beat Them to the Punch

When I was a hiring manager, I paid the most attention to the resumes I received first. There are obvious reasons for this. When an employer first announces a job, there's a lag time before the first resumes start pouring in. This is true even in times with high job-loss rates, like we are seeing now. The first few resumes, therefore, will typically receive the most attention by the hiring manager. After that, the flood of applicant makes it harder and harder to stand out.

So by sending your resume as soon as possible after a job has been posted, you stand a better chance of being noticed. Of course, getting noticed is only the first step -- you still need to be qualified for the job and do well in the interview. But every little bit helps, and this includes being prompt with your resume submission. So keep a sharp eye out for new job postings, and have your resume ready.

2. Have a Better Resume

Volumes of advice have been written on the subject of resumes. So I won't belabor the point here. But I will say this. If you want to get a job in 2009, you need to have a resume that stands out from the competition. This means many things. Here are some of the more important things to keep in mind:

Make sure your resume offers a list of accomplishments (things you've done) and not just responsibilities (things you were expected to do). Employers don't want to know what your previous job descriptions were -- they want to know what you did in those jobs.

Also, make sure your resume is well written and organized in a logical way. The exact format you use is not as important as the readability. I have received resumes in the past that simply contained huge blocks of information with not organization to speak of. These went straight into the trash or the "deleted items" folder of my email. Regardless of what format you use, your resume must be easy to read and organized in some logical way.

3. Communicate More Effectively

Nobody gets a job based on a resume alone. Employers use the resume to narrow down the initial field of applicants into those they want to interview. In other words, they use the resume to check the basic skill and experience of applicants, in order to weed them out or move them along to the interview group.

Keep this in mind when you communicate with a potential employer. Whether it's by email, over the phone or in person, your communicate in a professional and intelligent manner. You probably think that this goes without saying, that it's an obvious point you already know. But you'd be surprised how many people can't communicate effectively anymore.

I think it has a lot to do with the instantaneous nature of modern communications. Text messaging and hastily written emails have changed the way we talk to each other. But don't let this affect the manner in which you speak to employers. Be too casual or to terse with your initial communications, and it could cost you a job. I've received emails from job applicants who opened with such greetings as "Hi guys" and "Hey there." Too familiar, too soon.

Tailor your correspondence for each job. Avoid sending the same "boilerplate" email to every employer. Mention the specific job you are applying for in your first correspondence, and use your resume to show why you're qualified for that particular job. Open and close your email correspondence with a proper greeting and closing. Don't be overly casual this early on -- another bothersome trend I've seen among job applicants.

Whether or Not You Get a Job is Up to You

Can you get a job in 2009? Sure you can. Is it going to be easy? Probably not. There's going to be a larger pool of job applicants in 209 than we've seen for many years. So you'll have plenty of competition. But if you get your resume in early, and you outshine the competition in other areas of correspondence, you'll stand a much better chance of being the "chosen one."

Nobody else can do this for you. Websites like this one may offer advice and guidance. But when it comes to the hard work involved with getting a job, that part is up to you. Work hard at it. Treat the job hunting process like a full-time gig. Come up with ways to outshine the competition. Go above and beyond in every aspect of the process, and you'll get a job in the end.

Learn More: This blog post is part of an ongoing series of lessons. Visit the table of contents page to get more tips on finding a job.

Determine Your Salary Requirements for the New Job

Tips on Finding a Job >> Determine Salary Requirements

How much money do you need to make, given your current cost of living? This is something you need to figure out before you start your job search process. When you get to the salary negotiation phase, you need to know your income requirements.

Keep in mind, however, there's a big difference between what you want to make in your new job, and what you need to make. Times are tough right now, and job-loss rates are soaring. In my opinion, anyone who has a job right now should be thankful -- because there record numbers of layoffs all over the country.

What does this mean for salary requirements? It means you won't have as much leverage when it comes to your salary, and that you should be realistic with the process. This is not the kind of economy where you should push for higher pay. If you are lucky enough to find a new job in a time of massive layoffs and bankruptcies, you should think twice before pushing for a higher salary than what's being offered. My advice is to take the first job that meets your basic income requirements, and then revisit your salary after you've proved yourself.

Of course, you cannot do any of this until you determine your income needs. To do this, you simply need to create a basic budget showing all of your current expenses. This will include your current rent or mortgage payments, car payments, insurance costs, utilities, groceries, etc. It's also wise to factor in some extra room for savings and quality-of-life items (entertainment). But let's be honest here -- you have to take what you can get in a troubled economy like this. So figure out what you need, and be cautious about asking for more unless the job is a sure thing. You can always revisit the salary issue down the road, after you've locked down the job

Learn More: This blog post is part of an ongoing series of lessons. Visit the table of contents page to get more tips on finding a job.