Not sure where to start when it comes to the Headings for Your Resume?

A basic resume should include the following headings:

Highlights of Qualifications or Summary of Skills/Experience

In this section you will include your highlighted skills using a bulleted list.  Keep this section short and to the point.  You want to draw the reader of your resume in with this section and keep their attention. 

Relevant Skills/Experience (optional)

This section is optional – it should be placed under your “Highlights of Qualifications” section.  This section is beneficial if you have more than one skill set ie: Customer Service and Clerical backgrounds.  You can use this section to more specifically define your skill set and capture the reader’s attention to the skills you have.

Employment Background or Work History

This section is mandatory – add your work experience in chronological order starting from your most recent work experience.  Include the position, company name, city, province/state and the dates that you worked for that company.  If you have a variety of work experience that is not all in the same industry, you may include a couple of skills statements (bulleted) underneath each job to highlight your skills.  If your work history primarily includes the same industry/job, you will want to include your skills statements for the skills/experience that you have in the Summary section at the beginning of your resume.

Education/Professional Development/Training

Include your educational background in chronological order starting from your most recent experience.  You do not have to include your highschool information unless the job posting is specifically asking for this.  Include any professional development you have completed (ie: workshops to enhance your knowledge of your industry, certificates that you have gained while on the job, etc).   Include short-term training.   This section does not necessary needs dates of completion; but remember that you should not include any training that you have not completed or has expired.   If you have partially completed a post-secondary course, you can add this and use a bulleted list underneath the Course Name, School that shows which courses you have completed. 

Volunteer Experience & Affiliations

If you have volunteer experience and it relates to the job your applying for, then definitely add it!  If you have gaps in your work history but spent time volunteering, also add this information.  Also add any associations/affiliations that you are connected to (if it is relevant)

Hobbies and Interests

There is always a question as to whether or not you should include this information on your resume; however, if your hobbies and interests are relevant to the industry that you are job searching in, then include this information as it may be the one of the ways that your resume stands out to an Employer.

It is important to note that headings can always be changed. Try various formats and see what works best for you. Also, research examples of resumes in your industry to get ideas.

Remember, a resume is a work in progress.  A resume is also a reflection of YOU and Your skills.  Spend the time working on it so that it catches the employer's attention. In many cases, the resume is the tool that secures the interview. And the interview is where you see the light at the end of the job search tunnel!

                                                                                                                           -Sunny + Sassy

Creating a Dynamic Tailored Resume!

Gone are the days where you can create one resume and use it to apply for any job.  Employers require you to show the skills and experience that you have that matches what they are looking for and that requires a tailored resume!  For each job that you apply for, you should be creating a tailored resume according to the job posting/description.  You can make a few general resumes for unsolicited applications; but make sure that you are researching the top skills that employers are looking for in whatever industry you are job searching in.   A few tips to creating your tailored resume are:

·        Use key words from the job posting in your skills statements; but don’t copy the information word for word from the job posting, use your own words

·        Remember to add your attributes to your skills statements.  Include your soft skills such as your ability to be a leader, team player or your excellent communication skills, etc.

·        Keep your skills statements short and to the point and use bullets to highlight the information and make it easy to read

·        Do not add an “Objective” – it’s clear by the job that you are applying for what your objective is

·        It’s optional to add a “Professional Profile” that sums up your expertise in a short paragraph; but not necessary.  However, the Professional Profile is out of the ordinary and may make your resume more eye catching. 

·        Add a header titled “Relevant Skills/Experience” to make your skills stand out

·        Only include relevant information that demonstrates  you have the skills/experience/education the employer is looking for

·        Include hobbies that may be relevant to the job posting; this could make your resume stand out in the crowd

·        Use font styles that match your personality style; but be sure to remain professional, don’t use fonts that are hard to read

·        Do not add your references or personal information (ie: birthdate) to your resume – you can add a line at the end of your resume that says “References Available Upon Request” – however, its not necessary as in today’s job search world it’s obvious that you will be asked for references and that you may be required to provide them at the interview

Example of a Professional Profile:

Professional Profile:  An enthusiastic sales expert with over 10 years experience meeting and exceeding sales targets.  I pride myself on providing excellent customer service and my eye for detail.  As a creative and innovative thinker; I am keen on learning new sales techniques and have a passion for the sales industry. 

Remember, tailored resumes take time, thought and patience however, are worth the extra effort!
                                                                                               
                                                                                                                             -Sunny + Sassy

Creating a MASTER Resume

Tailoring your resume for specific jobs can be a difficult task.  We recommend creating a Master Resume as a first step.  Follow these steps to create your master resume:

·       Start by compiling a list of all your work experience and arrange by job title, company name, city, province/state and years worked (only include years, do not include months)

·       Once you have done this, create a "Highlights" section and breakdown your highlighted skills by grouping them:  ie: Customer Service, Hospitality, Childcare

·       Add all your education; including any short-term training that you have completed.  Do not include expired certificates

·       Add all your skills/experience and qualifications to your master resume; use websites such as NOC (http://www5.hrsdc.gc.ca/noc/english/noc/2006/Welcome.aspx) where you can find job descriptions to help you will your skills statements



Creating a master resume will allow you to take inventory of all your skills and abilities.  Do not worry about the length of the master resume. Make sure to include volunteer work, memberships, affiliations and associations that you were/are involved in. Once you have created your master resume, use it for creating tailored resumes for specific jobs.  You can use the Save As function in MS Word to do this. Be sure to rename your resume files to reflect the content.

Remember, resumes are a work in progress. Continue to add information to your master resume especially your skill statements.

                                                                                                                   -Sunny + Sassy

Resume Tips from HR Professionals

You’ve been job searching for a while; you’ve have created a dynamic resume, but you’re still not getting responses.

It could be that your resume is not as dynamic as you think!

While attending a workshop a few months back, a panel of HR directors and hiring managers discussed a few important tips about what they would like to see in a resume.  A few of these tips are:

·       Be creative; a resume needs to catch the eye of the reader.  It should be out of the ordinary to make it into the “yes” pile.   Add your own touch of creativity, but also keep it professional.  A small image of something that relates to your skills can go a long way.  For example in the corner of your resume beside your name you could place a small image of a chef hat if you are a Chef.

·       No errors; this includes grammatical and spelling errors.  Also make sure that you check your dates of employment/education and don’t include months; only years.

·       Don’t include unnecessary information; the employer wants to see that your skills/experience match what they are looking for.  Ensure you are reading the job posting and job description to find out what the position entails.

·       Be descriptive.  Show how you have excellent customer service skills; don’t just write that you have them.  Show that you have sold xxx amount of product, or increased company sales by xxx amount

·       Include your interests; this may be what makes you stand out in the crowd

·       Include the associations and affiliations that you belong to, provided that they match the industry you’re applying for.  If appropriate, include your blog address, LinkedIn information and Twitter.

·       Keep the fonts and layout simple; make sure that your font size is the same throughout your resume (aside from heading font size) and readable.  Don’t use fonts such as French Script MT (Which looks like this) or Algerian (Which looks like this).  You can use a fancy font for your name, but it should be readable.

These are all just basics.  Over the next few days we will post articles on how to effectively tailor your resume to match job postings and other important aspects of creating your resume.

                                                                                                                   -Sunny + Sassy

Job Interview Tip

JOB SEARCH TIP

JOB SEARCH JOB LOG

Job Search Toolkit

Soar Tomorrow

Job Loss – How Do You Cope?

Job Loss can be an extremely hard time in someone’s life. In a situation where we are fired

or laid-off or even if we quit, this type of loss is similar to losing someone by death; therefore we will experience the 5 stages of loss.  In this article, we will try and give you some insight on how to deal with each of these stages.





Denial:

This can come in all forms.  You may feel that the reasoning for your job loss was unjustified (even if it wasn’t) or you may be spending your money frivolously expecting that you will find employment sooner than later (which could lead to regret later if you don’t secure employment right away).  In whatever way that the denial stage affects you, there are a few things to help you get through it. 

·        Journal – this is a great way to bring some clarity

·        Talk to a friend or family member who is a good listener and can provide some insight to your situation

·        Think positively that this may be a good thing and happened for a reason

·        Expand your horizons – look at the positives of the situation and build on them

Anger:

You’re upset because you are no longer employed and your bills are piling up and your motivation is decreasing with every unsuccessful job application and interview.  Possibly, you’re angry at your former company/boss because if they hadn’t of let you go, you wouldn’t be in this situation.  This is all normal; however, it can greatly impact your job search, networking and interviews if you don’t find a way to get past the anger.  A few things to remember and try are:

·        Journal – keep track of your feelings and reflect on them; try and see the opposite side of the anger

·        Exercise daily; this helps with your mood and creates a positive energy.  Incorporate a variety of fitness activities including walking, yoga and swimming

·        Have someone to vent to; but only vent when necessary – if you continue to bring up the situation, moving past it may be difficult

Bargaining:

If you are feeling helpless and somewhat out of control, feelings of bargaining are normal.  You may think to yourself, “if I had only done this” or “I should have said this instead”.  No matter what you should have done, you didn’t, and you have to come to terms with that. 

Depression:

The longer you are unemployed; the more at risk you are for suffering depression .  There are many forms of depression.  Typically when job loss and unemployment are involved, people feel anxiety, low self-esteem, low motivation, hopelessness and loss of interest.

·        If you are feeling severe forms of depression, consult your doctor as s/he may be able to assist you best

·        Connect with a support person, family or friend, someone whom you trust and talk to them about how you are feeling. You may want to consider accessing a 24 hour crisis line.

Acceptance:

This stage is where we accept what has happened and begin moving forward.  In this stage your job search will excel because you will realize the potential that you truly have and give more effort into your job search.  At this stage you will start getting more interviews and if you prepare and educate yourself about how to perform an effective job search, you will find the light of the job search tunnel and be working again in no time!

                                                                                                                           -Sunny + Sassy

JOB DESPERATION

Are you applying for any job just to get a job?  While this may seem like the solution to your unemployment problems right now, this alternative may not be beneficial in the long run.  During an interview or networking, your body language, facial expressions and words are more likely to show your desperation if you are looking for just any job.  No one really wants to hire someone who has no interest in what they are applying for.  In the chance that you are hired, your employer will quickly see that you aren’t interested in the job and you will too.  In the long run, your chances of quitting or even being fired are likely.  Instead of applying for any and all jobs, ensure you have a specific employment goal and stick with it.  You will be much happier in the long run!
                                                                                                                                                 - SUNNY

                                                                                                                                                 

SASSY:  Hey Sunny,  maybe some people prefer to find any job and continue looking for the perfect job.  Some people have bills to pay you know.  It may be desperation, but they have good reasons!!

SUNNY: I do agree that times are hard when your financial situation is strained.  But I think that if you can pull it off, taking the time to find a job that you love is important for your emotional health!  Think about it, if you take a job for the sake of taking a job, you will most likely be unemployed again not long after you have started; either because of termination or quitting. 

SASSY:  You make a good point!  But I think it's an individual thing. Some people may be able to handle a not so perfect job for awhile as long as they know that they will eventually be moving on to a job that they are passionate about.

SUNNY: Every situation is unique but job desperation is not a good quality to portray in a job interview. It's important to be aware of how you will be portrayed by the interviewer.

SASSY: The most important thing is to do what is best for you!

Feeling Down and Out About Your Job Search?

Stuck in Despair

Dear Job SOS,
I have been out of work for a number of years. I am a bookkeeper by trade but found myself suddenly unemployed, struggling financially and really depressed. That's when I started to use drugs. From there, my life went out of control. To make a long story short, I was lucky enough to clean up but as each day, week, month and year passes, I am feeling more and more scared of going back into the workforce.
I have been collecting government money and am stuck in a cycle of poverty and despair. Please help me. I don't know how long I can keep going like this.
From Stuck in Despair


Dear Stuck in Despair,
How difficult for you to live in such a state of despair and depression! At times it must feel like there is no light in sight for the future. But, if there is a will, there is a way and it sounds like you have the will to get out of this situation. It's a matter of figuring out how, formulating a plan, setting your goals and moving forward.

Because you have bookkeeping skills and experience, it's a matter of acquiring some updated training.
I recommend that you consider volunteering at a non-profit or charitable organization to help bring your work history more current and your skills up-to-date. Even though volunteer work is unpaid, it is still work! And it will help you to meet people and begin the process of networking which is one of the crucial elements to a successful job search plan.
I'd also suggest that you check out free workshops at your local library or community centre - at the very least, training which is minimal in cost.

Another option is to apply for entry level positions that provide on the job training; such as customer service.
It is important to remember and remind yourself that you and your skills are valuable. Perseverance and determination are key! You will need to take baby steps at first but if you set your goals and apply yourself, anything is possible and you will eventually see the light at the end of the job search tunnel.
From Sunny                 

SASSY: Ok Sunny, sounds great and maybe Stuck in Despair will see the light but realistically Stuck  is literally 'stuck'. It is an uphill battle to pull oneself out of an entrenched lifestyle especially if you have been depending on government money. Pretty hard to give that up! And don't forget, Stuck has been out of the workforce for a long time!
And what about relapse. Stuck is at risk of using drugs if suddenly a substantial amount of money is coming into the household. Sounds to me like Stuck needs to get counselling before any sort of job search is undertaken.


SUNNY:  I agree that there are risks attached to any decision Stuck makes but I also feel that if Stuck is ready to make a change, then it's time. Reaching out and seeking counselling is a good idea but sometimes it isn't that easy to find free counselling that doesn't have a year long waiting list. But, I do agree that it's important to talk to someone so I would suggest, if a professional is not readily accessible, that Stuck considers confiding in a friend or family member. And if Stuck is alone, without friends or family, then a crisis line is also an option.


Thanks for that suggestion Sassy - it is important to have support, in whatever form that may be! Another option is for Stuck to write in a journal, document feelings, emotions and plans. Writing is a good avenue for releasing stress. It is also a means of determining and monitoring goals.
Regarding your concern about relapse, Stuck will always be at risk for relapse. Being clean and in recovery doesn't mean one is safe from relapse. And having money is not the only trigger. Stuck needs to be ready to make life changes and success will follow. It is really up to Stuck to determine when the time is right!


SASSY:  Success comes from within. It's important that Stuck believes that success is possible and that there is light at the end of the tunnel!
                                                        

There Are Many Reasons Why People Are Not Hired After A Job Interview. A Few Of These Are:

When reviewing your performance after attending an interview, be aware of behaviours which may have impacted your chances of securing the position.  If they appear in the list above and are changeable,  be sure to correct or change your behaviour in the next job interview. Keep in mind that every interviewing situation is unique and different.

Remember that interviewing takes practice and that you are not the only candidate.  Use the interview as an opportunity to improve on your interviewing skills.

                                                                                                                              

                                                                                         -Sunny + Sassy

5 Positive things about being Unemployed

SURVIVING UNEMPLOYMENT

Down and Out

Dear Job Search Girls

I am not motivated to look for work anymore.  I have been unemployed for too long.  I don't want to even get out of bed in the morning and I would rather watch TV than look at another job board, newspaper or talk to someone about a job.  I don't have all this "positiveness" and "light" that you two are talking about and I don't know how you expect someone who has been out of work for so long to even stay motivated and bother looking for work.  It's clear that no one will hire me and the longer I am out of work, the less appealing I am to employers.  I have never been unemployed before and I feel like a loser.

From: Down and Out

Dear Down and Out:

Sunny:  Your situation is tough, and I can relate to that.  I was in a similar situation for about a year.  You are right, its hard to get out of bed in the morning when you don't have anything to do other than sort through countless job ads, tailor resume after resume, or go to an interview; all that effort and you're not landing the job!  But you do need to stay positive, no matter how you get yourself to your positive spot, you need to remain focused on that.  It will work out and you will find employment soon enough! 

Sassy:  Maybe your job search skills need some fine tuning!  Have you checked your cover letter and resume to see if they are properly formatted, edited for errors and that it is targeting the type of employment that you applyig for?  Maybe you are applying for positons that you are under or over qualified for.  I think that you should take the time to really reflect on this experinece.  Write down a few things from your last interview; what could you improve upon?  Have a good friend or family member give you some constructive feedback to ensure you are on the right track.  I know at times "staying positive" is WAY easier said than done... but you have to do it.  Wake up every morning and tell yourself:  "Today, I'm going to find a job" or "Today, Im going to accomplish something that will move me forward in my job search".

Sunny: And remember,  job search is a full time job AND it takes patience. Try not to be so hard on yourself! You are not alone!

The Cover Letter

These pesky “marketing letters” are an important tool in your job search!  Some people think that cover letters are redundant because the employer can just read about how their skills match what they're looking for, on their resume.  This is simply not true – cover letters are important and should be used! 

In some instances, you may not need a cover letter. For example, if the job posting is asking specifically not to submit one or perhaps through your experience you have realized that jobs in your industry prefer to just have a resume submitted for job postings. 

Using a cover letter shows the employer that you took the time to write a letter directed to the company and about the specific position that they have available.  They also provide an opportunity for you to market yourself to the employer. To not write one is to pass up a key opportunity.

Remember, you don’t need to write an essay.  The cover letter should never exceed one page. The simpler the better. The format below will work just fine.  Ensure you are showing the skills/experience the employer needs and HOW you have those skills/experience and what makes you as Asset to the company and position!  Don’t just repeat the job description and hope that will work.  Show off your skills/experience and be original - employers receive hundres of applicaitons for jobs they have posted, you need to make yours shine through! 

Cover Letter Basics

·        A cover letter is used to show how your skills and experience match what the employer is looking for; to highlight your strengths and abilities

·        Use terms/phrases taken directly out of the job posting to show your skills/experience, for example, if the job posting states “We are looking for someone with exceptional customer service skills” – use this wording in your cover letter

·        It should not be more than a few paragraphs long – we’re not writing a book here

·        The header on your cover letter should match the header on your resume

·        Try and find out who your cover letter should be addressed to (the person who will receive it)

·        Make sure you sign your letter!

Standard Cover Letter format

Heading (Your Name, Address, Telephone, Email and any social networking addresses you would like to add) – should match your resume’s heading

Date

Receiver's Name

Company Name

Address

Fax

Email

Subject: (Job Title or Job Number)

Dear ___________:

Introduction Paragraph:  should indicate how you learned about the position available

Main Paragraph:  You should summarize the skills, experience and qualifications that make you a good candidate for this position.  Make sure you look at it from the employers’ point of view; reference the job posting to include what the employer is looking for.  Include significant details that may make you stand out in the employers’ eyes.

Closing Paragraph: Thank the employer for taking the time to review your resume and show your interest in scheduling an interview to further discuss this position.  Add that you have enclosed (if mailing) or attached (if emailing/faxing) your resume for review.

Sincerely,

Your Name

Telephone Number

Some job postings will ask specifically for a cover letter, while others ask that you don’t send one.  Remember to always follow the employers’ instructions in the job posting. 

If you are emailing your cover letter/resume, you have two options for your cover letter:

1.  Create your cover letter directly in the body of the email or;

2.  Attach a MS Word document

Either way is typically fine with the employer (except for when they ask specifically how they would like you to send it).

Your job search is what you put into it - so make every application count!

~Sunny & Sassy

 

HELP ME with Cover Letters

Dear JobSOS:

I can’t seem to figure out how to write my cover letter properly.  I draw a blank when I try to write one and it ends up making me frustrated!  What is the simplest way to write one?

Help Me with Cover Letters!

Dear Help Me:

Sunny:  We hear this complaint all the time and cover letters can be very difficult to write.  I think this is because it’s hard to know exactly what the employer is looking for, and you don’t want to write too much or too little – so it can be hard to determine what exactly should go in your cover letter.  The body of the letter seems to be the most difficult.  You may want to try and pull out the most important items from the job posting and then compare your skills/experience and think about how you meet the requirements of the employer.  The cover letter should draw attention to your resume but not repeat everything that is in your resume.

Sassy:  It’s pretty straight forward; you read the job posting and write about how you have the skills, experience, and educational background the employer is looking for.  Think of examples from past employment where you have used the skills that the employer is looking for. 

 

For example: 

“I have excellent customer service skills and extensive experience in the Hospitality industry. This is demonstrated from my long-term employment with Browns Social House where I exceeded sales targets and received positive feedback from customers on a regular basis.”

Pretend that you are the employer when you read through your cover letter and make changes as you see fit.  Would YOU hire you?

Sunny:  Exactly!  If you read it like you’re the hiring manager, you will find mistakes easier and be able to add things that you would want to see.  Of course, as I mentioned above, use the job posting as a reference.