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

So you've been asked to an Interview...Now What?

Over the next few days we are going to look at interviewing.  From pre-interview preparation to post-interview steps.


Follow these steps to ensure you are prepared for your interview!

Research, Research, Research!  If you haven’t already researched the company that you will be interviewing with, do that now!  It is highly important to be knowledgeable about the company, their values, their product, and even their hours of operation!  Have a look at their website, look them up on LinkedIn or Facebook and make sure that you write down a few questions to ask the employer at the interview!

Practice what you are going to say.  Even though when you get to the interview, you may be so nervous that you forget what you prepared; practicing what you are going to say will stick in your memory and pay off in the long run.  Ensure you have a powerful but natural “marketing statement” that tells the employer your greatest strengths and what you have to offer the company.  Develop a script using common interview questions and practice answering these questions in the mirror.  If you have a video camera, video record yourself practicing your interview questions.  Or, ask a friend to role-play with you.

Pick your outfit the day before!  Make sure you dress the part, this will give a good impression in addition to making you feel more confident!  If you are able to, you can visit the company prior to the interview and see the type of clothing other staff members are wearing (classic business, casual business, etc).  Make sure you try on what you are going to wear the night before and ensure it is clean, ironed and ready to go!  Ladies, ensure your hair is neat and tidy.  Gentleman, make sure you are clean shaven..or at least trimmed.


Plan ahead for the commute.  Make sure you know exactly where you are going and the driving/transit route so that you are not late for your interview!  Remember to take into consideration traffic or any construction happening as there may be delays. Arrange to arrive 10 minutes early.


Don't forget copies of your resume.  Make sure to bring along 2 copies of your resume and your reference list in an envelope.  Sometimes you may be interviewed by a panel, or the employer may have misplaced your interview.  You can also use your resume as a guide when discussing your experience and qualifications.

-Sunny & Sassy

What are your References Saying about You?

If you have been job searching and getting interviews but no calls saying “You’re Hired” – it may have something to do with your references!  

1.   Are you contacting your references to inform them you are job searching?

Make sure you contact all your references to let them know that you are actively job searching and that they may get a call from an employer.  Also, you need to make sure they are still willing to give you a reference.  When you get called in for an interview; contact your references to say that you will be going into an interview and they may get a call afterwards; this allows your reference to prepare and plan what they are going to say about you.  Ensure you let your reference(s) know the type of job that you will be interviewing for and the duties involved; that way your reference can give you an accurate reference relating to the job duties

2.   Are your references outdated and their contact information has changed?

Sometimes companies go out of business, resulting in lay-off or for a variety of other reasons your reference may be unavailable; if this happens be sure to ask for a written reference so that you can use this in the future in the event that an employer is unable to reach your reference via telephone/email.  If you have not spoken to your reference for a long period of time, you need to contact them to ensure they are still willing to be a reference and that their contact information is correct prior to giving them out as a reference 

3.   Have you asked permission from your references(s) prior to giving their names as a reference?

Ensure you ask the person you want to use as a reference to be a reference.  Talk to them about the types of things they will say about your work if someone calls them for a reference.  Never use someone as a reference without asking their permission first; you never know what they are going to say and its unprofessional to not discuss this with them first.

4.   Are you putting your references directly on your resume?

This is a big no-no.  Putting your references directly on your resume gives the employer that you are applying to, permission to contact the reference before they have had the chance to meet you!  By creating a Reference Sheet that you bring to the interview with you, you are able to provide the employer with references directly relating to the job you are applying for; and you will be able to contact your references prior to them being called to give them a head’s up

5.   Do you have bad references from your most recent job?

It is always beneficial to gain references from each company you work for.  Remember, even if you left your previous job on bad terms; you can always use a co-worker as a reference from that job, you don’t necessarily have to use a supervisor/manager.    A past co-worker can speak to the type of work you did your work ethic and your personal characteristics.  You don’t have to necessarily provide all your references to the employer when they ask; ensure you are giving them references to companies/contacts that will relate to the position you are applying for; that way the employer will gain knowledge about you that is related to what they will be hiring you for!

-Sunny & Sassy

©thejobsearchgirls

Full of Regret

Dear Job Search Girls:

I was recently quit from my job that I have been working at for several years.  The reason I quit was because I had asked for a raise that my employer did not agree with and after a lengthy argument I yelled at my boss and quit.  Looking back now, I have my regrets.  A friend reminded me that this employer is the only reference I have and that getting another job is going to be difficult without a reference!!  What do I do?  Do I apologize?  How do I know if my ex-boss will give me a good reference?

Signed, Full of Regret

Dear Full of Regret:

While this is a tough situation; there may be a way to patch things up with your ex-boss and still get a good reference from him.  I would start off my making an appointment to speak to your old boss in person and apologize for what happened.  Since you are feeling regret, I would imagine that maybe a part of the argument was unjustified.  Once you have apologized and worked things out, you can then ask your boss if they will still be a reference for you. Also, perhaps you can work things out enough to go back to your job!

From: Sunny

Sassy:  Wow, that is certainly a predicament you got yourself into, but it sounds like it was for good reason!  If you felt like you deserved a raise, well then you probably did and if your boss can't see the hard work you're doing than its better you quit anyways!  I would apologize, but don't ask for your job back - look for an employer where you will be treated properly!  Good Luck!

Sunny:  Sassy, if she wants her job back...that is ok too!  Let's try and focus on the reference part of the letter.  If the employer refuses to give you a reference then you could always ask a co-worker that knows the type of work you have done, and a good friend who can be a character reference.  Just because your boss and you had a falling out, doesn't mean you can't still get a good reference for the work that you have done.