4 Reason Why Ever Job-Seeker Needs Several Resume Versions

Here at N. Liten Resume Services we pride ourselves in providing our clients with not only resume services, but tips and consulting to help them reach their career goals. In today’s economy looking for a job in itself can be considered a full-time job. Searching through online job forms, researching careers and updating our resume. The process alone can be overwhelming and tedious. During this process, you might think having one resume can do the trick to help you land a job.

However, this is not always the case having multiple versions of your resume can help you get your foot in the door faster. Tailoring each resume for every specific industry or career field is imperative in the job-hunting process. Here are four scenarios in which having various resumes varieties can help you land a job.

1. Same Industry, New Position – If you’ve worked as a high school science teacher for years, but are looking to teach the Scientific Method to elementary school kids, you’ll need to revamp your resume. While you can highlight your overall achievements as a teacher, you’ll need to exemplify why you’d be the best applicant to teach to a whole new demographic.

2. Same Industry, Various Positions – In this scenario you’ve been job searching for a while, you can start to get desperate. That desperation can cause you to apply for any old job in your industry, regardless of experience. Having a resume that caters to numerous jobs within your career field not only shows your adaptability, but also makes you a more capable candidate than you would be if you sent out a resume that wasn’t really a match. Make sure to highlight your experience, but don’t skimp on your skills that are transferable in the industry.

3. Completely New Career Field – In this scenario your previous position you were a supervisor at grocery store, but that isn’t going to transfer when you’re applying to become a new organization’s social media coordinator. Highlight the exact skills and work experiences that make you a fit for the new job. Then, build new skills and experience by volunteering, interning, freelancing, or taking on a part-time role.

4. New Industry, New Position – Let’s just say you’ve always been a teacher for most of your professional career. However, you’ve always been interested in marketing and want to switch careers. In this scenario, you’re applying for a completely different position in a brand-new field, previous work experience doesn’t matter as much. Thus, you can emphasize all your free time outside of your current position to start working and studying for a new career in marketing. Therefore, customizing your resume will allow you to make the necessary changes needed for your new industry.

Job seekers have to be creative when looking for a job. Depending on what type of job you’re looking for, customizing your resume to shine a light on the strengths you already possess will make you the perfect candidate for the position.

Do you have different resume versions? If so, how many? Let us know in the comments section below!

 

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8 Ways You Can Use Social Media To Find A Job

Over the last decade social media platforms have played a key role in finding employment. According to a recent study, 92 percent of businesses use social media in the hiring process, and 45 percent of Fortune 500 companies include links to their social media accounts in their career portals.

Therefore, it is critical that job seekers have their personal accounts up to date, with professional head shots, relevant keywords, and links to recent work samples. Since the invention of social media hiring managers often times screen candidate’s social media platforms before inviting them to an interview. Thus, making sure your profiles are free of any inappropriate text or photos is imperative. Here are eight tips any job seeker can utilize to take full advantage of social media.

1. As a media professional, your social media accounts should be held to at a higher standard.
2. Remove any content that bad-mouths previous companies. Make sure all communication is error-free.
3. Delete comments on race, gender or religion that could be considered discriminatory.
4. Only share content that highlights your accomplishments and qualifications in a positive way.
5. Make sure your job titles and work experience are consistent on all social platforms.
6. Be engaged and post relevant messages about your industry on Twitter and LinkedIn.
7. Follow your favorite employers on various social media platforms so you can network and make potential connections for future employment.
8. Build social goodwill by answering questions and sharing knowledge on Facebook and Twitter. Employers will be impressed with your outreach.

Maren Hogan, CEO of Red Branch Media, said social media is a golden opportunity to give employers a snapshot of who you really are. “A blend of social and professional profiles that both exemplify and promote your work… is the best way to get a hiring manager to sit up and pay attention,” she said.

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7 Tips For Jobseekers to Seal the Deal on your Next Interview

Here at N Liten Resume Services we pride ourselves in not only helping our clients with cover letters and resumes. We also provide career counseling to better prepare our clients on their job search and eventually interview. According to studies employers only request an interview from the top 2%” of candidates. Thus, making it imperative to have a great interview once you get the invitation. Here are seven tips that will help any job seekers on their next interview

1. Conduct Research on the Employer – One of the keys to success in a job interview starts with having a solid groundwork of knowledge already attained before the interview. Having an understanding of the company, the requirements of the job, and the background of the person (or people) interviewing you. The more research you do the better prepared you will be for any question the interviewer might ask. A great place to start your research is on the organization’s website and other available materials, search engines, research tools, and ask questions about the company in your network of contacts.

 

2. Review Common Interview Questions & Prepare Your Responses – This is an important step in preparing for an interview. First, you can research similar question that might be asked for the specific field you’re interviewing for. The main goal is to be well prepared for any question that the hiring manger might ask and be able to give concise responses to said questions. However, there is no need to memorize responses (in fact, it’s best not to), but do develop talking points.

 

3. Dress for Success – The popular saying “you look good you play good” does not only apply to sports, but in the work environment. When it comes to interviewing, a cardinal rule is to dress business causal unless the employer informs you otherwise. Plan out a wardrobe that fits the organization and its culture, striving for the most professional appearance you can accomplish. Remember that it’s always better to be overdressed than under.

4. Arrive on Time, Relaxed and Prepared for the Interview – Arriving on time to an interview is a must in today’s competitive job market. Unless extreme emergency arriving late is never a good way to portray yourself to a hopefully soon to be employer. Strive to arrive about 15 minutes before your scheduled interview to complete additional paperwork and allow yourself time to get settled. The day before the interview look up directions to your interview to ensure you arrive on time and are able to avoid road work, traffic or accidents.

5. Make Good First Impressions – The first impression you make on an employer is key factor whether or not you get the job or not. A cardinal rule of interviewing is to be well-mannered and offer warm greetings to everyone you meet. Make a strong first impression by greeting your interviewer, stand, smile, make eye contact, and offer a firm (not bone-crushing) handshake. Remember having a positive attitude and expressing eagerness for the job and employer are vital in the initial interview.

6. Ask Insightful Questions – This tip ties back into #1 and #2 on most interviews the hiring manger asks the majority of the questions. However, usually towards the end of the interview session the interviewer allows for the interviewee to ask any questions they might have. The best way to be prepared for this is to formulate questions to ask days before the interview, adding any additional queries that might arise from the interview. For example, you could ask “If hired what are the potential growth opportunities do you offer”?

7. Sell Yourself & then Close the Deal – Often times when it comes to the hiring process the most qualified candidate are not always the one who is hired. The applicant who is hired is usually the person who does the best job responding to interview questions. Showcasing his or her fit with the job, department, and company. The better you’re prepared for the interview increases your chances of being hired.

 

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7 Skills That Will Help You Land Your Dream Job With No Experience

In today’s highly competitive workforce finding our “dream job” can be changeling especially when we don’t have much experience in our field of choice. This issues faces many recent graduates and anyone looking for a career change. However, there is a huge misconception that you cannot get your dream career without having experience in that particular industry. Although, experience is important for any career field you can still get your dream career if you have other skills that a company holds valuable. Having these skills will show employers though you might not have experience, but you make up for it with being highly skilled. Here are 7 skills that can help you land the job of your dreams!

 

1. Excel Online – Understanding how to utilize Excel like a pro may not seem significant, but the truth of the matter is knowing MS Excel is a vital skill. That will most likely come in handy working in most industries. You’ll use it for many tasks such as creating spreadsheets and bookkeeping.

 

2. Learn a New Language – Being a master of English is great, but learning a second or third language can make you more marketable in the job market. Mastering another language gives you a competitive edge versus other candidates.

 

3. Coding – Knowing how to code HTML, CSS and Java can open brand new career opportunities, because almost any business that has an online computer systems need people to code their systems. Learning how to code is a skill anyone can learn but taking courses like Code Academy or Intro to Computer Science by EDX.

 

4. Public Speaking – This skill is transferable to any industry you might find yourself in. Having this skill will help you make better presentations, reports, pitches and conduct better meetings.

 

5. Writing – No matter what career field we enter having the ability to write, edit and understand information cannot be underestimated. Even if our job doesn’t directly have us utilizing writing we will always end up writing emails or filling out reports. Thankfully, the great thig about writing is the more you write the better you will become. Also, there are excellent writing courses out there to help improve your skills.

 

6. Mathematics – Mathematics is a dynamic skill that is necessary in just about every career. Having the ability to understand math whether its high school algebra or college-level calculus the skill will automatically make you more marketable.

 

7. Internet Marketing – With the boom of social media and every business trying to capitalize on the reach it gains. Having an understanding of SEO, long-trail keywords and B2C marketing can come in handy in your job search.

 

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New Year Means New Resume Event

As we enter into a New Year many of us have been asked by friends or family members “What’s your plans for the New Year”. Some of us may say we want to start a new workout plan, eat a healthier diet or looking to start a new career. No matter what career path we’re on having an unprofessional resume and cover letter can derail the chances of landing our dream job or a promotion on our current job. With an unprofessional resume, it can drastically underrepresented your skills to potential employers.

New Year Means New Resume Event

This Saturday on January 14^th at 10 am – 11 am at the Brooklyn Public Library N.Liten Resume Services will be holding our first event of the Year “New Year Means New Resume Event”.  Where will give out free resume consultation, PDF interview coaching book, 1 year Newsletter subscription to N.Liten Services and LinkedIn profile update. This event is free and welcome to all who are ready to get back to work or transitioning from one job to another. However, in order to receive the FREE giveaways, you must RSVP!

Here are three reasons why attending the New Year Means New Resume Event will benefit anyone in attendance.

1. Our tailored 1-on-1 approach allows us to create and customize a resume and cover letter to your respective work experience and professional profile. This allows for our resume specialist to carter to each individual person’s needs.

2. Unless you’ve been under a rock the recent state of the job market can be difficult to navigate if you don’t know the current hiring practices utilized by employers. By attending this event you’ll reap the benefits of writing professionals who understand industry trends, needs/wants of hiring managers and insider knowledge of current hiring practices.

3. Using a professional resume service will spotlight accomplishments with a fresh and unbiased eye. That will turn your resume and cover letter into something that’s personable and professional.

Whether you’re unemployed or looking for a career change our comprehensive and all-inclusive career services will help anyone enhance their chances of securing not just a job but a career. Let us help you not just find a job but career. Join us this Saturday January 14^th between 10 am – 11 am at the Brooklyn Public Library (Eastern Parkway Branch).

3 ways to structure your mixed work history

UNSURE HOW TO STRUCTURE YOUR MIXED CAREER?
3 WAYS TO FIX IT!

Questions on how to “package” or “structure” your resume from a mixed background come up all the time.  More surprisingly than not, people from all ages ask this specific question often.  There are several different ways to go about it.

First, you can’t just throw out all of your experience onto the resume, which is common.  So you need to understand where you are currently and identify what direction (career, position) you would like to move forward in.

Then once you have decided that next you need to incorporate that into a strong written profile summary on your resume/cover letter.  Then, in the body of the resume, filter out anything that doesn’t connect to the job you’re trying to get.

For example, one of my coaching clients worked for a real estate company, mostly “making sure tenants paid their rent on time,” but he wanted to be a financial analyst. “He really liked the financial analysis courses he took in college, and he excelled at them, including winning a couple of awards for projects he had worked on.  So I designed a resume around those projects and highlighted the roughly 20% of his real estate job that involved financial analysis.” The client got a financial analyst job.

It’s about reflecting where you are, identifying what direction you would like to go in and incorporating that into your resume.

Good Luck, and know that I am available via, phone, email or text to answer your questions in regards to  your career and resume.

I am Sha Von, your focus coach, ready to help y9ou focus your message for professional success!

If you need a bit of inspiration, you can visit our website at resumenlite.com, or call: 724.769.3785 to find out more ways on excelling your career to the next level through focused coaching. #nliten #titleup #focuscoach

 

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Have you hit a dead spot???

Do you think your resume is average or just ok?  Hvae you even thought about your resume??

Leaving your resume hanging to dry is probably not a good idea.  “Some tech pros update their résumés and profiles every time they learn a new skill or accomplish something notable; done often enough, it Becomes a habit,” states Dice staff.

There are a few instances when you can update your resume.

The obvious one: When you leave a job for another.

Two:  You learn a new skill

Three:  You finished a project

The point of a resume is citing your accomplishments and giving the specifics: what you did, and how you did it.

“In today’s job market, with lay-offs and downsizing, being unemployed for a few months is typical. If you’ve been job-hunting longer than three months, try to find a volunteer, part-time or temporary position within your field. Register with a temp agency—an employer may have a short-term project requiring additional staff, but would rather not hire full-time or permanent engineers [who also have to be paid benefits],”  advises Lisa Dickter, associate director for Career Consultants Carnegie Mellon’s Career and Professional Development Center, Pittsburgh, PA.

Stay up to date with trending information about resumes and industry highlights.  Don’t let time get away from you, use these helpful hints in the post to manage your resume for that next position.

 

 

Resume Mistakes…

1) Delete meaningless and silly words:

Your resume is filled with words like “passionate,” “driven,” “results-oriented,” “team-player,” etc:

• It’s tempting to fill up your resume with “confidence inspiring” words, but doing so will only hurt your resume. Even if you have a significant amount of relevant experience, populating your resume with words like “passionate, “driven,” or “results-oriented” will only serve to dilute and pollute it.
• Why? Those words don’t mean anything without context.
• Generally speaking, people are using these words to put lipstick on a pig. Your resume should be direct and to the point. As with all good writing, it’s important to “show, not tell.” If your resume is simply “telling” the hiring manager that you’re passionate, driven, and results-oriented, that literally means nothing to them.

Solution: Delete these words wherever you see them, and replace them with actual job duties and accomplishments:

Suggestion 1: Instead of telling the hiring manager that you’re “passionate,” give them an example of a project that you spearheaded to increase company profits — that kind of information relays your passion much more clearly.

Suggestion 2: Instead of telling the hiring manager that you’re “driven,” give an example of how you went above and beyond the call of duty complete a project or support another teammate.

Resume tips…

Ready for that next career but you haven’t used your resume in a while???   Here are some tips to help ensure your resume comes out looking its best.  Make the first impression the best one with a professional resume.

Tip 1:  Think hard before writing a two-page resume

If you have a lot of experience and skills that take up that much space, then go for it.  But if you can share the same story with less space, then go for that too!

Tip 2:  Keep you best at the top.

Place your best experiences and skills at the top of your resume.  When employers are looking over your resume they can view your best qualities during the first few seconds of reading.

Tip 3:  Only show relevant experience

You should only show the most recent years of your career history and include skills that are relevant to which you are applying.

Tip 4:  Don’t list graduation dates

Employers care more about if you graduated not the actual date.  Also, if you graduated with honors then definitely specify that.

Tip 5:  A lot of job-hopping? State why…

If you have had a lot of jobs within a year or two, have a designated section off to the side of the employer stating the reason why you left the employer.  For instance, “Business closed” or “Relocated to new city.”  That way there are no gray areas or room for question and doubt.

These are just a few tips that you can use when touching up your resume or creating a new one.  I hope you have enjoyed this read.  If you have, please share some of your thoughts in what could make a professional resume stand out.  Stay tuned for more.

-END

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We have over 5 years experience in resume building and we have references, just ask!!

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