What Format should you submit your Resume in?

During a recent training 'clinic' with a professional association student group, I was asked to explain the different formats resumes can prepared in.  I mentioned ASCII or Plain Text and got a rather blank and vacant look from some in the audience...

The 3 standard formats that each resume should be saved in, are as follows:

Word (doc/docx) - This format is one of the most recognised and companies will often ask for your resume/cover letter to be submitted in.  

Portable Document Format (PDF) - more and more people are using this format as it is perceived that it can't be edited by the end user/recipient.  

ASCII/Plain Text - is rarely used by people, but one that most resume parsing/applicant tracking system/HRIS really like, because it does not have all the hidden code Word (or similar application) documents generates.  

Why, you might ask should you create a Plain Text version?  It removes all the pretty formatting, borders, indents, paragraphing, etc...!  Simple - for no other reason than 'You want the best chance to be selected by the computer program for viewing by a human!'  

Some Resume/Application On Line Submission programs will provide you with text box in which to copy and paste your resume and cover letter, and also the additional ability to attach a word or pdf version.  If you have already 'Save As...' your resume in Plain Text then you can make sure it is laid out nicely with word wrap set up special characters removed (Copy and Paste will save it exactly as you want it, not how the computer thinks you do).

Check out this link from Dummies.Com as an alternative to using your word-processing program, on creating a ASCII/Plain Text resume.

Photo Credit: Ask_Yahoo_Questions

Shut The Front Door! - You use LinkedIn to network!

What do we have here?

A wonderful feature of the paid LinkedIn account is 'InMail', this is an internal messaging/mail service that lets you reach-out and communicate with individuals without having to go through the embarrassing process of 'sending a meaningful and informative connect request', getting accepted [or rejected] and then sending a message to explain more....

Notice I used the word 'COMMUNICATE'  and not 'connect'.  Whilst many individuals view LinkedIn as a social media tool used exclusively by and for recruiters, it is first and foremost a 'NETWORKING' tool!

Now most people can and do operate a free LinkedIn account, therefore you don't have access to the 'InMail' tool, but what you do have is the ability to connect via 2nd or 3rd level connections, utilize these by developing a positive and value proposition reason for your connection to communicate with the target person.

A highly reputable and strongly opinionated 'Professional in the Recruitment World' added a comment to one of my recent pinterest 'pins' stating - " LI isn't a social media site. It's a job board/resume database with a Q/A section."  I have heard it said by others that they don't like LinkedIn because they are being contacted by 'recruiters', Yep that is right, Recruiters are quite prevalent on LinkedIn and do reach out to people who they feel will add value to their network - that is how they [Recruiters/HR/Sales/etc... can help find [source] potential candidates/business leads to meet their clients needs/requirements in the present and future.

Are You Prepared for Connecting and Networking?

Job Seeker and Business Developer (Sales Person to the un-initiated!) are in the same boat when it comes to preparing for a networking event.  Preparation is key, so can you answer the following questions - confidently and concisely?

Who are YOU?

What do YOU have to offer?

Why should they consider YOU above others?

How will YOU help relieve their PAIN?

Simple instructions for you to follow, that may just help make the event positive: 

1.     Figure out which companies, career paths, and specific positions would be a good fit for you. When you network for a job, you should be able to go to your contacts with a clear picture of your strengths and goals.

2.     Call your networking contact and set up a time to meet. Give your contact a quick summary of your background, the kind of job you are looking for, and what you can offer your networking contact.

3.     Be flexible in your scheduling. Try to work around your networking contact's schedule.

4.     Remember that networking is not the same as a job interview. Ask your networking contact for information and advice, not an interview with your contact's company.

5.     Ask your networking contact for referrals to other professionals who might be useful in your job search.

6.     Before a networking phone call or meeting, write down your questions.

7.     Bring a copy of your resume to any networking meetings and ask your contact for suggestions to improve it.

8.     Follow up all networking calls or meetings with a written thank-you letter.


9. Start at #1 above

Preparation is 80% of the battle, the remaining 20% is perspiration.  Go enjoy connecting and networking

Guilty - now prove you are innocent! - The effect of SOPA & PIPA

Having just watched the Ted Talk video of Clay Shirky explaining [in understandable terms] why the SOPA and PIPA laws being pushed by the US Congress are really really bad for the WORLD.

Clay Schirk - Ted Talks - SOPA/PIPA is bad!

These laws have the great potential to harm many industries [oh yes and individuals] who use the internet and social media for the livelihoods.  Just imagine, you are a Career Strategist or Recruiter or Job Seeker or Other person - and you 'share' information with someone else to benefit or help them, lets say - promotional video of yourself or a company and someone does not like that you have shared the video - You are guilty and can get blacked out, along with the ISP you use and your account could go 'black' [taken off-line] - until such time as you prove that you are innocent [hope you have a lot of money and patience for that].

I would strongly recommend everyone set aside 15 minutes to watch and listen to Clay's explanation and then pass the word around friends, family, colleagues, etc...where ever you live. Because if SOPA and /or PIPA [or any other iteration] get through then:

Read before your submit that resume/cv....

Today is Blue Monday - it is apparently the most depressing day of the year.  This is because people realize that; they have just received larger than expected Post Christmas Bills, the New Years Resolution has gone the way of others and traditionally this day is the darkest day weather wise [cold, damp snowy, blaa, etc...].

I can now add another reason why it is Blue Monday for the Job Seeker / Career Changer / Recruiter / Hiring Manager:

 TIME WASTING

We all know how valuable time is during our working day, and Job Seekers / Career Changers [in general] appear to practicing and perfecting the art of 'Time Wasting' to an increased level these days...HOW?

By submitting Applications/Resumes/CV's for position titles that they like or feel they can do, without actually reading and learning about the role, duties, minimum requirements and what the company does!

Just because you 'like' the job title or had something similar in the past does not mean you can or must apply for  this one - STOP before you press submit, send or apply now.  To prevent 'Blue Monday' [or any other day of the week] read through all the information provided, including checking out the companies website/business profile. then answer the following questions honestly:

1. Do I meet the minimum criteria [education/experience/background]?
2. Do I have the skills [actual or transferable] required?
3. Do I offer them [the company] added value?
4. Does my Resume/CV reflect all of the above?

If you can answer 'YES' to ALL of the above, then OK maybe you are not wasting time, but if you answer 'NO or MAYBE' to any of them - STOP do not submit, send or apply.

'stop wasting time' image courtesy of Tyler Shields

My record this year [2012] that is only 16 days old, is 8 submissions from the same person for 8 completely different positions, all because some had 'Developer' in the job title - including one that was for a Sales role [Business Developer].  Feeling generous, I phoned the individual and asked the 4 questions above and got 4 'No's' and I asked one other question - Why did you apply for the positions? Answer - I am looking for a job and think I could do them with training, education, and given a chance; result = FAIL.  I suspect my advice has fallen on deaf ears with this one due to the individuals parting comment - "I am applying for anything and everything - something might work"

Oh Blue Monday indeed!  Now dare I check my email to see....

Top Social Media Tools to use [carefully] in a Job Search!

Using the list of reasons to use Social Media provided by Lilach Bullock in her blog on Social-Able of Top 10 Reasons to use Social Media I thought it would be a good starting point for job seekers or career transition people; so, from Lilach’s reason list we have:

Reason To Use Social Media

1. Build relationships
2. Network with like-minded people
3. Drive traffic to our website(s)
4. Sell our service/products
5. Show our expertise
6. Get support & motivation
7. Organise & promote events
8. Integrate with other websites
9. An alternative to a website
10. Monitor your brand awareness

Some of the Tools to utilize to support the ‘Reason’

1)      LinkedIn, Google+, Quora, Facebook, Twitter, Plaxo, Gist, Blog, Vizualize.Me, 

Slideshare, Box.Net, BranchOut, Hootsuite, Bit.ly, goo.gl, Mirror.Me, BeKnown

2)      LinkedIn, Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Quora, BeKnown, Gist, Plaxo, Ning, Xing, RSS, 

Hootsuite, Tweetdeck, Bit.ly, goo.gl

3)      About.Me, Skillpages, Twitter, RSS, Prezi, Tumblr

4)      LinkedIn, About. Me, Facebook, Twitter, Indeed, Social-Hire, Wordle, Tumblr, Bit.ly, 

Goo.gl

5)      LinkedIn (Groups, Answers), Google+, 

Blog. Slideshare, Skillpages, Talent.Me, 

Quora, Prezi, Tumblr, Mirror.Me

6)      Facebook, Google+, Twitter, Quora, 

Blog

7)      Eventbrite, LinkedIn, Facebook, 

Google+, Plancast, Twitter, Box.Net, Bit.ly, 

goo.gl

8)      Google+, Twitter, Box Net, RSS, Dropbox, Box.Net, Slideshare

9)      Blog, Google, About.Me, Tumblr

10)    Google Alerts, iGoogle, Hootsuite, Tweetdeck

The list is by no means complete, new and/or improved ones are appearing.  If you know of others and would like to share them – with your thoughts – please do.

2 Important Areas often neglected on your #IN profile

Procrastination is my biggest enemy!  I have been 'going to write about this!' for the past couple of weeks.  And finally I got a kick up the backside by a question from LinkedIn on Job Search and Confidentiality

There are 2 key areas [sections] of your LinkedIn profile that need attention and should be as current as possible;

Firstly: Contact [First Name] for:

When you first create a basic profile on LinkedIn this one area that is paid attention too once and then forgotten about.  Big mistake, depending what you allow to be visible here, will determine how LinkedIn allows others to connect/contact you.   If you are 'confidentially' seeking another opportunity then make sure you un-check 'Career opportunities' and even consider un-checking 'Consulting offers':

Secondly: Add Skills:
If you have not already done so, Add the section: Skills to your profile - this section is searchable and can be used to enhance your 'find-ability':

You can add up to 50 'Skills' - so utilize and maximize this section.

If you haven't added this section to your profile yet - DO IT NOW!!!

How too:  Log-in to your LinkedIn Acct, from the Top menu bar chose Profile - Edit Profile, scroll down until you see NEW Add sections - click on the + symbol on the right

then scroll down until you find Skills, select it then click 'Add to profile' - 

Don't be like me a procrastinate - do it now whilst it is still fresh in your mind. :)