job-hoppers-haven

Resume Optimization

Optimization is only possible if you know search engine logic or SEL.  SEL is complex and if you want to read more about it there is a great BLOG dedicated to SEO (search engine optimization).  SEL is based on key word relevancy, frequency and placement.  Monster and Careerbuilder and Jobster use similar SEL.  I suggest this spring during the hot economy you update your resume with the latest SEL techniques.  I touched on this topic in "be found in 2.5 steps". 

SEL:

1. Create an on-line resume and name it your ideal job title. 

2. On the first line of your resume list your ideal job title(s) using a comma to separate multiple job titles

3. Create an "objective" and mention your ideal job title(s) as often as possible

4. Read my article "a powerful resume in 4.5 steps" and cut & paste that resume experience hereafter with one exception.  If your job titles are strange and don't sound like "normal" job titles CHANGE them to resemble your ideal job title or close to it.  I am not suggesting you lie or substantially change your resume.  I am encouraging you to make your resume marketable and appealing to a hiring manager.

5. After each job create a tag list to include the industry you worked in, clients served, software used and job titles you held.  Repeat this for each job.

6. Create another tag list at the bottom of your resume listing the industries you have worked, job titles held, ideal job titles you desire, and software systems you worked with.

If this sounds redundant, it is supposed to be!  SEL resumes are for the internet and only the internet.

Be found in 2.5 steps

Well spring is in the air and I still haven't found a reliable lawnmower repair shop.  I have a "reel" mover for my Bermuda lawn.  Did you know a shop can charge up to $100 or more to sharpen the blades?  I have to admit a well groomed lawn stands out.  It gets noticed.  It makes me feel good.  Getting your resume to stand out is easy, too.  And it won't cost you 100 clams. 

Tip ONE:  Edit your resume more often.  Change a word, add a sentence or delete a phrase.  I really doesn't matter so long as you change something.  Click save.  That's all it takes to get noticed.  Your resume leap frogs over all the other resumes and is first in line waiting to be searched.  I use this trick for job postings, too. 

Tip TWO: Get your resume searched more often using tags.  The search engine used by Career Builder and Monster (and others for sure) create an index. Create a resume title that is your ideal job title. If you want a controller job don't post it under the  name of updated resume #3 or Jan's on-line resume.  Further more, use the word controller 5+ times in your resume.  I recommend a heading entitled "Keywords" and I list appropriate job titles, softwares, certifications and other search-able criteria.  It is OK to be redundant.  You want to be found by the search engine.

Tip 2.5: Create a linkedin account.  I have written about this on the BLOG.  If you haven't created an account and invited me to join what are you waiting for?

Sample Resume

Please read how to create your own resume here in 4.5 steps

Managerial Example ONE: Download sample_resume.doc

Executive Example TWO: Download example_resume.pdf

A powerful resume in 4.5 steps

I'll never forget "Nick" Nick was about 36 years old and was laid off from an internet esolution company.  He had never looked for a job in his life.  He was recruited out of The University of Georgia to join Arthur Andersen, a national public accounting firm,  to work in the audit and assurance practice specializing in high-tech clients and start-ups.  Accountants during the .Com boom could land a six figure job if they had a C.P.A. and wanted to roll the "career dice " on a start-up.  Nick had an entrepreneurial streak in him and decided to make the plunge. He went to work for a client.  It was great fun at first.  But after 9-11 he lost his job and his underwater stock options in 2001.  He bounced around for a few years looking for another quick-hitter.  The last five years of his career had been rough.  He was faced with another job search.  All of his contacts were in technology.  He wanted a new career path.  He wanted stability.  But his resume was anything but stable.  One of his friends at work recommended he meet with a recruiter for help.   

Nick had to create a resume for just the second time in his life.  The first resume was prepared by a career guide at UGA.  He presented me the resume rather sheepishly and said "Can you please review this resume and give me any advice you can."  Nick was a sharp, well educated CPA who was task oriented and results driven.  He lacked a marketing flair.  He didn't easily promote himself or his accomplishments.  He preferred to be understated.  He didn't want any fluff on his resume...and I agree.  You shouldn't need fluff.  But you do need SIZZLE.  This is what I told Nick.   

I want you to create a resume that SIZZLES and tells a story of progression, accomplishments and skill.  Follow my 4.5 plan and you will be on your way to resume immortality (...well more interviews for sure).   

Step ONE: Sell your current company to the world.  That's right.  Market your company.  Unless you work for Coke or Delta Airlines, many companies need promoting.  What is cool about your employer?  Here are some guidelines to include in your company description: annual revenues, clientele, industry, awards, is it US based or international, where is the HQ, how many employees and most important, what is the product or service?

Step TWO: Follow the same exact process to describe your department.  Who are your internal & external customers, what size budge do you manage, how much information flows through your department (like annual revenues in step one, this helps describe how fast-paced or dynamic your department is), how many employees are in the group, and most important what is the goal or mission statement of your department? 

Step THREE: Think of every business situation, challenge, obstacle, problem, hurdle and political turmoil and dysfunctional situation YOU were directly OR indirectly involved with and describe what you did to make the situation better.  That is it.  What did you make, save, achieve, change, improve, correct, coach, teach, tweak, inspire, to make your department and or company faster, more efficient, more profitable, more customer-centric?  These facts comprise your accomplishments.

Step FOUR: Repeat steps one and two for every job on your resume.

Step FOUR and HALF: Send me your resume because that powerful resume you will BLOW away your competition.  I guarantee it. If you have trouble conveying your thoughts call a professional resume builder.  I am interviewing many of the resume experts now and when I find one I can endorse I will post a link here for you.