Core Strengths = Competitive Advantage

I tell all my clients that they should seriously consider a core strengths/competencies section. A professional resume writer can create a dynamic and powerful core strengths section based on the best industry specific keywords for your career goal. However, if you choose to go it on your own here are a few pointers to remember.

1. Keep it short. No more than 1 or 2 words for each bullet point. Putting three or more words crowds the section and looses the effect.

2. Choose the right words. You want industry specific keywords for the job you are TARGETING not necessarily the positions you've performed. Obviously you do not want to lie on your resume but if you dig deep enough you can find hidden gems which leads me to my next point.

3. Research, research, research. Look for similarities between what you've done and what you want to do. If you want to do the same thing then you're all set, just choose the best keywords for the position you're pursuing but if you are career changing think about those words and skills that are transferable but still powerful and relevant to the position you want.

Choosing the right keywords, skills, and strengths to put in your core competencies section will catch the reader's eye and also that computer software program that is scanning your resume. Double bonus = competitive advantage.

Thinking to yourself you do not even know what a core strengths section looks like or where to begin to write one? That is why there a professional resume writers.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jessica_M_Holbrook

Q: What one thing is ten times more likely to get your resume more attention from hiring managers and recruiters?

A: Accomplishments!

Allow me to explain. When I review a resume I'm thinking what can this person do for my company? Do they have the results to back up the experience? Are they the right candidate for the position?

The best way to communicate this to a potential employer is through accomplishment and contribution-based resumes. Duties and responsibilities are great but accomplishments and contributions are way better.

Don't sell yourself short either. If you're not in sales and you don't have hard numbers that is ok, not every profession will. When I sit down with a client to put together a resume I basically interview them, just as if I was interviewing them for the job they're trying to get. I like to know their whole history at their previous employers not just what is on their current resume. I can find out a lot more about a client that way and better relate this information on their resume. It is amazing to me how many people don't know what to say or how to say it on their resume. When trying to think about accomplishments to place on your resume start with these three questions:

1. Name three things you are most proud of in your career.
2. What do you feel are your biggest strengths, name three.
3. What makes you unique, why should this employer hire you over another qualified candidate?

Okay now take the answers to those questions and find a great way to incorporate them into your resume. Not quite sure how to do that, or to articulate what your answers are? Maybe it's time to hire a professional resume writer.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jessica_M_Holbrook

Next to 'do I really need a cover letter', is the other most popular question 'how long should my resume be?'. I probably get it just as much as the cover letter question. The answer isn't a standard one it is more along the lines of 'It depends'. There are different standards for different situations. Here is a general guideline to follow:

Entry-level: one to two pages at most.
Professional: one to two pages at most.
Executive: two pages
Federal/KSA: one to two pages for the resume and one to two pages for the KSA document.

If you'll notice a resume should NEVER be three pages. It is hard enough to get a recruiter to read 1-2 pages never mind adding a third. A resume should be concise, not too wordy but not too short. There is a fine line between detailed statements and too much information. What you have to do is tell the reader the most information in the least amount of words.

There are of course exceptions to the rule for example; a third page would be okay to include if you are in Sales and it is a brag sheet with your accomplishments and awards only, or if you are in Academics/Science/Medical fields and have been published and the third sheet is a list of all your publications or abstracts.

Only in these rare circumstances should your resume exceed the two page limit. And no, your resume does not have to be only 1 page. I have lots of clients who worry about this, but if you're a professional with more than 5 years experience you need a little room to tell the hiring manager about your background and expertise. Consider two pages the standard across the board and adjust as needed.



Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jessica_M_Holbrook