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#JobSearch : Gaps in Employment? Here’s What to do on your Resume & LinkedIn. An Employment Gap isn’t a Death Sentence. A MUst REad!

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The last couple of years have seen an unprecedented number of individuals unemployed. This has led to a greater amount of grace given to those with gaps in employment on their resumes and LinkedIn profiles. Whether you have a gap due to the Covid pandemic, or another reason, such as taken time off to raise a family, care for a sick family member, or seek further education, employment gaps are more and more common these days.

If you are now ready to re-enter the workforce and trying to address this glaring gap, don’t fear. Here are some ways to speak to this time and still find the job you desire.

Don’t Ever Lie About Unemployment

It is commonly understood that employers aren’t thrilled when they see an employment gap on a resume, but how you address it can make the matter better or worse. Regardless of the reason for the time difference between jobs, you always have to be honest when asked a question about it. A potential employer will see right through you if you fabricate a story about the gap, and it could cost you the job. The motto, “Honesty is the best policy” is true in this case. Be honest with the employer about the reason for the time off, but focus on what you learned that will benefit THEM! Speak to how this will make you a better employee and performer.

 

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Best Daily Choice: Follow the Best of FSC Career Articles/Blogs @

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Question: Want the ‘the best/current articles/blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type(#Jobsearch, #Resume, or #Networking) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, LLc (FSC) is celebrating over 30 years in the delivery of corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 of our corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, UK, & Mexico!  

We here at FSC want to thank each of corporate partners in the opportunity in serving & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment !

Article continued …

If Possible, Fill the Gaps

If you hire an executive resume writer, they are experienced in ideas to downplay a gap in employment, without exactly hiding it. However, a gap is a gap! If you are faced with unemployment, make use of the time so you can justify it when you do have to seek employment again. Consider taking classes online, obtaining further education, such as certifications or licensing. Find freelance or temporary work—even volunteering is a great way to fill in the gap. Being able to show a potential employer what you did during a gap, other than binge watching the latest season of X, will speak to your initiative to continuing growing and learning.

 

Make Quality Connections And Demonstrate Your Expertise

During a time of unemployment, it’s the perfect time to work on your network and make new, quality connections, as well. Create a schedule to reach out to your current network daily, and make a decision to connect with a certain number of new connections each week. You can also research companies you would like to work for, once you do re-enter the job market. This is also the time to refresh your LinkedIn profile. Take the time to review other’s profiles who have similar positions to ones you are interested in. See what types of skills they have, certifications, etc. This will give you something to work toward so you are ready when it’s time to go back to work.

An employment gap isn’t a death sentence. Be proactive about how to use the time to effectively to prepare you for the time you want to work again.

FSC Career Blog Author:  Ms. Erin Kennedy, MCD, CMRW, CPRW, CERW, CEMC, is a Certified Professional Resume Writer/Career Consultant, and the President of Professional Resume Services, named one of Forbes “Top 100 Career Websites”. Considered an influencer, she is consistently listed as a “Top Career Expert to Follow” on Twitter and LinkedIn.

 

FSC Career Blog – January 6, 2022

 

#JobSearch : How to Target Your Resume Get Noticed. Your Tactic of Sending Out Hundreds of Resumes to Various Companies Rarely Works!

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If your job search plan includes blindly sending out hundreds of resumes to various companies…don’t waste your time. That tactic rarely works!! Companies can receive hundreds of applicants to any given job posting every single day, so they won’t waste their time reading a generic resume. Hiring managers can spot a generic resume a mile away or one written using an online template 😬.

When writing a professional resume today, targeting the specific company you’re submitting your resume to will help yours stand out. A hiring manager will notice and appreciate the homework you’ve done on the company, and they’ll take a closer look at the value you bring to the table.

Here are other ways your research of companies will pay off in your job search.

Tap Into The Hidden Job Market

When you have a list of a few companies you’d consider working for, do as much research on them as you possibly can before writing a professional resume. Follow them on social media to get to know what they stand for and any future plans they have. The hidden job market simply means jobs aren’t posted online or anywhere else.

Candidates may find out about these jobs at networking events or through other connections. Once you’ve researched the companies of interest, tap into this hidden job market by reaching out to current employees to understand what challenges they face and what value you bring to the table. This is where LinkedIn can be a great resource. Look for connections you may have to people that work there. Ask for your network to make an introduction. This is how it works, folks!!

 

Like this Article?  Share It!    You now can easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 2.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

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Twitter: Follow us @ firstsunllc

Best Daily Choice: Follow the Best of FSC Career Articles/Blogs @

https://twitter.com/search?q=bestoffscblog&src=typeahead_click

Question: Want the ‘the best/current articles/blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type(#Jobsearch, #Resume, or #Networking) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, LLc (FSC) is celebrating over 30 years in the delivery of corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 of our corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, UK, & Mexico!  

We here at FSC want to thank each of corporate partners in the opportunity in serving & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment !

 

Article continued …

Identify The Company’s Challenges

One key to writing resumes that get you hired is identifying the company’s specific challenges, so you can offer a solution. After connecting with a decision-maker at the company, find out what unique challenges they have. If you have addressed any of these in your past employment, include this in your resume and/or cover letter. If you have done it in the past, you will be able to repeat it in the future. Be sure to include both hard and soft skills when you create your resume, pointing to how well you would fit into the company culture and handle day-to-day tasks.

 

Differentiate Yourself By Offering Unique Value

Any executive resume writing expert will stress the importance of differentiating yourself. One of the best ways to do so is by talking to other higher-level employees at the specific companies you’re targeting. Take note of what they say works well in their organization, as well as what they are working on to improve. Incorporate a mix of those points when writing a professional resume will help yours stand out among the rest.

Professional Resume Services is here to point you in the right direction when it comes to executive resume writing. We take the time to ensure every word on your resume matters, and will go to great lengths to help your resume stand out. If you’re in need of help getting started with researching companies, writing your resume, preparing for an interview or any other step in the job search process, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at any time.

 

FSC Career Blog Author:  Erin Kennedy, MCD, CMRW, CPRW, CERW, CEMC, is a Certified Professional Resume Writer/Career Consultant, and the President of Professional Resume Services, named one of Forbes “Top 100 Career Websites”. Considered an influencer, she is consistently listed as a “Top Career Expert to Follow” on Twitter and LinkedIn.

 

FSC Career Blog – December 9, 2021

 

#JobSearch : Crafting an Executive Resume that Leads to Interviews. Here are Some of the Basic Tips for Writing Resumes that Get you Hired. MUst REad!

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There’s no single secret to help executives create the perfect resume that will lead to an interview with every application. However, when you’ve incorporated key components within your resume, the chances of landing an interview increase exponentially. The best executive resume writers will keep their resumes as clear and concise as possible, only offer information relevant to the job itself and will never have any errors.

Here are some of the basic tips for writing resumes that get you hired.

Make Your Resume Targeted

One of the best ways to create a resume that leads to interviews is to target the specific employer. This will not only grab the attention of the reader immediately, but it will also show you’ve done your homework and are legitimately interested in the company. Research companies and identify their needs. Then include information about how you have addressed those needs in the past. This will show a potential employer that you can do this in the future. Include statistics and numbers of successful achievements, pointing toward the fact that these are repeatable in a new organization.

Like this Article?  Share It!    You now can easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 2.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-g-laughter-b46389198/

Twitter: Follow us @ firstsunllc

Best Daily Choice: Follow the Best of FSC Career Articles/Blogs @

https://twitter.com/search?q=bestoffscblog&src=typeahead_click

Question: Want the ‘the best/current articles/blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type(#Jobsearch, #Resume, or #Networking) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, LLc (FSC) is celebrating over 30 years in the delivery of corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 of our corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, UK, & Mexico!  

We here at FSC want to thank each of corporate partners in the opportunity in serving & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment !

 

Article continued …

Stick With Providing Relevant Information Only

It’s tempting to put as much information on your resume as you can think of and hope the reader will pick and choose what they want to read. The truth is, if they see irrelevant information, they may stop reading the resume altogether. When you’re thinking about relevant information to include, think about the experiences you’ve had that could lead to success in the role you’re applying for. You may be proud of a certain accomplishment or certification you’ve earned in the past, but if the experience doesn’t translate to your potential new role, then it’s just wasting space on your resume.

 

Use Clear And Concise Wording And Formatting

Every professional resume writing service will highlight the importance of being as clear and concise as possible in every aspect of your resume. The length of your resume should be no more than about two pages, and the formatting should incorporate enough white space to make it easy to read. Bullet points are great to use, as they highlight important achievements and are impactful to the reader. Also use fonts and bold to draw the reader’s eye to what is most important. The good news is you don’t have to be an expert at tightening up your resume. You can put the relevant information in a document and rely on your professional resume writing service to clean it up for you.

 

Eliminate Grammatical Errors

You can never proofread your resume too much. It doesn’t matter how clear and concise your resume is, or if you are clearly the best candidate for the job from an experience perspective, grammatical errors can quickly get your resume thrown out. Your resume is the first opportunity to make an impression to a potential employer, but the chances of even getting a phone interview diminish quickly when there are glaring typographical errors on it.

 

Professional Resume Services wants to help you write resumes that get you hired. The end goal of every resume you write should be to ultimately get the job, but the first step is getting an interview. No matter what stage you’re at in your resume writing adventure, we can help whenever you need us. Never hesitate to contact us along your journey to finding the executive position you’ve always desired.

 

FSC Career Blog Author:  Erin Kennedy, MCD, CMRW, CPRW, CERW, CEMC, is a Certified Professional Resume Writer/Career Consultant, and the President of Professional Resume Services, named one of Forbes “Top 100 Career Websites”. Considered an influencer, she is consistently listed as a “Top Career Expert to Follow” on Twitter and LinkedIn.

 

FSC Career Blog – November 29, 2021

#YourCareer :Stay the Course-Daily Actions to Advance Your Career. As you Show Up each Day, here are Some to Consider.

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My dad and I used to talk about my work. We would discuss the challenges and successes of managing employees. I would ask for his advice and input on decisions. Often times, at the end of our talks, he would ask me, “Are they still giving you a paycheck?”, to which I would reply, “Yes.” He would then passionately say, “Then keep going back!” 😊

What he really meant by that was, keep putting in the work! Nothing comes easily, and hard work is just a part of it! Don’t expect a job to be easy. And the higher you move within the ranks, the more challenging it will become.

As you show up each day, there are actions you can that can aid in advancing your career. Here are some to consider:

 

Demonstrate Your Skills And Abilities

As an executive, you are likely involved in many different meetings at your job. If there’s a certain position you are striving to earn, then demonstrate your skills and abilities to handle the position even when you don’t have the position yet. This can include speaking up in meetings to show your competence and become recognized. Acting like you’re in the role you want can eventually lead to it becoming a reality.

 

Like this Article?  Share It!    You now can easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 2.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-g-laughter-b46389198/

Twitter: Follow us @ firstsunllc

Best Daily Choice: Follow the Best of FSC Career Articles/Blogs @

https://twitter.com/search?q=bestoffscblog&src=typeahead_click

Question: Want the ‘the best/current articles/blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type(#Jobsearch, #Resume, or #Networking) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, LLc (FSC) is celebrating over 30 years in the delivery of corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 of our corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, UK, & Mexico!  

We here at FSC want to thank each of corporate partners in the opportunity in serving & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment !

 

Article continued …

 

Be A Leader

Your executive profile may indicate leadership abilities, but you have to show those abilities on a daily basis. Be a mentor or coach for other employees in your organization. The more you help others, the more rewards and recognition will come your way. And you’ll likely feel more satisfaction since the entire company will benefit from your efforts.

 

Continue Your Education

The best resume writing service always suggests continuing your education or seeking professional development. Not only will these look great on a resume if you’re looking for a new job, but your current employer will also take notice. Taking different courses demonstrates your commitment and willingness to learn and take on new roles. If you’ve taken numerous courses and still aren’t getting where you want to be with your career, then it may be time to work on new resumes and cover letters for the position you want to apply for within a different company.

 

Never Only Do The Minimum

Doing only the minimum amount of work to get by every day won’t help advance your career. Going above and beyond the job description is one of the best ways to get noticed. Just be careful to not overstep boundaries with the wrong people. It never hurts to offer assistance or volunteer to take over a project though.

Professional Resume Services is known as the best resume writing service, but we believe we are more than that. We enjoy helping people find new jobs, as well as provide helpful tips on advancing their career. Whether you need assistance writing resumes and cover letters, or if you’re stuck in a current position and striving for a promotion, contact us to see how we can help you out.

 

FSC Career Blog Author:  Ms. Erin Kennedy, MCD, CMRW, CPRW, CERW, CEMC, is a Certified Professional Resume Writer/Career Consultant, and the President of Professional Resume Services, named one of Forbes “Top 100 Career Websites”. Considered an influencer, she is consistently listed as a “Top Career Expert to Follow” on Twitter and LinkedIn.

#JobSearch : 2021 Current Trends on Resume Length and Formats. Before you Write yours, REad this First!

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We are constantly asked questions about the right length for a resume or what are the current trends for resume formats. Executives who haven’t had to update their resume in a while have more questions than answers when it comes to formatting. The best executive resume formats change year-after-year, so it’s impossible to know how to craft one if you haven’t had to go on a job search in a while. Some of the same practices and concepts may still apply, but there are certain aspects you need to be aware of as well. Many executives find value in using a professional resume writing service to ensure they are up-to-date on the latest resume trends.

Here are some tips to consider regarding resume format and length.

Have More Than One Version

With technology today, you never know if a recruiter is going to look at your resume on their desktop computer or a mobile device. It’s important to have your resume formatted for easy reading on any device. It’s your choice whether your final version is in Word or PDF format, but it’s not a bad idea to have a copy of both. A professional resume writing service can help you make it clean and concise and compatible for viewing on all devices. Some experts suggest sending your resume as both a Word and PDF document, just in case the company uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS).

 

Like this Article?  Share It!    You now can easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 2.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-g-laughter-b46389198/

Twitter: Follow us @ firstsunllc

Best Daily Choice: Follow the Best of FSC Career Articles/Blogs @

https://twitter.com/search?q=bestoffscblog&src=typeahead_click

Question: Want the ‘the best/current articles/blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type(#Jobsearch, #Resume, or #Networking) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, LLc (FSC) is celebrating over 30 years in the delivery of corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 of our corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, UK, & Mexico!  

We here at FSC want to thank each of corporate partners in the opportunity in serving & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment !

Article continued …

White Space Versus Length

Length is always a question when writing resumes that get you hired. Executives have a little more flexibility than others, since most have an extensive list of experience. However, even though you may have a dozen pages worth of experience, it doesn’t mean your resume should be a dozen pages. Try to narrow it down to a couple of pages, if possible, while still including white space. No one wants to read a resume with blocks of text and very little white space. A professional resume writing service can help you combine certain points to make your resume more concise and still have enough white space to make it easy on the eyes.

Just remember NOT to use resume templates. Recruiters can spot these a mile away, and it is a sure way to get yours tossed. If you aren’t prepared to tackle writing your own resume, reach out to a professional resume writer who is experienced at writing for someone in your industry.

 

Keep it Clean & Concise

There is no standard when it comes to the best executive resume format. However, the one thing to always remember is to make yours as clean and concise as possible. A recruiter wants to pick up a resume and glance at it and do a quick overview before reading it in depth. If they have a hard time picking out key points because of big blocks or paragraphs of endless text, there’s a decent chance it will get tossed to the side without further consideration. Stick to a couple pages, include enough white space with a clean format, and you’ll improve the chances of getting noticed.

Just remember NOT to use resume templates. Recruiters can spot these a mile away, and it is a sure way to get yours tossed. If you aren’t prepared to tackle writing your own resume, reach out to a professional resume writer who is experienced at writing for someone in your industry.

 

FSC Career Blog Author:  Erin Kennedy, MCD, CMRW, CPRW, CERW, CEMC, is a Certified Professional Resume Writer/Career Consultant, and the President of Professional Resume Services, named one of Forbes “Top 100 Career Websites”. Considered an influencer, she is consistently listed as a “Top Career Expert to Follow” on Twitter and LinkedIn.

FSC Career Blog – August 30, 2021

#JobSearch : 5 Keys To Transforming Your Resume. There is No Reason you cannot Stand Out and Shine the Way we All Know you were Meant to!

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Whether or not this really is the summer of quitting, there’s no question many workers are thinking about leaving their jobs. Some supervisors have been adamant about remote workers returning. Not surprisingly, for plenty of their employees, this is a nonstarter. Even CEOs from companies like Apple and JPMorgan took a stand for returning to the office, and yet, workers who moved far from city centers during the pandemic have no interest in trading their larger houses for tiny apartments and higher living expenses once it’s over.

Other remote workers appreciate the flexibility and work-life balance of remote work. That’s one reason a found that almost 60% of workers would rather quit their jobs than quit working from home.

…Maybe you’re one of them. But you don’t have to be a remote worker or an aspiring one to need a résumé redo. Everyone from recent grads to seasoned vets should take the time to ensure that their resume is polished and professional and, most of all, that it stands out in the pile. Here’s how to do it.

Use the basics.

Far too often, people try to be different with their résumé— and I get it… It can be quite a bore for your resume to feel it’s just like everyone else’s. But usually ,the creativity falls flat — unless you’re applying to creative agencies— which is why you want to remember the basics:

  • Fonts: data shows that resumes with a font size smaller than 11 are more likely to get thrown in the trash. Not everyone’s eyes can handle the mini letters! Plus, the legibility of the actual font style matters— stick with Arial, Times New Roman, or any of the basics.
  • Margins: Don’t stretch your margins so big that the resume overwhelms the eye.
  • Results: Your resume is a document that highlights your results that are relevant to the position for which you’re applying. Don’t fill it with a full summary of everything you’ve ever done or everywhere you’ve ever worked.

 

Like this Article?  Share It!    You now can easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 2.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-g-laughter-b46389198/

Twitter: Follow us @ firstsunllc

Best Daily Choice: Follow the Best of FSC Career Articles/Blogs @

https://twitter.com/search?q=bestoffscblog&src=typeahead_click

Question: Want the ‘the best/current articles/blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type(#Jobsearch, #Resume, or #Networking) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, LLc (FSC) is celebrating over 30 years in the delivery of corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 of our corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, UK, & Mexico!  

We here at FSC want to thank each of corporate partners in the opportunity in serving & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment !

 

Article continued …

 

It’s About the How, Not the What

Too many résumés rely on long lists of things you did in each job, but these lists lack real texture and context! Don’t just list your experiences; describe them! The is an awesome way to ask yourself the same questions a hiring manager will. Describe the Situation, the Task at hand, and the Action you took. Then detail the Result.

In other words, don’t just write that you increased sales by 10% (though quantifiable results are great to share!). Give your results more context. For example, you could say that despite losing part of the sales team, you stepped up and incorporated new methods to drive performance, which resulted in the increase. The advantage to this method is that you convey that your techniques are portable—and hiring managers will be eager for you to recreate a similar approach in a new environment.

Get With The Times

If your goal is to land a remote job,. Start by adding the word “remote” or at the very least “partially remote” beside either your job title or location. If it represents a percentage of your total work, then say so. If your remote work concluded with a return to the office, then make sure to set apart the dates you worked from home. Don’t forget to add “remote-friendly” skills to the Skills section: Slack, Google Drive Suite, Teamwork, Zoom and Skype. Although most career sites list remote jobs, if your goal is full-time remote employment, you’ll want to focus on your attention on sites like, and.

Tailor It

In fact, your résumé should be updated for each new job application, precisely reflecting the job posting and earning a green “go” signal from the often-used applicant tracking software (ATS). In fact, around 70% of résumé submissions never get seen by an actual human. Instead they are discarded by ATS searches because the résumé Make sure to add these to your résumé before submitting. Expand on them in your cover letter.

Accept that Age is Often a Negative Number Click Delete

Yes, age discrimination is illegal, as well as many other forms of discrimination that still happen. Unfortunately, our always-on, online world makes it exceedingly easy to discriminate. A quick review of your LinkedIn or other social media postings means the hiring manager can exclude you without giving your résumé a second glance. In some industries, age discrimination is rampant. If you’re concerned by it, you should also consider removing the date you graduated from college

Click Delete

Trim away any positions from 10 to 15 years ago, and consider a new email address if your current one is not professional. Although you don’t want to copy templates, you should know current résumé formats. That means avoiding phrases like “references available upon request.” Make sure your Skills section is modern as well with Slack, Skype and Zoom skills included.

Right now, there are more jobs than there are applicants, and if you want a great job, take the time to prepare a résumé that reflects your best possible self. That’s the self that will soon be accepting an outstanding offer!

There is no reason you cannot stand out and shine the way we all know you were meant to!

Forbes.com Author:     Follow me on  or . Check out my .
Forbes.com – August 9, 2021

 

#JobSearch : Tips to Tailor Your Resume to the Role. Writing a Resume to ‘Cover All the Bases’ is a Great Way to get Passed for an Interview.

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I spoke to a client recently who wanted a resume to “cover all the bases.” In other words, it needed to be general enough in case he wasn’t the right fit for the position he was applying for, he may be considered for other open positions the company had. This is a great way to get passed over for an interview! And if your resume doesn’t have the right keywords an employer is looking for, it won’t make it past the automated applicant tracking system they may be using.

Tailoring each resume to the position you are applying for by matching it to the job description is the best way. You probably have heard from an executive resume service that it’s important to do so, but in what ways are you supposed to match them?

Here are some tips to consider when writing your resume.

 

Identify Keywords in The Job Description

It’s time to grab your old-school highlighter, print out a hard copy of the job description, and make every keyword you can find. These keywords should describe the particular candidate the employer is looking for, as well as the strengths and skills you possess. Once you identify them all, plug them into your resume as high on the page as possible. Include as many keywords as you can, but be careful not to stuff too many of them in to make it sound unnatural.

 

Like this Article?  Share It!    You now can easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 2.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-g-laughter-b46389198/

Twitter: Follow us @ firstsunllc

Best Daily Choice: Follow the Best of FSC Career Articles/Blogs @

https://twitter.com/search?q=bestoffscblog&src=typeahead_click

Question: Want the ‘the best/current articles/blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type(#Jobsearch, #Resume, or #Networking) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, LLc (FSC) is celebrating over 30 years in the delivery of corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 of our corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, UK, & Mexico!  

We here at FSC want to thank each of corporate partners in the opportunity in serving & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment !

Article continued …

 

Consider the Reader

When writing your resume, you have to think about it from the reader’s perspective. They are looking for specific keywords, but they are also thinking about the company’s pain points and seeking a candidate that can address those. When writing, it can be easy to focus on your past experiences and accomplishments, without giving thought to what may be relevant to the position you are applying for. They want to see how you have solved problems in the past that they may have or how you have added value. If you have done it for someone else, chances are you can do it again. They aren’t necessarily interested in anything else. By looking closely at the job description, the best professional resume writers can identify what’s appropriate to mention and what should be avoided.

 

Discover What You Truly Want From A Job

A common misconception about writing an effective resume is it should be more general instead of focused. The idea is the more general your resume is, the better your chances are of landing another open position, even if you don’t qualify for the one you really want. This can lead to a sloppy resume and an unfocused job search effort. Taking the time to truly discover what you want from a job, from a salary standpoint, cultural standpoint, work/life balance and more will help you target your resume.

When tailoring your resume to a specific role, be clear about your career goals, think through what the reader is looking for, and focus on the keywords the job description has mentioned. Do this with every position you apply for, tweaking your resume carefully to address each employer’s specific needs. This is the best way to showcase your specific skills for a specific role.

 

FSC Career Blog Author:  Erin Kennedy, MCD, CMRW, CPRW, CERW, CEMC, is a Certified Professional Resume Writer/Career Consultant, and the President of Professional Resume Services, named one of Forbes “Top 100 Career Websites”. Considered an influencer, she is consistently listed as a “Top Career Expert to Follow” on Twitter and LinkedIn.

 

FSC Career Blog – August 5, 2021

 

#JobSearch : 3 Secrets to Strengthen Your Resume. In Order to Make your Resume Stand Out, Here are Some Secrets to Strengthen It.

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No matter how strong you think your resume is, there’s always room for improvement. Even the top-rated resume writing services will write, proof and edit any given resume multiple times before it gets into the final form. Sometimes it only takes some minor tweaks, but other times a complete overhaul is necessary.

In order to make your resume stand out, here are some secrets to strengthen it.

 

Utilize Keywords Properly

Potential employers look for keywords at the top of every resume. When you’re writing a professional resume, it’s important to use unique keywords that stand out, rather than using general ones used by every other applicant. Instead of saying you are a “team player,” write about a specific project in which you were a team leader and had to collaborate with others in your organization. The exact keywords can come from either the job description or the industry you work in, but the focus should be specific and unique.

 

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Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type(#Jobsearch, #Resume, or #Networking) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, LLc (FSC) is celebrating over 30 years in the delivery of corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 of our corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, UK, & Mexico!  

We here at FSC want to thank each of corporate partners in the opportunity in serving & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment !

 

Article continued …

Balance The Design of Your Resume

The best executive resume format will stand out, but not go overboard. The perfect balance incorporates white space and not having big blocks of text. Your goal is for your reader to glance quickly at the resume and notice something different about it. Even a two-second pause is enough time to get the reader to think about reading more. Bullet points are also critical components when writing a professional resume, and it’s easy to incorporate them when you have more than two sentences in any given section.

 

Control Where Your Reader’s Eyes Go

The top-rated resume writing services you use will help you dictate what the reader actually looks at. The strongest resumes have two different parts to them, even though it’s just a single resume. Having a quick visual appeal when the reader glances at it is the first part. But then the content has to be interesting and relevant for the reader to continue reading – the second part. Using bold text, italics and underlining are easy ways to draw your reader’s attention to important points you want them to see. Without these small visual cues, the information you want them to see may get looked over without a second thought.

By incorporating these secrets into your resume, you’ll have a stronger and more engaging document for a potential employer to read.

 

FSC Career Blog Author: Erin Kennedy, MCD, CMRW, CPRW, CERW, CEMC, is a Certified Professional Resume Writer/Career Consultant, and the President of Professional Resume Services, named one of Forbes “Top 100 Career Websites”. Considered an influencer, she is consistently listed as a “Top Career Expert to Follow” on Twitter and LinkedIn.

 

FSC Career Blog – July 26, 2021

#JobSearch : Tips to Get Your Resume into Human Hands. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) can Eliminate your Resume Before Eyes Ever See it!!

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With the use of automation in today’s hiring processes, getting your executive resume into human hands through online portals can be virtually impossible. Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) can eliminate your resume before eyes ever see it!! Even though it is “easier” to submit your resume online, and takes much less effort, you may not get the outcome you want. The technology is in place to scan for certain keywords and keyword phrases in order to move through the hundreds of resumes submitted for a single position. Formatting plays a key part in ensuring the words are read and not bypassed.

To give yourself a fighting chance of getting your resume into human hands, here are some tips to consider:

Optimize Your Keywords

You probably know that keywords are essential in an effective resume. But which keywords should be used and how? Start with the job description. What words are you seeing multiple times? If you have these skills, use them in your resume. What about individuals who already perform this job? Use LinkedIn to read their profiles. What keywords do they possess? Once you have the list, incorporate these words into your resume, showing how you have used these skills in the past, and can use them to benefit the company in the future. This is the best chance you have at getting your executive resume through the automated keyword filter.

 

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Best Daily Choice: Follow the Best of FSC Career Articles/Blogs @

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Question: Want the ‘the best/current articles/blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type(#Jobsearch, #Resume, or #Networking) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, LLc (FSC) is celebrating over 30 years in the delivery of corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 of our corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, UK, & Mexico!  

We here at FSC want to thank each of corporate partners in the opportunity in serving & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment !

 

Article continued …

Seek Out Connections

Don’t rely only on technology. Sometimes we forget to utilize the connections that we have made. You can bypass technology completely and start speaking with your network. Begin talking with people in your industry about your desire for a change. You can do this through LinkedIn, email, or events. When you make connections with people in your industry, you may not even have to send in a resume online. You still have to focus on writing an effective resume, so don’t think your connection will guarantee you an interview. It’s just one of the best ways to get around the initial resume submission stage.

Be Short and Concise

No one wants to read a long resume. You have an average of six seconds to impress a recruiter or HR manager. The first thing an executive resume writer should do is look how to tighten up sentences and sections. Try to keep your resume to two pages or less, but the shorter the better.

Choose Your Approach Carefully

Whether you choose to submit your resume online or in person, following up with the company is important to know where you stand. Sometimes your resume is filtered out right away because of keywords, but sometimes it could have been lost in the shuffle. Without checking in periodically, you may never know. Just be careful not to follow-up too much to the point where you look desperate.

 

FSC Career Blog Author:  Erin Kennedy, MCD, CMRW, CPRW, CERW, CEMC, is a Certified Professional Resume Writer/Career Consultant, and the President of Professional Resume Services, named one of Forbes “Top 100 Career Websites”. Considered an influencer, she is consistently listed as a “Top Career Expert to Follow” on Twitter and LinkedIn

 

FSC Career Blog – June 22, 2021

 

#JobSearch : Recruiter And Application Tracking System(ATS) Expert Shares Resume Dos, Don’ts. How to Effectively Create your Resume to Get Through ATS.

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In the hiring process, 90% of large employers use an Applicant Tracking System where job candidates submit their resumes online when applying for positions. Many job hunters – whether they are 20-something or 50-something do not understand how the Applicant Tracking System works and certain myths have been passed around on the Internet that are not true. Tejal Wagadia is JobScan’s Career

Expert with a background in corporate recruiting who also writes a job search and career blog called coffee and tejal. She talked with me about the facts regarding resumes, ATS, and how recruiters and employers use it. Job Scan, she noted, is an online service that uses AI to review a resume and aid you in optimizing your resume as you apply to a specific ATS system.

What is an Applicant Tracking System?

ATS is a human resources software, that works as an online database or a digital filing cabinet and so a recruiter or hiring manager can go in and look at your resume, notes Wagadia. ATS is used by companies of all sizes to organize, search, and communicate with large groups of applicants, but it is significant to note that 99% of Fortune 500 use an ATS in their recruitment and hiring process. Companies often hire for multiple positions at once and receive hundreds if not thousands of applicants for each job opening. When a recruiter or hiring manager receives that many resumes, it’s not feasible for them to carefully read each one. ATS makes searching easier—or even automated—saving time and removing unqualified people.

When you apply through an ATS, you will most likely be asked to answer what are called “knockout questions”, stated Wagadia. Knockout questions can be in the style of checkboxes or short answer questions. Their purpose is to narrow the pool of applicants. Filters are used by the software to eliminate unqualified candidates often involving Education requirements, certifications, specific experience, or work authorizations. So, if you answer any of the knockout questions unsatisfactorily, the resume will either be flagged or auto-rejected by the ATS. If you answer the knockout questions correctly, your resume will make it through to the next stage.

 

Like this Article?  Share It!    You now can easily enjoy/follow/share Today our Award-Winning Articles/Blogs with Now Over 2.5 Million Growing Participates Worldwide in our various Social Media formats below:

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Twitter: Follow us @ firstsunllc

Best Daily Choice: Follow the Best of FSC Career Articles/Blogs @

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Question: Want the ‘the best/current articles/blogs on the web’ on Job Search, Resume, Advancing/Changing your Career, or simply Managing People?

Answer: Simply go to our FSC Career Blog below & Type(#Jobsearch, #Resume, or #Networking) in Blog Search:  https://www.firstsun.com/fsc-career-blog/

What Skill Sets Do You have to be ‘Sharpened’ ?

Did you know?  First Sun Consulting, LLc (FSC) is celebrating over 30 years in the delivery of corporate & individual outplacement services & programs to over 1200 of our corporate clients in the U.S., Canada, UK, & Mexico!  

We here at FSC want to thank each of corporate partners in the opportunity in serving & moving each of their transitioning employee(s) rapidly toward employment !

 

Article continued …

Recruiters and managers then select specific keywords to sort through and find appropriate candidates. These keywords are used in the job posting. They could be based on skills, location, or work experience needed.

“One major myth out there on the Internet about ATS is simply not true,” revealed Wagadia. “This online statistic is a myth: “75% of resumes are never seen human eyes as they are filtered out by the ATS.” In my experience and talking with other recruiters, this is not true. Your rejection is likely from a human being.” A resume writer simply made up this statistic and many resume writers repeated it and use it in their service ads and on their websites.

Here are her insights to lower your job search stress on how to effectively create your Resume to get through ATS.

MYTHS to Avoid. Wagadia noted that there are no tricks to beat the ATS. You need the experience, and qualifications because sooner or later in the review process a human looks at the resume and if you lack these you are instantly rejected. Here are her tips for improving your resume. Writing keywords in white on the resume inside margins does not work. Thinking more keywords the better is not effective either.

Customize the resume based on the job description. Look at the first 3-5 qualifications and 3-5 duties and ensure that you are using that verbiage on your resume. Add it if it is missing. Do this with each submitted resume for each job opportunity.

Avoid these mistakes. Don’t submit in a PDF format although the system may accept a PDF, it’s more effective to submit the resume as a Word doc. ATS cannot read headers, footers, text boxes, tables, columns, or color ink. Also, some job hunters rate their skills themselves on their resume but this another critical error. Use traditional fonts and spell out acronyms.

Only apply if you meet 75-80% of the qualifications. The company will eliminate you if you lack most of the key qualifications. But if you have most of the qualifications you can apply. For example, you have 5 years of experience and they ask for 7, you are close enough if you have all the other work experience asked for. What is essential is to determine if you have done this job and what have you accomplished on the job. If the answer is yes, apply.

Use a traditional standard format. Keep in mind that when a recruiter does look at your resume, it’s a pretty quick glance. Have your top accomplishments and best experience near the top. ATS wants your information in specified standard headings Education, Professional Experience, Technical Skills, Honors and Awards, etc., so do not get creative here in making up section heading titles.

Refine your job search to be more effective. Think QUALITY over QUANITY in terms of the application you make. Do not spend endless hours a week online filing dozens of applications. You must be fresh to customize that resume to use for your application. When one is done, walk away from the computer. 5-10 hours a week is the approximate amount of time you need to spend on identifying leads, customizing the resume, and applying. Also important to note that additional job search hours should be spent on Interviewing and the all-important networking tasks.

NETWORKING must be an essential part of your job search process. Assuming you are qualified for the job, look to find the recruiter on LinkedIn. Reach out to that person. Mention you are applying and very briefly outline your skills and ask for more info on the job. Another key step is to look for a connection working inside the company and reach out to them for more info about the company, job. You should also ask them to pass on your resume to HR or the appropriate recruiter or hiring manager as an internally referred resume ALWAYS gets looked at.

 

Forbes.com | May 25, 2021 |  Robin Ryan