Matthew asks: It seems that companies are still hung up on insisting that resumes be sent in Word format. Even worse are the proprietary job sites that won't let you do anything but paste it in text format which then corresponds to fields they've chosen - this has the unexpected consequence of coddling prospective employees by forcing them into a 'rubric' that keeps the chronology and skill set, but otherwise strips all context from their profile. While of course the simple facts of a person's job history is important, whether you can format a document properly or present your professional history without omitting important details is important too. I have taken to submitting in PDF by default when there is no clarification one way or the other. I will only send in Word if they explicitly say so, and I'm honestly less inclined to even apply for jobs that only look at the fields that they have set up. What do you think? I understand the need to have a standard set of data fields to sort through lots of candidates, but other than the basics, the resume as a form of presentation is also important. I can't tell you how many times I noticed resumes for prospective new hires that were in Word format but were very badly formatted. The result was often a fairly ugly, cumbersome document that probably looked fine on their home computer - but PDF's eliminate that potential altogether. I know some will argue that PDF's are not always easy to create for free - but that is rapidly changing, and if MS Office has the capability and most online web office suites do, then that's about as mainstream as it can get. Maybe the job sites can build an applet within their site that allows you to convert as you submit? I'm curious to hear what people think, especially HR staff and recruiters.
In Answer:
From a technology and preservation of information view point, PDF has much to offer. But, your resume is about selling you, and if you make it more difficult for the Recruiter or HR person reviewing for the position, then they will reject you.
- Some posts ask for specific information. The fact you were asked to submit that and made it more difficult to include that information by using PDF is a problem
- Your CV/Resume may be perfect, but the Recruiter doesn't want to send it out in their non-house format, with your contact details on so that they miss out on their billable fee
- OCR is not yet perfect technology!
Our inhouse management system has an OCR, but its five times as quick to process a candidates details when the information is in WORD over PDF.
Its your CV/Resume, selling you - so think about the person buying you as well. Good Luck!
Monday, 23 June 2008
Saturday, 21 June 2008
Candidates - leaving positions out....
Carol asks: I am applying for a post in a bank, and am finding it difficult to keep my CV/Resume short, particularly as financial institutions always do a complete background check. For example, 2 years ago I was unemployed during 2 months and during that time I had a "to-fill-in-the-gap" role of 1 month orgazining events. I never put it on my CV, but if I apply for a role in a bank, they will want me to prove/fully disclose. If I leave that post out, will it be considered I lied on my resume?
In Answer:
A resume is a marketing not a legal document. You do not have to list everything you have ever done on it. If you are concerned about not listing any job on your resume, change the heading to "Relevant Professional Experience" where you list your jobs. A one month gap on your resume will not keep you from getting a job, where as a 3month+ might
However, a job application (which you sign) is a legal document. Depending how it is written, it may ask for all experience. In that case, you MUST fill out all the information. If they ask why you left out that job on the resume - you can then truthfully say you only listed "Relevant Professional Experience" on the resume - even your resume states that. If there is space on your resume, you can list other experiences at the end as additional professional experience.
It is important not to lie on a resume - but you are not lying if you use the word "relevant" on top. Good Luck!
In Answer:
A resume is a marketing not a legal document. You do not have to list everything you have ever done on it. If you are concerned about not listing any job on your resume, change the heading to "Relevant Professional Experience" where you list your jobs. A one month gap on your resume will not keep you from getting a job, where as a 3month+ might
However, a job application (which you sign) is a legal document. Depending how it is written, it may ask for all experience. In that case, you MUST fill out all the information. If they ask why you left out that job on the resume - you can then truthfully say you only listed "Relevant Professional Experience" on the resume - even your resume states that. If there is space on your resume, you can list other experiences at the end as additional professional experience.
It is important not to lie on a resume - but you are not lying if you use the word "relevant" on top. Good Luck!
Thursday, 19 June 2008
Freelance work in a CV - where?
Eric asks: Where should I put freelance work on my medical writing CV? Should I added to regular work experience or keep it in a seperate section? I usually engage in freelance work outside of my full time permanent position. But adding the freelance work to the chronological listing of my full time positions has caused confusion in the past. At first glance it looks like I jump around a great deal. Can you recommend a method of organizing my CV to avoid this issue?
In Answer:
Simply, if you miss out positions - be they temporary or permanent - then recruiters and HR people get suspicious: and that then means more questions and less chance of being hired.
Secondary to that, is then how you address those periods, to not make it look like you are a difficult employee. So hence in cases of freelance work, I list all freelance work as ONE position - and all the freelance assignments as projects or engagements under the one job. Where this goes in the resume depends on the rest of your job history. This eliminates showing you as a job-hopper - since your goal as a Freelance is to complete and finish each job.
If you have done part-time full employment alongside periods of temporary work outside of that, then position that as a separate piece of work. The issue you will then have to address is will you be dedicated to this piece of work? If you can address that in a CV/Resume, then expect a question on it at interview.
But number one remit of any CV/Resume is - don't lie, and don't leave gaps. Good Luck!
In Answer:
Simply, if you miss out positions - be they temporary or permanent - then recruiters and HR people get suspicious: and that then means more questions and less chance of being hired.
Secondary to that, is then how you address those periods, to not make it look like you are a difficult employee. So hence in cases of freelance work, I list all freelance work as ONE position - and all the freelance assignments as projects or engagements under the one job. Where this goes in the resume depends on the rest of your job history. This eliminates showing you as a job-hopper - since your goal as a Freelance is to complete and finish each job.
If you have done part-time full employment alongside periods of temporary work outside of that, then position that as a separate piece of work. The issue you will then have to address is will you be dedicated to this piece of work? If you can address that in a CV/Resume, then expect a question on it at interview.
But number one remit of any CV/Resume is - don't lie, and don't leave gaps. Good Luck!
Tuesday, 17 June 2008
Cover Letters
Mohamed Asks: What are the most important 3 things that you need to cover in a cover letter? which ones you should absolutely avoid?
In Answer:
Write your cover letter as if you are responding to employer's questions - make it as easy as possible for them to read and to invite you in for an interview by:
1. Stating where you found position listing, and what position is of interest (they want to know how advertising is working)
2. Briefly framing your understanding of position (employers often have multiple position requisitions open at a time) and how you fit the job (how your skills fit within the context of the position)
3. State why you are interested in the company/position/industry in a way that adds value. Employers want a high yield rate of interviews to offers--showing that position is aligned with your goals and interests, and that you are familiar with the company can only help. (It's true that not all employers read cover letters, but do you want to take that risk?)
Things You Should "Absolutely Avoid"
1. Restating your resume (especially since you'll be including it, anyway). The cover letter should highlight your fit for the position, not serve as a second summary of all your skills and interests. (Again, the key is to make it easy for your employer to read.)
2. Using language that you wouldn't use in everyday speech. I'm skeptical, for example, of using words such as "liase" or "ameliorate"
3. Saying the position is a perfect fit for you--wait until you learn more about the company and the nature of the position within the organization
4. Raise ANY red flags (relocation/salary/benefits requirements or demands/Why you left other job/Personal life issues -relations,housing, income, health/Religious, political, race, gender, sexual, financial, lifestyle beliefs, etc, etc, etc!!!)
5. Forget to include a call to action - ask for the interview.
A basic style should include:
Paragraph 1: State why you're writing the letter. (position you're applying for, and an overview of the contents of the rest of your letter)
Paragraph 2: Describe why you're qualified. (Give an overview of the highlights from your resume, and explain how these have prepared you for the job you're applying for.)
Paragraph 3: Provide supplemental information. (Make it interesting. Examples of topics- why you want the job, why you chose this career, your philosophy relating to that profession, how you would go about doing a certain aspect of the job, etc.)
Paragraph 4: Sum it all up. (Conclude, express your interest in an interview, thank them for their time and consideration.)
Job searching is a process of mutual selection - what appears great on paper may not be perfect in person. The interview will be a chance for you and the employer to assess a potential match; the goal of the cover letter and resume is to land you the interview.
In Answer:
Write your cover letter as if you are responding to employer's questions - make it as easy as possible for them to read and to invite you in for an interview by:
1. Stating where you found position listing, and what position is of interest (they want to know how advertising is working)
2. Briefly framing your understanding of position (employers often have multiple position requisitions open at a time) and how you fit the job (how your skills fit within the context of the position)
3. State why you are interested in the company/position/industry in a way that adds value. Employers want a high yield rate of interviews to offers--showing that position is aligned with your goals and interests, and that you are familiar with the company can only help. (It's true that not all employers read cover letters, but do you want to take that risk?)
Things You Should "Absolutely Avoid"
1. Restating your resume (especially since you'll be including it, anyway). The cover letter should highlight your fit for the position, not serve as a second summary of all your skills and interests. (Again, the key is to make it easy for your employer to read.)
2. Using language that you wouldn't use in everyday speech. I'm skeptical, for example, of using words such as "liase" or "ameliorate"
3. Saying the position is a perfect fit for you--wait until you learn more about the company and the nature of the position within the organization
4. Raise ANY red flags (relocation/salary/benefits requirements or demands/Why you left other job/Personal life issues -relations,housing, income, health/Religious, political, race, gender, sexual, financial, lifestyle beliefs, etc, etc, etc!!!)
5. Forget to include a call to action - ask for the interview.
A basic style should include:
Paragraph 1: State why you're writing the letter. (position you're applying for, and an overview of the contents of the rest of your letter)
Paragraph 2: Describe why you're qualified. (Give an overview of the highlights from your resume, and explain how these have prepared you for the job you're applying for.)
Paragraph 3: Provide supplemental information. (Make it interesting. Examples of topics- why you want the job, why you chose this career, your philosophy relating to that profession, how you would go about doing a certain aspect of the job, etc.)
Paragraph 4: Sum it all up. (Conclude, express your interest in an interview, thank them for their time and consideration.)
Job searching is a process of mutual selection - what appears great on paper may not be perfect in person. The interview will be a chance for you and the employer to assess a potential match; the goal of the cover letter and resume is to land you the interview.
Candidate: "Permission to submit" request from recruiters
Victor asks: A number of recruiters have approached me with a form to fill and asked permission to submit my credentials to their clients. On the other hand, there were some who simply told me that they would submit my credentials. Because they didn't ask my permission, should I assume that those recruiters didn't find me qualified enough?
In Answer:
The form is an admin tool, to: show to the recruiters client that you agreed to be submitted; and when you signed so shows who should get the major amount of the cake if you are employed/there is a dispute
Some agencies will use it internally for the purpose of making sure you agreed to be listed - they often pay their people bonuses for building their dBase of candidates!!!
And that brings up the second issue - the ethics and operations of the agency. Do you want your details sent in a pile of other CV/Resumes, just so the recruiter can bill for part of their fee - or do you want an agency that meets you and asks a few questions about your career goals?
A form is not always so bad, and once you understand the need for it can be a very good thing for experienced candidates looking for the right position. Good Luck!
In Answer:
The form is an admin tool, to: show to the recruiters client that you agreed to be submitted; and when you signed so shows who should get the major amount of the cake if you are employed/there is a dispute
Some agencies will use it internally for the purpose of making sure you agreed to be listed - they often pay their people bonuses for building their dBase of candidates!!!
And that brings up the second issue - the ethics and operations of the agency. Do you want your details sent in a pile of other CV/Resumes, just so the recruiter can bill for part of their fee - or do you want an agency that meets you and asks a few questions about your career goals?
A form is not always so bad, and once you understand the need for it can be a very good thing for experienced candidates looking for the right position. Good Luck!
Patents in CV/Resume - how?
Brent asks: I've recently learned that a patent filed several years ago while working for a previous employer has finally been assigned a number (United States Patent 7305709) . How do you list a patent belonging to an employer with you as a co-author on your resume?
In Answer:
You can list it in two ways...
(1) As an accomplishment under a specific job
(2) Under its own heading for PATENT - using one of the styles (such as Chicago Manual of Style or APA - depending on your field) to list it properly
It does not matter that it was assigned to another company - most patents are and it is generally assumed to be that.
In Answer:
You can list it in two ways...
(1) As an accomplishment under a specific job
(2) Under its own heading for PATENT - using one of the styles (such as Chicago Manual of Style or APA - depending on your field) to list it properly
It does not matter that it was assigned to another company - most patents are and it is generally assumed to be that.
Is there a preference for two page resumes over three page resumes?
Troy asks: Like many people in the workforce, I've accumulated many titles and accomplishments over the years. As a result, my current resume is about 2 1/2 pages. At one point it was 3 full pages but I editted it to 2 1/2 pages. I don't know how I could get the resume to 2 pages without dramatically diluting my work history and qualifications summary. Is there strong opinion that 2 page resumes are significantly better than 3 page resumes? I'm assuming that the quality, format, and content are the not the issue here...just the length.
In Answer:
Simply - LESS IS MORE (relevant!) While I can appreciate candidates looking to keep all their skills and accomplishments, too much information allows the viewer to get distracted and lost within the resume. Keep in mind that a resume is only a quick summary of a candidates skillset, not a novel. 1-2 pages is plenty of information to offer. Rule of thumb, go back 10 years, or 3 positions ago only. If you need to delete information to make it shorter, then choose positions that aren't as relevant to getting your next job. I guarantee that if you shorten a resume to 1-2 pages, and streamline the information, you'll get more activity.
Presently, you are thinking about the CV/Resume representing you - so you are thinking how can I compress all that I have got down to 2pages? In actual fact, the CV/Resume sells you to the Recruiter/HR person for an interview - nothing more, nothing less, no greater. Only a call centre operative ever got a job thanks to a great CV/Resume - and even then they were telephone interviewed. No one will employ on the back of a CV/Resume - but they will interview
Now, accepting that - think about it from the Recruiter/HR person's point of view. I got a place that needs filling, and I have a pile of CV/Resume's - which one 's are you going to put in the call pile, and which in the thank you letter pile? Right, the one's which answer the questions and needs posed in the original advert! Are you actually going to on first review go past page1, and read all about the fact the applicant likes boating and wine, and 10years ago did something inside a company in the Mid-West: ah, nope!
Here's another thought: a 2page CV/Resume plus a cover letter is three pages - adding another page is four pages, and as they won't read past page1 of the resume on first past, what's the point of adding it? If you have to send in a 3page CV/Resume, write a great 1page cover letter which addresses all the skills and experience requirements in the advert, and makes you stand out - then they won't even read your CV/Resume, they will call you - the whole purpose of sending in a response.
I know this can get confusing, and I know this can get annoying, and I know this can hurt at a very personal level. But, all the CV/Resume does is get you an interview - a career portfolio is a whole different story, and should be taken personally: but both require honesty and accuracy.
If I can help you in any way, drop me a message - and Good Luck!
In Answer:
Simply - LESS IS MORE (relevant!) While I can appreciate candidates looking to keep all their skills and accomplishments, too much information allows the viewer to get distracted and lost within the resume. Keep in mind that a resume is only a quick summary of a candidates skillset, not a novel. 1-2 pages is plenty of information to offer. Rule of thumb, go back 10 years, or 3 positions ago only. If you need to delete information to make it shorter, then choose positions that aren't as relevant to getting your next job. I guarantee that if you shorten a resume to 1-2 pages, and streamline the information, you'll get more activity.
Presently, you are thinking about the CV/Resume representing you - so you are thinking how can I compress all that I have got down to 2pages? In actual fact, the CV/Resume sells you to the Recruiter/HR person for an interview - nothing more, nothing less, no greater. Only a call centre operative ever got a job thanks to a great CV/Resume - and even then they were telephone interviewed. No one will employ on the back of a CV/Resume - but they will interview
Now, accepting that - think about it from the Recruiter/HR person's point of view. I got a place that needs filling, and I have a pile of CV/Resume's - which one 's are you going to put in the call pile, and which in the thank you letter pile? Right, the one's which answer the questions and needs posed in the original advert! Are you actually going to on first review go past page1, and read all about the fact the applicant likes boating and wine, and 10years ago did something inside a company in the Mid-West: ah, nope!
Here's another thought: a 2page CV/Resume plus a cover letter is three pages - adding another page is four pages, and as they won't read past page1 of the resume on first past, what's the point of adding it? If you have to send in a 3page CV/Resume, write a great 1page cover letter which addresses all the skills and experience requirements in the advert, and makes you stand out - then they won't even read your CV/Resume, they will call you - the whole purpose of sending in a response.
I know this can get confusing, and I know this can get annoying, and I know this can hurt at a very personal level. But, all the CV/Resume does is get you an interview - a career portfolio is a whole different story, and should be taken personally: but both require honesty and accuracy.
If I can help you in any way, drop me a message - and Good Luck!
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