Resume Experience- Tips Secrets & Samples

It's amazing what a well-written and nicely presented resume can do for your job search. Before you send yours out, follow this checklist to ensure you are sending out an excellent quality representation of yourself.

1. Grammar, spelling, punctuation - Use the grammar and spell check function, then print it out and read the document word for word. Spell checker doesn't know that you meant "manager" when you actually typed "manger."

2. Capitalization - Use a manual such as the Gregg Reference Manual if you do not know capitalization rules.

3. Punctuation - Check for proper use of commas and semi-colons. Again, if you are unsure, refer to the Gregg Reference Manual.

4. Run-on sentences - Check to make sure you do not have run-ons that are hard to read.

5. Consistency - You must be consistent with your number usage (dates, money, numbers), plurals, and abbreviations. For example, don't list one date as 8/2004 and then list another date as 3/15/2004. Also, be aware of listing software consistently (abbreviation use). MS Word and Microsoft Outlook are both correct, but not consistent.

6. Education section - When you have a degree, list only the year that you obtained your degree. When you list your dates, (i.e.: 9/1998 to 1/2002) many resume-scanning systems will not recognize that you obtained a degree, only that you attended college for a period of time.

7. Ampersands - Ampersands (&) do not belong on a resume. There are a few exceptions. One exception is a well-known company name (AT&T). Another exception is well-known industry terms (P&L).

8. Hyperlinks - All e-mail and web addresses that you list need to be deactivated in your resume. To do this in MS Word, highlight the link, go to the "Insert" drop down menu, scroll down to and click "Hyperlink", and on the lower left-had side of this screen there should be a little button that says "Remove link", when you find it, give it a little click and voila! Alternatively, you can highlight the link, right click on it, and scroll down to "remove link" to deactivate the link.

Applying for a new job comes with its fair share of rejections, setbacks, frustrations and perhaps even lonely periods of unemployment. If you've been turned down for position after position, you could be getting desperate and may want to shake things up a bit so that your résumé will stand out from the piles of others stacked quietly in HR. Before you decide to get too creative, there are some rules to résumé etiquette that you should follow. Read below for the 25 things that you should never include on a professional résumé.

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By HR World Editors

Over-40 Job Search Guide:
10 Strategies For Making Your Age An Advantage In Your Career

Review
A treasure chest that is packed with tips, samples of resumes, interview responses, and real-world examples. -- Daphne Moran, Information Technology Systems Specialist II, Columbia Basin College, Pasco, WA

A well-written, upbeat guide for over-40 workers. -- Mary Margaret Garrett, Chief, Workforce Development Division, Atlanta Regional Commission

Almost every chapter addresses the issue of change and how to manage different aspects of it. -- Kathryn Winston, Vocational Evaluator, Steuben Arc, Bath, NY

Gail Geary is a true career transition expert for the over-40 worker. -- L. Michelle Tullier, Ph.D., Senior Career Management Consultant-Right Management Consultants, Author, Networking for Job Search and Career Success

The "go to" book for the over-40 career search. The content is clear, contemporary, substantive, pithy, and pragmatic. -- Susan Boone MBA, MS, Psychotherapist, Speaker, and Writer

Product Description
The only career transition guide to exclusively provide workable solutions for the reemployment issues of over-40 year-old workers. The book shows readers how to present their age as an advantage to employers rather than a disadvantage. The book also boldly addresses midlife career transition issues by providing cutting-edge information, fresh strategies, and timely solutions. Captivating case studies from the author's extensive work with over-40 job seekers engage readers and arm them for the real world.

Key Features:

*Checklists and assessments for career guidance
*Tips on avoiding and overcoming age-discrimination and cultural-misfit stereotyping
*Steps to finding the 10 advantages of age in a career search
*Clues on how to avoid common interview mistakes
*Strategies for networking and Internet job searches
*Hints on whether to take the entrepreneur route
*Simple resumes for over-40 job seekers, and tips for creating "ageless" resumes
*Online and print resources for more help
*Strategies for dealing with the emotional and financial strains of looking for a job
*A chapter on finding a new career after retirement

Expert Resumes for People Returning to Work
(Expert Resumes)

5.0 out of 5 stars
Professional Coach review by someone who works with people making this transition, October 5, 2006

By Patrick D. Goonan "www.meaningful-life.us" (Pleasanton, CA)
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)

This review is from: Expert Resumes for People Returning to Work (Expert Resumes)

All of Wendy Enelow's books on resume writing are excellent. She is particularly good at providing examples of powerful resumes and illustrates the principles she talks about to grab an employer's attention.

This book is simply written, contains the most important information you need to know to do a good resume and an assortment of formats, different types of resumes, etc.

I have used this book with my clients and I highly recommend it for those that are returning to work. It is encouraging and shows you how to take your transferable skills and present them in the best possible light.

Also from Wendy S. Enelow:

Cover Letter Magic

Trade Secrets of Professional Resume Writers

www. Wendy S. Enelow .com

Expert Resumes

for Managers Professional And Executives

www. Wendy S. Enelow .com

Whenever you are venturing into threatening or new territory it is understandable to want some sort of guide, and for many people a sample resume or cover letter gives them some insight into standard resume cover letter format. This sample provides these users with a basic template to help them master the cover letter form. When used in this way, these samples can be very helpful to the job seeker.

There is a problem, however, when the job seeker does not use the sample as a way to learn the resume cover letter format and instead uses it as a guide to copy from directly. Though taking a resume cover letter format sample from the Internet or book and merely changing a couple of words may be appear like a quick and easy solution in the short term, in the long term it is liable to be less effective than simply writing your own cover letter.

Once you have mastered the basic resume cover letter format, you should have no problem at all creating your very own cover letter. This is a huge advantage over using the samples that can be found online or in books for several reasons.

What is So Important About Resume Cover Letter Format Mastery?
In the first place, a resume cover letter that you write yourself is going to be specifically tailored to the job you are applying for and the qualifications that you bring to it. And in resume cover letters, it is this sort of specificity that speaks to hiring managers and makes them want to offer interviews.

Second, a resume cover letter that you write on your own using standard resume cover letter format will have the added benefit of being original and fresh compared to the stale and overused form cover letters that thousand of other job seekers have tried to send in.

So what is the standard resume cover letter format? There are two parts to it. The first concerns the form, and the second concerns the content.

In terms of form, it is quite simple. Be professional.

It is Important to Look the Part
Your professional resume cover letter should be printed on white or ivory paper, without designs or fancy colors on it. The text should be in a standard font like Arial, courier or Times New Roman. The font should be a standard and professional size, like 12 points. The margins should be one inch and the all other business letter guidelines should be adhered to scrupulously. In general, the resume cover letter format that most Hiring Managers prefer is that the letter not be over one page in length, except in very special circumstances.

If the resume is being sent via email, the physical requirements are not applicable obviously. However, this only means that the content guidelines are even more important. It is worth noting that in general emailed resume cover letters should be even shorter than a written cover letter. So you will have to get your important points in there even faster.

The general rules of a resume cover letter format are based on the underlying goal of that cover letter. The purpose of a cover letter is threefold.

First, Get Some Attention
First, the cover letter should attract in a positive way the attention of the Hiring Manager or other reader of the letter. Second, the letter should convince the reader that the writer is the perfect solution to the business problem that the manager is trying to solve with the hire. And third, the cover letter needs to spur the reader to take the action of calling the letter writer in for a face to face or phone interview.

So what does this mean for the writer? The first part, get the attention in a positive way means, for starters, that the letter would be addressed and directed to the right person, by name, with all the contact information correctly spelled.

Though this sounds so elementary, you would be surprised how many candidates believe that they can merely put "to whom it may concern" onto the letter and expect it to be convincing to the reader. If this is something that you believe, I invite you to recall how effective those letters that you receive at home addressed to "Resident" are in convincing you to buy the product that thy sell. Exactly.

Another part of getting the attention in a positive way is to start the letter strong with the sort of opening sentence that announces what the letter is offering and makes the reader want to learn more. Though each master cover letter crafter has his or her own formula for this kind of opening line, I am of the opinion that you cannot go wrong with a headline in bold caps that says something like EXPERIENCED RECRUITING MANAGER AVAILABLE IMMEDIATELY.

Now, Use the Attention
Once the attention had been commanded, you must use it do accomplish the second part of the winning resume cover letter format. That is to convince the Hiring Manager that you are the best solution to the most pressing business problem that he or she faces. Whether you have really thought of it in these terms or not, all jobs from janitor to CEO are created to solve a specific business problem that the business faces. Whether it is keeping a floor clean or setting a strategy that will lead to future marketplace success the person who can most convincingly demonstrate that he or she can solve that problem will be the one to get the job.

Consequently, that is the tack that your resume cover letter format should take. You need to show the reader clearly and directly that you understand the nature and specific details of the type of business problem that he or she faces. Then you need to show that you are capable of solving that problem in the most efficient and cost effective manner possible. To make this case you are free to use any of the elements of your personality and education and interests. The most convincing elements, however, are most likely to be drawn from your experience. If you can show and convince the reader that you have solved that type of problem before, either for your current employer or for a previous one, you are going to be more convincing than simply telling the hiring manager that you could solve the problem if given the chance.

Businesses are averse to risk in most areas, and hiring is one of the places that they do not like to make bets and take chances. When they need a business problem solved they do not have the luxury of wasting their time or money on someone the is incapable of solving that a problem. As a result they are most likely to give it to someone that they do not have to wonder if they are capable of the job. Proving that you have already done that job many many times is the best way to make sure that you are that someone

It is All About the Love, Baby
Once you have proven you can do the job and have done the job the second part of this task is to convince the reader that you love to do your job. Everyone loves to work with someone that is enthusiastic, and managers look for that factor in each and every hire they make. So it is a good idea to add a sentence or two that states how you enjoy the challenge of your job and that you find it extremely satisfying.

If you have done your job well, the manager should be thinking to themselves that this is the perfect person for the position. They should be wondering where they can contact this person and how to take the process forward another step.

Finally, Get What You Came For
That brings us to the third and final part of the resume cover letter format guide: Getting the reader to take the next step. Nine times out of ten that is to call or email the candidate and to set up a pone or in person interview. Once again, this sounds elementary, but the writer should never assume that the reader knows that this is what they are supposed to do. In all cases, the letter writer should come out and ask, clearly and directly, for the interview and give the contact information one more time.

Something like "I look forward to sharing my enthusiasm with you in person. Please give me a call at 555-877-9876 to set up a chance to talk" should do the trick.

Once you have written the cover letter, it is time to take a step away from it for a while. Often when you spend too long on a piece of writing you get to where you are not able to edit it anymore. So leave it one your compute for a couple of hours and come back to it with fresh eyes. When you do so, print it up and read it out loud to see if it sounds clear and simple and flowing. Many times people try to use big words and fancy sentences in hopes of impressing a reader. Nothing could be more counterproductive. If the letter does not sound natural, then it will lose effectiveness.

"Instant" Cover Letters - "In just 3 minutes you will have an amazing cover letter guaranteed to triple your job interview requests in 30 days or less. Cut through YOUR competition like a hot knife through butter." Visit our friends at Amazing Cover Letters for your "instant" cover letter today.

Your First Resume

Resume Catalog:
200 Damn Good Examples

Competency-Based Resumes:
How To Bring Your Resume To The Top Of The Pile

101 Best Resumes:
Endorsed by the Professional Association of Resume Writers

more resume and career books here...

Tips for Using MySpace for Job Searching

Pimp My Interview on Myspace

In a recent survey, CollegeGrad.com, found that 47% of college grad job seekers who use social networking sites such as MySpace and Facebook have either already changed or plan to change the content of their pages as a result of their job search.

Should I post my resume on MySpace?

* Don't put up anything you'd be embarrassed to have your your new employer (or family) might find (they might be online too!).

* Will you want to read what is on your MySpace profile 10 or more years down the road? Later in life your proile will still be available...even your children could read it in the future

* Consider the perception your profile will make when it is read by a headhunter or the HR department

* Discretion is best when considering to post on Myspace or not...if in doubt....leave it out!

Top Notch Executive Resumes:
Creating Flawless Resumes for Managers, Executives, and CEOs

Highlights of the Book:

A huge collection of executive resume samples in cutting-edge formats, organized by profession for easy navigability.

Examples of a wide variety of complementary documents -- including leadership profiles and executive bios --
that top-level professionals need to round out their executive portfolios.

Special additional features, including the preferences and peeves of hiring decision-makers, guidelines for working with recruiters, frequently asked questions, and case studies detailing complete job-search marketing campaigns.

Chapter Seven: Resume and Cover Letter Samples for Aspiring Executives

Resumes and Cover Letters for Executives in Sales, Marketing, Business Development, and Public Relations

Resume for Senior Corporate Sales Representative

Resume for Sales Manager

Text Resume for Sales Manager

Resume for Sales Manager

Resume for Senior-level Sales Manager

Resume for Executive Real-estate Sales Manager

Resume for Sales Manager - Defense Sales

Cover Letter for Sales Manager - Defense Sales

Resume for Senior-level Sales and Marketing Executive, Hospitality

Resume for Vice President, Sales and New Business Development

Resume for Executive in Healthcare Industry New Business Development/Marketing

Resume for Broadcasting Sales and Business Development Executive

Resume for Senior Sales, Business Development, and Marketing Executive

Resume for Marketing, Business-development, and Product-development Executive

Resume for Senior-Level Alternative Energy Executive

Cover Letter for Senior-Level Alternative Energy Executive

Resume for International Sales and Marketing Executive

Resume for Consumer Marketing, Trade Marketing, Channel Marketing Executive

Cover Letter for Consumer Marketing, Trade Marketing, Channel Marketing Executive

Resume for Marketing Executive

Resume for Marketing Executive

Resume for Senior-level International Strategic Marketing Manager

Cover Letter for Senior-level International Strategic Marketing Manager

Resume for Executive Marketing Vice President

Resume for Public Relations Executive

Resume for Executive, Branding, Marketing Management, and Public Relations

Resumes and Cover Letters for Executives in Management, Human Resources, and Project Management

Resume for Human Resources Director

Cover Letter for Human Resources Director

Resume for Vice President/Director of Human Resources

Resume for Human Resources Operations Executive

Resume for Senior Organization and Project Management Executive

Resume for Project Manager - Construction

Cover Letter for Project Manager/Trainer

Resume for Senior Manager for Transition, Business Development, and Knowledge Management

Resume for Quality Assurance Executive

Resume for Senior Defense Contract Manager

Resume for CEO/Senior Executive

Resume for Executive Manager

Resume for Senior Management Executive

Resume for Executive General Manager

Cover Letter for Executive General Manager

Resume for International Business Management Executive

Resume for Managing Director/Executive Officer for International Business

Resumes and Cover Letters for Operations Executives

Resume for Senior Business Systems Operations Executive

Resume for Senior-level/Executive Manufacturing Operations Management

Resume for Senior Manager/Supervisor/Chief Operating Officer

Resume for Executive, Operations Management

Resume for Global Operations Management Executive

Resume for Senior Management and Operations Executive

Resume for Senior Operations Executive

Cover Letter for Senior Operations Executive

Resume for IT and Operations Executive

Resume for Chief Operations Officer

Cover Letter for Chief Operations Officer

Resumes and Cover Letters for Executives in Engineering, Science, and Information Technology

Resume for Vice President, Engineering

Cover Letter for Vice President, Engineering

Resume for Senior Director of R&D

Cover Letter for Senior Director of R&D

Resume for Senior Technical Executive

Resume for Information Technology Senior Manager

Cover Letter for Information Technology Senior Manager

Resume for Executive-level Technical Director/Manager/CIO

Resume for Information Technology Senior/Executive Manager

Cover Letter for Information Technology Senior/Executive Manager

Resume for CIO/Information Technology Executive

Cover Letter for CIO/Information Technology Executive

Cover Letter for Senior Analytical Consultant/Statistics

More Resumes and Cover Letters for Executives

Resume for Venture Capital/Private Equity Associate

Cover Letter for Venture Capital/Private Equity Associate

Resume for Finance Manager

Resume for Chief Financial Officer

Cover Letter for Chief Financial Officer

Resume for Financial Executive/Controller

Resume for Corporate Finance Director

Resume for Deputy Superintendent for School District Business and Financial Functions

Resume for Offshore Baking/Investments Executive

Cover Letter for Offshore Baking/Investments Executive

Cover Letter for International Director, Investment Banking

Resume for Senior Organizational/Professional Development Manager

Resume for Management Consultant

Resume for Training Executive

Cover Letter for Training Executive

Resume for Organizational Development Consultant

Resume for Training Manager

Cover Letter for Training Manager

Resume for Higher-Education Administrator/Dean

Cover Letter for Higher-Education Administrator/Dean

Cover Letter for Healthcare Trainer

Resume for Executive Director for Tourism

Cover Letter for Executive Director for Tourism

Resume for President/Executive Director, Community Foundation

Resume for Executive Director of Statewide Board

Cover Letter for Executive Director of Statewide Board

Resume for Director of Nonprofit

Resume for Social Services Agency Executive Director

Resume for Arts Administration Executive

Resume for Operations Director for Nonprofit

Resume for International Trade Executive

Cover Letter for International Trade Executive

Resume for Senior Attorney/Counsel

Resume for Legal Counsel

Cover Letter for Legal Counsel

Resume for Director, Government Affairs

Resume for Editorial Executive

By Dawn Warnaar
dwarnaar@warnaarwriting.com
September 15, 2007

Change your font. Most resumes use the Times New Roman or Arial font. An easy way to make your resume stand out is by trying different fonts that are still professional. Tahoma, Verdana or Century Gothic are good alternative fonts.

Fix the flaws. Check and double-check for typos, spelling and grammar errors. Either use periods or don't-pick one way and go with it throughout the entire resume.

Don't include a picture. Trust me, just don't! Some employers won't even consider a resume with a picture due to Equal Opportunity and discrimination laws.

Specific is terrific. General statements like "Implemented new programs to cut costs" are boring to read. Get specific to highlight your accomplishments by rephrasing the statement to read: "Implemented an employee referral program to cut recruitment costs by over 30%."

Customize. Does the help wanted ad include information on what they're looking for? Match the job requirements to your qualifications. (For example, state their requirement and then explain how your qualifications meet that requirement).

Add action words. Here are a few suggestions: streamlined, implemented, planned, led, organized, managed, created, developed...you get the idea. Instead of saying "Responsible for leading an action team to address employee concerns," say "Led an action team to attack employee satisfaction concerns, reported feedback to management and suggested solutions to improve employee morale." See how the first one is very passive and the second one gives a very descriptive picture of the task?

Delete unnecessary info. It's great that you enjoy working out in your free time and that you're active in your church, but it's not really relevant to your career. Stick to naming activities and accomplishments that are significant to the job requirements or highlight your qualifications. Ensure you're providing accurate information. Falsification of information on your application is a good way to get fired before you're actually hired! It's good to "brag" about your experience and achievements but don't lie.

Try to keep it to two pages. One page resumes are a bit unrealistic unless you use a tiny font, but most hiring managers won't read past two.

Warnaar Writing Services
Dawn Warnaar, MBA/HRM, Owner
PO Box 81043
Charleston, SC 29416
Tel: 843.813.0248
Fax: 866.456.0169
E-mail: dwarnaar@warnaarwriting.com

What to Include in Your Resume

Are you in job search mode??

Great way to start is to write a resume-comprehensive at that. The resume is where your future with work lies. Why? It gives employers the first impression of how fit you are on the job you are applying for.

Some job applicants, to be 100% sure of creating a sure-job resume, hire professional resume writers because they have the technical know-how. It means they have the precise format, pattern or design that will make you-or your resume -attractive to the eye of the employer. Most importantly, they are sure of their grammar. Correct English grammar can make or break your application. But you must remember, you still have the responsibility of providing them accurate and complete information.

Before or after hiring a writer, here is a checklist of information necessary for inclusion in your resume:

* Your Name
* Current Address
* Phone Number
* Fax Number
* Email Address (include also your alternative email address, if you have one)
* Job Objective
* Educational Attainment
* Work History
* Computer Skills
* Organizations, Seminars or Lectures Attended
* Personal Data

Keep in mind also these seven useful tips:

1. First and foremost, be honest of the information you've given them. Do not embellish your resume. It might put you into embarrassment later.
2. It may be the job of the resume writer to edit the data written, it is still your responsibility to have an initial proofreading. Remember, not every thing is known or familiar to the writer.
3. Do not provide them your complete biography. Some personal data are unnecessary for your application. Keep it to a minimum.
4. Include only organizations, seminars or lectures attended that would be of value to the job you are applying for.
5. Do not include references. Give them only when asked.
6. Do not include your expected salary.
7. Lastly, brief is best. Some employers only look at the facts essential to the job application. Do not crowd your resume with unnecessary data.