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a.k.a writer

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Resource Roundup: Putting You Out There

June 26, 2009 — 1 Comment

Tools. Image courtesy of stock.xchng®While recent news reports are indicating that layoffs are slowing down (finally!), it’s still taking highly talented, qualified professionals longer than usual to find good jobs. Recently the blog The Denver Egoist posted the results of creative job searches on popular websites. The result: ouch.

But it’s Friday and important to reiterate that people are finding jobs. One of the best things about Facebook is that people are charting their job searches, interviews and – yes – successes.

Here’s a round of up resources for polishing your resume, writing a results-getting letter or collecting some frank advice. If you’re already kicking off your weekend, these resources will be here for you on Monday morning.

Resume Tips

Cover Letter Tips

Advice

These are bloggers who tell you like it is – no sugar coating. Trust them.

  • Punk Rock HR: an HR professional gone rogue
  • Lindsay Olson: a recruiter who’s not afraid to share her industry’s pet peeves

In future posts, I’ll share top tips for using LinkedIn (a must for any professional, including independents like me) and my favorite freelance resources.

Got any favorite sites or advice to share? Do you have a favorite job-hunting tip? The floor is yours!

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On Your Mark: Aim Your Letters

June 3, 2009 — 5 Comments

Target Apple. Image courtesy of stock.xchng®One of the first things I did before launching my business a.k.a writer was to develop marketing materials and letters I could use to introduce myself to potential clients. I also developed templates to help me quickly respond to posted freelance writing gigs on places like Craigslist (there are a few gems out there).

Since regularly writing e-mail marketing campaigns for other companies pay my rent, I kept close tabs on my own response rates. The results: not too bad. I scored an interesting project writing about celebrities’ efforts to go green for a consumer-focused newsletter and enjoyed working with the owner of that company.

Otherwise, people remarked positively on my background, my skills and experience – but, despite following up, I wasn’t securing the amount of work I wanted. And there was a lot of silence, too.

So I decided to revise the templates I was using. To help charge my batteries, I took a brief video class in writing cover letters for job seekers. Bingo! After using my revisions for the last few months, I have seen a significant increase in responses. Some are “no” but at least I am getting an answer versus, well, nothing.

The difference? I focused on the potential client (or, for some of you, the hiring manager). Here’s how it can work for you:

  • Solve a problem. Instead of listing your previous experience, show how you can help the person reading your letter. The ad, job posting and/or your research on the company will give you the clues you need. For example, I use language like “Here’s how I can help make your copy deliver results” and then I show them how.
  • Connect the dots. Of course you want to highlight your previous experience, but you also need show how it relates to the new job or freelance assignment. Example: “When I was editor of the company newsletter, I oversaw its evolution from print to digital delivery. It taught me how work with designers and web developers, a skill you’ll need in the person for your [title of the job].”
  • Be specific. Use statistics and/or clear, concise examples to state your case.
  • Keep it short. While some people debate the use of bullets in cover letters, I’ve found they increase readability and help me keep my word choices succinct. This is a great way to deliver three reasons why you are perfect for the contract (or job).

What’s worked for you?

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Resume Right: Font 102

February 4, 2009 — 3 Comments

It’s one thing to tell you what not to do but as a few of you have asked, what about a few pointers on what works? You’ve read “Resume Right: Font 101” and now you’re looking for something beyond a mantra to avoid using Comic Sans. Though you should always avoid Comic Sans.

Your best bet for resume fonts is sticking with the basics, the reliable characters that are standard in Microsoft Word (no add-ins or downloads required). This is especially important if you’ll be submitting a resume via email as an attachment. You might love that unusually curvy font, but it won’t do you any good if it looks like gibberish in a recruiter’s or hiring manager’s inbox.

Use fonts like Times New Roman, Arial and Verdana. Generally, the serif fonts like Times New Roman are considered traditional or, in some circles, old fashioned. With clean lines, serif fonts like Arial and Verdana are considered more modern or contemporary. 

Whether you use a serif or sans serif font, just make sure it’s easy to read. Depending on your choice, you’ll need to adjust the size to ensure readability. Size 10-point font is not one size fits all.

In need of professional help? See my Resume Services page.

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New Year = New Resume

January 14, 2009

While perhaps not quite as popular a resolution as dieting or getting your finances into shape, updating your resume is a great way to start 2009. Even if you are employed full-time and enjoy your job, you should keep your resume updated. You never know when you might have a new department leader who prefers pursuing your printed job history to a verbal meet-and-greet.

Tips for quick updates:

  • Make sure your contact information, including your physical address, is current.
  • Use a professional (but not employer-provided) email address. If you’re using hotshotmarketer@hotmail.com, consider getting a new address using your first and last name.
  • Include your current job and highlight recent accomplishments.
  • Ban Comic Sans font from your resume! Don’t believe me? Here’s why. 
  • Consider having a professional editor your resume.  You can find details on my Resume Services page. 

Your resume is a key first-impression tool. Make sure you’re sending only the messages you intend in 2009.

Resume Right: 5 Q’s With a Recruiter: Kristin

December 5, 2008 — 1 Comment

Meet your recruiting expert for the second installment of “Resume Right: 5 Q’s With a Recruiter.”  These are the same questions asked in 5 Qs with Katie, so you can compare perspectives. 

Kristin Kalscheur is based in Portland, Ore., and is a Sourcing Strategist for Waggener Edstrom Worldwide (WE), a global, integrated communications agency. For the past 25 years, the independently owned firm has developed strategic communications programs for innovative and world-changing clients, working to influence markets, inspire people and improve lives. WE offers six global practices: Corporate Communications, Consumer Marketing, Environment, Healthcare, Public Affairs and Technology.

For Kristin’s current recruiting projects, check out her LinkedIn profile or visit www.waggeneredstrom.com/careers. 

How does a recruiter’s resume evaluation differ from a hiring manager’s evaluation?

Recruiters are trained to skim a resume looking for immediate keyword relevancy since they are generally dealing with higher volume, whereas hiring managers are more likely to peruse every little detail. When the resumes arrive in the hiring manager’s hands, the recruiter has already vetted the candidates, so the hiring manager has a much smaller and more targeted pile to review. I personally separate resumes into yes, no and maybe categories, call the yeses immediately, save the maybes for talent adjacency/non-traditional hiring opportunities, and immediately decline the nos. Make sure your resume is keyword optimized so that the recruiter doesn’t overlook you when he/she is scanning for job fit indicators.

There’s more to this story!

Resume Right: 5 Q’s With a Recruiter: Katie

November 26, 2008 — 3 Comments

Through your emails, clicks and comments (including those offline conversations), you’ve told me that the “Resume Right” tips are educational and helpful. So, lucky you, I am giving you a bonus with this new feature: “Resume Right: 5 Q’s With a Recruiter.” These tips come directly from professionals who are weeding through resumes on a daily basis.

The first recruiter to share her resume wisdom is Katie Peterson, a Senior Recruiter from an outdoor retailer based in Seattle.

How does a recruiter’s resume evaluation differ from a hiring manager’s evaluation?

Depending on how well the recruiter understands the position and the line of business – if a recruiter is fairly savvy to the business, the technology, the needs of the hiring manager, the two evaluations could be on par. A recruiter can bring valuable insight and perspective on things like career progression, dates of employment, common themes, and comparative industry information.  

There’s more to this story!

Resume Right: A Theatre Major’s Polish

October 28, 2008

Based on the stories and tips shared in my post Build Your Own Stage, these five skills give all theatre majors something to flaunt off stage. Even if you’re not a thespian, these tips might give you some ideas to spiff up your own resume.

Project management. Theatre majors can see the big picture and understand the pieces necessary to build a complete production, from start to finish.

Connecting with people. You have developed the ability to be present, listen and respond. These are all things you have to do on stage in character and backstage as you’re listing for your cue (be they cues for an entrance, lights, props or curtains). These skills are useful in any other kind of work.

Presentation skills. Being comfortable and animated in front of groups comes in handy when a presentation must be made.

Attention to detail. If you are a stage manager, you are responsible for every detail of a production. As an actor, character development depends on nuances and minutiae. Leverage your gift for the small things to stand out in the office.

Punctuality. More accurately, arriving early. If you aren’t ready to go at your scheduled audition time, you won’t get the part. Being on time will win big points from any boss at any job.

Resume Right: Version Control

October 18, 2008 — 1 Comment

Sometimes I find myself rebelling against the question what do you want to be when you grow up? Maybe it’s because I’m not sure I want to “grow up.” My grandfather never did — we still watched cartoons together when I was home from college. But it’s a question you have to answer, at least to some degree. 

What does your resume convey you’ll be? More accurately, is your resume targeted to the job you want? Although writing is my first love, I’ve also managed enough complex projects that I could focus on project management. I’ve also worked with in-house clients and been an staffing agency account manager, so I could also target my resume for a job on the account side of an agency.

It doesn’t mean I don’t know what I want to do – it just means I think about how I could leverage different aspects of my skills in a tight market if I needed to. 

Your turn. How many versions of your resume do you have? And draft v.5 doesn’t count!

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