by ResumeSpice Team | Nov 9, 2018 | Resume Writing
You know your resume should go beyond duties – spelling out your accomplishments is key to providing hiring managers with tangible examples of how you can impact their business. But sometimes that’s easier said than done.
After all, day in and out and week after week, you’re focused on performing responsibilities in your job that are often hard to measure. Plus, you’re not always keeping track of your accomplishments, or you might not be fully aware of how your work impacts the company’s bottom line. This can make writing about them difficult – even for the most experienced professional.
But as resume writing experts, ResumeSpice knows that accomplishments are what set you apart from other job candidates in the minds of hiring managers. They’re what demonstrate your experience, drive to deliver, and proven track record, all in a tangible way.
So how do you take a resume that’s too focused on duties and make it more centered on accomplishments? Here are some tips to help you:
Understand the difference.
A job duty is a task you perform each day, such as “managed the customer billing system.” The accomplishment is the impact it had. For instance, you might write something like “reworked the customer billing system to ensure invoices are consistently distributed on schedule.” These are the kinds of details that will help distinguish you on the job market.
Compile your list.
Once you know the difference between duties and accomplishments, start making a list of those that are important to highlight. When you’re thinking about examples, focus on the most relevant ones for the job you’re applying to. To help you, here are a few questions to ask yourself:
- How did I save the company time or money?
- How did I implement or improve any processes that weren’t working? What kind of an impact did that have?
- How did the work I do help customers and clients?
- Did I ever go the extra mile on a particular project or with a specific client? How so?
- Did I ever win an award or was I ever recognized on a certain project or in any way at work?
- In what ways did I stand out at past companies?
- What kinds of problems did I solve on a regular basis? What impact did my solutions have?
- Were there times I exceeded goals or sales quotas?
- If asked about you, what would your boss or co-workers say makes you great at your work?
Quantify wherever you can.
Adding facts and figures to your accomplishments will strengthen them. While you don’t have to do so for every achievement, if there is a way to quantify one, then do it. For instance, instead of just stating that you “negotiated a new contract with an office supply vendor,” you can say that you did so and “cut costs by 10%.” (assuming that’s accurate!). This will better paint the picture of your experience, abilities, and the value you can offer.
Hiring managers only spend a few seconds reviewing resumes. Make yours stand out – for the better – with tangible benefits you’ve offered to past employers.
Want professional resume writing help that can transform your resume?
Call the resume writing experts at ResumeSpice. We can get to know you and your background, then take that information to produce a winning resume that gets the results you want. Call 832.930.7378 today to learn more.
by ResumeSpice Team | Oct 28, 2018 | Resume Writing
Your resume is your ticket into the interview process. If it’s not working as well as you hoped – and you’re not getting calls for interviews – then it’s time for a makeover. As one of the top resume writing services, ResumeSpice can help. To start, here are 5 key areas to focus on and freshen up your resume:
#1: Length.
Do you have two years of experience, but your resume is three or four pages long? That’s a problem. If you’re in the entry-level range, then cut your resume down to a page. If you’re a more skilled professional – with 5+ years of experience – then you can submit a resume that’s two pages. Here’s a good guide on how long should your resume should be.
#2: Style.
Is your font size tiny? Are margins tight? Style matters when it comes to your resume. That’s why you need to use a font that’s easy to read and professional So, skip the Comic Sans and instead use a font like Cambria, Calibri, or Times New Roman.
In addition, make sure your resume doesn’t look too cramped. You want it to be as easy as possible for hiring managers to scan, which means one-inch margins and a reasonable amount of space between each line of text.
#3: Format.
The best resume format to use is a reverse chronological one. This is where you list your most recent job, and then end with your oldest experience. The same order should be used for your education credentials.
#4: Accomplishments.
If you’re simply focusing on tasks, and not talking about your track record, then you’re not going to stand out to hiring managers. Within each position you’ve listed, think about and include at least one major accomplishment that you’re especially proud of and that aligns with the position to which you’re applying. Quantify these with numbers – such as time saved, costs reduced, or profits earned – wherever you can.
#5: Keywords.
Today’s applications and resumes are often scanned by an applicant tracking system before human eyes see them. It’s therefore important to include keywords and phrases from the job posting. Doing so will increase your odds of making it through this filter.
Need more help creating a resume that produces better results?
Call the resume writing service at ResumeSpice at 832.930.7378 today. We know what today’s top employers look for in resumes and how to produce a winning one that leads to more calls for interviews. We also offer a range of services, whether you need a full re-write or just some quick tips on polishing your resume.
by ResumeSpice Team | Jul 29, 2018 | Resume Writing
Want the best results with your resume? Then you need to tailor it. By fine-tuning the contents of it for each job you apply to, you can better speak to your most relevant experience and career highlights. This will increase the likelihood that you’ll get a call for an interview.
But when it comes to tailoring your resume, where do you begin? And which areas are most important to focus on? As professional resume writers, ResumeSpice has the answers you need. Here’s are some tips to help you customize your resume:
Read through the job posting.
Grab a highlighter and the job posting and read through it carefully. Highlight the areas and requirements that seem most important to the employer. Then write down which skills, abilities and accomplishments you have that tie in best with their needs.
Rework your summary of qualifications.
Now that you know the areas the potential employer would be most interested in, focus on the summary of qualifications at the top of your resume. It might be a matter of simply reworking the order of the bullet points to include the most relevant information first. Or you may need to add in some new points and eliminate other ones to ensure this area is as personalized as possible to the position.
Edit your career experience.
Once you’ve completed the summary, work next on your experience. Your goal here is to identify the aspects of your career history that would make a hiring manager most excited about you, and then put that information front and center.
Ask a friend to check it.
Once you’re finished, perform a quick check to make sure you’ve hit on all the important points you need to make clear. Then ask a trusted family member, friend or colleague to review your resume, as well, and offer their assessment.
Submit a custom cover letter too.
Don’t stop at your resume when it comes to customization. Make sure you’re also tailoring each cover letter. This goes beyond changing out the employer’s company name to being able to explain why you’re a good match for the specific organization and their job opening.
Looking for professional help with your resume?
Consider the resume writers at ResumeSpice. We know what employers look for on resumes and can help you tailor yours, so you grab their attention and get called for an interview. Call 832.930.7378 today to learn more.
by ResumeSpice Team | Jul 7, 2018 | Resume Writing
It wasn’t long ago that most job seekers were told their resumes should be one page. No more, no less. If it went over to two pages, the document was destined for the rejection pile.
Thankfully, times have changed. Today, there’s a little more flexibility when it comes to resume length. That said, for your particular situation, the best resume length depends on a number of factors, including experience level and accomplishments. For instance:
- If you have fewer than 10 years of experience, or you’re making a big switch in terms of career field, then a one-page resume is most appropriate.
- If, however, you have extensive experience in your field and a steady career progression to demonstrate it, then opt for a resume that’s two pages long. This will give you the space you need to discuss your background in a way that’s easy-to-scan – without trying to cram details onto one page.
- The only scenario where sending a three-page+ resume makes sense is if you are an executive-level professional or in senior management with a long track record of titles and accomplishments.
To help you create a resume that’s the best length for your background, here are some tips to keep in mind during the process:
Your resume is a marketing document.
You should only be giving your career highlights, not offering a deep dive into every move you’ve made over the years. Remember too that hiring managers aren’t deciding whom to hire based on resumes, only those they want to bring in for an interview.
It should focus on your strengths.
Hiring managers only spend a few seconds reading through each resume they receive. It’s therefore important to showcase your strongest selling points and format your resume in a way that’s easy to scan. Don’t dilute it with unnecessary minutiae about your career history.
Don’t be afraid to get help from a trusted source.
If you’re having trouble paring down your resume and fitting it onto one or two pages, ask for help from a trusted family member, friend or colleague. Give them both your resume and the job description so they can review both and offer editing advice. A fresh pair of eyes can help you focus in on the vital components of your background and eliminate the unneeded ones, all so you can put your best foot forward.
Looking for additional help with the resume-writing process?
Check out our website for resume templates to inspire you – or connect with our team today for help creating a professionally polished resume. Call 832.930.7378 with questions, to learn more, or get started.
by ResumeSpice Team | May 17, 2018 | Resume Writing
A hiring manager might see dozens of resumes on any given day. What are you doing to ensure yours stands out? As leading resume writers, ResumeSpice knows customization is the key to getting noticed. While you will have one basic resume, it’s important to tailor it for every position and company you’re applying to. To help you in the process, here are a few tips to follow:
Read through the job posting.
Before you begin the job of tweaking your resume, refresh your mind and review the job posting again. When you do, look for important details, including the job title, description of responsibilities, and key traits the company is looking for. Also, identify keywords, phrases and related synonyms from the posting to include on your resume. That way, it will have a better chance of making it through any applicant tracking software system.
Put critical information first.
With the job posting fresh in your mind, identify your experiences, skills and abilities that align best with the position. Then start editing your resume so those details are front and center. For instance, reorder the bullet points under your Work History section so the most relevant information is first. Once that section is done, review the remaining sections of your resume and make any changes that are specific to the job you’re applying for.
Ask a trusted family member or friend for help.
When you do, also give them a copy of the job posting so that they can review your resume for both proofreading errors, as well as relevancy to the position. With fresh eyes, a third party can often spot inconsistencies or areas where you could strengthen your resume.
Don’t exaggerate.
Whatever work you do to tailor your resume, don’t ever lie or exaggerate to make your background seem more in line with the job. If you get an interview, then the hiring manager will pick up on your lack of experience during your conversation. Instead, if after reviewing the job description again you realize you’re not the best fit, don’t waste your time applying. Move onto an opportunity that’s truly right for you.
Tailoring your resume will take a little extra work on your end. But it will be well worth it when a hiring manager picks it up and sees you’re a great fit for their needs and the job.
Interested in professional resume writing help?
The team at ResumeSpice is the answer. As trusted resume writers, we can help you take your resume to the next level so it stands out on today’s competitive job market. Call 832.930.7378 today to learn more.
by ResumeSpice Team | Apr 2, 2018 | Resume Writing
When you’re searching for a new job, you would think that extensive experience would always be a plus – but, as many experienced job seekers can attest, sometimes employers are wary of hiring more experienced individuals. To be clear, age discrimination is illegal and we, in no way condone not hiring employees on the basis of their age or any other any discriminatory basis. But unfortunately, age discrimination is a reality with which more experienced job seekers need to be knowledgeable about – so they can effectively manage their job search and resume materials.
So what can you do to overcome age discrimination on your resume? Here are some tips to help you:
Focus on the past 10 to 15 years.
If you have a 40-year career, then your resume is going to be lengthy. Not only do hiring managers tend to focus on your most recent position(s), but it’s unlikely that you’re going to attain a role based experience from 25-40 years ago. Including your entire background will also tip-off hiring managers to your age. For those reasons, we recommend focusing on the most recent 10-15 years. Keep in mind that your resume is a marketing document, not an autobiography. You are not required to keep every role from earlier in your career on your resume.
Create a Gmail account.
If you have an AOL, Yahoo or Hotmail account, it can immediately age you. There is nothing inherently wrong with those email providers, but they’re less common among younger workers. Instead, we recommend creating a Gmail account for your job search. When you do, make sure you don’t include your birth year, such as mikesmith1952@gmail.com. Stick to something simple and straightforward with your name in it. Beyond that, also avoid dated referenced to old technologies or buzzwords.
Skip graduation dates.
While it’s important to include dates in your employment history, you don’t need to include the year you earned your degree. If you do, hiring managers can quickly determine your age. Instead, leave that information off and simply include the name of the university you went to and the degree you earned, as well as any minors or special honors.
Get rid of the objective.
In the past, it was standard to include an objective on your resume. But today’s hiring managers know that you’re looking for a job, so it simply wastes space. Instead, to avoid age discrimination on your resume, use that area to list a summary of qualifications most pertinent to the position you’re applying for. Highlight key accomplishments, as well as tasks and responsibilities.
Create a LinkedIn profile.
In today’s world, hiring managers expect you to have a profile on social media – especially LinkedIn – that’s complete and compelling. If you don’t, make sure you create one now, before you begin your job search.
Are you looking for a new job and suspect you’re suffering from age discrimination on your resume? Let the team at ResumeSpice help. We can help you create a resume that gets noticed for all the right reasons and avoids the pitfalls of age discrimination on it. Get started or learn more today by calling 832.930.7378.
