by ResumeSpice Team | Feb 4, 2019 | Resume Writing
Imagine you’re a hiring manager. You post a job opening and get hit with hundreds of resumes in a matter of days. How much time would you spend reviewing each one?
If your guess is just a few seconds, then you’d be right. According to reports, the average time is about six seconds before a hiring manager makes a judgement call about a candidate and their resume. That’s not a lot of time.
As a result, when you’re looking for a new job, you have to create a resume that is laser focused. You don’t need to include every responsibility you’ve ever had. In fact, that’s a fast path to the recycle bin. Instead, make sure you’re including what’s most relevant to the position you’re applying to.
In terms of your work history and how far back to go, it depends on your situation. Generally speaking, 10 years is enough to give a hiring manager a well-rounded view of your background and abilities. However, if you held a position 12 years ago that’s pertinent to a potential employer, then you’ll definitely want to include that, as well.
Typically speaking, those with only a few years of experience won’t have a problem determining what to list and what to shelf. It’s when you have a lot of experience that it can be difficult to decide on what to include.
If that’s the case for you, one easy way to highlight your strengths is with a qualifications summary at the top of your resume. This is simply a list of bullet points showcasing your accomplishments, skills or abilities that best relate to the job. It will likely change a little for each position you apply to. However, it offers you a place to cover key areas in your background in a way that’s simple for hiring managers to scan. The faster you can help them connect the dots, the better your chances of getting a call for an interview.
Keep in mind, your resume isn’t a biography. It’s a marketing document designed to highlight your unique strengths and skills in a way that interests the hiring manager. So, whatever will help you stand out – and get the call for an interview – should be included on your resume.
Interested in a professional resume writing service?
Call the team at ResumeSpice. Whether you’re looking for some editing help or a resume written from scratch, we offer the resume writing services you need to get the job search results you want. Call us today at 832.930.7378 to learn more or get started.
by ResumeSpice Team | Jan 25, 2019 | Cover Letter Tips
Is a cover letter really necessary today? For most recruiters and hiring managers, the answer is “yes.” Unfortunately, many candidates end up treating it as an afterthought, without investing the time and effort necessary to truly set themselves apart.
But think of it this way: Your cover letter is the first impression you’ll be making on a potential new employer. So when you submit one, you want to ensure it’s as persuasive as possible.
With limited space, how can you do that? Here are three tips from the cover letter writers at ResumeSpice:
Open with a great lead.
You want to stand out from the start and that begins with your opening sentence. Don’t simply state the obvious, such as: “I’m applying for ABC position.” The hiring manager already knows that. Instead, leverage the lead sentence so you’re more memorable.
For instance, explain why you want to work for the company. Perhaps you’re a fan or customer. Or, if you have a mutual connection with the hiring manager, mention that. Whatever you do, don’t send in a cover letter that has the same first sentence as the majority of other candidates.
Customize the body.
You might have one generic cover letter, and that’s a good place to start. However, you need to customize and edit it each time you send it. In fact, the more you personalize it, the better.
This goes beyond simply swapping out the name of the hiring manager, company and job title. Instead, think through your background and accomplishments and how they relate to the position. Read through the job posting again if necessary, and make notes about relevant areas where you have specific experience or strengths to highlight. Then make sure you underscore these in the body of your letter.
Explain how you can deliver.
Hiring managers want to know what you can do for them, which is why it’s critical to quantify your work as much as possible. This will help to set you apart as a candidate and demonstrate that you have a successful track record. Just make sure you’re clear and succinct in your language, avoiding hyperbole and clichés. For instance, don’t say you’re a “dynamic sales star.” Rather, talk about how you sold $150,000 in new products last month and have the skills to do the same for the company you’re applying to.
The strength of your cover letter can make or break your chances of getting an interview. So take time with yours, focusing on letting your abilities, accomplishments and personality shine through.
Interested in learning more from a professional cover letter-writing service?
As experienced cover-letter writers, ResumeSpice can help you stand out and distinguish your unique skills, strengths and personality from the crowd. Find out how with a call to our team at 832.930.7378.
by ResumeSpice Team | Jan 17, 2019 | LinkedIn Tips
Most people understand the importance of creating a strong resume reflects their professional strengths. However, many overlook their LinkedIn profile. This is a huge mistake when you consider that about 95 percent of recruiters utilize LinkedIn as a major sourcing tool to find candidates. In today’s digitally savvy world, LinkedIn is just as crucial as your resume. Here are some tips to help you create a LinkedIn profile that gets you noticed:
Add a Professional Photo
Be sure to add a professional headshot or a photo that looks like one. Make sure it’s at least 200×200 pixels as anything smaller may look blurry. If you don’t add a professional, high-quality photo, you may be missing out as those who add one get 21 times more views and messages than those without a photo or a photo that appears unprofessional.
Use Keywords in the Skills Section
Every day, recruiters run keyword searches on LinkedIn to find viable candidates. LinkedIn allows you to add up to 50 keywords in the skill section so take advantage of them. Several examples of keywords include “financial planning,” “event marketing,” “taxes” and “design engineering.” These keywords can easily describe your experience and skills.
Incorporate Specific Accomplishments Under Previous Positions
While it’s important to describe your responsibilities at previous positions, doing so may not necessarily impress recruiters. If you’d like to stand out from the crowd, mention specific numbers and accomplishments under your previous positions. For example, you may say something like “Increased revenue by 55% in 2017,” or “Trained and supervised five junior account managers.”
Create an Eye-Catching Headline
The text that shows up below your name on your LinkedIn profile is known as your headline. Think of it as a small 120 character advertisement that conveys who you are and what you do. An example of an eye-catching headline is “Design engineer helping retail clients exceed their goals.”
Interested in LinkedIn Services? Contact ResumeSpice
If you are seeking professional assistance with your LinkedIn profile, ResumeSpice can help! Call us at 832-930-RESUME or fill out our online contact form. We look forward to hearing from you!
by ResumeSpice Team | Jan 10, 2019 | Resume Writing
Your resume is your chance to persuade a hiring manager to call you for an interview. But what if you have a potential liability on it – namely, a short-term job? You want to be honest and transparent. At the same time, you don’t want to scare off a hiring manager and lose out on a great opportunity. What should you do?
It really depends on your unique situation. You have a limited amount of space, so it’s certainly a decision that’s important to weigh. To help you in the process, the resume writing service team at ResumeSpice offer a look at the pros and cons:
The case for removing the job:
If you only held the job for a few weeks or a couple months, then including it will make the hiring manager wonder whether or not you’re a job hopper. With hundreds of applicants for most openings, this can clearly be a threat to your candidacy. It’s therefore worth leaving off, especially if it’s not particularly relevant. Plus, if it won’t cause a big employment gap – and a red flag for potential employers – then removing it can actually be an advantage.
The case for keeping the job:
There are times when you can or must include the job. For instance, that’s the case when a posting asks for a complete list of every position or you’re applying for a role that would require some kind of security clearance. In addition, if you did gain any relevant skills or accomplish something important in the role, then you should consider keeping it. This can often offset the fact that your tenure was short-term, which is something you should be prepared to address in an interview.
Keep in mind: your resume is not a contract. You should always be honest and follow the instructions of the job posting precisely. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean you need to list every job.
Instead, with your resume, you’re marketing yourself to potential employers. To do that, you want to put your best foot forward. If keeping a short-term job on it sabotages that effort, then eliminate it and focus on the relevant information that does show just what you can do.
Interested in professional resume writing help?
Turn to the resume writing service specialists at ResumeSpice. Whether you need an entry-level resume or an executive one, we can assist with all levels, delivering quality work, quickly and affordably. Call us today at 832.930.7378 to learn more or get started.
by ResumeSpice Team | Jan 3, 2019 | LinkedIn Tips
When it comes to your LinkedIn profile, there are many moving parts to keep track of and update. One of the most important involves your skills. You want to list the right ones. Yet, it’s hard to know which will help you stand out to hiring managers and recruiters looking at hundreds of other candidates.
According to LinkedIn data, there are more than 50,000 professional skills in the world. That’s certainly an overwhelming number. However, when it comes to your unique profile, it’s not about quantity and including as many as possible. Rather, it’s about meeting the needs of potential employers. You can only do that when you’re listing skills and abilities they’re looking for.
So, which are most in demand? Here’s a look at four:
- IT skills
LinkedIn reports that most of the top skills employers want in 2019 are related to information technology, such as artificial intelligence and cloud computing. However, even if you aren’t an IT professional, it’s still critical you’re comfortable and well-versed in technology that’s related to your field. So, when writing your LinkedIn profile, make sure you highlight the pertinent tools and software programs you’re proficient in.
- Communication skills
These skills also top the list of many employers in a diverse range of fields. Whether you’re an entry-level employee or an executive, or whether you work in a creative field or technical one, effective communication is – and will always be – vitally important. Employees must be able to listen well and articulate ideas with co-workers, managers and company leaders, whether in person, over the phone, or via the written word.
- Social media and marketing skills
More and more companies are recognizing the value in developing strong brands and promoting them through various channels, including social media. From Twitter and Instagram to Facebook and Snapchat, there are countless opportunities out there and organizations large and small need help leveraging them.
If you have a background or skills in this area, promote them. Keep in mind, however, just maintaining a Facebook page or LinkedIn profile doesn’t qualify you for a job in this field.
- People skills
It doesn’t matter how much technology evolves. Companies still want employees with strong people skills who collaborate well and can provide a superior level of service. This includes the ability to work through difficult situations, as well as develop long-lasting relationships with customers.
If you’re looking for a new opportunity, LinkedIn offers a great way to get noticed. When it comes to your skills, make sure you’re listing the ones that employers want most. When you do, you’ll increase your odds of landing on their radar – and landing the job you want.
Need help developing a powerful LinkedIn profile?
Turn to the experts at ResumeSpice for LinkedIn profile writing services. We know what hiring managers and recruiters are looking for and can help you create a profile that will complement your job search. Find out how with a call to our team at 832.930.7378.
by ResumeSpice Team | Dec 26, 2018 | Resume Writing
Whether you’re looking to get promoted internally or want to find a new job, you know you’re ready to take a step up in your career. All you need is a resume to reflect that. How can you communicate your skills, experience and accomplishments in a way that will persuade hiring managers you’re up for the challenge? Follow these tips for effective resume writing:
Know what you’re looking for.
If you want to get promoted internally, then you already know what you want. However, if you want to make a move, it’s important to define what you’re seeking in your target job. So ask yourself: What are my priorities in terms of level of responsibility, salary and location? What skills and abilities do I currently have that are necessary for this kind of position? Are there any weaknesses, challenges or gaps to overcome? Figure them out, write them down, and use the information as a guide when writing your resume.
Emphasize the right experience.
When you’re applying to a position at a higher level than where you are currently, it’s important to focus on the right areas of your background. For instance, if you’re an administrative assistant, perhaps most of your job involves communicating with customers and keeping your manager organized. However, if you want to take a step up and become an office manager – and you’ve trained new staff members in the past – then underscore this experience.
Highlight your track record and achievements.
Facts and figures are the best way to convince a hiring manager you have what it takes to perform the job. So, during the resume writing process, make sure you’re not simply focusing on the projects you’ve worked on and the responsibilities you’ve handled. Instead, market yourself by promoting the outcomes of all your hard work by quantifying them with numbers, percentages, dollar amounts and other figures. Just make sure you choose the ones that are most relevant for the position you’re applying to.
Be clear and succinct.
One of the biggest mistakes candidates make, especially those with a lot of experience, involves covering too much information. But you don’t need to include every job title or task you’ve undertaken. Hiring managers are busy and only take a few seconds to scan resumes. Therefore; it’s important for yours to be well-structured and concisely written so it quickly communicates the value you offer and why you can succeed in a higher-level position.
Want more assistance developing a high-impact resume that gets results?
The resume writing experts at ResumeSpice can deliver. When you work with us, we’ll help you polish your resume or create a new one from scratch that sets you up for success and the career advancement you want. Find out how with a call to our team at 832.930.7378.
by ResumeSpice Team | Dec 17, 2018 | Resume Writing
You work hard, are always a step ahead, and go above and beyond to meet goals and expectations. And yet, it doesn’t seem like your boss notices. Are they simply busy or are you underappreciated and undervalued?
If you’re not sure, here are a few signs from the resume writers at ResumeSpice that your boss isn’t invested in you:
You feel invisible.
Not only does your boss not ask you to share your thoughts, but when you do, they dismiss them outright. In addition, no matter what you do, you always feel like you’re out of the loop and the last one to hear about important company or department news. It’s an especially worrisome sign when decisions are made about the projects on your plate or your workload, without consulting you first.
You don’t get feedback or guidance.
One key area your boss should take an interest in is helping you to build on strengths and overcome weaknesses. This doesn’t simply benefit you, it also provides advantages to your employer when they have a more productive and successful worker. But if you only hear about the negative – and what you’re doing wrong – or worse, nothing at all, it’s an indication your boss either takes you for granted and or is totally unaware of the contributions you’re making.
You keep getting passed over for a promotion without explanation.
If you don’t have the right experience or skills, your boss will hesitate to promote you. However, if you know you deliver superior work and are more than qualified, yet still can’t seem to get a leg up, it’s a red flag they’re not invested in your career. This is especially true if you’re the one getting all the dirty work and difficult assignments. If your boss can always rely on you to say “yes,” they’re not going to want you advancing ahead.
When you’re consistently seeing these and other warnings, what can you do? It depends on your situation. If you think your boss is simply overworked and unaware, then it might be worth having a private conversation and airing your concerns.
If, however, it’s because they’re not invested and don’t care about your career, it’s time to update your resume. There are plenty of managers and employers out there who value hard work and strong skills. It’s simply a matter of finding the one that’s a match for your background, abilities and personality.
Ready to update your resume and make a move?
Let the resume writers at ResumeSpice help with the job. Whether yours needs a quick edit or a total overhaul, we can work with you to position your background and skills in a way that gets noticed by hiring managers. Find out how with a call to our team at 832.930.7378.
by ResumeSpice Team | Dec 10, 2018 | Cover Letter Tips
You’ve spent hours on your resume. When it comes to your cover letter, it’s tempting to cut corners. But as expert cover letter writers, the team at ResumeSpice knows doing so can sabotage your job search efforts. Hiring managers actually do read these and they offer you another valuable opportunity to set yourself apart as a candidate.
So when it comes to crafting a compelling one, how can you go about customizing it for each position in a way that seems authentic, not forced? Start with these simple tips:
Tip #1: Read through the job posting again.
Before you begin writing your letter, take a look at the job posting. What skills and abilities do you have that seem most important to this particular employer? Make a list then be sure you’re highlighting these specifically in your cover letter. You don’t need to cover each one. Just one or two where your background is the strongest. This will enable hiring managers to quickly see you’re a fit for the position.
Tip #2: Open with a compelling statement.
Instead of just stating that you’re applying for “XYZ job,” write something that grabs the attention of the hiring manager. They’re likely going to be seeing many boilerplate letters that all start off the same. So when you take this approach, you’re going to entice them to keep reading.
Some thought-starters about what to lead with include:
- Highlighting someone who referred you to the job or a mutual connection.
- Bringing up an industry trend to demonstrate your knowledge and experience.
- Talking about why you entered your career field and expressing passion for what you do.
Tip #3: Tell a story.
Is there a particular project you worked on that’s highly relevant to the position? Did you recently win an award that speaks to your unique skills and abilities and the value you can offer in this role? Are you genuinely attracted to this company’s products or services? If so, why?
Whatever the case, when you tell a story, you’re going to bring your background to life in a way that’s more personal to the hiring manager. This will further enable you to distinguish yourself among other candidates.
Tip #4: Skip the superficial.
When it comes to your cover letter, don’t litter it with superlatives and unsubstantiated claims. Instead, clear and simple language is your best approach. Calling yourself a “guru” or a “star” candidate will just undermine your credibility and make it seem like you’re more fluff and less substance.
Tip #5: Proofread, proofread, proofread.
Just as with your resume, it’s important to proofread your cover letter carefully to check for mistakes in grammar and spelling. It’s also critical to ensure that you’ve addressed the letter to the right person and that their name and job title are spelled correctly.
If you’d like professional help creating a well-written cover letter, turn to the cover letter writers at ResumeSpice. Not only do we know what hiring managers are looking for, but how to set your background apart so you get noticed and get a call for an interview. To learn more, call us today at 832.930.7378.
by ResumeSpice Team | Dec 3, 2018 | Resume Writing
Regardless of whether you’re a college graduate beginning your career or a seasoned professional, career coaching may be right for you. It can maximize your professional potential and provide you with a competitive advantage. By working with a ResumeSpice career coach, you can:
Determine Your Worth
By working with a career coach, you can identify your strengths and weaknesses. Doing so will help you figure out what skills and abilities you can offer to a potential employer. This will allow you to determine your worth and make it easier for you to search for a job and negotiate a salary that is appropriate for your skills and abilities.
Construct a Strong Resume
A strong resume that highlights your strengths is an essential tool for career success. While you can write a resume on your own and send it out to multiple companies, working with a career coach can help you ensure your resume gets you interviews. They are well-versed in how to write a powerful resume and can guide you through the process of writing one.
Make Smart Decisions
A career decision can change your life forever. That’s why it’s a good idea to get the unbiased perspective of a career coach before asking for a promotion, switching industries, or moving for a new job. A career coach can help you make smart decisions that can positively impact your career and future.
Stay Motivated
If you’re on a mission to land a great job or grow at your current job, a career coach can give you valuable tips and tricks on how to do so. You may find they motivate you to keep trying and encourage you to step out of your comfort zone so you can meet (or even exceed) your professional goals.
Although career coaching requires an investment, it is often well worth it, especially if you feel stuck or are simply confused about what the next step of your career should be.
Learn About Career Coaching at ResumeSpice
At ResumeSpice, we are pleased to offer top-notch career coaching services! Call us at 832-930-RESUME(7378) or fill out our online contact form for more information. We look forward to hearing from you!
by ResumeSpice Team | Nov 23, 2018 | Job Application Tips
Writing a resume is a delicate balance. When it comes to how long yours should actually be, you’ve probably heard the “one-page” rule. However, it’s not necessarily true and can actually wind up hurting your job search if you stick to it. Here’s why:
You cram too much information in.
If you’re desperately trying to stick to one-page during the resume writing process, chances are, your margins are going to be too narrow and fonts too small. As a result, hiring managers aren’t going to want to read your resume. They’re busy and need to be able to quickly and easily scan each one. If they require a magnifying glass to read yours, they’re likely going to skip it altogether.
You leave out vital information.
In an effort to pare down your resume to a page, you could be leaving out critical information; the kinds of details that would distinguish you from other candidates. That’s why you shouldn’t be solely focused on length. Instead, concentrate on highlighting what’s important and most relevant for the hiring manager to know about you. You might still need to edit; however, you have a lot more flexibility with two pages instead of one.
It makes you look inexperienced.
Hiring managers expect experienced professionals to have a resume that’s more than one page. They also expect it to look polished and professional, with plenty of white space and proper formatting. So if your resume is jam-packed and messy-looking on a single page, it’s not going to reflect well on you or your background.
Of course, there are exceptions to every rule. For instance, if you just launched your career or only have a couple of years of experience, your resume should be one-page long. Anything more than that will make you look presumptuous, or like you’re unwilling or unable to edit. Stick to a single page and use appropriate margins and a font size that’s reasonably easy to read. That means one-inch margins and at least an 11-point font. Hiring managers will notice and thank you for it.
Writing a compelling resume takes a lot of work. On top of content, you need to think about other details, like length. If you’d like professional help and advice with the process, turn to the experienced resume writers at ResumeSpice. Whether you need some quick feedback or a total overhaul, we can help. To learn more, call us today at 832.930.7378.
