Your dream employer is interested in hiring you and all that lies in the way now is to negotiate your salary. You want to be sure that you get what you are worth, but at the same time you don’t want to lose this huge job opportunity. So how so you go about successfully negotiating your salary?
Getting what your worth is not an impossibility if you do a little homework ahead of time and know what you are doing going into the negotiations. Here are some vital tips on how to successfully negotiate your salary:
• Research the company: This is a step all too often overlooked. You need to know going into negotiations the financial state that the company is in. If they are in great shape financially you probably have more room to work as far as salary goes.
• Research your industry: Find out what other companies in the industry you are going for are paying for your particular position. Of course some will be higher and some will be lower, but this will give you a great average and a great place to start.
• Ask about benefits: Benefits should also be factored into how much you are willing to take. The dollar amount may be off of what you are expecting, but if you get perks such as a company car, an expense account, health insurance, and a 401 K plan, you may actually be able to take less as the perks will make up for the lesser dollar amount. Be sure to discuss perks so that they know that you are going to require more money if the perks are too few.
• Avoid salary talk beforehand: Make sure that the company is seriously interested in hiring you before you spit out any solid numbers for salary. If the company really wants you this plays to your advantage. If asked about it before hand, counter with a question of your own, such as ‘What is the salary range here?’ This will avoid the numbers talk too early and give you some sort of indication on where you should try to aim for.
• Don’t lie: Never lie about your past salary. A quick reference check can return the fact that you lied about it and that will do you absolutely no good. Be honest about what you made in the past if asked and remember, you are either worth what you asking or you are not.
• Throw a high ball: Always ask for more that you will settle for. By doing so you leave room for negotiating to actually take place. If you come in at the number you actually want then the company needs only counter your offer once and you are already under what you want. A word of caution here, don’t get too crazy. If you high ball a number that is too ‘out of the ballpark’ you may not get a counter offer at all and you will thus blow the whole deal.
Finally, you have to try to control the situation. Be firm but don’t be demanding and remember that if you don’t ask for what you are worth then chances are you probably won’t get it.
Get more career advice at JobGoRound.com, which provides job search tips, interview advice, and resume service reviews.
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Painless Cover Letter Writing
Writing a great looking cover letter is the first step to you getting an interview at the company of your dreams. Yes it is the resume that actually tells all about your work history and qualifications, but the cover letter is the first thing that the potential employer looks at before they view your resume and a cover letter offers more flexibility when it comes to selling yourself. Along with your personal information, a basic cover letter contains the following:
1. The position in which you are applying for.
2. Your reasons for wanting the job.
3. Any skills you have that relate to that job.
4. Your knowledge of the company in which you are trying to get into.
Writing a cover letter doesn’t have to be rocket science and if you follow these tips you will be on your way to painless cover letter writing that will have you knocking the socks of the potential employer before your resume is every viewed:
• Think before you write: Map out on paper what you want to say on your cover letter. This will allow you time to organize your thoughts so that you can better write your cover letter.
• Short and sweet: Your cover letter should be short, concise, and to the point and should be kept to one page if possible. You want it to be professional sounding, but if you drag it on too long, you may lose the interest of the reader. Keep them wanting more because that more is your resume.
• Make it a custom fit: When writing the cover letter make it a custom fit for the particular job you are going after. If you are going after a managerial job then make your cover letter relevant to that job. If you have managerial experience tell the potential employer that you would be the perfect candidate for the job because of it and if you do not, explain why you think you would be perfect to become a manger. Bottom line is custom fit it.
• Draft, draft, draft: While your cover letter needs to be a masterpiece, it’s not a painting and you don’t have to get it on the first shot. Be prepared to do a draft or two, or three, whatever it takes. This is going to allow you to add new ideas and subtract rambling that don’t need to be included.
• Proof read: Nothing say, ‘Please go on to the next resume,’ like a cover letter that is full of spelling and grammatical errors. Check it several times and make sure it is perfect when done.
• Would you hire yourself: Once you have completed your cover letter, read it over as though you where the potential employer. Did you find it so intriguing that you feel like you want to know more? If not, then chances are that the potential employer won’t either. If you find this happening, go back and add and subtract until you are satisfied.
Often times you only get one shot at a job you are going after so make it a good one. Take your time and create your masterpiece cover letter and doors will fly open like you never saw before.
Get more cover letter tips. Consider starting with a sample cover letter to make your writing faster and more professional.
1. The position in which you are applying for.
2. Your reasons for wanting the job.
3. Any skills you have that relate to that job.
4. Your knowledge of the company in which you are trying to get into.
Writing a cover letter doesn’t have to be rocket science and if you follow these tips you will be on your way to painless cover letter writing that will have you knocking the socks of the potential employer before your resume is every viewed:
• Think before you write: Map out on paper what you want to say on your cover letter. This will allow you time to organize your thoughts so that you can better write your cover letter.
• Short and sweet: Your cover letter should be short, concise, and to the point and should be kept to one page if possible. You want it to be professional sounding, but if you drag it on too long, you may lose the interest of the reader. Keep them wanting more because that more is your resume.
• Make it a custom fit: When writing the cover letter make it a custom fit for the particular job you are going after. If you are going after a managerial job then make your cover letter relevant to that job. If you have managerial experience tell the potential employer that you would be the perfect candidate for the job because of it and if you do not, explain why you think you would be perfect to become a manger. Bottom line is custom fit it.
• Draft, draft, draft: While your cover letter needs to be a masterpiece, it’s not a painting and you don’t have to get it on the first shot. Be prepared to do a draft or two, or three, whatever it takes. This is going to allow you to add new ideas and subtract rambling that don’t need to be included.
• Proof read: Nothing say, ‘Please go on to the next resume,’ like a cover letter that is full of spelling and grammatical errors. Check it several times and make sure it is perfect when done.
• Would you hire yourself: Once you have completed your cover letter, read it over as though you where the potential employer. Did you find it so intriguing that you feel like you want to know more? If not, then chances are that the potential employer won’t either. If you find this happening, go back and add and subtract until you are satisfied.
Often times you only get one shot at a job you are going after so make it a good one. Take your time and create your masterpiece cover letter and doors will fly open like you never saw before.
Get more cover letter tips. Consider starting with a sample cover letter to make your writing faster and more professional.
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Easy Resume Fixes – Increase your Resume’s Power
Whether you realize it or not there may be many mistakes on your resume that need to be fixed and you may not even know it. While some of the mistakes may be outdated information, there are also other less obvious mistakes that still require attention. Fixing small mistakes on your resume will help you to increase the power of your resume. Knowing if these mistakes exist and how to fix them could mean the difference between your career life and death.
Here are some of the more common mistakes that need to be fixed on a resume:
• Personal e-mail: If your e-mail inbox is empty take a look at your e-mail address. No, not is it spelled right, but what does it say? A potential employer is much more likely to respond to an e-mail address such as johnsmith@someplace.com rather than ladysmanjohn@someplace.com. While a cute, clever e-mail address may be fun for you and your friends, remember you are trying to get a job so you must look professional. If you don’t already have a regular looking e-mail address, get one. They are free and could mean more interviews in your future.
• Personal information: You need to not only make sure that your personal information is correct but you need to also watch what you put down. Don’t get into race and religion on your resume as this may turn some employers off. Though they cannot legally discriminate, they can pass over your resume if they do not like what they see. Besides, it is nobody’s business but your own who you do or don’t pray too.
• Hobbies: Again, be careful of what you are putting down. You may think it is great that you enjoy mountain climbing and surfing, but a potential employer may view you as a risk taker and be turned off. The idea behind your resume is to make the employer want you, not to scare them away.
• Check the basics: Double and triple check all of your contact information. It may sound redundant but if you have just one number wrong in your telephone number due to a typo you will obviously not be receiving any calls. This is an easier mistake to make than you might think and no, spell check is not going to catch the fact that your phone number is wrong. What good is a sparkling resume if the prospective employer can’t get a hold of you?
• K.I.S.S.: That stands for keep it simple stupid and is a great acronym for your resume. Don’t get too caught up making your resume so flashy that it then becomes busy and cluttered. If your resume looks too cluttered to a potential employer, they may think that is the type of person you are and once again they will be turned off. Keep your resume easy to read and easy to follow and above all else, keep it neat.
Your resume is your sales pitch to landing an interview so you have to make the most of it. By constantly checking your resume and performing these easy fixes you will increase the power of your resume and thus increase your chances of landing the job of your dreams.
Compare the best resume services.
Here are some of the more common mistakes that need to be fixed on a resume:
• Personal e-mail: If your e-mail inbox is empty take a look at your e-mail address. No, not is it spelled right, but what does it say? A potential employer is much more likely to respond to an e-mail address such as johnsmith@someplace.com rather than ladysmanjohn@someplace.com. While a cute, clever e-mail address may be fun for you and your friends, remember you are trying to get a job so you must look professional. If you don’t already have a regular looking e-mail address, get one. They are free and could mean more interviews in your future.
• Personal information: You need to not only make sure that your personal information is correct but you need to also watch what you put down. Don’t get into race and religion on your resume as this may turn some employers off. Though they cannot legally discriminate, they can pass over your resume if they do not like what they see. Besides, it is nobody’s business but your own who you do or don’t pray too.
• Hobbies: Again, be careful of what you are putting down. You may think it is great that you enjoy mountain climbing and surfing, but a potential employer may view you as a risk taker and be turned off. The idea behind your resume is to make the employer want you, not to scare them away.
• Check the basics: Double and triple check all of your contact information. It may sound redundant but if you have just one number wrong in your telephone number due to a typo you will obviously not be receiving any calls. This is an easier mistake to make than you might think and no, spell check is not going to catch the fact that your phone number is wrong. What good is a sparkling resume if the prospective employer can’t get a hold of you?
• K.I.S.S.: That stands for keep it simple stupid and is a great acronym for your resume. Don’t get too caught up making your resume so flashy that it then becomes busy and cluttered. If your resume looks too cluttered to a potential employer, they may think that is the type of person you are and once again they will be turned off. Keep your resume easy to read and easy to follow and above all else, keep it neat.
Your resume is your sales pitch to landing an interview so you have to make the most of it. By constantly checking your resume and performing these easy fixes you will increase the power of your resume and thus increase your chances of landing the job of your dreams.
Compare the best resume services.
The Best Three Professional Resume Writers
Hiring a professional resume writer to create your resume can be the best thing you ever decided to do when it comes to helping you land more interviews. The problem lies in finding a good professional resume writing service that can accomplish this and doing a search online will have you sifting through hundreds, if not thousands, of possible candidates.
A good resume writer has to have knowledge, experience, and above all great work which may leave you wondering where the heck you are going to find all that. Well wonder no more as there are three professional resume writers that standout from the rest and offer outstanding service and support and a great bang for your buck. The best three professional resume writers are:
1. ResumeWriters.com: ResumeWriters.com’s resume writers have over ten years of experience in every type of resume you can imagine. They were featured in a Time Magazine article and have hundreds of thousands of satisfied customers. They also belong to the Professional Association of Resume Writers as well as the Career Directors International so you known their writers are tip top. Their writers can handle any type of resume from student to government to professional, you name it, and their customer satisfaction rate is an outstanding 98 percent. Best of all, their service is backed with a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee which leads to a spot in the top three.
2. ResumeEdge: ResumeEdge has been writing resumes for many years now and has been in operation online for the past 11 years. There writers are some of the most well versed and professional writers that the resume writing business has to offer. All of the writers they have on staff have to pass rigorous training and they are members of the Better Business Bureau, the Professional Association of Resume Writers, and the Certified Professional Resume Writers. Just like ResumeWriters.com, ResumeEdge has many different samples that you can peruse to determine if you will like their style of writing or not. Add all that to the fact that they have plenty of sample resumes for you to view and it all adds up to ResumeEdge making the grade and landing in the top three.
3. Resumes Planet: Resumes Planet offers a wide range of resume writing services and has been doing the business of resume writing for many years now. They too offer 100 percent satisfaction guaranteed and even give you free interview tips with their service. On their website you will find many different sample resumes that you can view that will help you feel better about using them. Their biggest perk is that they do offer a 24 hour turnaround time if you need it and their customer support is 24/7 which safely lands them in the top three resume writers.
All three professional resume writer services offer a wide range of services so do your homework and check into each one thoroughly before you make your decision. But you will be hard pressed to find any other resume writers out there today that offer the service and support of these top three and by the way, their prices are very reasonable and among the best in the industry.
A good resume writer has to have knowledge, experience, and above all great work which may leave you wondering where the heck you are going to find all that. Well wonder no more as there are three professional resume writers that standout from the rest and offer outstanding service and support and a great bang for your buck. The best three professional resume writers are:
1. ResumeWriters.com: ResumeWriters.com’s resume writers have over ten years of experience in every type of resume you can imagine. They were featured in a Time Magazine article and have hundreds of thousands of satisfied customers. They also belong to the Professional Association of Resume Writers as well as the Career Directors International so you known their writers are tip top. Their writers can handle any type of resume from student to government to professional, you name it, and their customer satisfaction rate is an outstanding 98 percent. Best of all, their service is backed with a 100 percent satisfaction guarantee which leads to a spot in the top three.
2. ResumeEdge: ResumeEdge has been writing resumes for many years now and has been in operation online for the past 11 years. There writers are some of the most well versed and professional writers that the resume writing business has to offer. All of the writers they have on staff have to pass rigorous training and they are members of the Better Business Bureau, the Professional Association of Resume Writers, and the Certified Professional Resume Writers. Just like ResumeWriters.com, ResumeEdge has many different samples that you can peruse to determine if you will like their style of writing or not. Add all that to the fact that they have plenty of sample resumes for you to view and it all adds up to ResumeEdge making the grade and landing in the top three.
3. Resumes Planet: Resumes Planet offers a wide range of resume writing services and has been doing the business of resume writing for many years now. They too offer 100 percent satisfaction guaranteed and even give you free interview tips with their service. On their website you will find many different sample resumes that you can view that will help you feel better about using them. Their biggest perk is that they do offer a 24 hour turnaround time if you need it and their customer support is 24/7 which safely lands them in the top three resume writers.
All three professional resume writer services offer a wide range of services so do your homework and check into each one thoroughly before you make your decision. But you will be hard pressed to find any other resume writers out there today that offer the service and support of these top three and by the way, their prices are very reasonable and among the best in the industry.
Monday, September 21, 2009
What does a resume editing service do?
There’s been a lot of talk lately about resume editing services. It wasn’t so long ago when to most people editing a resume meant having a spouse or friend look over the document. But, in today’s competitive market it can be a good idea to turn to the professionals for resume editing. Resume editing services have a lot to offer and you can benefit tremendously from their services.
With over 3.5 million Americans sending out resumes every month, it is essential that you have a top-notch resume. Many companies specializing in resume writing also offer a resume editing service as well. And edit of your existing resume may be a more affordable way to ensure your resume stands out among the competition.
Resume editing services employ professional resume writers that have a good understanding of what makes a good resume. They are up to date with the current trends. Just as in the fashion world, resume styles can go out of fashion. Your resume may be overlooked by a hiring manager just based on an outdated template. Professional resume writers also know the current buzz words in each industry. They know what’s hot with hiring managers.
We often have a hard time selling ourselves. It can be hard to brag about ourselves to a stranger. Plus, we often sell ourselves short on our skills and accomplishments. A professional rewrite of your resume can transform it from a piece of paper listing your experiences to an attractive document highlighting your accomplishments.
There are some key areas that will be addressed in an edit of any resume:
• Proofreading & Editing. They will start with the basics – spelling, grammatical errors, and punctuation. An error of this nature can send your resume straight to the trash.
• Formatting. Potential employers may interpret your ability to organize information on how well it is presented in your resume. Professional writers employ the most advanced organization techniques to your resume.
• Structural Coherence. Your experience and accomplishments need to be presented in an orderly manner, so as to convey a natural professional evolution.
• Theme. Professionals will apply a theme to your resume based on your career objectives.
• Information. With a fresh perspective of your resume, professionals will be able to weed out information that lacks detail and replace it information that presents more meaning.
• Voice. It’s important that your resume be presented in a uniform, active voice.
• Keywords. Professionals know the popular keywords that need to be present on your resume.
You may think your resume is ok, and it may well be ok, but in today’s market you’ve got to make sure your resume stands out. Your resume may be the only way to get the attention of a hiring manager. By utilizing a professional resume editing service, you can ensure that your resume gets noticed.
There are several companies that offer resume editing. If you are on a budget, but searching for a way to jump start your job search, a professional edit of your resume could be the answer. Remember, these professionals deal with resumes all day. They know what works, what’s popular, and how to turn your resume into a marketing tool to advertise you and your experiences.
With over 3.5 million Americans sending out resumes every month, it is essential that you have a top-notch resume. Many companies specializing in resume writing also offer a resume editing service as well. And edit of your existing resume may be a more affordable way to ensure your resume stands out among the competition.
Resume editing services employ professional resume writers that have a good understanding of what makes a good resume. They are up to date with the current trends. Just as in the fashion world, resume styles can go out of fashion. Your resume may be overlooked by a hiring manager just based on an outdated template. Professional resume writers also know the current buzz words in each industry. They know what’s hot with hiring managers.
We often have a hard time selling ourselves. It can be hard to brag about ourselves to a stranger. Plus, we often sell ourselves short on our skills and accomplishments. A professional rewrite of your resume can transform it from a piece of paper listing your experiences to an attractive document highlighting your accomplishments.
There are some key areas that will be addressed in an edit of any resume:
• Proofreading & Editing. They will start with the basics – spelling, grammatical errors, and punctuation. An error of this nature can send your resume straight to the trash.
• Formatting. Potential employers may interpret your ability to organize information on how well it is presented in your resume. Professional writers employ the most advanced organization techniques to your resume.
• Structural Coherence. Your experience and accomplishments need to be presented in an orderly manner, so as to convey a natural professional evolution.
• Theme. Professionals will apply a theme to your resume based on your career objectives.
• Information. With a fresh perspective of your resume, professionals will be able to weed out information that lacks detail and replace it information that presents more meaning.
• Voice. It’s important that your resume be presented in a uniform, active voice.
• Keywords. Professionals know the popular keywords that need to be present on your resume.
You may think your resume is ok, and it may well be ok, but in today’s market you’ve got to make sure your resume stands out. Your resume may be the only way to get the attention of a hiring manager. By utilizing a professional resume editing service, you can ensure that your resume gets noticed.
There are several companies that offer resume editing. If you are on a budget, but searching for a way to jump start your job search, a professional edit of your resume could be the answer. Remember, these professionals deal with resumes all day. They know what works, what’s popular, and how to turn your resume into a marketing tool to advertise you and your experiences.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Job Search Tax Deductions
With so many Americans out of work or looking for a better job to make it these days, it’s important to note that some job search costs are tax deductible. In the IRS Publication 529, there is an entire section devoted to “Job Search Expenses”. Even if your job search doesn’t yield results, you can still claim the expenses on your taxes.
As with most things in life, there is a catch. The IRS has three major exclusions – so don’t go saving all those receipts quite yet.
1. You must be looking for a job in your current occupation. If you are looking to shift careers you will not be able to deduct your expenses.
2. Another deal breaker – if it’s there has been a “substantial” break since the end of your last job and the current search. The IRS doesn’t define substantial, so be sure to check out this detail with a tax advisor.
3. If you are looking for a first job, say fresh out of college, you do not qualify for this deduction.
If you are looking for a new position in your current field and there hasn’t been a substantial time lapse since your last job you’ll want to track all your expenses. You will be able to itemize your expenses on Schedule A on your next tax return. Here are some examples of job search related expenses:
• Resumes. If you are looking for a new job in your present occupation, all the money you spend on preparing and mailing out your resume is deductible. This includes if you pay to for a professional resume writing service or resume distribution service. Even though most applications are done online, if you choose to mail in your resume you can deduct the paper, envelopes, and even postage.
• Employment and outplacement agency fees. Again, if you are looking in your present occupation, you can deduct employment and outplacement agency fees – if you pay them yourself. If your employers reimburses you for these fees, you’ll have to add that to your gross income.
• Travel and transportation expenses. Be careful on this one, but if your job search, again in your present occupation, requires you to travel you may be able to deduct your expenses to and from the area. You need to be able to demonstrate that primary reason for the travel is to look for a new job and not personal. Even if you are looking for a new job in your present area you may be able to the mileage incurred during your search.
When in doubt, just save the receipt for every job search related expense. When you are ready to file your taxes, be sure to read the details regarding the deductions on Schedule A. You can find details on these deductions in Publication 529. If you have financially contributed quite a bit to your job search, it is probably worth consulting with a tax advisor regarding your qualifying deductions. Keep in mind the fees incurred in the cost of tax preparation software programs, tax publications, or tax advisors are deductible as well.
As with most things in life, there is a catch. The IRS has three major exclusions – so don’t go saving all those receipts quite yet.
1. You must be looking for a job in your current occupation. If you are looking to shift careers you will not be able to deduct your expenses.
2. Another deal breaker – if it’s there has been a “substantial” break since the end of your last job and the current search. The IRS doesn’t define substantial, so be sure to check out this detail with a tax advisor.
3. If you are looking for a first job, say fresh out of college, you do not qualify for this deduction.
If you are looking for a new position in your current field and there hasn’t been a substantial time lapse since your last job you’ll want to track all your expenses. You will be able to itemize your expenses on Schedule A on your next tax return. Here are some examples of job search related expenses:
• Resumes. If you are looking for a new job in your present occupation, all the money you spend on preparing and mailing out your resume is deductible. This includes if you pay to for a professional resume writing service or resume distribution service. Even though most applications are done online, if you choose to mail in your resume you can deduct the paper, envelopes, and even postage.
• Employment and outplacement agency fees. Again, if you are looking in your present occupation, you can deduct employment and outplacement agency fees – if you pay them yourself. If your employers reimburses you for these fees, you’ll have to add that to your gross income.
• Travel and transportation expenses. Be careful on this one, but if your job search, again in your present occupation, requires you to travel you may be able to deduct your expenses to and from the area. You need to be able to demonstrate that primary reason for the travel is to look for a new job and not personal. Even if you are looking for a new job in your present area you may be able to the mileage incurred during your search.
When in doubt, just save the receipt for every job search related expense. When you are ready to file your taxes, be sure to read the details regarding the deductions on Schedule A. You can find details on these deductions in Publication 529. If you have financially contributed quite a bit to your job search, it is probably worth consulting with a tax advisor regarding your qualifying deductions. Keep in mind the fees incurred in the cost of tax preparation software programs, tax publications, or tax advisors are deductible as well.
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Don’t Lie on your Resume – but do Spin
Honesty is always the best policy and the same holds true when writing our resume and you should never flat out lie; but there are times when you should spin. You hear the term spin from the politicians that can take any situation and ‘spin’ it to become something totally different. While you may view a Governor drinking a beer at a bar as a bad thing, you may not feel that way, once a spin doctor gets a hold of the story and tells you that the Governor was simply out in an attempt to re-connect with the local blue collared workers of America. Same situation, different spin.
It is this art of spinning that can be used to help you at times on your resume. Here are some places on your resume where you never want to lie, but you may want to spin:
• Education: If you only completed three and a half years of college, put that down. It may be tempting to say that you did graduate, but these days it is very easy for potential employer to check. But you also don’t want to simply put that you didn’t graduate. Here is a perfect place to spin. Tell why you didn’t complete college. For example, ‘I left school early to take a position with XYZ corporation and am currently seeking information about online coursed that will help me to complete my schooling and obtain my degree.’ Same situation, just worded differently.
• Time gaps: This is especially for the former stay at home moms. It is very bad to leave large time gaps in your resume, but you never want to lie and say you worked when you really didn’t. At the same time you don’t want to just say you stayed at home to take care of your child; spin it. For example, ‘I took some time out of the private sector and devoted much of my time to volunteer work.’ This can be especially true as most stay at home moms do find themselves volunteering a great deal for the schools in which their children attend. This is a wonderful skill and when spun properly it can not only look good on a resume, but it will also fill that nasty time gap.
• Experience: Never lie about what you can and cannot do for an employer because the time may come when you are asked to perform what you said you could do and then you are stuck staring like a deer in the headlights. You should however, spin your work experience to be relevant to the job in which you are applying. If you are applying for a management position at a financial firm and you have managed before at a fast food restaurant, key in on the fact that you did mange others before, not necessarily who. For example, instead of saying you managed the fry section of your local greasy spoon, say, ‘At XYZ I was in charge of a four member team and oversaw their day to day activities to ensure proper productivity was taking place.’ Beats the heck out of saying you yelled at four guys to drop more baskets of fries.
Again, being honest is the best way to get a job and if you lie you are taking a big risk that you will get caught. Instead of telling outright lies on your resume, think like the politicians do and make sure that you are spinning your story in a way that will come off pleasing to anyone who reads it.
Read reviews of the best resume services.
It is this art of spinning that can be used to help you at times on your resume. Here are some places on your resume where you never want to lie, but you may want to spin:
• Education: If you only completed three and a half years of college, put that down. It may be tempting to say that you did graduate, but these days it is very easy for potential employer to check. But you also don’t want to simply put that you didn’t graduate. Here is a perfect place to spin. Tell why you didn’t complete college. For example, ‘I left school early to take a position with XYZ corporation and am currently seeking information about online coursed that will help me to complete my schooling and obtain my degree.’ Same situation, just worded differently.
• Time gaps: This is especially for the former stay at home moms. It is very bad to leave large time gaps in your resume, but you never want to lie and say you worked when you really didn’t. At the same time you don’t want to just say you stayed at home to take care of your child; spin it. For example, ‘I took some time out of the private sector and devoted much of my time to volunteer work.’ This can be especially true as most stay at home moms do find themselves volunteering a great deal for the schools in which their children attend. This is a wonderful skill and when spun properly it can not only look good on a resume, but it will also fill that nasty time gap.
• Experience: Never lie about what you can and cannot do for an employer because the time may come when you are asked to perform what you said you could do and then you are stuck staring like a deer in the headlights. You should however, spin your work experience to be relevant to the job in which you are applying. If you are applying for a management position at a financial firm and you have managed before at a fast food restaurant, key in on the fact that you did mange others before, not necessarily who. For example, instead of saying you managed the fry section of your local greasy spoon, say, ‘At XYZ I was in charge of a four member team and oversaw their day to day activities to ensure proper productivity was taking place.’ Beats the heck out of saying you yelled at four guys to drop more baskets of fries.
Again, being honest is the best way to get a job and if you lie you are taking a big risk that you will get caught. Instead of telling outright lies on your resume, think like the politicians do and make sure that you are spinning your story in a way that will come off pleasing to anyone who reads it.
Read reviews of the best resume services.
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