Contact us

Get Your Resume Ready for Autumn — But Avoid these Pitfalls!

Raza Rauf on August 11, 2015

Get-Your-Resume-Ready-for-Autumn-But-Avoid-these-Pitfalls

 

The cooler months of autumn can be the perfect time to launch a new job search, starting with whipping a resume into shape. A well-designed resume can help you get in front of the best hiring companies. But, before you go through all this effort, make sure your resume doesn’t include any of these common resume pitfalls that can turn off recruiters before they’ve had a chance to meet you.

Pitfall #1 – Your resume is boring

If you fall into the trap of writing your resume on a dull over-used resume template, you can be sure that the recruiters will pass it by. This is because they read through so many resumes daily, so the boring ones get ignored. Take the time to develop your resume on an updated resume template that includes nice use of text, white space, and call-out sections for maximum reader appeal.

Pitfall #2 – Your forgot to include achievements

If your resume reads like a long list of job requirements and responsibilities, without any real accomplishments, it’s missing the mark big time. Make sure you explain briefly what you did in each role and then add a list of at least 2-3 achievements or recognition you had in each job. Even if they were temp assignments, find something. Use financials and percentages whenever you can.

Pitfall #3 – Where is the cover letter?

A good resume includes a cover letter that acts as a quick introduction of your value to hiring managers. Use a similar template to build your cover letter, include a strong opening statement, a list of your top 5 skills you bring to the table, and wrap it up by inviting the recruiter to read your resume and contact you for a job interview.

Pitfall #4 – Your spelling and grammar leave much to be desired

Always take the time to do a spelling and grammar check of your resume, and any written materials you send out to recruiters. If you have issues in this area you can get a friend to proof-read your resume before it goes out for all to see. Poor grammar and spelling tell a company that you are not concerned with the with the quality of your work, and you don’t want to develop this relationship.

Pitfall #5 – Overuse of keywords

In an effort to sound amazing to hiring managers, it’s easy to include a bunch of industry power words in a resume. However, most recruiters are wise to this and they find it annoying. Avoid using too many keywords that make you look like an amateur, instead focus on marketable job skills and knowledge you have.

Follow the above tips to avoid making these common resume pitfalls, and you should look a lot better to hiring companies out there looking for great people this fall.

It’s Easy to Land a Job — Just Do Something Different!

Raza Rauf on August 5, 2015

It's-Easy-to-Land-a-Job-Just-Do-Something-Different

 

In any career, it’s easy to get stuck in a rut. Performing the same tasks and taking on the same types of projects can be a safe place. But, if you are searching for a new job, you will quickly find out that what counts is your ability to stand out from other candidates. How do you do this? By being different!

Ways to Be Different and Stand out as a Candidate

You don’t have to do anything crazy to stand out as a candidate. Instead, you want to find something that you feel comfortable with and can use to shine. Use these tips to get started.

Create some buzz around YOU

Before you even apply for the job you want, you need to develop a buzz around yourself, essentially creating a brand presence for your career. Make it a point to develop a blog and share your best creative and written works. Develop a group online and stand out as a thought leader in your industry. Get involved with a cause you care about.

Network with the right people

Getting in front of the best hiring companies is all about meeting with and networking with influencers. You can do much for your career by using social networks and local networking groups to meet new people in your areas of interest. LinkedIn can be a powerful place for joining groups for your industry and connecting with people. Be sure to connect with the hiring managers at the companies you want to target.

Use an outstanding cover letter and resume

Most job seekers send a very bland resume and many others forget to use a written cover letter. Worse yet, they may send a form letter. Instead, do something different and create an interesting and attention-grabbing cover letter and resume that hiring managers will enjoy getting. Start with a great template, and then create your opening statement. Use a fun fact about yourself, list your best skills, and wrap up the cover letter with a call to action including your phone number where you can be called. Match your resume to your cover letter in the template, tone and style.

Follow up the smart way

Do you know how to effectively follow up with hiring managers, in a different way? Instead of sending a boring email or picking up the phone, why not send a nice thank you card to the hiring manager? This is more personal and it’s amazing how many candidates forget to do this simple thing. It will help you to stand out as a professional and your card may trigger a call to come back in for a second interview, or better yet – a job offer.

Do something different today – pick up the phone and apply as a temporary employee with Advance Staffing Services for part time and full time jobs.

Gap in Your Resume? How to Make it No Big Deal!

Raza Rauf on April 3, 2015

Gap in Your Resume-How to Make it No Big Deal

 

Trying to find a new job can be difficult, but it can be even more stressful if you have a glaring gap in employment appearing on your resume. This gap could have occurred due to a period of unemployment, the choice of returning to school, taking time off to raise a family, dealing with an illness, or any number of other reasons.

In the recruitment world, a large gap on a resume is defined as anything that is six months to one year or longer. So, how do you turn the gap in your resume into a nonissue? Read this post to find out what to do about it.

Explain the Gap Briefly

Instead of putting a sentence or two at the top or bottom of your resume, put them right where the gap actually occurs. This will ensure that the employer sees it. You do not have to go into too much detail, but make sure you tell the employer the reason why there is a gap.

Utilize a Powerful Cover Letter

Avoid going into too much detail, but make sure there is some sort of understandable explanation provided for why you have the gap in employment. Then, if the employer calls you to schedule an interview, or ask questions, you can tell them more if it warrants.

Edit the Dates on Your Resume

You can edit all of the dates of employment on your resume so that they do not show the months employed, only the years. For example, change all of your jobs listed so they look like the following:

  • Customer Service Attendant: 2010-2012
  • Sales Rep: 2012-2015

There might have been a large gap of unemployment between the two jobs, but potential employers won’t notice it because everything flows. When being interviewed, you can explain that there was a tiny gap and then give the reason for it.

Include Temporary Employment

Even if you work in communications, but have to work in retail to pay the bills between career jobs, make sure you put temporary employment on your resume. It shows the employer that you worked hard to make ends meet while searching for a new job within your field of expertise.

Gaps in a resume do not have to hinder your job search. Use one or more of the tips outlined above and you can downplay those gaps easily.

 

Advance_CTA_LookingforWork

 

How to Create a Cover Letter – Free Template

Raza Rauf on January 27, 2015

How to Create a Cover Letter - Free Template

 

Many people dread writing a cover letter when they begin a job search. What makes them stress even more is the fact that different cover letters should be written for every single job applied for, no matter the similarities between them. With 2015 in full swing, it is time to revamp the cover letter sent to prospective employers. Here, we will discuss the best ways to create a cover letter and provide you with a free cover letter template for reference.

Use the Opening to Your Advantage

The opening of  your cover letter is the most important part because hiring managers typically have time to scan for roughly 20 seconds due to their busy schedules. You need to make as much of an impression as possible right off the bat. If you know a little bit about writing for the web, use that knowledge when writing your cover letter. You need to make an impression within the first 20 seconds worth of content.

Follow All Instructions!

As you read a job application, make sure you follow all of the instructions to the letter. If the employer directs you to write something specific in your email subject line or in the body of your cover letter, be sure you do it, or you will not receive a return call or email. Hiring managers do this as a simple test to see if applicants can follow easy instructions. If they cannot, then what is the use in scheduling them for an interview?

Always Provide Contact Info

No matter how many different cover letters you write, all of them must include your contact information. Your cover letter might be the best one a company has read in a long time, but if you do not give them all of your contact info, they will not be able to schedule an interview. Tell them exactly how to contact you in the cover letter. Whether this is via phone or email and the time of day that is best to reach you.

Proofread the Cover Letter

It is very important to proofread your cover letter prior to hitting send on an email or online application. Hiring managers do not want to have to figure out what it is you are trying to say in your cover letter because of too many typos or grammar mistakes. Your enthusiasm for the job must also shine through in your cover letter so the hiring manager knows how interested you are in the job.

Avoid Desperation

Do your best to avoid coming across as desperate in your cover letter. Even if you have been searching for a job for months on end, desperation should never show in your words. This will scare the employer as they wonder why you have had so much difficulty finding a job.

The cover letter is just as, if not more important, than your resume and portfolio. This is the first line of attack when trying to land a new job. So, be sure it sparkles as much as possible.

Download a FREE COVER LETTER TEMPLATE here (Microsoft Office). 

 

Advance_CTA_SearchOurOpenJobsToday

 

 

 

Why Winter is the Perfect Time to Kick Start a Job Search

Raza Rauf on December 5, 2014

You might not realize it, but the winter season is one of the best during the year to kick start your job search. Whether you are currently employed, preparing to graduate in the spring, or are unemployed and looking for work; the winter months can prove to be very effective for finding new employment. Many people back down from a job search during the dreary, cold days of winter and wait for the temperatures to rise. You should take advantage of this and move to the top of the candidate list for open jobs.

Here are some ways to give your job search a head start during the winter months:

Update Your Resume and Cover Letter

A big reason why your job search has stalled could be the shape of your resume and cover letter. If these items are in bad condition, then you will likely struggle with finding a new job. Use the winter months to supercharge your resume and cover letter. Review these documents with a fine-tooth comb and even ask a trusted friend or family member to do the same. The more eyes on them, the better.

You need to have a resume that grabs attention because it might be the only form of communication you have with a potential employer. You also need to tailor each cover letter to the company that is hiring. This makes the application more personal and will get you noticed over some other candidates.

Improve Your LinkedIn Page

Take some time out of your winter activities of shoveling snow and throwing rock salt to revamp your LinkedIn page. This is a vital part of the job search process and should even be done multiple times per year. You need to make sure that your recent work history is up-to-date on your profile page and that you have some recommendations on there from your connections. Those recommendations should come from former supervisors, mentors or co-workers. Also, use LinkedIn as part of your job search. Thousands of companies across the country are posting their open jobs on the site so be sure to spend time each day browsing the new openings posted.

Take the Initiative

As the winter months begin to settle in, do not hunker down and give up on your job search. Instead, take the initiative and submit your resume and job application for open positions in-person at the companies looking to hire new employees. Do not do this on days when a major winter storm is bearing down on the region. Instead, pick a day or two where the weather is clear so you will not be impeded. Companies who see you do this will be sure to put your resume at the top of the pile. Take on temporary jobs in Ohio or Michigan while you are seeking your perfect career.

The bottom line here is that the winter months can actually be the perfect time for kick starting a job search. Just make sure that you make smart decisions and do not risk life and limb to find a job when the snow and ice are falling.

How to Write a Cover Letter – Free Template for Job Seekers

Raza Rauf on January 24, 2014

You are about to send off your resume to your dream job when you notice with dismay that the advertisement says “must include cover letter”. Before you send your resume without a cover letter or, worse yet, a badly written cover letter, take a moment to check out the free cover letter template we have for you here. Plus enjoy these expert tips for writing a cover letter that will get you the results you need.

3 Tips for Writing a Better Cover Letter

Before you even attempt to write a cover letter, you will want to do some planning. Recruiters are out there waiting for a great candidate to come along. However, a cover letter that doesn’t serve the purpose of “selling you” to potential hiring companies is a complete waste of time. Use these tips for writing a better cover letter.

#1 – Know Your Strengths and Achievements

The main point of a cover letter is to provide a snapshot of your skills, achievements and credentials to the hiring manager. This means you have 10 seconds or less to make a positive impression. Make a list of the top 3 strengths you have, then link them to specific accomplishments you’ve had in your career. This will be used in your opening statement and in the bulleted list you will create just underneath.

#2 – Use Industry Power Keywords

As you browse your target jobs, note that the recruiter is using specific industry “power” words in each advertisement. You will integrate these key words and phrases into both your cover letter and your resume. Use them logically and with a specific goal in mind – to garner the attention of the recruiter who will be scanning your cover letter looking for these keywords.

#3 –Close with a Take Action Statement

Once you have created your opening sentences and your bulleted list for your cover letter, it’s time to do what the best marketing pros know – close out with a call to action statement. This essentially asks the recruiter to take a specific action, in a tactful and professional way. You can say something like: Thank you for taking the time to review my cover letter and qualifications. You may reach me by phone between the hours of such and such at the following number.”

Free Cover Letter Template

Now, get cracking! You can use the below example of a cover letter to write your own. Simply fill in each section with your information as we talked about in our tips section and you will be ready to “wow” the hiring managers at your target companies.

*************************************************************************************

Date

Dear <Hiring Managers Name or Title>,

I am applying for a < Name of Position > with your company and am including a copy of my professional resume for your review. I believe that my skills and credentials will be a great match for the <ASSIGNMENT> you are currently recruiting for and that I will be a valuable asset to your organization. Over the last < NUMBER > years, I have demonstrated above average <STRENGTH 1> and <STRENGTH 2> in the careers I have held in the <INDUSTRY TYPE> market, including:

  • Achievement one
  • Achievement two
  • Achievement three

Thank you for taking the time to review my cover letter and the attached resume in consideration of this assignment. I welcome the opportunity to meet with you to discuss the objectives and requirements of the job at your convenience.

<Closing call to action statement here>

Kindest Regards,

YOUR NAME

Contact information here

If you are looking for temporary jobs in Monroe MI, contact us today.

Contact us