Resume Don't - Spritzing your resume with perfume!
My friend recently posted this message on social media: "Helpful hint: When applying for a job, don't douse your resume in patchouli oil (or any other oil for that matter) . My entire office is now smelly!!!" Wow! Now that is definitely a resume "don't"! Remember, keep it simple and neat. No pictures, be careful about how much personal/non-work related information you share, and please, don't add perfume to your resume!
Automatic gratuities at restaurants may soon be reported directly to the IRS
Know how restaurants often add 18% (or more!) automatic tips to large groups? Guess what, automatic gratuities may be a thing of the past. Wait staff beware: if your restaurant still includes these automatic tips, they may soon be reported directly to the IRS, instead of being reported by you! http://m.npr.org/news/Business/219290573?start=10
6 MUST-HAVE Tips for Today's College Student
Times have changed... no more partying and skating by until senior year for today's college students. These days students have to be on the top of their game from their freshman year if they hope to get a great job upon graduation. Forbes details 6 MUST-HAVE modern day tips for the college student in your life: http://www.forbes.com/sites/susanadams/2012/11/12/6-things-you-must-do-to-get-your-first-job-after-college/#
Top 5 Resume Don’ts
- Don't include a personal photo or other personal, non-work related information. Recruiters should not eliminate your resume based on age, race, gender or sexual orientation, but including unnecessary information can encourage such biases.
- Don't false advertise! Don't allude to a degree you never completed - recruiters will see right through this little-white-lie.
- Don't accidentally leave the wrong company name or contact person from an old cover letter on your new cover letter! Ouch - nothing says "toss pile" like calling a recruiter by the wrong name!
- Don't use an unprofessional e-mail address (gossipgirl@tosspile.com) or have unprofessional voicemails when you are job searching. Set up an e-mail account just for your job search, using a professional e-mail address, such as jdoe@hireme.com or johndoe@hireme.com.
- Don't get help from someone on your resume, but not on your cover letter. It is obvious you've had assistance if your resume is well written, but your cover letter is terrible. If writing is not your strength, get help - send it to Resume-Checker!
Is Your Country the Most Educated?!
Which country is the most educated? No, it's not the U.S.! Find out where your country rates. Does your resume stand-up to your country's standards? If not, send it to Resume-Checker and I'll make sure yours is top of the ranks!
"10 Rules for Brillant People"
I think this article should be called "10 Rules for Brilliant People," as I believe the concepts apply to anyone. I recently watched Tara Sophia Mohr on the Today Show and was impressed with her and her tips, that while simple, are pitfalls for many. Her article, "10 Rules for Brilliant Women" are great rules for Women or Men to follow when searching for a new job, http://www.taramohr.com/10rules/.
2 of her tips that made me think:
1) Watch how you use the words "just" and "actually" - don't undermine yourself by using these words the wrong way! For example, "I just thought that I would be a good fit for this position because..." This statement sounds as if you doubt yourself! Take out the word "just" and now you sound powerful! Or, "I actually contributed to the company newsletter..." This statement sounds as if it is a surprise that you could make this contribution; as if you doubt your own abilities or thoughts on the subject. Again, simply removing the "actually" makes you sound like a strong, brilliant, potential employee.
2) Don't say, "sorry"! People often say "sorry" or, "I might be wrong" when it's not necessary, which makes them sound as if they lack confidence. For example, you don't agree with a co-worker's comment and you respond, "I might be wrong, but I think..." You are stating your mind and your opinion and when you start out with, "I'm sorry" or "I might be wrong," this belittles your conviction. As long as you speak your mind in a respectful manner, you don't need to be 'sorry'! This example could come up in an interview when you're asked to give an example of how you handle conflict - show your ability to handle conflict in a confident and mutually respectful manner by choosing your words carefully.
It appears the economy is slowly recovering, which is great news! However, recruiters are struggling to find candidates with the skills sets they need for their open positions. This seems unfathomable considering how many people seem to be on the job hunt. I see many resumes of candidates with great skills sets who aren't showcasing it in their resume. Their resumes are vague and poorly structured. Even though the job market is on the mend, there are still a lot of people searching for a job. If skilled candidates are hard to find in an economy with so many job seekers, there is something to be said for having a top-quality resume.
Wage Growth Lowest Since '60's!
