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Newsletter Vol. II
AUGUST 2001

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Welcome to Dear Mafe." This month, I will be discussing how to make an effective resume that will make a good impression when you look for a job. Also I will give you some tips about the do's and don'ts during a job interview. I hope this month's topic will help you in a way.. until next month, God bless you!!! ~Mafe~

Guide to Succeeding On the Job Search Resume Writing

The Importance of a Solid Resume

Putting together a resume is very serious business. Often it is the first impression you will make on a prospective employer. Hopefully, after looking over your resume, the employer will grant you the opportunity to make a second impression.

If we look at the job search as a marketing campaign, we can then look at the resume as a print advertisement or a marketing brochure. If you take a look through a magazine you will see many ads. Try to find one that tells you to buy a product because the company needs to increase its profits. You will be hard pressed to find such a beast. The ads you see tell you what the manufacturer's product can do for you -- make your smile bright, your hair shiny, or simply make your life better. When putting together your resume, evaluate the needs of the employer and then determine how you can fill those needs. If you have access to a computer and a quality printer, you can design a targeted resume for every job for which you apply. If you have to mass produce your resume, you will have to do a little guesswork to come up with one that will impress everyone.

Choosing a Resume Format

Next you must determine what type of resume format to use. There are three basic types: Chronological, Functional, and a Combination of the two. The following sections will explain what each of these types are and when to choose one type over another.

  • Chronological resume

The chronological resume is probably the one with which most people are familiar. On it, work experience is listed in reverse chronological order (most recent job first). The period of time during which you were employed is listed first, followed by the name of the employer and then the employer's location. A description for each job is also included. Following work history is a section on education. If you are trying to show career growth, a chronological resume may be the way to go. If your most recent job is store manager, while the one before that is department manager, and the one before that is sales clerk, you can show a history of promotion. However, if your work history has been spotty or if it has been stagnant you shouldn't use a chronological resume. If you are changing careers a chronological resume is not for you either.

  • Functional resume

A functional resume categorizes skills by function, emphasizing your abilities. This is useful if you are changing careers and want to show how you can transfer your skills. As stated previously, it is important to show prospective employers what you can offer them. A functional resume does just that. A functional job objective is given first, followed by several paragraphs, each discussing a different job function. Examples of functions are: Supervision and Management, Accounting, and Writing and Editing. Begin with the one you want to emphasize most. If you are customizing your resume for different employers, you can change your functional job objective as well as the order in which you list the functions. However, if you don't list your previous jobs, the person reviewing your resume may be suspicious.

  • Combination resume

A combination resume is exactly what it sounds like -- it combines a functional resume with a chronological one. An objective is listed at the top, after your name and address, of course. Following that are paragraphs describing job functions. A section titled "Employment Experience" comes next. That is where the chronological part of the resume comes in. List employers and dates in this section. Do not offer further descriptions here as you have already described your abilities in the functional part of this resume. This is a useful format if you are changing careers but have a solid employment history. I also find it useful if your job duties on a single job were very diverse and you want to stress your various abilities. If you spent a long time at one job but moved up through the company, you might want to use a combination resume.

Common Questions

  • Where should educational background go?

If your education includes a college degree it is not necessary to include information about high school. If you have completed your education recently (less than five years ago) and your degree is relevant to the position for which you are applying, you should place your educational background near the top of your resume. Otherwise, you may place it at the bottom. If you completed your education more than five years ago and worked outside the field in which you were educated, but are now seeking to enter that field, you should also place your educational information at the top of your resume.

  • How long is too long?

A rule of thumb is to stick to a one page resume. Employers need only see a snapshot of your background -- something that will make them want to learn more about you. However, if there is something you must include, for example, special awards and achievements, publications, or a grant you procured, you can run onto a second page. This rule differs for a curriculum vitae (CV) which is used by academics. In general a CV is several pages long as it includes a list of publications.

  • What about personal information?

Do not, under any circumstances, include personal information such as height, weight, age, marital status, or religious background.

  • Where do I put salary history?

Sometimes a prospective employer will require a salary history along with a resume and cover letter. If that is the case, you can include the salary history as an addendum to your resume.

  • How do I handle a brief period of employment?

Every so often a job comes along that just wasn't meant to be. You begin a job that you soon discover isn't for you. Rather than continue at the job you decide to cut your losses and quit. If you do decide to place that job on your resume, a short period of employment might raise a lot of questions. On the other hand, you should never lie on your resume. Rather than include specific dates on your resume, include only years. For example, for each job you list, state the years or year that encompassed your tenure there. Of course, when you fill out an employment application, you are going to have to include the actual dates of employment.

  • How do I make sense of all the advice?

You will hear the opinions of many experts, each giving different advice. The bottom line is that you must produce a resume that makes you proud. Your name is right up there on top, it represents you, and will affect your chance of getting the interview. You get my point. Read through all the information, listen to what everyone has to say, and then decide what you want to do.

Here are some final thoughts. Do not forget to proof read your resume -- over and over again. Have someone else do it as well. Before you send it out, put it away for a day. Take it out again and look it over. You will probably pick up errors you didn't see yesterday. Also, keep your resume up to date. Even if you are currently employed and have no intention of job hunting, add any new skills to your resume. If you work on a special project add that as well. You may not remember some important additions if you have to write a resume under pressure.

Body Language during Interview

"Maybe it was something I said." That's a comment you frequently hear from job seekers who didn't get the job they wanted.

While strong verbal communication skills are essential during any employment negotiation, there's also something else to consider: Maybe it wasn't something you said, it was something you didn't say.

When applying for a job, you try to convince the interviewer you're the right person for it, and most people translate that into relating what they've done or what they can do for the company. That's important, but you need nonverbal communication to emphasize it. It is estimated that nonverbal communication like body language, facial expression, tone of voice, rate of speech etc account for as much as 50 percent of the impact your communication makes.

A candidate's body language is what makes an interviewer understands if the candidate is sure or not about what he says. Body language portrays personality.

An interviewer would expect a candidate to be confident. Well yes a candidates qualification and knowledge are the first priorities, but then it is the body language which makes an interviewer understands if he has all those qualities.

Worried about what your interviewer will make of your body language? Here are some tips:

  • Maintain eye contact. Look directly at the interviewer. It shows you're not intimidated and that you're trustworthy. If you sit with eyes downcast and face turned away it shows that you are not interested in what he is talking.

  • Don't keep your arms and legs crossed. Crossed arms indicate that the person is in a defensive and reserved mood. Crossed arms and legs show that the person is very reserved and suspicious.

  • Conversely, open arms and hands mean an open and receptive frame of mind.

  • Keep your body relaxed, and turned towards the person you are speaking with to show interest. Keeping your body turned away shows disinterest. Sitting with your body and feet pointing towards a door indicates that you want to end the conservation and leave the room.

  • Avoid rubbing or touching your nose when answering a question it could be taken to mean you are not telling the complete truth.

  • Avoid shaking or jiggling your legs or body, it could indicate that you are nervous and uncomfortable.

And what should you make of the interviewer's body language?

  • If he is standing before you with his hands inside the pockets it means he is not sure or is suspicious.

  • If he is standing before you with his hands on his hips it means he is receptive and ready to help you out.

  • If he rubs the back of his head or is rubbing or touching the back of his neck it means he is not really finding the conversation interesting.

  • If he is holding or stroking his chin with the palm of one hand, it means he is in an evaluating position and possibly being critical.

  • If he leans back in his chair with both hands clasped behind his head he is in an analytical mood, but it is also a gesture of superiority.

  • If he maintains good eye contact and he smiles in a relaxed and happy way he is definitely receptive to you.

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Note: For guidance and information about career planning, feel free to email me or use the form below.

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