While you certainly want to take your time building an effective resume, you can easily wrangle it if you take it step by step and one section at a time.

Why not schedule some time now? Turn off your notifications and focus on drafting and polishing your resume. This guide will help you learn how to create a resume that conveys your professional journey in a way that sets you apart from the competition.

Understanding Your Resume: What It Is and What It Isn’t

Before you sit down to start brainstorming your resume, it’s a good idea to ensure you understand the scope of the document.

As a refresher, your resume is a one-to-two-page document that offers the hiring manager a snapshot of your career. Think of it as the synopsis you read to decide whether to watch a movie or keep scrolling.

As job searches become increasingly digital, your resume should be a concise overview of your professional life as it relates to the role you’re applying to. Often, this is the first time a hiring manager will learn your name.

Your goal should be to showcase your skills, experience, and achievements. With the right structure and content, your resume can help the hiring manager begin to visualize you on their team.

Resume Formats: Choosing the Right One

Your resume format is going to be dictated by two factors. The first factor is the career stage you’re in. For example, if you’re working on a career change, you’ll choose a different format than if your career has had clear continuity for many years.

Beyond your career, you’ll generally factor in your skill set and experience for a specific role. You might use the traditional chronological format if your skills don’t align in obvious ways. Instead, you could choose a functional resume where your transferable skills are front and center.

There are three main resume formats to consider:

• Chronological resume: The classic choice, this format lists your work experience in reverse chronological order. It’s great if you have a solid work history and want to showcase your career progression.
• Functional resume: A bit of a wild card, a functional resume can make a bold statement if done well. This format focuses on your skills and accomplishments, rather than your work history. It’s handy if you have gaps in employment, are changing careers, or are new to the workforce. But beware that recruiters and hiring managers aren’t always fond of functional resumes. They’re hard to read, and the recruiter knows it’s easier to hide gaps in work history and career progression with this format.
• Combination resume: Just like it sounds, a combination resume merges the chronological and functional formats, highlighting your skills and your work history. They aren’t always the perfect solution, but they’re worth a second glance if you struggle to make a chronological resume work for you.

So, which resume design is right for you? You can dive deeper into each one with our detailed articles here:

• Chronological Resume Guide: Formatting, Tips, and Tricks
• Functional Resume Guide: Formatting, Pros, and Cons
• Combination and Hybrid Resume Guide

Writing Your Resume: A Step-by-Step Guide

Regardless of the format you choose, every resume needs a clear structure. Not only can you help guide the hiring manager down your career path, but there are certain sections the hiring manager will be looking for. The harder they have to work to gather the information they need, the more likely your resume will end up in the recycling bin.

Your resume should be consistent and easy to follow. You’ll need to include the sections outlined below.

Contact Information

Right at the top is your contact information—your digital business card. At a minimum, your contact information should include your first and last name, professional title, phone number, professional email address, and location.

You can also include your LinkedIn profile, professional social media profiles, and a personal website or portfolio if you have one. Modern resume formats sometimes use a small sidebar for the contact information, which also looks appealing.

Just as important is what not to include on your resume. Take a moment to ensure that your email highlights your professionalism. Ideally, you’ll have one dedicated to your job search to ensure you never lose an email because it got pushed down in your inbox.

It’s easy to create a professional email address with Gmail. You can keep it simple with your first and last names, or some variation of your names. Never use your current work email address, and leave off your full street address. Your city and state will do.

If you’re looking for a bit more detail on how to make your resume contact section stand out, read one of these posts for more tips:

• How to Create an Effective Resume Header (Examples)
• How to Write a Resume Headline (Examples)
• How to Write a Resume Headline

Summary or Objective

Think of your resume summary as your career elevator pitch. This concise paragraph highlights your skills and experience related to the specific role.

Resume Summary Example 1

Highly creative and multitalented marketing specialist with 5+ years of experience developing impactful branding strategies and digital campaigns. Proven track record of improving SEO while increasing customer engagement through carefully orchestrated social media campaigns.

Resume Summary Example 2

Analytical and detail-oriented financial analyst with 10+ years of experience in financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting. Skilled in analyzing financial statements, conducting market research, and utilizing data-driven insights to drive financial improvement and implement strategic decisions.

On the other hand, if you’re a recent graduate or career changer, you’ll likely need to create a more objective-based summary highlighting your transferable skills. Depending on your experience, you might need to connect the dots for the hiring manager—help them understand your career pivot because it won’t be evident from your experience and work history.

New Graduate Resume Objective Example

Motivated computer science graduate with strong problem-solving skills and a solid foundation in programming principles acquired through rigorous academic training. Experience gained through hands-on university projects has fostered Java, Python, and database management skills. Eager to apply these skills in an entry-level software development role at [XYZ Company], aiming to contribute fresh insights and grow professionally.

Career Change Resume Objective Example

Dedicated professional transitioning from 10+ years in hospitality management to a human resources career. Exceptional people skills developed from managing diverse teams and providing top-notch customer service. Proven track record in conflict resolution, team coordination, and employee training. Seeking to leverage these transferable skills in a human resources role to improve employee satisfaction and drive productivity.

To dig a bit deeper into crafting your resume summary, check out this article:

• How to Craft a Winning Resume Summary (Examples)
• How to Write a Powerful Resume Summary (Examples)
• How to Write a Resume Summary of Qualifications (Examples)

Work Experience

While every aspect of your resume should be considered, you should spend most of your efforts polishing this section. Why? Well, the work experience section of your resume is likely where the hiring manager will spend the most time. Your work history is your best chance at getting them to picture you in the position.

List your jobs chronologically, starting with your current or most recent position. For each role, include the job title, company name, dates of employment, and a list of responsibilities and achievements.

Let’s unpack that a bit further.

• Job title: While you should never be misleading on your resume, you have some leeway when updating your title if the last company was creative in their monikers. For example, you might update “social media ninja” to “social media specialist.” The common title will be more effective as long as your duties correspond.
• Company: Use the company’s name, and you might also note their location if it’s relevant to the industry or your remote work experience.
• Dates employed: You won’t need specific dates. In fact, this is a great way to avoid drawing attention to any short employment gaps. Use the (MM/YY) format, and if you can’t remember when you started several years back, a guess that puts you within a month or so won’t cause any significant alarm for the hiring manager.
• Responsibilities and achievements: This is where you’ll focus the bulk of your energy and is one of the best sections to tailor when submitting applications to multiple companies. You’ll want each line to contain a number that highlights tangible, data-driven results whenever possible.

Ensure you’re only including relevant experience if you’re working on moving forward in your career from a role directly related to your target.

On the other hand, if you’re a first-time job seeker or career changer, you want to fill up the page. Fill it out with student organizations or other roles, and highlight your transferable skills.

Use the following articles to dive deeper into effectively communicating your work experience:

• How to Format a Resume: Ways to Outline Your Experience
• How to Demonstrate Relevant Experience on Your Resume
• How to Make a Resume When You Have Little or No Experience

Education

Here’s where you showcase your academic accomplishments. List your degrees in reverse chronological order, including each institution’s name, field of study, and year of completion. If you’ve recently graduated or your degree is relevant to the role, you can include other information, such as your GPA and notable achievements.

Skills

Use your skills section to bring your resume to life in a vibrant way. Use a mix of hard skills and soft skills, and lean heavily into this section if you’re changing careers. However, avoid including basic skills that everyone takes for granted. For example, skills like basic email and phone usage are considered standard.

Certifications and Additional Sections

Bulk up your resume with additional information that might interest the hiring manager. Make sure anything you include is relevant in some way to the role or your career objectives. Put yourself in the hiring manager’s seat for a moment. If it doesn’t enhance their perception of how you’ll fit the role or the team, it’s unnecessary.

Depending on the role, that might include the following categories:

• Certifications
• Hobbies
• Languages
• Projects
• Volunteer Experience

Tying It All Together

Your resume should be as unique as your professional journey.

Unfortunately, an effective resume isn’t a one-and-done sort of document. Rather, your resume is a personalized greeting to each hiring manager. Just as you don’t pay as much attention to generic advertising, the hiring manager won’t either. Tailoring your resume to each role might initially seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be complicated.

Start with a base resume that fits the roles you’re applying for. You might find that you have several iterations of your resume that support slightly different job titles, such as one for a career coaching role and another for a human resources role. In that scenario, you’re likely qualified for either, but the verbiage and focus will be a bit different for each one.

Then, take advantage of action verbs and qualifications that are emphasized in the job description. Note the vernacular that is used and weave that into your document.

To learn more about tailoring your resume, explore these articles:

• How to Tailor Your Resume to the Job: 7 Tips
• Resume Keywords: What They Are and How to Use Them
• How to Optimize Your Resume for an Applicant Tracking System (ATS)

Build a Resume That Stands Out

Your resume is one of the most important documents in your professional life. But if you allow it to, the anxiety and pressure over crafting that document can hold you back from gaining the professional growth you desire.

To avoid this, block out uninterrupted time and build your resume one section at a time. Remember, there’s always room for improvement and tweaking, regardless of how much time you spend on it.

The post How to Make a Resume: A Comprehensive Guide appeared first on Job-Hunt.

The good news is that you can learn from common job search mistakes and implement better strategies in the future. You might need to make minor tweaks and renew your focus in a few key areas, but with some attention, you can breathe new life into your job search and overcome any blunders that might be holding you back.

Top Job Search Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Ask yourself if any of the following job search mistakes sound familiar. Then, adjust your approach.

Mistake #1: Not Tailoring Your Resume and Cover Letter

Sure, the job search process would be much easier if you could submit the same resume repeatedly. On the surface, it seems like you should be able to. Your qualifications are the same regardless of which position you’re applying to, right?

Well, yes, but that approach needs to be corrected for a couple of reasons. For one, if you don’t customize your application materials, you’ll struggle to get past applicant tracking systems (ATS). An ATS is set up to rank how well an applicant’s skill sets align with the job requirements. And unfortunately, an ATS won’t understand nuances in your bullet points. So, tailoring your resume to each role will ensure that your resume better aligns with the job.

Also, recruiters can spot a generic resume a mile away. Reports suggest you have less than 10 seconds to snag the attention of a recruiter or hiring manager. To stand out, you must let your passion for the job shine, rather than come across as if any job will do.

Mistake #2: Ignoring Networking Opportunities

Do you feel like you’re too busy to take time away from more tangible job search tasks? Networking is one of those job search boosts that might not show immediate results. It doesn’t always tally nicely in a spreadsheet, like the number of resumes you’ve submitted or follow-up emails you sent. 

But networking is impactful in a completely different way. Frequently attending industry events, interacting in LinkedIn groups, and connecting with other professionals will boost your brand. And a strong brand can signal you as a thought leader, open doors, and keep your name top of mind when hiring managers consider their options.

Mistake #3: Neglecting Your Online Presence

How’s your business card looking? Not the one you’re carrying in your pocket but the virtual one that recruiters and hiring managers are analyzing. Are they seeing personal sites or social media profiles that lack professionalism, maybe even going so far as to have concerning posts and images?

Your online presence is your chief marketing agent, and it’s working for or against you around the clock. Make sure the online message you’re sending closely aligns with your resume.

Mistake #4: Failing to Research Potential Employers

When you’re updating your resume, are you looking beyond the keywords? How will you align your job search materials with the company culture if not? What about during your interview?

One of the best ways to stand out in a competitive job market is by expressing your passion for the values the company stands for. That means you’ve got to dig deeper than the job description.

Take the time to research each employer before you apply. Set a time limit and review their website, career page, and social media. You don’t need to dive too deep here, but you should understand whether the company is fun-loving, serious, community-focused, etc.

When you get a call for an interview, you can go back and take a more thorough look at the company and, hopefully, the hiring manager you’ll be interviewing with.

Mistake #5: Applying to Too Many Jobs

Job search goals are great! In fact, they might be the critical factor in staying motivated in your job search and utilizing your time effectively. However, make sure you’re not playing a numbers game, thinking that the best way to land a job is to submit as many applications as possible. Quality over quantity should be your mantra throughout your job search.

Look at your job search as it relates to your career as a whole. Rather than focus on this one stage of your professional life, focus on how it fits your long-term goals. Be selective about the jobs you apply to, ensuring they align with your strategy.

Mistake #6: Not Following Up After Interviews

Once you’ve finished the interview, you may think it’s time to take a step back and give yourself a high-five. You’ve finished with this application, so there’s no more that you can do, right?

That’s not the case. Your job’s not done after the interview. Not only do you need to send a thoughtful follow-up to the interviewers, but you’ll also need to send timely follow-up emails to express your continued interest and stay top of mind. 

Mistake #7: Limiting Your Job Search to Online Job Boards

Niche job sites are a gold mine for job postings. But they’re not your only resource. Target companies you’d like to work for and proactively contact recruiters. Sending your application in when a job has yet to be posted can land you a role before it even makes it onto a job board.

Work through your network and attend industry-specific forums and networking events. When there are job fairs, either in-person or virtual, show up and interact with the recruiters.

You also want to expand your job search beyond large, well-known organizations and apply for various companies, including startups and midsized companies.

Mistake #8: Not Preparing for Interviews

Despite your friendly nature and ability to converse with anyone, you must prepare thoroughly for each interview.

Practice common interview questions and research employee reviews to look for mentions of specific topics that are discussed. Then, practice your responses.

Beyond preparing an elevator speech, review your body language and active listening skills to ensure you’re conveying the message you intend to. If possible, work some mock interview practice into your schedule.

Mistake #9: Neglecting Professional Development

Job searching can feel like pausing your career. You step out of your professional trajectory while focusing on entirely different tasks. And while you’re doing that, your industry continues to evolve.

As such, you should make time for professional development during your job search. Not only will you stay current with industry standards and software, but you’ll also continuously increase your value to prospective employers.

As a bonus, you’ll have something tangible to add to your resume, helping you avoid having to highlight any extended career gaps.

Mistake #10: Having Unrealistic Expectations

Balance your ambition with a bit of reality. You can make a career change, land your first flexible job, or achieve a higher salary with enough effort and the right strategy. But you probably can’t do everything within a week or two. 

Set career goals with room for what-ifs. Don’t let yourself get so financially strapped that you must take a job that isn’t a great fit. Instead, be realistic about where you’re starting and what you must do to hit your target.

If you’re pursuing a significant change, there’s a good chance it will take longer than you’d prefer. You can do it, but set yourself up for success by being practical about how you’ll get there.

Consider working with a mentor or career coach to create a realistic timeline that fits comfortably into your life and allows you to meet your needs.

Create Job Search Success

Navigating a job search requires strategy, persistence, and self-awareness. If you’re struggling to gain traction, review this list and decide where to adjust your approach. Avoiding common job search mistakes can help you build your dream career.

The post Top Job Search Mistakes and How to Avoid Them appeared first on Job-Hunt.

Candidates without professional references do have some options, though it takes a bit more creativity to satisfy this requirement without solid recommenders at the ready.

While it may seem odd to be job searching without professional references to recommend you, the situation is more common than you might think. You could find yourself wondering who to use when you don’t have professional references at the start of your career, as a college graduate or young professional. You could also find yourself without these valuable references if you didn’t perform well in your prior positions or failed to cultivate solid relationships at your former employer.

“It’s true that candidates see more job searching success when their applications are supported by a professional reference,” says Max Wesman, Chief Operating Officer at GoodHire, which offers employment background check services for companies. “But if you’re new to the world of work, finding someone to vouch for you is no small feat. Fortunately, there are other options if you can’t reach out to a former boss or supervisor.”

Here are some alternative solutions to help get you over the reference hurdle.

Think Outside the Box

There’s almost always someone who can vouch for a job seeker’s desired work behaviors, according to Nance L. Schick, Esq., an employment attorney-mediator based in New York, New York.

Schick recommends that when job seekers don’t have professional references like prior employers to ask to speak to potential employers, they can ask others who have supervised their work behaviors in some way. “For example, teachers can speak to behaviors such as attendance, timeliness of assignments, and quality of work,” Schick explains. “Likewise, athletics coaches can give insight regarding reliability, leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving.”

Other innovative reference ideas include asking an academic advisor for a club in which the job seeker served on a committee, or even a neighbor whose pet and home the job seeker cared for while the neighbor was away.

“Think about the job duties of the position and select references that can attest to your abilities to do the job,” Schick says. “That’s really what the employer wants, not necessarily to know whether you are popular or ‘a good person.’”

Use Internal References at Your Target Company

You have to start somewhere when it comes to building your professional references, particularly if it’s early in your career. With this in mind, Wesman believes that some of the most compelling references come from internal contacts who are already working for the company that you’d like to get hired at.

“To get a written recommendation from an existing employee, start by reaching out to them on social media or getting in touch via email,” Wesman suggests. While it may seem like a long shot to snag a professional reference from someone you don’t know personally yet, Wesman recommends focusing on building a genuine connection, withholding your request until you’ve had a few solid conversations to build rapport.

“Avoid making ‘the big ask’ immediately, but be clear about your intentions,” Wesman says. “Let them know that you’re interested in working alongside them, and that you wanted to reach out to learn more about what it’s like.”

By focusing on building an authentic rapport, it gives the internal employee a chance to learn more about who you are and what you do, so that when it comes time to ask them for a reference, they’ll be more likely to go out of their way to help you land the role.

“As an added bonus, you’ll already have a great contact at the company if you are accepted for a position,” Wesman says. “This should make onboarding an easier and even more exciting experience.”

Get Personal

A truly “professional” reference—meaning from someone who knows your capabilities in a work context, such as a former boss or manager—is understandably preferable to most employers as a business reference.

That said, desperate times may call for desperate measures, and using a personal reference may have to suffice. If you can’t drum up a solid professional reference, or even a teacher or professor who’s familiar with your work style and accomplishments, then it shouldn’t hurt to request references from personal acquaintances.

Eran Galperin, who is a marketer and Founder of Gymdesk, which provides bespoke software for management solutions, suggests that you might ask a family member or family friend who may work in a similar industry to the one you’re applying for.

“If you’ve volunteered with a local community group or [nonprofit], they may be able to provide a reference on your good character and work ethic,” says Galperin, who employs contract remote workers and freelancers worldwide.

“If you’ve done some work on Fiverr, helped a friend fix their computer, or have an Etsy shop with great reviews, all of those examples of your dedication, creativity, and professionalism can help you convince a potential employer that you’re a hard worker who is worth their time to hire.”

The post Who to Use When You Don’t Have Professional References appeared first on Job-Hunt.

If you have substantially more work experience than is required for a position, some employers may count you out, assuming you’re “overqualified” or have too much experience for a particular role. 

Who’s Considered “Overqualified”?

More senior-level employees may be the ones who most commonly find themselves in this conundrum, particularly when applying for a role that’s more junior than their current title.

For example, if someone who has management experience or an executive title on their resume applies for a position that’s staff or line level, they may find themselves being labeled as overqualified and taken out of the running for the job.

In some cases, “overqualified” label can be related to age bias, since older workers are more likely to have the depth of experience that worries hiring managers who are concerned about bringing in someone who has done far more than the job requires. Younger candidates usually won’t have enough time in the career trenches to be considered overqualified, which can put more seasoned candidates at a disadvantage when applying.

Why Do Employers Worry About Overqualified Candidates?

It may seem counterintuitive that some managers would shy away from hiring the person with the most experience in their industry. But one reason that hiring teams can sometimes be wary of what they perceive to be overqualification is that they may assume a highly qualified candidate will demand a higher salary.

Again, this assumption can carry overtones of age bias since younger, more junior workers with fewer qualifications may be willing to take a job at a lower salary, leaving people who are industry veterans at a disadvantage. 

Another reason why some employers may turn down very experienced applicants is that they may fear such candidates would be bored in the job. While it’s not necessarily true, the hiring manager may assume that if you’ve already ascended above and beyond what the position requires, it wouldn’t interest you for long, and you could end up a short-term hire that leads them to have to fill the role again in short order.

How to Overcome the “Overqualified” Label

What can you do to demonstrate that being overqualified doesn’t mean you aren’t a great fit? Try these strategies to successfully override the “overqualified” label.

Explain Your Career Goals

Not everyone who has made it to management level wants to stay a manager forever. If an employer is concerned that your past experience in more senior roles means you’ll be bored in a line-level job, then communicating about what your goals are at this stage of your career can help.

For example, maybe after spending a phase of your career as a manager, you’ve discovered that you actually prefer being an individual contributor, which can allow you to hone in on more creative or technical projects in your industry, instead of coaching others to do this.

By explaining why you want the job that you’ve applied to, and how it matches your current career goals, you may be able to provide the reassurance that the hiring manager needs about your passion for the position. 

Emphasize How Your Deep Experience Can Help

The “overqualified” label assumes that someone with “too much experience” in a certain area won’t be a good fit for the job. Your goal as an experienced candidate is to prove to the manager how your depth of knowledge and insight in a specific role can be a huge asset to the team and company.

Draw parallels between what you’ve done in the past and what the employer described in the job listing. Share examples and specifics on how your longer range of experience makes you the best person for the position.

Reassure the Hiring Team

Knowing that the employer may be concerned that your price tag to hire you may be too high for them, it’s smart to reassure the hiring team that you understand the salary range for the position and are comfortable with it, if you really want the job.

While you may be able to command more money in a different role, it’s important to be competitive with the other candidates and not price yourself out of the market if you think your experience label may brand you as overqualified. A candid conversation about salary can clear the air.

Also, be sure to emphasize your keen interest in the duties that the job entails to assuage the hiring team’s trepidation that you might get quickly bored with the role.

Being labeled as overqualified isn’t always fair, and may be based in age bias. But if you take the initiative to address the employer’s trepidations upfront, you can give yourself the best chance to convince the hiring team that your qualifications are actually just right.

The post How to Successfully Fight the “Overqualified” Label appeared first on Job-Hunt.

You need to consider which resume font to use and what size. But before you start scrolling through hundreds of Google Fonts, read the tips below. Finding the perfect font that communicates friendly professionalism is much easier than you think.

Why Your Resume Font Matters

Before you pick your perfect font, you might wonder if it’s worth your time to even bother with it. The answer is an emphatic yes!

Ensure Clarity for Applicant Tracking Systems

For starters, applicant tracking systems (ATS) need to be able to read your resume to rank it accurately. Hand-written, curly, or stylized fonts might be read as symbols or blanks instead of words. And if an ATS can’t read or rank your resume, it won’t make it past this initial assessment.

Ensure Font Design Doesn’t Distract From Your Skills

After your resume clears an ATS, it lands in front of a recruiter or hiring manager. There’s no official ruling on how long they look at a resume, but the consensus is that it’s a quick once-over.

When you’re trying to find a way to stand out, you might think that a unique font is the way to go. You may be trying to communicate your effervescent personality by choosing a playful font, like trusty old Comic Sans. But you’ll inevitably have the opposite effect on your reader.

When a recruiter has to focus too hard, or the font and style of the resume are distracting, your resume will end up in the recycling bin quickly. Instead, you want to choose a professional font and let your accomplishments and skills be the attention-grabbers.

Build a Virtual Resume That Displays Well

Additionally, hiring managers spend most of their time looking at screens in today’s tech-heavy world. If they view your resume online, you want to ensure it feels natural and comfortable for them. Professional fonts that are generally found on the web can make it a more comforting and enjoyable experience for them.

What Font Should You Choose for Your Resume?

So, what font should you select for your resume? You can break it down into two camps. On one side are serifs, and on the other side are san serifs. If you’ve never drooled over typography, you might not know which is which, but you may recognize the word “sans” as “without.”

Choosing Between a Serif and Sans Serif

In this case, the sans fonts are without the tiny decorative stroke at the end of each letter. Need help determining which you have? Type a capital M. Does your letter have small lines extending from the ends? If so, you have a serif font.

So, which is the right choice? Simply put, either font could be a good choice, but serif fonts are often seen as more formal and classic. If you’re in a field like higher education or applying for a traditional role, such as at a museum, serif probably makes sense.

On the other hand, if you’re applying for a less formal position, sans serif fonts generally feel more modern and inviting. You get to decide which font style communicates your intentions.

It’s also important to note that you shouldn’t use custom fonts you’ve had to download and install. They won’t render correctly on the hiring manager’s screen, and your resume will likely be unreadable.

List of Professional Fonts for Resumes

Once you’ve chosen to sans or not to sans, you can select a specific font from that family. Here’s a list of the top professional fonts to consider for your resume.

What Size Font Should You Use?

Now that you’ve selected your font, you just need to choose the right size. The size of your font needs some consideration for a few reasons.

A font that’s too small will be challenging to read. On the flip side, a font that’s too large takes up too much space. You will only be able to fit in some of your essential information if your font is too large.

There’s no specific size to select, as fonts and resume templates vary significantly. As a general rule, though, try to keep your font between 10-12 points in size.

Use the same font for your headings, but find a way to make them stand out. Often, that means headers will be one to two points larger than the body of your resume, or use bolding. Regardless of your choice, make sure that your font is consistently sized and formatted throughout your document.

And remember that your name should always be at the top of the document with the largest-sized font. You can always add visual appeal by using italics, underlines, and pops of color, but use these sparingly.

Choose the Same Font for Your Cover Letter

Now that all your resume font choices have been made, you can carry that same font into your cover letter. While your cover letter is an opportunity to show some personality, cohesive formatting with your resume will convey better professionalism and personal branding.

Finding the Perfect Font for Your Resume

Using the wrong font for your resume can make or break your application’s success. Explore the world of serif fonts and sans serif fonts to achieve a professional and inviting appearance perfect for your resume and your target role. Once you find one that speaks to you and fits your industry, test it out and ensure that it fully communicates your vision.

The post The Best Fonts for Your Resume appeared first on Job-Hunt.

Keep in mind these key points that executives need to be prepared for and plan for when job searching.

Search With Clarity

Linda Shaffer is Chief People and Operations Officer at Checkr, a leading HR technology company, where she handles the people and legal teams. Based on her extensive experience in hiring and doing HR for hybrid teams, Shaffer believes it’s important to have a clear understanding of what you’re looking for in an executive position.

“What are your goals and objectives? What are your top priorities?” Shaffer said. “Knowing this will help you to narrow down your search and target positions that are a good fit for you.”

Consider Hiring a Coach

As you think through the answers to those questions, it may help to have a guide.

Bonnie Whitfield, Human Resources Director of Family Destinations Guide, suggests that if you haven’t had any professional coaching before, the executive-level job search would be a good time to start.

“A coach can help you polish up your resume and cover letter so they’re ready for prime time,” Whitfield said. “They’ll also help prepare you for interviews with questions like, ‘What is your greatest strength?’ or ‘What is your biggest weakness?’ The answers will come more easily after working with a coach because they’ll give you examples of what other people have said in similar situations, so that you can use those same words to answer questions during an interview.”

Know Yourself

Another area where a professional coach can help is in understanding what you bring to the table as a job candidate.

Senior-level managers have a career’s worth of experience and skill-building under their belts, and as an executive job seeker, you need to be able to distill your background down into key selling points about your expertise and offering.

With this in mind, Shaffer emphasized that it’s important for executive job hunters to have a strong understanding of their most significant qualifications and experience. “What makes you stand out from other candidates? What are your key strengths and weaknesses? Be prepared to highlight your qualifications and sell yourself to potential employers,” Shaffer said.

Research to Align Your Skills With the Company

In addition to knowing yourself, you also need to understand what the hiring manager is looking for—and ensure there’s a fit.

Kimberley Tyler-Smith, an executive at the career tech platform Resume Worded, reminds executive candidates that not every company operates the same way or requires similar skill sets from their employees.

“Some companies may want executives who are more focused on strategy,” Tyler-Smith said. “In contrast, others might prioritize people who can get things done quickly and efficiently—it all depends on the company’s needs. This is why it’s essential to do some research before going in for an interview, so you can be sure that your skills and experience align with what the company is looking for.”

Grow Your Network

When you’re at the executive level, it’s not just about what you know—it’s also about who you know, according to Whitfield.

“It’s important to be aware of that and make sure that your network is as strong as possible when you’re searching for a new position,” Whitfield said.

She added that exec job seekers should keep in mind that networking isn’t only about reaching out to people who may be able to connect you with opportunities—it’s also about being open to connecting with those who may not have a job opening directly related to your current career path at the moment but who could still become valuable mentors or contacts down the road.

Be Prepared to Negotiate

At the executive level, you have ample experience in the last stage of the job-search journey: negotiation. Leverage your career learnings about advocating for yourself and what’s important to you in an offer.

“When you do finally receive a job offer, be ready to negotiate salary, benefits, and other important factors,” Shaffer concludes. “Don’t accept the first offer that comes your way. Try to negotiate for the best possible package.” 

However, as experienced as you are and no matter how well you advocate for what you want, it may still be necessary to have a backup plan.

Tyler-Smith pointed out that while many companies are interested in having experienced executives on their teams, not all are willing to pay top dollar for that experience. “If you’re looking for a new job as an executive, it’s essential to be prepared for this possibility and create a plan B if it turns out that your salary expectations are too high for the role,” she concluded.

The post 6 Executive Job Search Strategies appeared first on Job-Hunt.

Below, we share a few signs that it’s time to leave your job and how to find a new one quickly. 

When It’s Time to Quit Your Job

Leaving a job isn’t a decision to make lightly. However, there are some red flags that, when combined, can signal that it’s time for your tenure at a company to draw to a close.

Consider some of the following signs that it’s time for you to look for a new job.

People Don’t Trust Each Other

If colleagues don’t trust each other, you’re in a toxic work environment. You’re not going to be able to collaborate effectively, and the team won’t be productive enough to hit their goals.

You deserve to feel safe at work; if you can’t trust your colleagues or boss, it’s time to start exploring your options.

There’s No Room for Growth

No reasonable employer would expect you to work in an entry-level position (with entry-level pay) for five years. Eventually, you will outgrow your role.

If you’ve learned all you can from a job and don’t have any room to continue to hone your professional skills, it’s likely time for you to look for a new position at a different company.

There’s a High Turnover Rate

Your manager left in your first month on the job. Your favorite work friend has quit after only six months with the company. If it seems like everyone at work has incredibly short tenures with the company, that’s a red flag that you’re not in a healthy work environment. 

Unfortunately, there’s nothing you can do to change a company-wide problem. If you notice high turnover rates at work, the best thing to do is get out. 

Preparing to Leave Your Job

You know it’s time to quit your job, but how can you find a new role quickly? Below are a few tips to help you land a new position. 

Get Clear on What You Want

Get crystal clear on the type of job you want. Don’t just think about job titles.

Consider whether you want to work remotely or if you’d prefer a hybrid job. Do you want to work a standard 9-to-5, or do you want to find a company that offers flexible work schedules?

Think about what you’re looking for in a job, so you can target companies with positions that meet your needs. 

Update Your Resume

You’ll need to update your resume before submitting it in a job application. Make sure to highlight your most relevant skills and experience. Be sure to focus your resume on your accomplishments—don’t just provide a list of daily tasks. This will help you stand out from the competition.

In addition, tailor your resume to each position you apply for. Do this discreetly so you can job search without your employer knowing.

Work Your Network

Your network plays a vital role in uncovering new opportunities. If you have friends and family you can trust, let them know you’re conducting a discreet job search, so they can refer you to anyone they know who’s hiring. 

In addition, consider joining LinkedIn groups to network with industry professionals and uncover hidden job opportunities. Make sure to choose relevant groups for your role and industry.

And remember, networking is a two-way street. Be sure to reciprocate and help your network with introductions, referrals, or advice. 

Find a New Job

Sometimes, jobs simply don’t pan out for a feasible long-term role. If this has happened to you, it’s time to start looking for a new position. By identifying what you’re looking for in a role, updating your resume, and leveraging your network, you’ll be able to find a better job where you can thrive. 

The post Clear Signs It’s Time to Leave Your Job appeared first on Job-Hunt.

Are you keeping your job skills up to date? Good move to future-proofing your career! An equally important but often overlooked skill set is the one needed to conduct a job search. Being a savvy job seeker requires a cross-section of skills, including writing, researching, marketing, sales, presentation skills, and cultivating an online presence. Avoid getting overwhelmed when you’ve lost a job by positioning yourself for success today.

Before you throw your hands up in the air, investigate available resources (many of which are low-cost or no cost). Consider a month-to-month LinkedIn premium membership to test features and determine the benefits. When you are ready to launch a search, you can then renew the subscription to take full advantage of the platform.

Take these five simple steps to get started.

1. Consider Your Resume a Living Document

Your resume remains a mandatory ticket to the game. Don’t let it collect dust or you’ll delay entry into the game. Update your resume as needed or at least yearly to include position changes, additions to education, certifications, new skills, etc. Capture accomplishments with contributions cited in performance appraisals, acknowledged by awards won or proven with goals achieved through incentive plans. Memories are short and recall is difficult if you don’t document along the way.

Get on a recruiter’s radar more effectively by archiving your resume on LinkedIn with this feature. On your profile, go to “Jobs,” then “Application Settings,” click on “Upload Resume,” and toggle the switch to “Share your resume with all recruiters.” A recruiter can now use the data from your resume and profile to match your skills, experience, education, and accomplishments with the position they are seeking to fill.

2. Treat Your LinkedIn Profile as a Dynamic Marketing Tool

Setting up a profile is step one to being findable by employers, but all you’ve accomplished at this stage is telling the world you’re open for business. Don’t assume you now have a placeholder and nothing more needs to be done for if/when you start an active search. Understand that recruiters are always scouting for talent. Most are using the behind-the-scenes LinkedIn Recruiter tool, using search criteria to sort through the 875 million worldwide users. Stay current and relevant.

Periodically review and update these three sections in particular: headline, job titles, and skills. These are the most highly indexed by LinkedIn’s algorithms (i.e., they’re given more weight than other sections). Recruiters focus their search here, so give them reasons to keep eyeballs on your story.

• Headline: You have 220 characters to play with. Are you updating the most visible part of your profile? A year ago, you may have been a lead generator, but now you’ve progressed to strategic marketer. Out with the old and in with the new. Swap out those descriptors to reflect your current focus.
• Job Title: There are 100 characters available. Keep your formal title, but expand it by adding alternate titles and keyword-rich and branding taglines.
  • Here’s an example: Formal (Current) Title: VP Special Assets. Change to: VP Special Assets Officer > Loan Officer > Commercial Real Estate > $50M Portfolio.
• Skills: Your top three are visible and should reflect the most marketable ones. Review the balance of skills and reorder as needed. Eliminate outdated skills and add new ones acquired. Use the specific skills LinkedIn offers, don’t create your own. Add greater visibility to skills by adding a recommended five to 10 skills to applicable sections of your profile.

3. Cultivate and Nurture Your Professional Community

The single most powerful asset to land a job is your social capital. According to Zippia, “85% of all jobs are filled through networking.” Why do people acknowledge the value of networking, yet avoid it until the eleventh hour?

Don’t repeat that mistake. Make a simple time investment when you don’t need a job. Keep your online and offline relationships going with simple gestures. Message people on LinkedIn with a personal note acknowledging birthdays and work anniversaries, and comment on and share their posts. If you have a close connection, pick up the phone and call them periodically. They will be interested in you if you are genuinely interested in them.

4. Explore Career Options Now

If you are considering a pivot, but you’re unsure of exactly where you’re headed, start looking at options while you have a job. Here are ways to research the possibilities and start the self-discovery process.

• Invest in a formal assessment of skills, values, or behaviors. A few to consider are DISC Behavior Inventory, DISC Personality Strengths Inventory, and O*NET Career Exploration. These can serve to identify or validate attributes and traits and may suggest potential career matches to your interests and talents.
• Volunteer at organizations aligned with your next career move and test your commitment to the profession. It’s a no-cost, low-risk, potential “feel good” and a great networking opportunity to gather intel and expand people connections with fellow volunteers.
• Join professional organizations in the sectors you are considering. Participate in committees, contribute to discussions when attending webinars, and seek new connections with fellow members. It’s much easier to demonstrate your potential and acquire in-depth learning while interacting with other humans.
• Access LinkedIn Career Explorer and discover the skills needed for a variety of positions. Identify skill gaps and upskill through the LinkedIn Learning offerings. Check your skill level through LinkedIn’s Skill Assessments and earn skill badges you can later display on your profile page.

5. Develop Research Skills

The more you know about people, available opportunities, and organizations, the better your ability to make informed choices. Where do you start?

Follow targeted companies on LinkedIn and Twitter. Educate yourself on their vision, mission, organizational changes, competition, etc.

The actions you take on LinkedIn (posting, following, and commenting) are captured by AI and tell a story to recruiters and employers about your affinities and level of engagement. Companies prefer to pursue candidates who engage with their brand online, so get active.

LinkedIn is a search engine, so get the motor running by conducting a Boolean search to find jobs. Recruiters use this method in talent searches, with a string of “operators” using “quote marks,” (parentheses), as well as AND + OR + NOT + KEYWORDS.

Here is a super simple example of how to find jobs matching your criteria with titles, location, and preferred sector.

Go to the search bar, enter (“Relationship Manager” OR “Client Success Manager”) AND Private Banks AND New York, New York. Select the “Jobs” dropdown tab. Jobs matching those criteria will appear. Click on job alerts for future opportunities matching those criteria.

The Bottom Line

Don’t wait until you’re out of a job or desperate to get out of a job to acquire and practice job search skills. Prioritize job search skills the way you value job skills, and you’ll be market-ready for your next career move.

About the author…

Barbara Schultz is the founder of The Career Stager and a mid-career job search specialist. She is a Nationally Certified Resume Writer (NCRW) and a Nationally Certified Online Profile Expert (NCOPE) through the National Resume Writer’s Association. Barbara offers career counseling and conducts workshops and webinars on every aspect of the search. Connect with Barbara via her website at Career-Stager.com or on LinkedIn.

The post Get Market-Ready by Investing in and Using Job Search Skills appeared first on Job-Hunt.

If you’re unsure how to create an answer, it’ll be a challenge to genuinely communicate that to prospective employers. This is especially true if you are naturally more introverted and tend to be uncomfortable promoting yourself, downplaying your accomplishments and believing that your work speaks for itself.

Unfortunately, failing to communicate the value you bring to your employer will allow them to form their own opinions, which are often off the mark. So, how do you step out of your comfort zone and own your unique message?

One of the best ways to get more comfortable tooting your own horn is to take ownership of your unique value proposition (UVP).

Understanding Your Unique Value Proposition as a Job Seeker

Your unique value proposition is what makes you the best candidate for a particular role.

When employers are looking to fill a position, they want to know what you can bring to the table that other candidates can’t. Your unique value proposition is your chance to sell yourself and show why you’re the perfect fit for the job.

Creating Your Own Unique Value Proposition

When crafting your UVP, think about what you have to offer that no one else does.

What are your unique skills and experiences? What makes you passionate about the work you do? Answering these questions will help you hone in on what makes you the ideal candidate for the job you’re pursuing.

Examples of Unique Selling Points for Job Seekers

Remember, your UVP should be unique to you. But to get your creative juices flowing, consider any comments, awards, or recognition you’ve received throughout your career.

Perhaps you’ve received awards for streamlining operations or innovative cost reductions. Maybe you’ve been recognized by a previous employer for improving employee morale and boosting customer engagement. Whatever accolades you’ve received, use those as inspiration for explaining your value.

Using Your Unique Value Proposition in Your Job Search

Once you have a few ideas, you can start working them into your application materials.

Use Your Unique Value Proposition on Your Resume

Your resume is one of the first places employers will look to learn more about you, so ensure your unique value proposition is front and center. One way to do this is by fully utilizing the power of your resume summary. This brief statement outlines your qualifications and emphasizes why you’re the perfect candidate for the job.

If you have a lot of experience, you might want to focus on your accomplishments and the critical skills most relevant to the position. For example:

Accomplished sales professional with 10+ years of experience exceeding quotas and generating new business. Proven ability to establish relationships with clients and close deals.

If you don’t have as much experience, highlight what makes you stand out from other candidates. For example:

Recent graduate with a degree in marketing and experience managing social media accounts for small businesses and national nonprofit organizations. Skilled at creating content, analyzing data, and developing strategies to grow an audience.

In both cases, the unique value proposition is clear and concise, telling employers precisely what the job seeker can offer.

Use Your Unique Value Proposition in Your Cover Letter

A cover letter is your chance to introduce yourself and explain why you’re the perfect candidate for the job. And it’s often easier to write what makes you unique, so start here and share what the employer will gain if they hire you.

Use specific examples to support your claims and show employers what you could bring to the team. For example:

In the job posting, you noted that you’re looking for a candidate with experience in copywriting and social media. In my previous role as a marketing assistant, I was responsible for creating both digital and print content. I also managed the social media accounts for my company, which allowed me to increase our customer engagement by 18%.

As you can see, my skills and experiences perfectly align with what you’re looking for in a candidate. I would love to put my talents to work for your company and help contribute to your success.

Use Your Unique Value Proposition in Your Online Profiles

A healthy professional presence online is vital during your job search. Most employers will look you up online before deciding whether to interview you, so it’s critical to ensure your online profiles are up to date and professional.

Your unique value proposition can also come in handy here. Use your UVP to update your profile descriptions and create a tagline that sums up who you are and what you do. For example:

Marketing professional with 10 years of experience developing and executing campaigns that drive results. Skilled in copywriting, social media, and project management. Passionate about helping businesses achieve their goals.

This short description tells employers everything they need to know about you and what you can do for them. It’s the perfect way to make an excellent first impression and get them interested in learning more about you.

Sharing Your Unique Message

While it can be uncomfortable, it’s essential that you own your accomplishments and manage the message that your job search sends. Just remember, you’re helping the hiring manager understand why you’re the best fit for their needs. They won’t know unless you tell them.

The post How to Convey Your Unique Value to Employers appeared first on Job-Hunt.

While it might seem like the interviewer has all of the control, you have a part to play in how the interview flows as well. Since this is your first opportunity to truly interact with anyone from the company, it’s an excellent opportunity to begin building relationships.

And the better the rapport is during the interview, the easier it will be for the hiring manager to picture you on the team.

Building Rapport During Your Interview

Building rapport is the art of having a harmonious relationship where the conversation flows easily. Helping to create that kind of interaction makes you a memorable candidate that stands out as someone professional and easy to work with.

Here’s what you need to know about building rapport during your interview.

1. Research Thoroughly

Have you thoroughly researched the company and the interviewer? If not, that should be your first step. Building rapport with your interviewer starts long before you walk through the door.

Most people appreciate it when you are interested in them as individuals, so, if you can, try to find out some information about the person interviewing you. LinkedIn is an excellent resource for this, as you can usually get a sense of their career journey and what they’re interested in professionally.

You’ll be able to ask more relevant and thoughtful questions, as well as highlight any commonalities you have. Additionally, looking at the company’s website and social media pages can also give you some insights into the company culture and what they value.

2. Utilize Open and Friendly Body Language

First impressions are everything. When you meet your interviewer, you want to ensure you come across as confident, professional, and likable.

One of the easiest ways to do this is to give them a firm handshake, smile, and maintain eye contact throughout the conversation. By making an effort to appear open and friendly, you’ll be more likely to put your interviewer at ease and establish a good rapport.

Also, if you tend to talk more quickly when you’re nervous, make a concerted effort to speak slowly and clearly. It’ll help you project confidence and show you’re comfortable in the situation.

3. Practice Active Listening

Would you consider yourself a good listener? It’s easy to focus all your energy on preparing answers to curveball questions. If you find that you’re starting to answer the question before the interviewer has finished asking it, you might need to slow down and practice your active listening skills.

Active listening is a skill that’s invaluable in any professional setting, but it’s vital during an interview. When your interviewer is talking, give them your full attention and resist the urge to start planning your response in your head.

Instead, try to listen to what they’re saying and ask clarifying questions to understand what they’re asking. Next, take a conscious breath before answering, so you can slow your response and give a thoughtful answer.

4. Create a Conversation

When answering questions in an interview, it’s crucial to sound friendly, conversational, and enthusiastic. You don’t want to regurgitate the information they already have from your resume.

Instead, use this opportunity to elaborate on your skills and experience, giving the interviewer a better sense of who you are. While you want to be mindful of the time and keep your answer targeted, you can expand it a bit to provide context around your answers.

For example, if you’re asked about your favorite role and why, you might answer:

I would have to say my favorite role was my first role out of college. I worked for a small business as a marketing coordinator.

Instead, you could add more details and context that help them to relate to you better:

I’ve enjoyed all of the roles I’ve had so far, but if I had to choose one, I would say my favorite role was my first role out of college. I worked as a marketing coordinator for a small company and loved the creative freedom I had to develop new campaigns.

I enjoyed working with such a close-knit team. Everyone was so supportive and willing to help out, making coming to work every day enjoyable.

5. Avoid Negative Language

In any professional setting, it’s important to avoid using negative language. This is even more true in an interview. You want to come across as someone upbeat and positive, even in difficult situations.

So, when asked about past work experiences, don’t dwell on your challenges. Instead, focus on how you overcame them and what you learned. By doing so, you’ll show that you’re resilient and adaptable, which are two highly valued qualities in any workplace.

6. Be Enthusiastic About the Company and Role

One of the best ways to build rapport with your interviewer is to express how excited you are about the company and the role you’re interviewing for. You’ll highlight that you’ve done your research and are genuinely interested in working for the organization.

If you can, mention what drew you to the company and why you think you’d be a good fit for the role. As you establish a connection with your interviewer, you’ll set yourself apart from other candidates.

7. Ask Relevant Questions

Do you have a list of questions ready to ask the interviewer? To make a good impression, asking thoughtful, relevant questions that show you’re engaged in the conversation and genuinely interested in the role is essential.

For example, instead of asking self-focused questions about vacation days or salary, ask questions that will give you a better sense of the company culture or the day-to-day responsibilities of the job.

By asking investigative questions, you’ll build rapport with your interviewer and get the information you need to decide if the job is right for you. In turn, you’re showing the interviewer that you’re genuinely invested in learning if the role is a great fit.

Some great questions to ask include:

• What are the biggest challenges facing this department/company?
• What would you say is the company’s primary competitive advantage?
• What are the essential qualities for success in this role?
• Can you give me a brief overview of the team I’d be working with?
• What are some projects I could expect to work on in this role?

Questions like these will help establish a connection with your interviewer and demonstrate that you have the skills and qualities they’re looking for.

8. Follow Up After the Interview

Do you breathe a sigh of relief when you leave an interview and then wait a bit breathlessly for them to reach out? Your rapport and interview work are incomplete until you follow up to thank the interviewer for their time. And it’s an excellent opportunity to reiterate your interest in the position and how you would be a valuable asset to the team.

A simple thank-you note or email is usually sufficient. Just make sure to personalize it and mention something specific you discussed during the interview. You’ll create a more lasting impression and stay top of mind as they decide.

Relationship-Building During Your Interview

Building rapport during an interview is essential to landing the job. By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to establish a connection with your interviewer and demonstrate that you’re the right candidate for the role.

The post How to Be Likeable in an Interview: 8 Ways to Build Rapport appeared first on Job-Hunt.