23 Resume Writing Tips for Techies

When looking for new permanent job or contracting assignment, having a great resume has always been important. Given our current extremely competitive times, a high quality resume has moved from being important to being crucial.

The resume tips below have been divided into three main areas; Form and Function, Content, and General Thoughts. Truth be told, the reason for this categorization is because this is how I, as a hiring manager, review resumes.

Do other people review resumes differently than I do? Yes.
Is my way better or worse than how other people review resumes? No, it’s just one way.
Would every hiring manager and/or job search consultant agree 100% with what I am about to say? No, I think they would agree with me on most of my comments, but may disagree with a few of my points.
Would they be right to disagree with me? Yes, their thoughts are equally as valid as mine. In fact, this is what makes resume writing so difficult. Different people have different opinions and like different things. As a result, you get conflicting suggestions on what is best. Your goal is to listen to me and other experts and make an informed decision of which advice works best for you.

Regarding a resume’s form and function, consider the following:

Make sure your resume is neat and well organized (shows organization and structure)
Be sure everything is indented properly. (I’m a techie, I can’t help myself. I dislike source code that’s not properly indented and I guess I have extended that to resumes.)
Use bullet points not lots of text. (I personally like bullet points because it’s easier and faster to read.)

Regarding a resume’s content, I suggest the following do’s and don’ts:

The Do’s

Use the right keywords and technology names
Use effective action-based titles
Describe your technical achievements factually without boasting
Describe the business value related to your technical accomplishments
Explain the benefits of your specific skill set
Back up your qualities and strengths with example accomplishments
List your job responsibilities only if you are in senior management role
Include non-professional accomplishments only if they are impressive and significant

The Don’ts

Don’t include obsolete technologies unless strategically placed
Don’t include irrelevant information
Don’t include technologies you don’t really know, it can raise questions regarding the technologies you really do know
Don’t include “no kidding” information
Don’t feel required to list all your work experiences
Don’t leave unexplained time gaps in your work experience, potential employers will think the worst, or at least ask for clarification if they like you

Next, there are some general tips that may be of value to you:

After you have proofread your resume give it two other people to review
Avoid negativity, it only hurts you
Customize your resume to best meet each potential job opportunity
Honesty is the best policy, false truths on your resume can destroy your professional reputation
Don’t use slang words or expressions, the people reading it may not understand your meaning
Your personal and professional social media profiles should be consistent with your resume content

In closing, even if you have great contacts and a great job, I suggest you keep your resume updated for two reasons. The first reason is if that once-in-a-life-time job shows up at your doorstep you will be ready to apply. A second and less obvious reason is that there is something about updating your resume that makes you sit back and think about your career at a macro level. This occasional introspection about your career goals and direction can help assure that you stay pointed in right direction toward your ultimate objectives.

Source:http://www.itworld.com/career/254016/23-resume-writing-tips-techies

Expert tips on how to start your own business

As unemployment rates in Wales remain higher than the UK average, and with young women being hit particularly hard, it’s no surprise many women are looking at the option of being self-employed.

Tomorrow, Cardiff’s City Hall plays host to Capital Cardiff, a free annual event to provide advice and support to budding entrepreneurs. Jon Hughes, director of the Centre for Business, shares his advice for taking the first daunting step

Take a deep breath

Making the decision to go ahead and start your own business can be one of the most challenging ones you’ll come across in your career. If you’ve really thought about it carefully beforehand, weighed up all your options, considered the risks you’re prepared to take and come to the conclusion that you should start up a business; then be happy – you’ve just taken your first step.

Despite self employment growing, owning your own business is still not strictly the norm, so be prepared for people to take an interest in your new venture, expect them to ask you about your business idea and even point out “flaws”.

If someone does make a good suggestion or discovers a “shortcoming” in your plans, be grateful that someone has brought it to your attention sooner rather than later.

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes – it’s okay to make them as long as you use them as a learning curve.

Have a plan

Now you have a great business idea, you’ll also need a plan that you’ve created after in-depth research into the current market, the risks and your potential competitors. The plan should give an overview of your business – identifying your proposed product or service, and your short term and long term strategy.

To help inform this, it’s a good idea to speak to people who might benefit from your service or product – your customers. The aim is to find out exactly what they want, or need, and how you can deliver it. You might even discover some ideas that can give you an edge over your competitors.

The plan should also outline how you will overcome expected risks or dangers and include a detailed budget with a short term and long term cash flow forecast, so you can see exactly how much of an investment you need to make and what you expect to get out of it.

Although it’s important to remain positive – make sure you keep realistic here. This stage in the plan will help you secure much-needed funding to get you going.

If you need help – ask

It’s always better to have a second opinion if you’re not sure. If there’s an element of your business plan that you’re finding hard to complete (it’s often the finance part) then don’t gloss over it or bury your head in the sand – find help. At the Centre for Business, we have 20 business advisers on hand to give free advice and support to entrepreneurs through the Welsh Government’s start-up service to help guide them through their first business plan.

There are also lots of helpful websites including HMRC.gov.uk and the Welsh Government’s Business Information Helpline 03000 603000 that you can try.

Explore all funding opportunities thoroughly

It’s very likely you’ll need financial backing to cover your salary, initial set-up costs and to support the development of your new business.

Your plan should help you identify exactly how much funding you need, including a little extra just in case. If you have a viable business plan and you come across as confident and positive, you can get funding from banks, private investors and venture capital companies. A number of local authorities also have small business grants.

Publicity is key

Take the time to understand what your customers like and how they might hear about you.

Take advantage of social media and the internet, try and target a local newspaper with a press release or advert, or even just go to networking events and build up some contacts.

Source:http://www.walesonline.co.uk/business-in-wales/business-features/2012/02/28/expert-tips-on-how-to-start-your-own-business-91466-30418494/#ixzz1nhPIZQUK

Some tips for Andre Villas-Boas on how to deal with a bad boss

Yesterday, I carefully laid out the case for why Roman Abramovich may not be the World’s Best Boss, and why it would be a shame for Andre Villas-Boas’ career to be tarnished by the particularly trying circumstances of working at Chelsea Football Club.

As if by complete chance, today the popular self-help nerdsite LifeHacker published an article on how to deal with bad bosses. Some of their tips could be applied to AVB’s case. Let’s look to see how the 34-year-old manager might use these to deal with his current situation at Stamford Bridge.

Get a hobby, or another activity to de-stress right after work.

Hmm. I have no clue as to AVB’s personal interests, but the career of his actor brother João Luís de Pina Cabral Villas-Boas indicates there may be a hidden thespian side to the trench-coated touchline-croucher. Chelsea is conveniently located in London’s famed West End; based on his age and perma-stubble, Villas-Boas might consider auditioning for the title role in a Jesus Christ: Superstar revival.

Visualize, meditate, or take time alone to power through it.

Visualization is good. Perhaps he might watch YouTube reels of Fernando Torres playing for Liverpool, and then re-imagine him scoring the same goals in a Chelsea shirt. Or he could meditate on walking into the dressing room, having Frank Lampard address him as sir while the players nod in agreement that 4-3-3 is the superior formation, and that David Luiz is the world’s greatest defender.

Transfer to a different team or role in your company.

He’s still young, and was once on the cusp of a professional career. Why doesn’t he just name himself to the teamsheet one day? Or there’s always the dreaded “sporting director” role. And he does bear more than a passing resemblance to Stamford the Lion. Lots of options there.

Build your case.

As LifeHacker writes, “You don’t want to start treating your boss with the same unprofessional demeanor that they treat you with, but you will need to start thinking on your feet and coming up with ways to parry their attacks and barbs.” Like, “Hey, Roman, how many Europa League cups have you won with a Portuguese club? Not quite the same thing as buying a stake in former government oil industry on the back of the loans-for-shares program, now is it?” Or “I see what you’re saying Mr. Abramovich, but then again…Andriy Shevchenko.”

Let your boss know.

To be fair, AVB’s little missives on how he ‘fears for his job’ to the Portuguese press may have been his way of letting his boss know he doesn’t like being pushed around. Unfortunately, as LifeHacker warns, “Of course, this won’t work on a boss that’s a jerk or just doesn’t care.” So maybe not the best option…

Talk to HR or your boss’s boss.

There isn’t one. Next.

Just quit

DING DING DING! Fabio Capello managed to walk away from England on the cusp of Euro 2012 with his dignity intact because he knew when to cross the line. If this atmosphere of uncertainty surrounding Villas-Boas’ job continues, he could always use the old “I can’t continue under these conditions!” line and leave Chelsea in the lurch for the rest of the season.

AVB’s career may suffer some short-term media and fan blow-back, but chances are he’ll be back in the game sooner than Steve Kean’s inevitable firing, and perhaps at a club that might, you know, support him when the chips are down. As the site mentions, “…employees who felt their autonomy and their contributions were respected reported higher morale and better on-the-job performance.” Something to consider, future Chelsea managers not named Guus.

Source:http://blogs.thescore.com/footyblog/2012/02/28/some-tips-for-andre-villas-boas-on-how-to-deal-with-a-bad-boss/

The stigma of not having a job

Craig Guerdat used to be a technical writer but hasn't been able to land a full-time job in his field for more than two years. He suspects one reason he's been passed over again and again is that employers don't want to hire someone who doesn't have a job.

Sure, he gets callbacks and interviews, but the 64-year-old Raleigh, N.C., resident remains stuck in a part-time office administrator's job.

Guerdat is not paranoid. Being unemployed remains a disadvantage and a stigma even though mass layoffs indiscriminately swept through corporate divisions, entire companies and vulnerable industries.

An advocacy group for workers surveyed online job postings last year and found more than 100 companies that want only applicants who are currently employed.

And it's worse for those who have been without a full-time job for longer than a few months - a Catch-22 that has not been rendered obsolete by the sheer numbers of the longterm unemployed.

"It's something no one talks about, but it's out there," said Cindy Waite, president and CEO of Accentuate Staffing. "It's the perception their skills are lacking, they're not trying hard enough to get a job, and that A-players would be getting jobs."

Jim Lind, 59, a programmer and project manager, has been out of a job since December 2008. Lind, who pulled down a $96,000 US annual salary before bonuses, said he's seen the evidence first-hand.

"I have been in two face-to-face interviews where they told me it's a negative," Lind said. "They want to know, 'What have you been doing in the last three years? Have you been in jail?' I've actually been asked that."

As more workers become mired in long-term unemployment, some argue that screening out jobless applicants is a form of discrimination and should be outlawed.

Still, some experts defend businesses' screening out of jobless applicants.

Duke University economics professor John Coleman suspects the practice is becoming more common as companies are overwhelmed with candidates who may be applying not because they're genuinely interested but because they're desperate.

"Why would a company be prejudicial in that regard? I can't imagine them making an irrational choice," Coleman said.

"If you're currently employed, you might be more selective. If you're not employed, you might take anything."

Guerdat concedes that if the tables were turned and he was doing the hiring, he'd be curious about an applicant's jobless status.

"It's a potential stigma if it's not addressed well," Guerdat said. "But I think it can be finessed."

The unemployed come with their own assets: They can be willing, available and cheap.

"The assumption is that the best of the best are currently employed, productive and doing well," said Bruce Clarke, president and CEO of Capital Associated Industries, a non-profit association for employers.

"But someone may prefer an unemployed candidate because they're immediately available. If I had to convince the employed guy to leave his current job, it might take four to six weeks."

TIPS FOR LONG-TERM UNEMPLOYED

Workplace experts say that being unemployed need not be a crippling liability during job interviews, but applicants should come prepared with convincing answers. To get hired, use the interview wisely.

A strong presentation conveys energy and initiative - in one's career and in one's personal life. The wrong answer will suggest that the applicant is pessimistic, lethargic and not engaged.

According to recruiters, employers don't want to hear that looking for a job is a fulltime job leaving you with no time for anything else. Nor will they be impressed if you've spent your free time reorganizing your garage or catching up on old movies.

Interviewers will get a better vibe if you've been taking or teaching classes, getting certifications, being active in professional groups, or taking leadership roles in volunteer organizations, several recruiters said.

By freeing up blocks of time, losing one's job can create new opportunities to become active in a church or a non-profit that may even round out an applicant's resume and create a competitive advantage.

Source: http://www.montrealgazette.com/business/stigma+having/6185209/story.html#ixzz1nVAYKRHg

Five steps to making the right decisions for you

1. Trust your instincts

Often, your very first impressions reveal your true preferences. This doesn’t mean you should rush to the first conclusion that crosses your mind, but do remember that seeking too many opinions on something — whether it’s a new haircut or a new job — can confuse what you originally wanted. To avoid over-complicating a situation, it’s helpful to step back, take a deep breath, and re-focus on what you felt when you initially started the decision-making process.

2. Establish a circle of trust

Instead of asking everyone from your brother to the barista for advice, make it a point to refer to a small, consistent group of trusted “advisers.” Choose friends, relatives, or co-workers who know you well and who can give unbiased recommendations without pressuring you or getting overly involved. Limiting the number of people you consult will help you get the advice you’re seeking — without getting overwhelmed.

3. Take your time

Often, the pressure to make a decision can make you anxious to move forward before you’ve taken the time you need to really weigh your options. But in many cases, you aren’t actually expected to decide on the spot, and it’s perfectly appropriate to pause and reflect. If you’re presented with a decision that throws you for a loop — say, a surprise job offer — ask the other party for some time to consider the situation, and for a deadline for when you need to respond.

4. Ask questions

Asking lots of additional questions is another way to buy yourself some time and gather more information while you’re making a decision. Learning more about your options can not only help you make up your mind, but it’ll also allow you to feel more at ease with your choice. Avoid questions that can be dismissed with a simple yes or no (“is this apartment complex safe?”), and instead, present ones that prompt further discussion (“what are the best and worst parts about living in this neighborhood?”).

5. Practice makes perfect

The more often you’re faced with making tough decisions, the more confidence you’ll have in your ability to choose the right option. It doesn’t happen overnight, but it will, slowly, become a more comfortable and efficient process. And, just like any other skill, with some practice, it can be fine-tuned into a successful formula.

Source:http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/careers/career-advice/career-tips/five-steps-to-making-the-right-decisions-for-you/article2346569/

Job fair tips

Learn who’s coming ahead of time. Prepare a list of employers that offer the employment opportunities which most closely match your interests and abilities. Consider the employer’s products and/or services, location, job responsibilities and corporate culture.

Contact employers of interest before the job fair. Explain your interest in the job they have to offer. Point out your educational and career background, qualifications and experiences that best relate to a specific employer’s job requirements.

Prepare a 45-second verbal summary of your qualifications. Be prepared to describe in about 45 seconds your education, work experience and career interests. Be as specific as possible.

Dress and act the part. First impressions are critical. Conservative, well-pressed, tailored business attire is your best choice.

Take the right things with you. You’ll want plenty of copies of your resume. Take a few more than you know you’ll need for your “A” list.

Develop a plan of action for the day of the fair. Visit first the employers in which you have the strongest interest, then visit employers whose jobs looked like possibilities.

Learn what’s going to happen next. As you leave each employer, ask about the next step in the interview process and how you can advance your candidacy.

Follow up with your job leads. Write a thank-you message (paper or email) to each recruiter you talked to who had jobs in which you were interested.

Source:http://www.rrstar.com/x1353879772/Job-fair-tips

how to get ahead in your housing career

Don't be afraid to probe and ask specific questions. What can I improve on next time? Where did my answers let me down? How did I come across at interview?

On application forms: A good application form should ask for specific examples such as customer service skills. Rather than affirm that you do have good customer service skills, you need to hit them with good hard evidence, facts and figures if at all possible - something along the lines of, "Consistently scored over 90% in customer satisfaction surveys.

Be passionate: You really need to hammer home your passion for the job and sector and back this up with any continuing professional development, networking or voluntary work that you have been involved in.

So what? Once you have completed [an application form], go through each answer and ask yourself – so what? Be critical, put yourself in the shoes of the hiring manager and ask "would I want to meet me?". If any of your answers are not really grabbing attention then try to re-work them and make then stand out.

Be social: Immerse yourself in Twitter (follow the #ukhousing hashtag), LinkedIn groups, Guardian discussions and regularly contribute in order to raise your profile and make connections. Go to networking events, make connections, talk to people, find out who is recruiting, find out who to talk to and follow it up. Write a blog about your job search, post it on LinkedIn and Twitter and share it with your connections – it's a great way to engage people in your job-hunt, keeping you at the forefront of their minds.

Plug the gaps: Extra-curricular activities are a good way of filling any glaring gaps in experience or skills. For example, if you lack telephone-based customer service skills, volunteering for a charity helpline would be an excellent way of building evidence of your experience in this area.

Source:http://www.guardian.co.uk/housing-network/2012/feb/17/top-tips-housing-careers

Five tips for writing cover letters that get that job

Think cover letters are passe when applying for a position? Think again, a new OfficeTeam survey suggests. More than nine in 10 (91 percent) executives polled said cover letters are valuable when evaluating job candidates.

In addition, nearly eight in 10 (79 percent) respondents indicated it’s common to receive cover letters even when applicants submit resumes electronically. The results mirror those from a similar survey conducted in 2008.

The survey was developed by OfficeTeam, a leading staffing service specializing in the placement of highly skilled administrative professionals. It was conducted by an independent research firm and is based on telephone interviews with more than 1,000 senior managers at companies with 20 or more employees.

Managers were asked, “When evaluating prospective job candidates, how valuable is the cover letter that accompanies the resume?” Their responses:
Very valuable 21%
Somewhat valuable 70%
Not valuable at all 9%
100%

Managers also were asked, “When you receive a resume electronically from a job candidate, how common is it for that resume to be accompanied by a letter of introduction or cover letter?” Their responses:
Very common 21%
Somewhat common 58%
Not common at all 16%
Never receive resumes electronically 5%
100%

“Although the job application process has increasingly moved online, the importance of a cover letter shouldn’t be underestimated,” said Robert Hosking, executive director of OfficeTeam. “It often is the first opportunity to make a positive impression on hiring managers. It’s also a chance to provide context for your resume, expand on key accomplishments and explain reasons for employment gaps or career changes.”

Added Hosking, “Professionals can stand out from the crowd by using the cover letter to demonstrate their knowledge of the company and explain why they are the best fit for the role.”

OfficeTeam offers five tips for job seekers when writing and submitting cover letters:

Follow directions. Before sending your materials, read the job posting carefully. Employers frequently list specific instructions to follow when applying, such as including the job requisition number in the subject line of the email or submitting your cover letter and resume in a certain file format.
Start smart. Address the letter to the hiring manager by name instead of using “To Whom It May Concern” or “Dear Sir or Madam.” If you don’t know the contact’s name, call the company and ask.
Create a hook. A strong introduction offers a compelling reason to read on. Indicate which position you’re applying for and if someone referred you, then state how you can help the company meet its business objectives.
Keep it short and to the point. Limit your cover letter to two or three brief paragraphs. Avoid sharing personal details that don’t relate to the position.
Get it right. Have a friend or family member proofread your materials for typos. Before submitting, confirm the correct documents are included.


Source:http://www.techjournalsouth.com/2012/02/five-tips-for-writing-cover-letters-that-get-that-job/

Don't go to a job fair unprepared; check out these websites for tips

Career fairs offer a good opportunity for job-hunters to meet with company recruiters and explore potential employment. But simply attending a career fair does not guarantee landing a job. Therefore, performing a bit of advance preparation going into a career fair could help tip the hiring odds in your favor.

The Internet offers a wide range of information and useful tips about attending a career fair. Here are a few Web locales:

— Bankrate.com: Contains insights on preparing for a career fair, how to dress and what you might expect once you arrive. www.bankrate.com/brm/news/advice/19991019a.asp

— The Career Place: Spotlights how to make the most of a job fair experience, with tips on preparation and following up. www.careerplace.org/tips/jobfair.htm

— EmploymentGuide.com: Covers making the most of a career fair — before, during and after. www.employmentguide.com/careeradvice/Job_Fair_Advice.html

— Jobs & Careers: Provides advice on how to land a job at a career fair. www.jobscareers.com/articles/landajobatjobfaire.html

— National Career Fairs: Features insights on making a good impression at a job fair, and following up with a potential employer. www.nationalcareerfairs.com/advice/

Source:http://www.mailtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20120212/BIZ/202120334/-1/NEWSMAP

Management Tip: Get to know your boss's boss

There are some ways to deliberately increase your exposure within a company by connecting with your boss's boss, says Harvard Business Review.

The Management Tip of the Day offers quick, practical management tips and ideas from Harvard Business Review and HBR.org. Any opinions expressed are not endorsed by Reuters.

"Spending time with the leader two levels above you can give you a broader perspective on your job and advance your career. But not everyone has access to their boss's boss.

Here are three things you can do to catch this manager's attention:

1. Take advantage of every opportunity to touch base. Send a note of congratulations when she gets a promotion or honor. Forward a relevant article. Ask a question only she'll know the answer to.

2. Increase your exposure. Volunteer for a cross-functional team. Send periodic updates on your work to your manager, and ask him to forward them to his boss.

3. Produce results. Impress customers-internal and external-and send your manager any compliments you receive. He will undoubtedly send it on since your success reflects positively on him."

Source:http://www.moneycontrol.com/news/features/management-tip-get-to-know-your-bosss-boss_663889.html

Looking for Your First Job? A Few Things to Remember When Getting Started

For many college seniors, this time of year comes with a tremendous amount of excitement and anticipation for the future. The final semester before graduation is filled with job hunting and planning the next chapter of life while also completing strenuous courses and projects in order to graduate. Just two years ago I was in the same position and was anxious to start a search for a job that would truly use the skills I had acquired throughout the years. I felt confident that my leadership positions, volunteer work and success within my communications major would land me a job quickly. At the same time, the job market was not at its best so I knew I would have to set myself apart from everyone else in order to be recognized.

A blog post back in November had some wonderful tips for the recent college graduate on how to land a job in PR. While the five tips listed are extremely important and a vital part to landing a first job, there are a few additional things I wish I had known when I was on the job hunt. These not only apply to PR and marketing job seekers but to anyone who will soon embark on the journey of their first job search.

1. Patience. As lucky as I was to get a job at a time when many were struggling to even get an interview, it did not come without a wait – seven months to be exact. I spent the first few months out of college frustrated that no one was hiring. I felt that after years of schooling I should at least have been able to find one place that would open its doors to me! Every company that was hiring required at least three years of experience: three years that I did not have. I became so frustrated that some days I felt like giving up and leaving the country. While I did eventually realize that patience was essential during the search process, it is something I wish I had been warned about and told over and over again BEFORE I started the process.

2. Network, network, network! I knew that networking was an important part of finding a job, but I did not actually realize the massive importance of it until right before I landed my job. Networking means getting yourself out there and meeting new people in your prospective field; it can also mean becoming reacquainted with people you already know. It’s as easy as calling up a professional organization and asking for a schedule of their open events, or calling up a parent of a friend or neighbor to find out more about what they do. I eventually landed my job because a friend of mine’s father had multiple connections in the PR and communications field in Nashville. He was gracious enough to personally send out my resume to several agencies and let them know that I was actively seeking a job.

3. Don’t be afraid to start at the bottom (or in a position you would not expect.) This tip is the absolute best lesson I have learned. I spent much of my time directly after college searching and hoping for a job that would place PR work in my hands the second I walked in the door. After realizing that many of these job positions require several years of experience, I wondered how I could get my foot in the door not having had that experience. When I was offered the job at Lovell Communications as administrative assistant, I knew I would be given tasks that don’t necessarily require a degree. While answering phones and filing invoices had not previously been on my radar as something I would be doing at my first post-college job, I was extremely excited and fortunate to have landed a job at a PR agency. Over time I was able to work on tasks that the AEs and VPs were working on, and after six months in the position as administrative assistant I was promoted to assistant account executive. Starting at the bottom and being promoted six months later was a wonderful feeling and something that I knew I had earned and worked hard for. It is important to not pass something up just because you think you are overqualified for the job, because you never know where it will lead you.

Source:http://www.business2community.com/strategy/looking-for-your-first-job-a-few-things-to-remember-when-getting-started-0128144