Create a Personal Power Statement

In 30 Second Summaries and in Resumes, consider the power of words that describe a person's character, values, and skills perfectly. Creating a power statement is imperative for all persons at any level. Individuals need to be effective in communicating their strengths and accomplishments at any educational level. 

When presenting oneself to others, there is a need to present information to validate one's values, character, and skills in a powerful and succinct manner. 

This could be difficult without the guidance presented here.

Mistakes Older Job Seekers Make

If you are job hunting in your 50s your last resume probably won’t cut the current screening process. Your technical jargon, even your e-mail carrier can quickly date you. 

For 8 pointers ranging from your attitude through your resume content, see the material here.

Resume Action Words

Action Verbs and "power words" can provide your resume power and direction. When employed strategically throughout your resume, action verbs can help you resume stand out from the competition. 

Make sure to backup any assertion or claims you make in your resume with detailed experience that demonstrates your skill and ability. 

See a comprehensive list of action verbs to consider using in your resume and cover letters here.

Make a Positive Impression in Seven Seconds

It is said that your resume may get 10 - 15 seconds before warranting the wast basket or the 'read again' stack.

If your resume is solid enough to warrant an interview, there is another short time frame that is critical. It is your first impression.  Whether it is in an interview or in nearly any other situation of a first meeting, first impressions are critical.

That time frame is around 7 seconds.  Review four points to make the most of first impressions here.

Fix Resumes Biggest Mistakes

Aren't sure what to put on your resume? Make sure you don't include any of these common errors. 

It's deceptively easy to make mistakes on your resume and exceptionally difficult to repair the damage once an employer gets it. So prevention is critical, whether you're writing your first resume or revising it for a mid-career job search. Check out how to write the perfect resume by avoiding these common pitfalls.  Click here.

Use Impressive Written Communication

Aside from resumes, your job search will likely require you to write effectively to communicate your capabilities.  Interviews are great when you can get one, but they are usually the result of prior written communication. 

Your effectiveness in writing cover letters, completing applications, and sending follow-up thank-you letters depends on paying attention to the details. For pointers on these three necessary documents see the material here.

Complete an Impressive Application

Depending on the type of position you are looking for, part of your job search will likely include filling out applications. Employers use applications to identify candidates who have the skills and education needed for the position. However, they may learn much more about you than just your qualifications. 

When filling out applications, whether on paper or on a computer, you have the opportunity to demonstrate that you are prepared, thorough, and follow directions. For hints on being successful with both forms of application, see the material here.

Using Power Statements

Communicating your value to the reader of your resume or your profile is of prime importance. Your value or ability to satisfy the positon requirements is being compared to many other candidates being reviewed. Using well thought out power statements helps you hold a position for further consideration.

Power statements are appropriate for use in your application, resume and online profile. During an interview these principles are applicable to your work experience examples s you reply to questions.

Review the use of power statements here.

Quantifying Achievements on Your Resume

When citing past work experience on your resume, it is important to articulate your achievements since employers are always eager to know how you have contributed to the organizations you worked for. By highlighting job achievements, you provide good evidence to demonstrate how you can use your skills to improve work results.

When developing your achievement statements, you are suggested to quantify your achievements with numbers that specify details such as project scope and work outcomes. As a result, readers can get a clear picture of how well you did.

For the "how to's" in writing strong achievement statements, click here for examples of accomplishing this

TagCrowd as a Job Search Tool

TagCrowd is a web application for visualizing word frequencies in any text by creating what is popularly known as a word cloud. - TagCrowd is particularly useful in making it easier to analyze a detailed job description for the particular requirements for each job by creating a screen with the most frequently mentioned keywords for skills and experiences emphasized in a concise manner. These keywords must be addressed and customized in your resume for you to have impact with each of your employment applications.

Topics covered included:

• TagCrowd as a job search tool
• How does TagCrowd Work?
• Any problems with TagCrowd?

Click here for more info.

Overcome Age in Your Resume

Older workers have an uphill battle when it comes to changing jobs. Although employers are not supposed to discriminate against older workers, some hiring managers do favor younger employees. If overcoming age bias is a concern, there are several things you should do when updating your resume.

There's no rule that you have to list every position you've ever held.  Overcome age bias early in the hiring process by listing only your most recent jobs on your resume. If you have been in the same industry for 25 years, eliminate information about jobs you held more than 15 years ago.

Click here the full article on Age and Resumes.

New Year Trends for Resumes

Technology seems to change everything in the marketplace every few years, and it should be no surprise that resumes are reflecting those changes. 

Stay up to date in your job search and make sure you are keeping up with resume trends and career-search innovations. 

Review seven of the top resume trends expected to become prevalent in 2015 here. 

Job Search #10: Build a Personal Brand

In obtaining a new position your identity is key. As with advertising the association with a 'brand' creates an effective connection. Professional branding is important for anyone who is job searching or building their career. It's important to create a personal brand that portrays you in a professional light and which provides employers and contacts with a strong positive impression of you as a high-caliber individual.

For articles presenting this approach see several articles here.

Job Search #2: Resume Strategies

The resume is often the first impersonal impression you will make with a potential employer. The development your resume consists of many components:  resume writing,  the creation of a professional resume, its format, and the presentation of your value to the employer.

These components need to be integrated into a final professional version. For a comprehensive description of these many aspects of a resume, each with a comprehensive discussion, see the complete resource here.

Job Longevity Shows Commitment

Reporting your longevity on each job is an essential part of your resume. Employers look for you to stick with a job two years or more to convey your commitment; job hopping is not a favorable attribute. Your resume should have beginning month and year for each employer reported.

To make the most of your job experience review the topic of longevity and how to convey it here.

Reasons for Changing Jobs

During the time the economy struggled, it was important just to have a job. As the economy improves, you may consider the opportunity to change jobs. Carefully consider the reasons you come up with to justify a significant decision.

Don’t overreact. Leaving a job to minimize pain should not be the primary reason for accepting another job. Both negative and positive motivators must be considered; as well as extrinsic (short-term) motivators, and intrinsic (long-term).

See an interesting diagram in the full article to assist your decision making here.