1. Balancing life’s issues inc.
The New Resume
Balancing life’s issues inc.

2. Objectives New role of the resume A Suite of Documents
Think like a hiring manager
Resume formats
Do’s and Don’ts
How to distribute your resume
Trainer: Introduce this topic by telling the participants that if they have not looked for a job within the last 5 years the entire job search process is completely different, therefore, the role of the resume is different.
The resume is no longer your calling card or door opener it serves as a document to establish what you have done but it should be a part of an online and in print suite of documents that establishes you and your “brand”.
In this age of , social networking and on-line communication, we are dealing with shorter, tighter, laser focused communication–
You need to get your point across quicker - (think twitter which in measured in characters 140 max!!)
Most hiring managers are going to look for candidates on-line – not on job hunting boards where mostly unemployed people are listed, but through career related website, association websites and networks.
Your new “Resume” is really your on-line presence. The resume is a now a follow along piece rather than the upfront piece – one

3. New role of the resume
Just one piece of many documents – may not be looked at first.
Avoid “career obituaries”
Move toward a suite of documents that establish your accomplishments.
Updating your understanding of how job search has changed and what materials are needed is key.
As we mentioned earlier, you must communicate your brand and accomplishments to show your value to potential employers. If you say you are a Marketing Manager – that describes you and thousands of other people – Your “Brand” what makes you unique and different is the information you need to have organized and accessible to people who are looking to hire.
The traditional resume lists dates, employers and positions and are often called “career obituaries” – they say where you have been, but not where you are going or what you plan on bringing or plan on doing going forward. Do not fall into this trap – put your best foot forward from the start.

4. The Suite of Documents
Pay attention to everything on-line and in print about you that a potential employer could see.
Create a blog
Comment on topics in your industry on association websites.
Create your own website
Visual CV’s
Learn how to toot your own horn.
You will need a suite of documents – some in print some on line. This is a very modular system that allows people looking at you to access what interests them about you. – what makes you unique and distinct
Make sure you have a good Linkd In profile – On-line formats give you more leeway – you can “talk” in a conversational format – it is organized in a way that shows people the associations you belong to etc. How well you are “connected”.
Know what your google presence is – even facebook – some employers will look there to see what you are projecting.
Also growing in popularity are visual CV’s, websites with portfolio and accomplishments
People don’t often see their own accomplishments they think everyone is good at this – but it may not be so and you may have a special skill that an employer would want it is hard to know this yourself, ask a person who knows you and your strengths.
I am a marketing manager is NOT branding – how do you perform the role that makes it differen.
If you are employed and want to start building a presence – create a blog or get your subject matter out there – which gives you credibility. Commenting on things in your industry and

5. Think like a hiring manager…
Who is this person and what is their objective?
Do they have the skills I need.
Do any of their past accomplishments impress me and are these accomplishments relevant to the job I need to fill.
Does this persons work history show growth and increased responsibility.
What can I find out about them on the internet?
Ask the group where they would look for a person that they wanted to hire or research….
Anyone with a job to fill is likely to avoid job boards where you find unemployed people - they are more likely to go to linked in.
People are also avoiding personal information on a resume or any personal information document – and cell phone number are standard.

6. Resume Formats Functional - not well received in general - outdated.
Focuses on your skills and abilities where you have great skill but perhaps not had great jobs for any duration.
Not preferred by hiring managers -
Chronological - used
Most traditional – list most current work experience first.
Employer, location, position and dates with brief overview of job.
Combination – impart information chronological but also break out the functions.
Functional resumes have really fallen out of favor with hiring managers, there is a perception that the applicant may have something to hide, it does not communicate what is unique about the person.
Chronological is fine to show what you job history has been on a timeline.
Most people will now use a combination which lists work chronologically but also imparts specific information about functions and achievements.

7. Layout and Design Use an easy to read font at least 10 pt.
Use bullets where appropriate to highlight skills etc.
Do not be too “wordy” – must be clear and crisp
Don’t “kitchen sink” it – more is not always better – highlights may get lost
Be efficient with length -

8. Cover Letters/Interviews
Don’t depend on the cover letter to get your message across – hard to know if it will be read.
Show your passion and commitment
Be specific – what makes you unique?
Tells the reader if you can or cannot write
Perseverance counts
Show your curiosity with “why” questions
Saying “how” shows you will be a drain on someone else
Remember many cover letters do not get read – applicant tracking systems for instance do not capture the information in a cover letter at all.
When writing to a specific person, the “cover letter” should be crisp and in the body of your not an attachment or separate it should be targeted, laser like message.

9. Do’s and Don’ts Do’s Don’ts
Include your accomplishments – be specific.
Tell the truth
Put your strengths toward the top
Check for spelling and grammatical errors
address and cell number are all the contact information needed avoid providing address, home phone.
Don’ts
List any personal information such as weight, height, marital status, race or religion
List salary or pay information, that can be provided separately if requested.
Use quirky or funny photos unless the job warrants them

10. How to distribute your resume
Make sure that your resume is getting to a person who will be able to do something with it.
On-line resume posting services usually are for unemployed people – better to use to us a reliable career oriented social networking sites.
Connect to association or trade specific web sites where an employer would look for a qualified person.
Always follow up with a phone call.
Don’t send it to a head-hunter – they are looking for you, don’t want people to go to them unless you have had a head-hunter request your information or been referred.
Take advantage of networking events. So may things happen through networking and networking events.
Keep a one page sheet on what your value is and what kind of connections they can help you make