Thursday, 21 May 2015

Resume Writing Tips - The Objective

A good Resume Objective is like the perfect movie trailer. It is a concise, enthusiastic, creatively constructed piece of writing that leaps out and steals the readers attention placing you firmly in his mind and pre-selling him, convincing him you are the person he wants to hire.

The biggest trap I see people falling into is that they don't take the time to write a good objective they use old overused phrases like:

"To secure a position where I can best utilize my experience in High Education and gain additional knowledge to develop my career potential in the Bookkeeping position"

"To develop a career with a company that can utilize my current skills, and enhance my experience."
Now be honest, did these objectives leap out at you ? Did these resume objectives capture your attention? Did they compel you to read further? Probably not.

As the reader, I don't feel that they address my interests or my concerns at all. They are all about what the applicant wants and in both examples above I get the idea that the applicant wants me to offer them a paid training environment. Now to a certain extent employers are not interested in what you want, they are looking at your resume to see if you are the person that will fill their needs!

So the rules are:
1. Write your objective from the viewpoint of the Employer
2. Make it pop and sizzle
3. Keep it short 30 to 35 words.
4. Steal their attention so that they read the rest of the resume.
5. Think of the resume Objective as a summary that gives the employer a quick look at the important stuff. Don't use cliché's.

Do those things and you will get calls and interviews.

Looking for a job in SG, you can find a list of available jobs at jobsbank sg.

An article by Dougles Chan - Search Engine Guru - One of the best SEO companies in Singapore and globally. Contact Dougles Chan @ +(65) 9388 0851 or email to dc@dougleschan.com for more information on how to make your website to be the top in Google.

Write A Great Resume For HR Jobs

There are no specific rules on drafting a resume for an HR position. However, the document should convey you have excellent public relation skills and are genuinely interested in the welfare of company employees. It should also communicate you value empathy and sensitivity. Read on for tips and techniques on how to write an effective resume for HR jobs.

Roles and Responsibilities of the HR Personnel
Crafting a resume for an HR job requires you to understand the typical roles and responsibilities of an HR personnel. They often include developing and implementing policies to promote welfare of the employees as well as forging relations with other organizations Formulating compensation schemes, incentive programs as well as safety and occupational health measures are also part of the job.

What Makes a Great Resume for HR Jobs

Apart from clearly stating your experience in handling HR jobs, consider the following highlights of a great resume for HR jobs:

1. HR Career Highlights - These include the number of employees you have successfully trained and your role in retaining employees as well as improving their satisfaction levels. You might also want to include the HR policies or procedures you have developed with positive outcomes, system/application you have developed to improve efficiency, and difficulties/obstacles while in the position and how you managed to overcome them.

2. Knowledge and Skill Sets - This includes basic skills such as reading, writing, accounting
 and knowledge of other disciplines such as tax laws and other fields of sciences.

3. Key Designations - HR is a broad term in itself so be specific with the titles and designations you put on your HR resume such as HR specialist, HR assistant, staffing manager, HRIS analyst, personnel supervisor, etc.

4. Additional Responsibilities - Non-HR tasks such as in-depth research and/or providing on-the-job trainings

Key Points to a Great Resume for HR Jobs

To help your HR resume stand out, you might also want to dwell and give special attention to the following key points:

1. Use the right keywords:Closely examine the job posting and find out which keywords are common in the competencies provided. Use them in your resume.

2. Use bullet points: Unless you're writing a thesis or academic paper, avoid creating long paragraphs. Also, employers receive hundreds of job applications for a single vacant position, so make sure your resume is reader-friendly. Using bullet points is the best way to do this.

3. Put the most important information first: This applies to both the entirety of the resume as well as its individual sections. In general, your resume should highlight your work experience as it's the most important part of your document.

4. Use action verbs such as "coached", "formulated", "created", "managed" and "planned".

5. Keep the layout and design neat and simple:Use fonts that are friendly to the eyes of the reviewer. Use capital letters only if it's necessary.

6. Delete irrelevant and redundant information:Unless your hobbies and interests support your candidacy for a certain position, skip them in your resume.

7. Use numbers and specific figures: In describing past achievements, make it appear solid as much as possible by providing specific numbers and figures.

8. Do not copy and paste. A number of sample resumes templates are provided online. These templates could definitely give you an idea as to what you should put on your resume but be careful in copying them entirely.

9. Avoid slang: Using slang word is a no-no when creating a great resume for HR jobs. You might want to avoid jargon terms as the recruiter might be confused about what you want to convey.

10. Proofread:One tiny typo error and your chances of getting the job may just slip. Look for someone else to proofread it for you.

Looking for a job in Singapore, you can get a list of latest jobs at jobs bank Singapore.

An article by Dougles Chan - Search Engine Guru - Best SEO companies in Singapore and globally. Contact Dougles Chan @ +(65) 9388 0851 or email to dc@dougleschan.com for more information on how to make your website to be the top in Google.

Write a Super Resume

Does the idea of "stepping out of the box" really worry you? It shouldn't, because most people get nervous at the idea of a change in career. Remember that even the most successful people had to start somewhere! Here are 6 tips to help you write a super resume.

1. Study Your Chosen Industry

Begin this by researching your specific interests. Which industry would you enjoy working in? Do you possess the necessary skills? Will this job choice provide the necessary income? What is the hourly rate at entry level?

Be sure to write down all the answers to the above questions, being careful to be brutally honest: this is your future you are dealing with. If the answers can be found with clear facts you are ready to begin work on the target resume.

2. Create an Objective
You are now ready to develop an objective statement. It should be less than 170 characters and state succinctly your achievements at the new position. For instance, "To gain a position in (insert company name) that recognizes my skills and encourages growth within the company." This is the time to appear impressive.

Put yourself in the prospective employer's shoes and take a good look at yourself. You will be able to write a great resume if you really understand how the employer thinks. You should direct the resume according to the needs of the employer if you want a positive response.

3. Create a List of Your Attributes
Under the heading "Summary of Qualifications", list all of your attributes. The employer will search your resume for 'highlights' of your skills.

One example would be in regard to an office job, the need for clerical experience would be relevant. Take care to present this experience in a professional manner, like so:
Administrative Support (6 yrs) - Responsibilities included answering the phones, data entry and word processing for the CEO.

Limit the Summary of Qualifications to a maximum of 4 main attributes. Be descriptive but stay within 2 lines of content. Write the job duties as a titled attribute.

4. List Your Technical Skills
In the 21st century, computer skills are essential. Create a bullet point list of your technical knowledge, including the software programs you are familiar with.

5. Fluff Your Employment History
Listing your employment history depends upon the position. Sometimes it is a good idea to leave out less significant positions or to combine positions in a similar field. If for example you have worked in customer service in two positions, one for 9 months and the second for 3 months, it will create a better impression if you combined the two for a total of 1 year.

6. The Final Touch - Education and Certificates
Ultimately, the employer will want to ascertain your educational levels, including where you attended school and if you can gain further skills. In this section you should include any relevant continuing education courses you have completed or are in the process of completing and certificates that you have been awarded.

The majority of resumes are straightforward, providing the employer only with the information they need and relating to the specific position. If at all possible, do not exceed one page of content and ensure that this content is easily read: avoid using jargon. Remember that the time to impress is at the interview.

Looking for a job in Singapore, you can search a list of available jobs at job bank Singapore.

A PR article by Dougles Chan - Search Engine Guru - The best SEO company in Singapore and globally. Contact Dougles Chan @ +(65) 9388 0851 or email to dc@dougleschan.com for more information on how to make your website to be the top in Google.

Wednesday, 20 May 2015

How to Write a Resume Objective

When crafting a resume, a job objective is definitely an important part of the document. For first timers, it is easy since they don't have much experience and are limited in the scope of what they propose. But what about a seasoned worker who has much more going for him/her? Since the job objective is near the top of the page, it is one of the first things that will be seen by the human resources person skimming the resume for those key words.

So, how do you go about writing a great job objective? The first thing to do is take stock of yourself and your experience. Do you have adequate experience and training in your field? What are your strengths and weaknesses? Make sure that you are dealing from a position of strength here as weaknesses should be left out since they can be worked on later.

List all things that you consider to be a strength on a scrap piece of paper. Now peruse the job advertisement, looking for keywords in both the education and experience requirement. How many of them match? You will probably have at least a half dozen similar ideas and concepts between your paper and the job posting.

Now, write a short paragraph (not a 1 - 2 sentence statement) that describes your career. This job objective now becomes a career goal and employers can see that you are a successful person who will benefit them. Be sure to sprinkle in two or three words from the posting to laser target your resume to the company's opening. This will definitely get you noticed and well on your way to that personal interview. That's it, good luck!

Searching for a job in SG, you can source a list of latest jobs at wda job bank.

An article by Dougles Chan - Search Engine Guru - Best SEO companies in Singapore and globally. Contact Dougles Chan @ +(65) 9388 0851 or email to dc@dougleschan.com for more information on how to make your website to be the top in Google.

Resume Writing - Things to Avoid

Resume writing can be a tough job especially if you are new to this field. Here are some tips on what to avoid and what to include in your resume to help you get noticed.

Your resume gives your potential employer the very first impression of you and it is very important that you make this as good as it can be. However, there are certain common mistakes that people can make while writing their resume and if you can avoid these, you can be sure that your resume will make the perfect impression!

The first blunder that people make while resume writing is that they include every last detail of the past experience that they have gained. However, you should focus on the details that will be needed for this particular job, as that is what the employer is looking for!

It should be mentioned here that the chronological format is often preferred, as employers are most used to this format of resume. Also, start the sentences of your resume with action words to have the maximum impact instead of using 'I'.

While resume writing, it is important not to force all your data onto one single page, as this can make your resume look untidy. Proper spacing is very important to make an impact. Your resume should include all your qualifications and relevant work experience and may therefore exceed one page, but at the same time you should leave out any irrelevant information. You should also be very careful if you decide to use free templates that are available, as your resume can become very stereotyped and boring. Every second person might be using the same template as you!

Another thing that you should remember while resume writing, is to always be honest, putting in the correct information and never telling a lie. You should assume that if you lie on your resume you will be caught out, as many employers use the resume to ask you questions at an interview.

When formatting your resume a proper combination of bullets and paragraph statements add balance, and serve to highlight the relevant areas that are most important. Use strong action words to give a boost to your resume but don't go overboard as this can make your resume look hyped.

Finally, you should use a standard formal and legible font, such as Times New Roman or Arial and avoid the funky ones, like comic sans, as the accepted business fonts help to make your resume look very professional and are consistent with documents that your employer sees on a day to day basis.

Avoiding these common resume writing mistakes will make sure your resume is not discounted on a technicality!

Looking for a job in SG, you can source a list of available jobs at jobs bank Singapore.

A PR article by Dougles Chan - Search Engine Guru - The best SEO company in Singapore and globally. Contact Dougles Chan @ +(65) 9388 0851 or email to dc@dougleschan.com for more information on how to make your website to be the top in Google.

6 Questions to Ask Before Starting Your Resume Writing

Often, the hardest part of writing a resume is knowing where to start. It is helpful to have a clear idea of what you want to include as well as what you want to achieve. This 6 questions will help you get started on the right path to an excellent resume.

1. Why are you writing a resume?

The easiest answer to this question is "to get a job", but you should have a clearer focus in mind before you start writing. Do you want your resume to depict you as an achiever, a steady employee, a financial 'wiz', a computer guru, or a self-starter? If you define what the objective of the resume is, you will be able to focus around that objective and it will become more clear and direct.

2. What information will have the most impact on the employer?

If what is read first is not impressive or relevant enough to hold attention, the rest will not get read. Bullet sentences containing what is most relevant to the employer near the beginning of the resume are a good idea.

3. Is everything relevant and positive?

Including irrelevant information is a waste of your time and the employer's. Including information that leaves an opening for negative opinions will undermine your effort. Focus on your objective and do not add anything that may contradict it.

4. Is your knowledge fully depicted?

It is very easy to fill 4 pages up with the what, when, where, and how is of what you have done. However, the chance that someone will actually read is slim. Your resume should include relevant positions you have held and experience you have, but it does not need to go into detail about any of it. Short sentences with key points are more likely to get you an interview.

5. Do you have anything left to say in person?

Your resume's purpose is to get you an interview. It should contain enough information to intrigue and impress a potential employer without inundating them with so much information that they do not absorb it. Save the detailed descriptions for the interview and keep the resume clear and to the point.

6. Who else has seen it?

You have been working on your resume for hours, maybe even days or weeks. You know what it says....or is supposed to say. Proofreading your own work is difficult to do, so ask your friends, family, or the guy next to you on the bus, to look it over for clarity, relevance, impact, and typos. Then ask someone else. Errors on a resume are the easiest way to be disqualified before you ever have a chance.

Your resume should be well focused, relevant to the employer, highlight your best assets, be concise and easy to read, and error free. So get started, there is no time like the present.

Seeking for a job in Singapore, you can get a list of available jobs at wda job bank.

An article by Dougles Chan - Search Engine Guru - One of the best SEO companies in Singapore and globally. Contact Dougles Chan @ +(65) 9388 0851 or email to dc@dougleschan.com for more information on how to make your website to be the top in Google.

How to Write Resumes That Count - 5 Key Considerations

A well written resume opens doors. It attracts attention and provides an opportunity for follow-up action. Generally, resumes are used to apply for job applications and therefore it becomes all the more important to ensure that they are well written. A well written and effective resume makes an impact. It flags-off the applicant as someone worthy of further consideration. It should, therefore, lead to an interview or some other form of assessment and evaluation.

So how do you write a resume that counts? Think about it. Make it your own. Refer to templates and samples of well written samples by all means but do not just copy and use them without careful thought. Resumes that are put together through a copy, paste and amend process can easily be detected. This does not make a good first impression and certainly not one that counts. Consider the following when writing your resume:

1. Who is your target audience? 
If it is a company, organisation or institution, ensure that you get their name and other details correctly. Is there something about them that caught your attention? Perhaps you can mention this in your introductory paragraph. If it is an individual, ensure that you address them appropriately in your salutation.

2. What business are they are in? 
What are they looking for? What is it that you have which can add value to them? Focus on their requirements not on what you think is impressive about you. Learn a bit about the company, their mission, vision, policy and plans. Just knowing about these will enable you to write a more effective and targeted resume. Additionally, when called for an interview, the information would prove invaluable.

3. How are you going to present your details? How do you intend to lay them out? 
Usually it starts with personal particulars followed by qualifications, experiences, achievements and so on. However, you need to customise the layout and make it relevant to the requirements of a particular vacant position. Take care over your headings. Broad headings such as qualifications can be used. However, where appropriate, it needs to be broken down into sub-headings such as academic, professional or vocational qualifications.

4. Avoid an information overload. Keep the resume relevant to the requirements and only add information of value. Save the rest for the interview or other face-to-face contact. If you include too much, it may distract attention from your key points. Think about your target audience. Make it easy reading. Time is a limited commodity especially in a business.

5. Mind your written language. Spelling, grammar, logic, flow and so on are highly important in a resume. Do not be too loud. Avoid being an "I" specialist through the repeated use of words such as "I did this and I did that."

How do you ensure that your resume or for that matter any other writing meets the basic requirements of good writing? Apart from referring to someone who is an expert or has adequate writing skills, what is a better and more reliable option? You need such help to get the job and for keeping it.

Seeking for a job in Singapore, you can source a list of latest jobs at jobsbank sg.

A PR article by Dougles Chan - Search Engine Guru - The best SEO company in Singapore and globally. Contact Dougles Chan @ +(65) 9388 0851 or email to dc@dougleschan.com for more information on how to make your website to be the top in Google.