Resumes and/or Cover Letters
February 10, 2010
Certainly we’re all aware of the value of cover letters to introduce ourselves and highlight contributions we could make when we can’t just hand the resume to the person we’d like to give it to. Richard Bolles, in What Color Is Your Parachute? 2010, Chapter 5, Resumes and Contacts, writes that not only he but many other experts and employers, too, suggest sending a cover letter instead of a longer resume. He recommends looking for “Susan Ireland’s free Cover Letter Guide” online. Check it out!
Resumes, and Alternatives!
February 1, 2010
When we’re faced with a job search–by our own dissatisfaction or by our employer’s decision to let us go–one of the first concerns is our resume. Know that it’s a piece of the “How do I get a Job?” puzzle, but is often given more credit than it deserves. To save yourself time and money, check out the book, What Color Is Your Parachute? 2010: A Practical Manual for Job-Hunters and Career-Changers. This comprehensive book, revised annually, is written by Richard Bolles.
In Parachute, see Chapter 5, Resumes and Contacts. Here he talks about the limitations and values of a resume, and recommends cover letters and job-portfolios as alternatives. There’s also a great section on how to jog your memory to come up with achievements (for resumes and interviews), and how to network with your contacts for help. More soon about these topics.
For an easier, more effective job search campaign, I highly recommend, especially in light of today’s economy, a current edition of What Color Is Your Parachute? as a reference book throughout the process. I trust and recommend all that Bolles writes; it’s well researched, clear, helpful. Actually, the beginning of my career counseling work, even before I started working on my master’s degree, was reading this book (earlier edition!) years ago, and sharing what I was learning and using myself, with returning adult students looking for new careers.
Do Resumes Work?
March 18, 2009
Creating or updating your resume is often the first step you think of when you are preparing for a job campaign. Does it work? Is a resume effective? I believe it’s a helpful tool in the job search process, but it can be overrated. It’s one piece of the puzzle, but only one piece. Yes, you want your resume to be max powerful, but don’t count on it as your only tool. First you want to be clear on the job target: what do you love to do? What do you want from your job at this point in your life? Also, look at yourself: your talents, strengths, assets, skills, and ask yourself how these relate to what you love to do. Set out your job objective, your main qualifiers, your achievements, as well, of course, as your education/training and the last 10 to 15 years of your work history. See sample formats in resume books and online.Then look at companies/organizations you’d like to work at. Research their focus and mission so you can effectively approach the ones that are a match for you. Network with friends and former colleagues to learn of other companies, connect with contacts. Whenever possible, introduce yourself to the decision maker — easier to do in smaller organizations. Create a portfolio so you have proof of achievements, experience. And yes, email resumes to job search websites and, whenever you have a name, to decision makers. There are more things you can do, too. Search online for “Job Search Strategies.” Use your resume–if appropriate for the position you want, and also use lots of other tools. I’m wishing you the best!