Target Your Resume to Prospective Employers' Needs

By : Careerbuilder

Your résumé isn't about you, it's about them. That is the first guiding rule you should remember as you craft your employment history and achievements to match the needs of the companies you want most to hire you.

Consider your audience by researching the company and its industry, and tailoring your résumé to the challenges faced by both. Point out how your talents and training dovetail with the company's needs, so hiring managers can picture you in the job they have available or other opportunities that come up in the future.

Start out with a short professional profile that succinctly draws a picture of your job skills, work ethic and natural abilities that translate into the kind of worker you are. The rest of the résumé should follow suit as it lays out a clear story of your work experience, education and the skills you developed.

Understand that most hiring managers are viewing your job history in a quick sweep. They want to see something that is easily readable. Don't use industry jargon or long sentences that create dense, hard-to-read narratives. Tell your story in bulleted form to create punch. Don't resort to résumé formats that look like a thousand others.

Throughout the résumé, aim for action. Using words like "I was responsible for ..." don't get to the heart of your abilities. Be specific about accomplishments, punctuating them with hard numbers -- increased production, sales figures -- where applicable. Use details to explain your work story. A résumé isn't just about what you've done, but about what you have learned, achieved and produced.

Online portfolio and extracurricular activities can play a role in your résumé
Don't indulge an inclination to show how social media-savvy you are by providing links to personal pages on YouTube or Facebook, because they are just that -- personal. A more professional tool is to have a link to an online portfolio that has visual presence with well-written sections about your accomplishments, career highlights and leadership and work style. Or direct people to your professional biography on LinkedIn or BrightFuse.

At the same time, your extracurricular activities or community service may tell something about the skills you bring to the job. If they show qualities such as organizational ability, leadership potential and creative thinking, list them along with work and educational history to show how you use your talents outside the workplace.

There's never a good reason to lie on your résumé, and any overstatement of job history or academic achievements can easily tarnish your credibility. Routine background checks and online research can so easily expose an untruth that the risk simply isn't worth taking when your integrity is at stake.

The progress you've made in your career shows a prospective employer the kind of direction your work experience has taken. This may be especially necessary for those moving into a new industry, where transferable skills are particularly important. Showing how your job skills are relevant to the requirements of a company's industry, as well as the company itself, is one way to portray yourself as the solution seeker they are looking to hire.

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Transforming Your Resume From Military to Civilian

By : Beth Braccio Hering

Duncan Mathison, co-author of "Unlock the Hidden Job Market: Six Steps to a Successful Job Search When Times Are Tough," recalls working with an ex-Navy SEAL who was trying to land a civilian job.

"He realized that most people thought his skills consisted of landing on beaches and blowing things up. Impressive skills, but not really needed in the business world," Mathison says. "As a result, we reframed his experience to highlight his abilities to lead small teams as well as creative problem solving and planning in the face of uncertainty."

While civilian employers may respect military experience, they may struggle to see it as relevant to their workplace. The challenge for veterans is to present their background in ways that civilians can understand and appreciate.

Talk the talk

The first thing that must go is military jargon. Job titles and codes that are second nature to military personnel are like a foreign language to many hiring managers, so translation is essential.

Lisa Rosser, author of "The Value of a Veteran: The Guide for Human Resource Professionals to Regarding, Recruiting and Retaining Military Veterans," suggests converting military skills to civilian equivalents using a tool such as O*Net Online. "The service member can type in his or her Military Occupational Code and see what a civilian equivalent would be and some alternate civilian job titles. The civilian job description will also list skills, knowledge and attributes commonly held by someone in that position. So, for example, a 90A (army logistics officer) would be a logistician or, alternately, an integrated logistics support manager or a production planner."

Armed with this information, Rosser then recommends job seekers "get busy on a site like CareerBuilder and search on the very general and the very specific job titles." Reading through ads will give the applicant a better idea of qualifications needed for various civilian jobs and will provide insight about key words to use on a résumé.

Putting your best self forward

"Military professionals are groomed to lead others and excel in a team-oriented environment," says Abby Locke, master résumé writer and personal brand strategist for Premier Writing Solutions in Washington, D.C. "Consequently, they find it hard to really market and promote themselves as effectively as they should in the job search process."

Experts offer these tips to help veterans sort through their experiences when creating application materials:


* Focus the cover letter on skills most pertinent to the given position; don't give a generic summary of everything you're qualified to do.

* Tailor the résumé to the specific job, and keep it to a maximum of two pages.

* Scour military performance reviews for relevant achievements (and to jog your memory).

* Use numbers, percentages, statistics and other concrete examples when possible to demonstrate competencies.

Education and training

Locke notes that military professionals often have completed hundreds of courses, training assignments and certifications. Instead of turning the education section of the résumé into a laundry list, however, she recommends "cherry picking" to make sure the training that is most relevant to the given position is apparent.

Mathison suggests listing any training that is applicable to the job whether or not you have a degree or a certificate. "For example, you may have had one class in wireless communications and another in management out of 355 hours of training on a wide range of topics. In the résumé under a training or education heading, write 'More than 350 hours of professional development training including wireless communications and management.'"

Remember you're a civilian now

While a veteran's military background will always be a part of his identification, it is important to keep in mind that hiring managers encountered for civilian jobs may not have the same thoughts or experiences.

"Everyone has an opinion about the war," says Michael Coritsidis, a career coach from Lido Beach, N.Y. "Keep emotion out of the equation, and stay neutral."

Experts generally recommend avoiding potentially charged words such as "war," "warfare" or "weapons" (unless applicable to the specific industry). Likewise, it is better to concentrate on your skills and why you are the best candidate for the position rather than focusing on the military conflict or combat.

Remember, though, that military experience has helped you become who you are today, so bring confidence to the civilian job hunt.

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How Long Should Your Résumé Be?

By : Rachel Farrell

Résumés are a subject of great debate in the career world. What to include, what not to include; serif or sans serif font; what color paper; which jobs to highlight? And, more commonly in today's job market, how long should the résumé be? Does it matter?

We asked résumé experts for their take on whether job seekers should use a one- or two-page résumé and why it matters. Here's what they had to say:

The argument: One page

"Many people feel that a longer résumé makes them look more accomplished or important -- not so. Recent college grads and those who have only had one to two jobs don't need more than one page. Avoid excessive spacing to fill up the page as well and instead flesh out your skill sets, even if you think you have none due to little experience." -- Kristen Fischer, author of "Ramen Noodles, Rent and Résumés: An After-College Guide to Life"

"Someone newer to the work force may have a one-page résumé, with a more seasoned employee having two or more. Most experienced employees cannot fit their work history onto one page, and that's fine. What is critical is that the important information stands out: a very brief summary of who you are, what you're looking for, your key accomplishments and strengths, which tells the employer why they should hire you. This should be captured at the beginning of your résumé in the top quarter of the page -- then the employer could quickly scan where you worked and when, along with more details listed under each position." -- Michelle D. Roccia, senior vice president of corporate organizational development from Winter, Wyman

"I personally believe that a one-page résumé, for the most part, is the way to go -- unless you are a very senior executive with a number of accomplishments through your long career. Otherwise, short and focused is better." -- Jim Joseph, author of "The Experience Effect" and president of Lippe Taylor

"Remember the length Golden Rule: You want your résumé to highlight your best attributes, and hiring authorities shouldn't have to search for them on your résumé. For this reason, stick to the one-page rule and carry over to a second page only if your experience warrants it. This will force you to choose only the most important information for your résumé." -- Alexis Lane, résumé writing specialist at Snelling Staffing - The Wyckoff Group

"While I understand that most candidates want a two-page résumé (or longer), I happen to know that employers put the most focus on a candidate's first page. Their attention starts to wane before they even flip the page. Therefore, appropriate and strategic editing is a smart move. Most job seekers find it difficult to be so objective about their lengthy and accomplishment-based history, so here's a good tip to keep in mind: Job seekers have to think of themselves as a product and their résumé their marketing campaign. Any good marketing director knows to focus on their target consumer while creating a marketing campaign, right? Same thing applies here. You aren't writing your résumé for yourself, but rather, for your potential employers." -- Lauren Milligan, résumé expert and job coach at ResuMayday

"A one-page résumé is needed to get you in the door. At the outset of the process, most companies are using software to scan for keywords and subsequently weeding out those who haven't included them. A two-page résumé is necessary once you've gotten in the door and are sitting in front of a human being. That said, it should not be dense. Bullet points are preferable to paragraphs." -- Frances Cole Jones, author of "The Wow Factor: The 33 Things You Must (and Must Not) Do to Guarantee Your Edge in Today's Business World"

"Less is always more when it comes to résumés today, with one page preferable, as overworked HR departments need to process information faster and are mostly using electronic solutions to identify candidates to start with anyway. On top of this, the more experience you put on there, the more dollar signs begin to flash in hiring managers' heads, and they worry about what it's going to cost to acquire such an experienced candidate." -- Scott Steinberg, CEO, lead analyst, TechSavvy Global

"It does matter, but primarily in relation to the quality of the content. Do not try to create a two-page résumé if you really only have related experiences that fill up one page. Using bigger font and wider space margins do not help your cause. Similarly, if you have a long, impressive career of related professional achievements, there is no need to try to shrink it all down onto one page. Having said all of that, do not go longer than three pages. You should be able to be able to present the best of the best in less than three pages, and if you must, you can add a note 'Additional work history provided upon request.'" -- Sara Sutton Fell, CEO of FlexJobs

The argument: Two pages

"A two-page résumé is important. Given the nature of today's job search, applicants are searching via the Internet and using job boards or a company's website as the first touch. HR professionals and recruiters are either sifting through the résumés or résumés are searched automatically via a computer program. The more information you provide, the better your chances for a call back." -- Allison Rapaport, founder of www.hospitaldreamjobs.com

"It is important to remember that whoever will be looking at your résumé will probably be looking at 50-100 others, so first impressions are critical. Like Goldilocks tasting the porridge, a two-page résumé is 'just about right.' A one-page résumé gives the impression that you do not have a lot of experience. Anything more than two pages gives the impression that you are 'all over the place' and simply don't have the ability to focus. Managers want to be reassured that you can zero in on what you need to do and get it done." -- Mario Almonte, managing partner, Herman and Almonte PR

The argument: It doesn't matter

"I am less concerned about a one-page résumé than assuring that a candidate for employment provides the necessary information in a concise, direct manner. It's the qualifications that need to get noticed. Tell the employer what you can do for them. Be concise but keep it to two pages. Grab their attention first and foremost. Design your résumé to bring out what the employer is seeking and align these requirements to your own personal strengths. Don't sell yourself –short -- quite literally." -- Wendy Powell, author of "Management Experience Acquired"

"It really comes down to relevant content. If you have the experience needed to back up the position you're seeking, then you need to share it. If it's more than two pages, then let it flow. If it's just fluff to fill blank paper, limit that fluff to the pertinent information. Experienced hiring managers are very good at identifying fabricated content"-- Joel Rudy, chief operating officer of Photographic Solutions Inc.

"Job seekers focus on the wrong thing when they obsess about whether hiring managers prefer a one- or two-page résumé. Job seekers with great experience, skills, industry connections and attitudes can stop worrying about the one- versus two-page résumé dilemma and be assured that hiring managers are not going to rule out a terrific candidate for sending a two-page résumé instead of a one-page résumé." -- Janet Civitelli, Ph.D., workplace psychologist and founder of career advice website VocationVillage.com

"Your résumé is your introduction to a new company. It says volumes about you before you ever get a chance to and may decide if you get to say anything yourself. One or two pages don't really matter, but two pages in most cases are all you need. Résumés should incorporate both responsibilities and accomplishments, conveyed in specific and measurable form -- how did you make or save your company money?" -- Ira Bershard, Kaye Bassman

"I've seen stacks and stacks of résumés and have strong opinions on how they should be organized and written. As far as number of pages required for a résumé, the idea that everything should fit on one page is dated. Don't leave key experience out just because you're trying to keep it to one page. But do make sure all of the key important experience is on the first page and highlighted appropriately. A good way to accomplish this is by creating a 'career highlights' section at the beginning of your résumé." -- Jenna (Gruhala) Oltersdorf, principal, Snackbox

"A two-page résumé full of fluff and padding kills interest. Yet a one-page résumé that
leaves out compelling selling points shortchanges both the applicant and the hiring company. The length of your résumé should be determined by how long you can keep the story you're telling compelling. You need to pique enough interest to generate an interview, not hide your strengths in a pile of unimpressive blather and puffery." -- Barry Maher is the author of "Filling the Glass"

"Although I do prefer to see a one-page résumé, it's a mild preference and I definitely think this issue gets overemphasized. I have hired applicants that submitted a two-page résumé and would do so again in the future. My best advice is to keep in mind that hiring managers often scan résumés for only 20-30 seconds each. Because of this, the wording of your bullet points is crucial; they must be succinct and attention-grabbing. Also, consider placing a bulleted list of work accomplishments (from all jobs) at the top of your résumé. This technique is gaining more and more popularity as it can really help to grab the attention of the manager that is scanning the résumés." -- Kris Alban, director of strategic partnerships, iGrad

The verdict: The length of your résumé will vary based on your experience. If you're a new graduate or you have less experience, keep your résumé to one page. If you're a seasoned employee in the work force, it's OK to have your résumé a little longer.

No matter how many pages you choose to include, make sure to include all of your pertinent career information on the first page -- and in the top portion -- of the document.

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10 Ways to Get Your Resume Noticed

"Out with the old, in with the new," isn't that what they always say? The same thing applies to your résumé. Chances are you applied for hundreds of jobs during the Great Recession, only to be ignored or rejected. That means that something has to change.

"Because hiring managers are receiving large volumes of applications, job seekers have just seconds to make a lasting impression," said Jason Ferrara, senior career adviser at CareerBuilder. "55 percent of hiring managers told us they spend a minute or less reviewing a new resume, while another 29 percent spend one to two minutes reviewing one."

If you've been sending out résumés without any response, here are 10 ways to get your résumé noticed:

1. Start from scratch
A new year means a new résumé. Even though it might not sound like fun to rewrite your whole résumé (it probably won't be), give it a try. Obviously, if you didn't get any bites last year, something was a little off with your current résumé. Rearrange some sections, try a different format and use a different font. Just switch things up a little bit and see what happens.

2. Use a different format
Many job seekers don't realize that there are different formats to use when writing a résumé. The most common form is chronological, which lists each job you've had in reverse sequential order, so you start with your most recent job. This form doesn't work for all people, though. For example, if you've done a lot of job hopping in recent years or if you haven't had a job in a long time, a functional résumé is a better option.

A functional résumé focuses on your skills versus your work experience. For this, you would list a pertinent skill for the job to which you're applying, followed by a list of accomplishments that demonstrate that skill. If you don't have relevant skills or a strong work history, you could use a combination résumé, which combines elements of both a functional and a chronological format.

For a combination résumé, you should list your applicable skills and the accomplishments that demonstrate each one. Below that, you'll list your work history, starting with your most current job and working backward, but you won't list your job description. Doing this allows you the chance to play up your skills while proving your solid work history.

3. Ditch the empty words and vague phrases
Many job seekers fall prey to a common mistake that irks most employers: using cliché keywords. In a 2009 CareerBuilder survey, employers cited these common phrases as overused and often ignored by hiring managers:


* People person: 39 percent

* Go-getter: 38 percent

* Team player: 33 percent

* Hard-working: 29 percent

* Multitasker: 28 percent

* Self-starter: 27 percent

* Results- or goal-oriented: 22 percent


These words are just empty fillers that don't say anything about your achievements. For an accountant position, for example, keywords might include "accounts payable" or "month-end reporting" -- words that actually say something about what you can do. Look over your résumé and find where you have listed generic qualities about yourself and replace them with keywords that match the job to which you are applying.

4. Make your achievements stand out
Many job seekers list their job duties on their résumés, but not their accomplishments. Although your past duties are important, employers care more about your ability to produce results. Try separating your daily functions from your achievements by first listing your job duties in a paragraph format, and then incorporating a bulleted area below that is titled "key accomplishments" to list your successes.

5. Quantify your accomplishments
Applicants often don't know the difference between quantifying results and just stating a job responsibility. A job responsibility is something that you do on a daily basis; a quantified achievement is the result of that responsibility. By quantifying results, you show employers what you can actually do for them. So, if your current résumé is a block of words and you don't have one number in there, whether it's dollars, percentages or comparative numbers, you need to make some revisions.

6. Include a summary or objective
Including a summary on your résumé is one of those steps that many job seekers forget to take -- and if they do remember, they usually include the wrong information. Employers want to know if you're a good fit for their organization, so writing something like, "To gain experience in X industry," doesn't say much about you or what you can do for the employer. Your career summary should portray your experience and emphasize how it will help the prospective employer. It should be specific and include explicit industry-related functions, quantifiable achievements or your areas of expertise.

7. Fill in the gaps
Most people will tell you to wait to explain any gaps in your work history until you get to the interview. But there's a good chance that you won't get that opportunity if there are gaps in the first place. If, for example, you were laid off at the beginning or height of the recession and are still unemployed, try using the functional résumé format we explained earlier. Or, if you feel comfortable doing so, explain what you were doing during lapses between jobs. The employer will know you aren't trying to hide a sketchy past.

8. Keep it simple
How many times do we have to tell you? Do not, by any means, format your résumé with crazy fonts or colors or print it on fluorescent paper. Find an uncommon, yet attractive and simple layout to catch the employer's eye, instead of his wastebasket.

9. Double-check for the basics
Silly as it sounds, many people get so caught up in formatting and proofreading that they don't check for the most basic information, such as an e-mail address, phone number and permanent address. Double-check that your résumé has this information -- none of your hard work will pay off if no one can get ahold of you.

10. Check for consistency
Take a look over last year's résumé and make sure there are no inconsistencies. If you decide to include periods at the end of your sentences, for example, make sure they are at the end of each one. If you chose to list your job duties, followed by an accomplishment in that duty, make sure you do so throughout your résumé. Use consistent fonts, sizes, bullets and other formatting options. Employers will notice your attention to detail and assume your work quality is of the same standard.

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Solving the Keyword Conundrum

By : Selena Dehne

Ready to launch a new career, but no one seems interested in interviewing you? Your résumé -- and its lack of keywords -- may be to blame.

Keywords are terms or phrases that are specific to a particular industry or profession, and they're an essential element in the résumé-scanning process. Today, employers and recruiters are increasingly searching résumés electronically for keywords to help them weed out candidates whose résumés do not reflect the skills, qualifications or credentials they're seeking.

This stage of the job search can be problematic if you're trying to break into a new industry or profession.

"For career changers, keywords are particularly relevant and require a great deal of thought because you don't necessarily want to include keywords that are descriptive of your past experiences. Instead, you want to include keywords that reflect your current career goals so that those words are the ones that will get your résumé noticed and not passed over," explain Wendy Enelow and Louise Kursmark in their book "Expert Résumés for Career Changers."

According to Enelow and Kursmark, the following keyword strategies are especially helpful for career changers:


* In sections throughout your résumé, integrate keywords from your experiences that directly relate to your current career goals. Even though certain tasks or accomplishments may have been a minor part of your experience, they should be highlighted on your résumé if they relate to your current career goals.



* Include an "objective" section on your résumé that states the type of position you are seeking and the associated responsibilities. For example, "Seeking a position in purchasing management where I can utilize my strong skills in research, analysis, negotiations and product management." This is the recommended strategy if you do not have the appropriate experience (keywords) in your background to include in the career summary and experience sections of your résumé.


Not sure which keywords you should be using? Enelow and Kursmark offer some guidance:

"Just by describing your work experience, achievements, educational credentials, qualifications, objective and the like, you might naturally include most of the terms that are important in your new career field. To cross-check what you've written, review online or newspaper job postings for positions that interest you. Look at the precise terms used in the ads and be sure you have included them in your résumé."

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5 Ways to Rehab Your Resume

By : Kaitlin Madden

Just in case you haven't heard it enough: It's tough to get a job these days. So tough, in fact, that it's not unlikely for a job seeker to spend six months or longer looking for a job before getting one. Although it's common for today's job search to take awhile, there are ways to increase your chances of getting noticed quickly. So if you're starting to get frustrated with how long it's taking to find a job, you may want revamp your job search, starting with that all-important document: your résumé.

Although most job seekers think they've done all they can with their résumé -- included great "action" words, checked spelling and grammar, ensured consistent formatting -- there is almost always room for improvement. Chances are your résumé can benefit from one of the following points:

1. Make sure your objective has an outward focus

If you choose to include an objective on your résumé, make sure it addresses the employer's needs. "Don't emphasize what you're looking for in a job, but rather what skills and talents you offer an employer," says Rick Saia, a certified professional résumé writer for Pongo Résumé.

For example, an objective statement like: "To find a position in public relations that will allow me to further my communications career and develop my skill set," is all about what you want out of your job search. In order to increase your chances of engaging a hiring manager, change your objective to reflect what you have to offer, such as: "To benefit a company through my extensive network of press contacts, 10 years of copywriting experience and demonstrated ability to successfully pitch stories to the media."

2. List accomplishments, not duties

"Does the résumé emphasize what you accomplished in your current or previous job? That's what should stand out; not merely what duties you performed, but what differences you made in your role for your employer," Saia says. "For example, 'served as project manager for replacement of 1,000 desktop computers' is a duty. Saying 'managed replacement of 1,000 desktop computers in half the allotted time' tells the employer you can take on a big job and meet a critical deadline. That's an accomplishment, and it made a difference."

Most duties can be turned into accomplishments through quantifying them or stating how you met or surpassed the goal of the assignment.

3. Don't list out-of-date or irrelevant skills

At your entry-level job, you may have spent a lot of time on administrative work, such as filing documents. But that was 10 years ago. Today, companies rarely even keep physical records, so most likely the "administrative skills" you listed on your résumé won't be applicable at your next job. If you haven't done something in 10 years, chances are things have changed, and it's best to leave the skill off your résumé.

Although entry-level job seekers sometimes include a section of "interests" on their résumé, the space-filler has no place on the résumé of older workers. Even if you spend every second you're not working thinking about baseball and you've scored the most home runs in your recreational league, a hiring manager has no real use for -- or interest in -- this information. Anything you list on your résumé should have a professional tie-in.

4. Make sure your résumé is search-engine optimized

Since much of the initial job application process is done online, recruiters often use software programs to scan submitted résumés for important words and job functions. If your résumé doesn't include these keywords, there's little chance that your application will ever reach the desk of a hiring manager.

"Right this minute, recruiters and employers are typing keywords in their search engines to find job candidates to fill openings that match your job objective," says Susan Ireland, author of "The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Perfect Résumé." "So do some research to find 10 or so keywords from job postings and job descriptions that best match your job objective. Then weave those keywords into your résumé statements and/or make lists of keywords in special sections on your résumé, under headings such as Skills, Relevant Skills, Computer Skills, Technical Skills or some other heading that makes sense for your occupation."

For example, if your goal is to get a job as an advertising coordinator, you will probably come across the same keywords (i.e. accounts, AdWords, media planning, sales, marketing, tracking, supporting) over and over again in job postings for that kind of position. Figure out how to incorporate these keywords into your résumé for the best chance of being found by a recruiter.

5. Put your best features in bold

According to a recent study from the Labor Department, there are 5.4 applicants for every job opening. With stats like that, you can bet potential employers are up to their eyeballs in applications. Make it easy for hiring managers to skim your résumé for important qualifications by putting in bold type any skills, honors and experiences that support your candidacy.

The strong text should be saved for your most important qualifications, though, so limit bold items to no more than five. Also, make sure to keep a "plain-text" résumé on hand, in case a job listing calls for an unformatted résumé.

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Ditch the Resume Objective

By : Nels Wroe

Your résumé is spit-shined, polished, lightly buffed and glistening in all its glory. You've run it through keyword tests, tailored it to specific employers, focused on results you've achieved, and even printed it on coffee-scented paper stock (one can never be too prepared, right?).

But when it comes to that darn objective, you're never sure what to write. Will you sound too generic? If you get too creative, will it turn the employer off? Yet the truth is that the objective -- at least in the traditional sense -- is dead.

Ready to take its well-worn place is something far more important: a stark assessment of who you are through the eyes of your potential employer. Maybe your experience is solid, and the results speak for themselves -- but can employers truly relate to your experience in their world? Are you helping them see your potential through a lens they understand?

Potential is in the eyes of the beholder

Many job seekers get so focused on presenting themselves to a potential employer using the traditional "here's what I want to accomplish" objective that they overlook another, more critical component -- the valuable skills they already possess.

But why are those so important? Heck, it's results that count, right? Sure -- but only to a point. When faced with the choice between someone who blew past his sales targets but left a trail of upset co-workers and frustrated clients in his wake, and someone who can show equivalent results using a forward-thinking and team-oriented approach -- you can likely guess which one a hiring manager will go for.

Yes, employers want to see results. But they also want to see how you achieved those results. An objective will give them an idea of how you'd go about it for their company – so show them. Why waste your time, and theirs, with an objective that speaks nothing to this?

Understand your potential

Before you can hope to sell a future employer on your potential, you need to understand it yourself. Anyone can say she has "tons of potential" or use phrases such as "out of the box" or "dedicated," but how can you quantify and describe this to employers in a way they can relate to? It's simple. You need to understand yourself.

Not in the vaguely New Age kind of way, but in the brass tacks, nuts and bolts of knowing your own work styles and competencies kind of way.

And there's the problem. Most of the objective methods used in the past to help us understand ourselves and our potential are not ideal for illustrating this to an employer.

Instead, assess yourself using one of the many tools that employers use to identify potential. These assessments provide accurate, objective and useful measures of your natural styles and competencies in the workplace. They can help you put your accomplishments into context -- and better yet, will help you explain how you achieved your results in language that employers can relate to.

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5 Ways to Rehab Your Resume

By : Kaitlin Madden

Just in case you haven't heard it enough: It's tough to get a job these days. So tough, in fact, that it's not unlikely for a job seeker to spend six months or longer looking for a job before getting one. Although it's common for today's job search to take awhile, there are ways to increase your chances of getting noticed quickly. So if you're starting to get frustrated with how long it's taking to find a job, you may want revamp your job search, starting with that all-important document: your résumé.

Although most job seekers think they've done all they can with their résumé -- included great "action" words, checked spelling and grammar, ensured consistent formatting -- there is almost always room for improvement. Chances are your résumé can benefit from one of the following points:

1. Make sure your objective has an outward focus

If you choose to include an objective on your résumé, make sure it addresses the employer's needs. "Don't emphasize what you're looking for in a job, but rather what skills and talents you offer an employer," says Rick Saia, a certified professional résumé writer for Pongo Résumé.

For example, an objective statement like: "To find a position in public relations that will allow me to further my communications career and develop my skill set," is all about what you want out of your job search. In order to increase your chances of engaging a hiring manager, change your objective to reflect what you have to offer, such as: "To benefit a company through my extensive network of press contacts, 10 years of copywriting experience and demonstrated ability to successfully pitch stories to the media."

2. List accomplishments, not duties

"Does the résumé emphasize what you accomplished in your current or previous job? That's what should stand out; not merely what duties you performed, but what differences you made in your role for your employer," Saia says. "For example, 'served as project manager for replacement of 1,000 desktop computers' is a duty. Saying 'managed replacement of 1,000 desktop computers in half the allotted time' tells the employer you can take on a big job and meet a critical deadline. That's an accomplishment, and it made a difference."

Most duties can be turned into accomplishments through quantifying them or stating how you met or surpassed the goal of the assignment.

3. Don't list out-of-date or irrelevant skills

At your entry-level job, you may have spent a lot of time on administrative work, such as filing documents. But that was 10 years ago. Today, companies rarely even keep physical records, so most likely the "administrative skills" you listed on your résumé won't be applicable at your next job. If you haven't done something in 10 years, chances are things have changed, and it's best to leave the skill off your résumé.

Although entry-level job seekers sometimes include a section of "interests" on their résumé, the space-filler has no place on the résumé of older workers. Even if you spend every second you're not working thinking about baseball and you've scored the most home runs in your recreational league, a hiring manager has no real use for -- or interest in -- this information. Anything you list on your résumé should have a professional tie-in.

4. Make sure your résumé is search-engine optimized

Since much of the initial job application process is done online, recruiters often use software programs to scan submitted résumés for important words and job functions. If your résumé doesn't include these keywords, there's little chance that your application will ever reach the desk of a hiring manager.

"Right this minute, recruiters and employers are typing keywords in their search engines to find job candidates to fill openings that match your job objective," says Susan Ireland, author of "The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Perfect Résumé." "So do some research to find 10 or so keywords from job postings and job descriptions that best match your job objective. Then weave those keywords into your résumé statements and/or make lists of keywords in special sections on your résumé, under headings such as Skills, Relevant Skills, Computer Skills, Technical Skills or some other heading that makes sense for your occupation."

For example, if your goal is to get a job as an advertising coordinator, you will probably come across the same keywords (i.e. accounts, AdWords, media planning, sales, marketing, tracking, supporting) over and over again in job postings for that kind of position. Figure out how to incorporate these keywords into your résumé for the best chance of being found by a recruiter.

5. Put your best features in bold

According to a recent study from the Labor Department, there are 5.4 applicants for every job opening. With stats like that, you can bet potential employers are up to their eyeballs in applications. Make it easy for hiring managers to skim your résumé for important qualifications by putting in bold type any skills, honors and experiences that support your candidacy.

The strong text should be saved for your most important qualifications, though, so limit bold items to no more than five. Also, make sure to keep a "plain-text" résumé on hand, in case a job listing calls for an unformatted résumé.

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Let Your Favorite Color Guide Your Career

By : Dewey Sadka

In today's challenging economy, you have more career opportunities than you might think. Modernize your dream career into a higher paying, more job opening niche or related occupation. Don't be afraid to get nosey and take the time to look around or invest in developing a specialized skill inside your chosen field. Use every opportunity to network and promote yourself.

· Everywhere you go, ask questions like, "What do you do during your workday?" "What's fun, not fun?" "Any opening in your company?"

· Be a temp. Ask for short-term assignments so you can taste different jobs and learn about opportunities.

· Join career specific organizations and get your friends on board.

Dreams come true with niche-specific educational training or on-the-job experience. Looking for the perfect niche? Consider the scientifically valid Dewey Color System test that measures career satisfaction at record-breaking accuracy. It lists the top 50 careers suited for you, plus hundreds of related occupations, niches and career specific organizations. To provide accurate and thorough results, data was obtained from 750,000 CareerBuilder online users.

In order to take the test, you first have to choose the color you like most from yellow, blue and red. Then choose which color you like most from green, purple and orange. Remember your choices and see what your selected combination says about your career prospects:
Yellow-Green

If you selected yellow and green: Your ability to understand others' viewpoints and diplomatically express your thoughts increases efficiency. You know how to make products, systems, and services best fit the environment.
Make more money by seeking careers where you can assemble support structures or make living situations more comfortable.
Consider niches as in landscape architecture or real estate sales, or consider a career as a counselor, designer or social worker.
Yellow-Purple

If you selected yellow and purple: You prefer fast-growing companies with non-repetitive jobs that offer a constant barrage of fresh perspectives and non-stop new tasks. Your ability to communicate with finesse breaks down barriers and opens profitable doors.
Make more money by developing and communicating strategies for project-oriented settings that involve constant change.
Consider niches as a public relations representative, corporate communications manager, youth counselor or radio/TV announcer.
Yellow-Orange

If you selected yellow and orange: You know about the newest available resources, pertinent facts, or innovative ways to solve workday pressures. Your open-minded yet analytical approach creates must-do activities and programs.
Make more money by inventing new ways to market your business, better utilizing resources and talents, or making what you do more efficient.
Consider niches as a statistician, geologist, researcher, librarian or product developer.
Blue-Green

If you selected blue and green: You are at your best when you can anchor others with supportive suggestions. Your personable listening skills make you a success with colleagues, customers or clients who trust you with even their most crucial decisions.
Make more money by seeking environments that give you the opportunity to manage people, information or workplace environments.
Consider niches as a writer, actor, accountant, psychologist or departmental manager.

Blue-Purple
If you selected blue and purple: Use your big-picture thinking to develop new markets, new ideas and new businesses. You can see what's missing and know how to get things done.
Make more money by working in environments where you can organize, develop and bring situations, people or markets together.
Consider niches in advertising and sales or as a public relations representative, trial lawyer or research scientist.

Blue-Orange
If you choose blue and orange: You're a natural both at developing new products or procedures and delegating tasks. You prefer a busy environment because you enjoy learning. Pressure stimulates you.
Make more money in careers where you can gauge productivity, analyze efficiency, and oversee or implement change.
Consider niches as an operations manager, civil engineer, builder or product salesperson.

Red-Green
If you selected red and green: You know value and how to best use resources to make money. Your practical guidance keeps others focused on the bottom line and expenditures under budget.
Make more money in positions where you decide how to best utilized resources or spend money.
Consider Niches as a securities manager, auditor, banker, teacher, property manager, nurse or surgeon.

Red-Purple
If you selected red and purple: When others speak, you sort out the facts from the emotions and establish a step-by-step action plan. You know how to calm those around you and offer quick solutions.
Make more money by selecting work environments where you're in control of all necessary resources and can offer win-win suggestions.
Consider niches as a human resources interviewer/manager, event planner, editor or executive assistant.

Red-Orange
If you selected red and orange: You use facts compiled from past mistakes and successes to deliver strong opinions that are hard to refute. Others learn invaluable information from your critiques about the efficiency of a project.
Make more money in areas where you can sail your own ship by constantly examining, in detail, what needs to be done and express your opinion when things go off course.
Consider niches as a budget analyst, computer support specialist, production manager, manufacturing manager or business owner.

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How Your Job Search Is Like Selling a Home

By : Kaitlin Madden

You've lived in the same home for 10 years. It's comfortable and dependable, and the neighbors are great, but you're ready for a change. You know it's time to move on, but you're afraid your house won't sell in a market where buyers are super-selective and have tons of attractive housing options.

Sound familiar?

Selling a home in the current buyer's market is a lot like looking for a new job in an oversaturated applicant pool. It's risky, you may have to invest time and money and try some unconventional methods in order to get results, but that doesn't mean it's impossible.

We've combined tips from MSN.com's real-estate guide with the advice of Joan Armon, a Chicago-area real-estate broker and certified home stager, to offer up these tips on selling a home in a buyer's market -- and how you can apply them to your job search.

Do your research

Before you decide to sell your home, check out the housing market in your area. Are a lot of houses listed? What's the typical asking price for homes with features comparable to yours? Is your area up and coming, or on the outs? Finding the answers to these questions will help in determining the price of your home and how long it will take to sell.

How it applies to your job search: When starting a job search, it's important to get a sense of the market you'll be entering. Find out where the jobs in your industry are, in terms of both sector and geographic location. Have salaries in your field decreased since the start of the recession? Are job openings in your field being advertised? Conducting such research will help you decide where and how to target your job search. For example, if there aren't many job openings where you live, you may start thinking about a move to an area with greater opportunity.

Prepare to sell

Before you put your home on the market, clean it from top to bottom, touch up the paint and make any repairs to restore functionality or visual appeal. Home improvement is important for two reasons: When you take pictures for the listing, your home will be in top shape, and if you happen to get buyer interest right away, the home will be ready to show.

Armon says that showing your home in top-notch condition is especially important in the current market, since buyers are looking for homes in move-in condition and don't want to take on the extra cost of making repairs themselves once they move in.

How it applies to your job search: Like a house up for sale, it's probably been awhile since you were "on the market," so it's time to take an inventory.

First, check out your interview clothing. Is it in good shape? Does it still fit? Does it need dry cleaning? If it can be repaired or needs cleaning, take care of that before sending out résumés, so you will be prepared should interviews come up quickly. If your clothes are dated or no longer fit, buy new ones so you'll have plenty of time to pick out the right outfit and have any necessary alterations made.

Second, make sure all of your professional skills and certifications are up-to-date. (For example, if you're a flight attendant, ensure that all of your requisite training is current. If you're a nurse, renew your license.) Like a homebuyer, employers are going to want new employees to be "move-in ready."

Make the most of your listing

A good listing will help you gain a buyer's interest and distinguish your home from all the others on the market. It should focus on the features that make your home unique and appealing.

For example, Armon says, "Highlight the location if it is close to schools or transportation. Also important are any improvements that have been done ... [for example] if the home has granite, stainless steel appliances, finished basement, crown molding or hardwood floors."

This is also where your research comes in. If you found that a lot of young families have moved into your neighborhood recently, emphasize how great your school district is.

How it applies to your job search: Just like a home listing, your résumé should highlight your best features and what sets you apart from other applicants. Ask yourself, "What are my key selling points?" Do you have special training relating to your field? Did you start your last job as an hourly worker and leave as a manager? Have you worked at "name brand" company? If so, highlight these features on your résumé.

Evaluate the offers

In a buyer's market, sellers often go one of two ways. Some have a hard time accepting any offer because they can't let go of what their house used to be worth or what they paid for it a few years ago. Others believe they are lucky to even get an offer on their home, so they jump on the first offer they get, even if it is well below the asking price. In either situation, it's important to be realistic. Negotiation is key, Armon says. "Even the smallest counteroffer lets the buyer know that you are willing to work with them," she says.

If months have gone by and no offers have been received, it may be time to re-evaluate your asking price. Is your home in the same price range as other homes on the market in your area? Have prices in your neighborhood dropped since the original listing? If your price is high or even in the same range as comparable homes in your area, you may consider dropping the price, even if it's only by a few thousand dollars.

Often, though, if your home is reasonably priced and well-maintained, the only thing that will sell it is a little bit of patience, so be prepared to wait awhile.

How it applies to your job search: Like home buyers, companies are watching their budgets. That means that even though you may have been worth X amount of dollars five years ago, your value may have depreciated. Make sure to evaluate any job offers in terms of today's market, not by what you used to make. That's not to say you should just blindly accept the first job that comes your way. If the salary is downright unlivable or the job isn't at all what you're looking for, you may want to consider declining the offer.

Like a home, if you've been out on the job market for a few months and haven't gotten any interest, it may be time to re-evaluate. First, rethink your starting salary. You may be scaring away employers by putting out a number that is too high. Second, re-evaluate your search. Are you applying for the right jobs? Are you taking the time to put forth quality, targeted applications?

If you believe your "asking price" is fair and you have a stellar résumé, you may just have to be patient. In job searches and in selling a home, good things come to those who wait.

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6 Jobs for Associate Degrees

By : Careerbuilder

When most of us think of post-secondary education, our first thoughts are about four-year degree programs where we can earn a bachelor's degree. We may even be thinking about a master's degree, which involves an even greater time investment.

Many people overlook associate degree programs -- which generally involve two years of classes -- when they consider their options. But there are a surprising number of options for graduates with associate degrees.

Success stories

Saideh Browne has explored these options. "I have an associate degree from Hudson County Community College, and I am now a published author and own a speakers bureau," she says.

The New York City-based Browne says her degree serves her well. "I've been self-employed for most of my life, and my business law, corporate finance and accounting courses really helped me. But practical, hands-on experience and trial by fire has taught me the most," Browne asserts.

Ginger Vaughn is also happy with where her career path has led her. "I graduated with an associate degree. While in school I did an internship with the local daily paper," recalls Vaughn, who lives in Bainbridge Island, Wash.

Vaughn happened upon her current employer when she was seeking a job at a theater as the house manager. When Vaughn mentioned her experience and her degree, she was hired by the firm shortly afterwards. "This year, I celebrated my 10-year anniversary," she says.

Another option

Marc Scheer is the author of "No Sucker Left Behind: Avoiding the Great College Rip-Off." He believes that pursuing an associate degree can be a very wise choice.

"Associate degrees tend to be great investments because they cost less than four-year programs," Scheer notes. "Graduates can transfer to four-year programs afterwards if necessary."

Most importantly, with four-year programs at major universities carrying a six-figure price tag, Scheer believes associate degrees are a valuable test run.

"Since many college students drop out before graduating, these degrees allow them to try out college at a low cost. If they then drop out, they'll have incurred much lower debt."

Hot jobs for associate degree graduates

If you're interested in a particular job, the Bureau of Labor Statistics publishes an occupational guide that outlines occupations with an associate degree requirement.

Here's a sample of six of the most in-demand jobs from the bureau's listing, along with the average salaries for these positions according to CBSalary.com. (Please note that the salaries cited are general in nature and are based on averages; specific salaries may vary depending on a number of factors, including location and experience.)

1. Occupational therapist assistant and physical therapist assistant

These assistants will work closely with the main therapist who provides care for the client. These are good examples of jobs where graduates can test their aptitude and enthusiasm for the job before continuing to a four-year degree.

Salary: Occupational therapy assistants earn an average of $37,769, while physical therapy assistants earn an average of $36,866.

2. Dental assistants and hygienists

There's always a consistent demand for assistants and hygienists. These workers are increasingly responsible (depending on where you live) for patient procedures where a licensed dentist is not required.

Salary: Office assistants can make an average of $31,023, while a dental hygienist can make a median salary of $54,413.

3. Desktop publisher

This job combines writing, formatting and graphic design. Many schools offer associate degrees in graphics arts and design that translates into transferrable skills for this job.

Salary: An graduate working in this position could expect a median salary of around $34,459.

4. Teaching assistants

These assistants offer classroom support for licensed, certified teachers.

Salary: A teaching assistant who has completed a two-year program and is working in primary or secondary education can anticipate a salary around $24,270.

5. Paralegal and paralegal assistants

Paralegals support a staff of lawyers or a legal department at a major corporation. A member of a paralegal staff researches laws and regulations, and coordinates and organizes files.

Salary: A paralegal can earn an average salary of $44,934, while a paralegal assistant's median salary is $43,841.

6. Computer support specialist

Computer support specialists help computer users troubleshoot any technical issues they might have with their computer system. Since most organizations, in all industries, use computers these days, support specialists can work almost anywhere.

Salary: A computer support specialist can earn an average salary of $45,719 per year.

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Top 10 Jobs You Can Do from Home

by Jessica Hanley, FindtheRightSchool.com

If you live in an isolated area, or can't commute to a typical nine-to-five job for other reasons, you don't have to sacrifice a successful career. The following ten jobs offer freelance and work-at-home options that allow you--with the right career training--to succeed from a home office.

1. Management analyst (average salary in 2009: $84,650)
An expert in a given industry or business area may earn a living advising other companies as a management analyst (or management consultant). These consultants work on a project basis and may work from a home office or commute to client sites. Management analysts often have a bachelor's degree and extensive experience in a particular field.

2. Web developer (average salary in 2009: $70,930)
Web developers can create Web sites and Internet applications from any computer with the appropriate software, so they often perform project-based client work from home. Most Web developers have a bachelor's degree in computer science or a related field, but an associate's degree or certificate can also be sufficient.

3. Technical writer (average salary in 2009: $65,610)
Technical writers are communication specialists who translate technical subject matter into common, easy-to-follow language. They often write how-to guides, instruction manuals, and medical brochures. Many technical writers work from home offices, and they often hold a bachelor's degree in English, journalism, or another communications field.

4. Public relations specialist (average salary in 2009: $59,370)
Public relations specialists help companies and organizations build a positive relationship with the public--they write press releases, address media inquiries, and communicate with interest groups. A bachelor's degree in public relations, communications, journalism, or a related field is required for entry-level public relations positions.

5. Interior designer (average salary in 2009: $51,990)
Interior designers combine principles of art, architecture, and spatial planning to design building interiors that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Many interior designers are self employed and work from home offices on a project basis. Before working on their own, interior designers generally earn an associate's degree or bachelor's degree in interior design and complete a design internship.

6. Graphic designer (average salary in 2009: $47,820)
Graphic designers use computer design applications to create advertisements, brochures, logos, and other communications materials for clients. A bachelor's degree in graphic design is the most common way to become a graphic designer, although associate's degree and certificate programs are also available.

7. Caterer (average salary in 2009: $44,240 [includes all chefs and head cooks])
As an alternative to busy restaurant life, some chefs become caterers and prepare food for special events. Caterers need well-equipped kitchens and efficient staff to prepare food for large parties, but they can often run the business and planning side of catering from a home office. Many successful caterers have prior restaurant experience and an associate's degree in culinary arts.

8. Mental health counselor (average salary in 2009: $41,710)
Mental health counselors use therapeutic techniques to treat patients suffering from depression, anxiety, stress, addiction, and other mental health disorders. Some self-employed mental health counselors hold counseling sessions in their home. To become a mental health counselor, you must earn a master's degree in mental health or clinical counseling and become licensed by your state.

9. Massage therapist (average salary in 2009: $39,780)
Massage therapists help clients reduce stress, relax overworked muscles, and recover from injury using a variety of massage techniques. Many massage therapists are self-employed and can schedule appointments to fit their lifestyle. Most states require massage therapists to become licensed by completing an accredited massage therapy program.

10. Customer service representative (average salary in 2009: $32,410)
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, a growing number of companies are hiring customer service representatives who telecommute and answer customers' calls from home. Not all customer service jobs require postsecondary education, but some companies prefer to hire people with a bachelor's degree in communications, business administration, or a related field.

Career training for a home-based career
Whatever your current job or education level, you can work towards a rewarding, home-based career with the proper career training and degree. Online degree programs are especially convenient for working students, so you can continue your education and reach your professional goals.

Jessica Hanley is a writer pursuing a graduate degree in creative writing. Her previous experience includes marketing for the Penguin Young Readers Group and teaching writing to students of all ages. Jessica received a BA in English from Stanford University.

Source: All salary data was reported by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

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Data Entry From Home Jobs Exposed Scams Or Legitimates

By: Serge Dandelin

No doubt you're flooded with money-making offers all year long. I would say that most of the time (97%), they're total scams. And I am really sick of these people selling empty promise. If you want to start a successful internet business you will have to know your stuff but most of all, work hard. There is no free lunch! If you believe that you will become rich overnight while doing nothing, then prepare yourself to fail miserably. Sure you can make money online but like every business you can't just sit back and relax.

If you don't already have an internet business you're probably thinking about starting one. You may have come across many opportunities for performing data entry from home and being paid well for your efforts. The advertisements promise you that you can earn as much as five hundred dollars daily so long as your fingers can rapidly skim over the keyboard at good speeds. There is no human contact, no stress as well as no real work other than tapping away on the keyboard.

So why don't the rest of the ordinary folks not dump their University degrees and start doing data entry at home instead? The truth of the matter is that such jobs just simply do not exist thought there are sure to be many real data entry positions available because companies need to type in billions if not trillions of names and addresses as well as other information and store them on their computers.

The point is that though there are real data entry jobs available, these will require you to pass a typing test and experience is also a requirement. Such real data entry jobs are also usually available locally since no real employer is going to trust his or her sensitive information to all and sundry.

Another tip you need to consider is that most real data entry jobs are also free and you don't have to pay a cent to get them. That means you should instantly reject any job that asks for money and if you want more information about legitimate data entry work from home openings why not check out "How to get a Data Entry Job at Home Without Getting Ripped Off" from www.moneyfromhome.com, which also publishes free lists of more than a thousand other legitimate work at home jobs.

Most real data entry jobs will require just modest skills as well as no great educational qualifications for which the pay too is correspondingly modest.

You have a far better chance to make a good income from home with affiliate marketing or MLM. Or why not create you own product or service?

The key is to find a profitable niche market. So how you do find a profitable niche market? Its easy. Use keywords Discovery ot Word Tracker to identify what the search engines users are looking for. Once you find what people are searching, you may develop a product or service related to that specific market.

To Your Success!

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