3 Tips For Improving Your Executive Resume

3 Tips For Improving Your Executive Resume

Even executives who’ve had several years of experience in a profession can find it hard to secure a new job. The problem clearly isn’t lack of experience, but rather understanding how to best position themselves on their resume so that employers will take notice of what they have to offer.


When you’re a senior executive, there’s typically no shortage of information to include on your resume—and that’s where the problem lies. When there’s no strategy for writing a resume, the end result is usually a mishmash of information that doesn’t help employers understand exactly how and why you would fit their needs.

So, how can an executive write a resume that will stand out to employers?

The tips below will help you write a strategic and effective executive resume with ease.

Present Information That Aligns With The Employer’s Needs

Employer/hiring manager reads an executive resume that aligns with their needs

When employers review your resume, they are looking to understand how you may fit into the role they are looking to fill and the organization. A resume that is written like an autobiography (everything from past to present with no filter on what information is appropriate to include) fails to provide customized information that shows you meet their needs.

What you need to do is highlight the specific experience and skills that align with their needs. In other words, you need to customize your resume for each job you apply for. You do that by carefully reviewing the job posting, understanding what the specific needs are, and then thinking about how you’re proficient in those areas.

Utilize an executive headline and relevant skills (not an objective statement) at the top of your resume to present highlights of what you have to offer to meet the employer’s needs.

Demonstrate How You Brought Improvement/Results To Your Previous Jobs

Employer reviews an executive resume with quantifiable accomplishments

While detailing roles and responsibilities at previous jobs under “Work History” can help improve keyword matches when the resume is run through the applicant tracking system (ATS), it needs to present other information once it gets in the hands of a human reviewer.

The human reviewer will be looking for information on how your actions on the job brought results. This requires you to quantify your accomplishments on your resume. When you write quantifiable results on your resume, it provides employers with a much better understanding of the type of experience and situations you’ve faced and what you’re capable of achieving on the job.

Connect With The Employer

Those who are hired for the job are typically job candidates who’ve related well with the employer. They’ve shown how they fit in and share similar passions.

To help build that connection with the employer on the resume, indicate professional affiliations, volunteer work, and other aspects that may be outside of work that are relatable. For example, if you know the employer is heavily involved in community work helping pets in need and you’ve volunteered at an animal shelter, include a brief mention at the end of your resume to help build a stronger connection. Your professional affiliation with related fields and industry groups also helps demonstrate to the employer you share a passion in the same space as they do.

These are simple strategies to help improve your executive resume. The more you can tailor your information, the easier it is for employers to take notice of you and initiate follow-up action. Show employers you can meet their specific desires and needs and connect with them by showing you share similar passions!

Need more help with your executive resume?

Check out our executive-level membership and start working with career expert J.T. O’Donnell on branding your executive resume today!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

7 Motivational Career Change Quotes

7 Motivational Career Change Quotes

Making a career change can be a long process filled with small victories and setbacks. If you’re currently going through a career change, chances are you’ll need a pick-me-up or two along the way.


Here are seven quotes to keep you going and inspire you in your career change journey…

For Those Contemplating A Career Change

Amelia Earhart quote

1. “The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity. The fears are paper tigers. You can do anything you decide to do. You can act to change and control your life; and the procedure, the process is its own reward.”

—Amelia Earhart

This quote from the famous American aviation pioneer will really hit home if you’re early in the career change process. Perhaps you have been on the fence about making a career change for a long time and just making the decision to go through with the change was a stressful process in itself. Sometimes people know in their hearts that it’s time for a career change but they’re scared for various reasons.

Overcoming those fears and committing to change is a victory! If you’re strong enough to make that tough decision, you’re also strong enough to go through the career change process and be victorious.

2. “Our finest moments are most likely to occur when we are feeling deeply uncomfortable, unhappy, or unfulfilled. For it is only in such moments, propelled by our discomfort, that we are likely to step out of our ruts and start searching for different ways or truer answers.”

—M. Scott Peck

This quote from the psychiatrist and best-selling author is all about getting out of your comfort zone, and that’s what leaving behind one career and trying another is all about. You’ll have moments of self-doubt and you’ll be challenged. Embrace those moments because you’ll learn about yourself and push yourself to new limits. It’s the best way to grow!

Inspiration For Those In The Middle Of The Career Change Process

Steve Jobs quote

3. “The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle.”

—Steve Jobs

The job search process can be long and frustrating but it’s important to remember that good things take time. You don’t want to settle for any job, you want the RIGHT job—the job that will be professionally and personally rewarding. Don’t stop until you find that job! Jobs, the founder of Apple, never settled and he did pretty well.

4. “You miss 100 percent of the shots you never take.”

—Wayne Gretzky

This a very simple quote from one of the greatest hockey players of all time but it carries so much weight. There may be times where you’re hesitant to apply for a job because of a lack of experience or you don’t feel that you’re good enough. If you don’t try, you’ve already failed.

Do the research, prepare accordingly, and apply for the job. Even if you don’t get it, you may learn something from the process that will make you a better candidate moving forward.

5. “The future rewards those who press on. I don’t have time to feel sorry for myself. I don’t have time to complain. I’m going to press on.”

—Barack Obama

You will undoubtedly face some setbacks along the way in your efforts to change careers. Don’t dwell too long on those setbacks. Learn from them and move forward. As the 44th president of the United States alludes to, feeling sorry for yourself will only slow you down.

As You Near Your Career Change Goal

Seth Godin quote

6. “There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.”

—Colin Powell

If you were successful in your career change transition, chances are you can relate to the former U.S. secretary of state’s quote. It took hard work, preparation, and a little failure to accomplish your goal. You’ll find that this is the recipe for the most successful ventures in life.

7. “How dare you settle for less when the world has made it so easy for you to be remarkable?”

—Seth Godin

The sky’s the limit! Never stop trying to improve and grow in your career. If you don’t, you’re only selling yourself short. If you ever stop growing in your career, it may be time to make another change. As the American author says in his quote, you have every opportunity to be remarkable—you just need to take it.

Stay motivated during the career change process and avoid these mistakes.

If you need additional help, become a Work It DAILY member today!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.


What’s Your Executive Decision-Making Style?

What’s Your Executive Decision-Making Style?

If you’re an executive at a large organization or previously served in such a position, you likely have experience working in large groups or teams. When working in a group to accomplish a goal, have you ever thought about your decision-making style and how it impacts others?


Getting a better understanding of your decision-making style and its impact on others is a quality of a good leader. This subject was discussed in a recent Executive Office Hours session inside Work It DAILY. Executive Office Hours is available exclusively for Work It DAILY’s executive-level subscription members.

Decision-Making Styles

There are four basic decision-making styles that people fall under in a team setting:

  • North – A person with this style likes to take action and figure things out as they go along.
  • East – This person is a little more pensive with their decision making. They like to look at the bigger picture and consider all options.
  • South – This person likes to get a better understanding of the team dynamic and make sure that everyone’s feelings are taken into consideration.
  • West – This person likes to pay attention to details and is always interested in knowing the who, what, when, where, and why before acting.

Why It’s Important To Know Your Decision-Making Style

Coworkers work on a team project

If you want to be a good leader, it’s important to understand your decision-making style. When leading a large team of people, you’ll quickly find out that everyone views teamwork differently. By understanding how everyone makes decisions, you’re able to set a direction for the team in which everyone feels included—and potentially avoid clashes among group members.

When team members don’t feel comfortable with the team’s approach, they feel less engaged with the company, and that unhappiness often leads to staff turnover.

Understanding the four decision-making styles also allows you to take a step back and look at the bigger picture. You can evaluate the strengths and limitations of your style, while better communicating your style with colleagues. You also get a better understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of your colleagues’ decision-making styles.

Your Decision-Making Style Is Part Of Your Executive Brand

Group of professionals stand with an executive/leader

If you’re an executive looking for a new job, knowing your decision making-style is also a good way to see if you’ll fit in with a prospective employer. If you get a sense during the interview process that the company’s decision-making style process is the opposite of yours, it’s something to consider before taking the job.

Ultimately, your decision-making style fits into your workplace persona, which makes up your executive brand.

If you’re unfamiliar with your workplace persona, try Work It Daily’s FREE Career Decoder Quiz. Understanding how your decision-making style and workplace persona work together will help you determine your professional strengths so you can market yourself more effectively to employers.

Topics like this and more are discussed every week in Executive Office Hours. In addition to a weekly presentation, each session includes personal stories and updates from other executives in the group.

Are you interested in having access to these private sessions? Check out our executive-level membership. Start working with career expert J.T. O’Donnell on your LinkedIn brand and image management today!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

Building A Strong Community For Career Success: A Path To Elevate Your Trajectory

Building A Strong Community For Career Success: A Path To Elevate Your Trajectory

In a world where life’s challenges seem to test us at every turn, I embarked on a transformative journey over five years ago—a journey that has led me to embrace the power of an abundance mindset. As a thirty-something striving to find my way in a fast-paced and demanding world, I’ve learned firsthand that progress is a product of practice, patience (not exactly my forte), and rewiring my thought patterns. Yet, amid this personal evolution, I stumbled upon a game-changer, a hidden gem that propelled my growth to astonishing heights: community.


I’ve experienced firsthand how building a strong network of like-minded individuals who support and challenge you can elevate both your career and personal trajectory. It’s not just about having the right people in your network, but also knowing how to network effectively. Let’s dive into the key elements that can help you foster a community for your career and personal success.

Surrounding Yourself With The Right People

Happy coworkers at work

I’ve learned the importance of surrounding myself with diverse individuals who share my passions and vision. Seeking out mentors, colleagues, and friends who can offer valuable insights and constructive feedback has been invaluable to my professional growth. Beyond traditional settings, I’ve engaged with people from various industries and backgrounds to gain fresh perspectives.

Leveraging Social Media

Man uses social media to try to find the name of a hiring manager

In today’s digital age, social media platforms have become powerful tools for networking. Platforms like LinkedIn, Twitter, and even TikTok have connected me with industry leaders, potential employers, and peers who share my interests. Engaging in meaningful conversations, sharing my expertise, and participating in relevant groups have allowed me to expand my reach and connect with like-minded professionals.

When utilizing social media, I can relate to those who are “over it.” However, branding yourself is imperative in this day and age, even in job search/career management. Here is a quick strategy I use to keep myself in check on my social media usage.

Think of this strategy like when you go to the grocery store. If you go in with a list, you give yourself guidelines to adhere to: get in, get what you need, get out! If you don’t go with a list, things are forgotten, too many snacks are purchased and you blew your budget, and you may have to go back (eek!).

Making a simple strategy for leveraging social media will keep you focused on managing your time, protecting your mental and physical health, and keeping your productivity intact. Follow the “get in, get what you need, get out” strategy—it will keep your social media usage under control.

1.) Get in.

Lead with your content, expertise, or value-add that you want to share with your network. This provides information to your network about you, your expertise, your experiences, etc.

2.) Get what you need (networking is about supporting/nurturing others).

Create a cadence every day or week on how many reach-outs you will make. Whether it’s commenting, liking, or messaging other brands/connections, you are supporting another person’s efforts (also valuable to the trust, connection, and rapport of that individual/brand).

3.) Get out!

Log off or immediately swipe away the app on your phone so you aren’t tempted to scroll. Just don’t do it!

Attending Networking Events

Group of people at a networking event during the summer

Despite the digital era, face-to-face interactions remain crucial for building authentic connections. I’ve made it a point to attend conferences, seminars, workshops, and industry events to meet professionals in my field. Approaching these events with an open mind and a genuine interest in learning from others has helped me establish meaningful connections. Following up afterward to solidify those connections is essential.

Reciprocating And Offering Value

Manager talks to a colleague at work

Networking is a two-way street, and I’ve learned the importance of being willing to assist others in their professional pursuits. By offering insights and support, I’ve been able to build genuine relationships based on reciprocity and mutual trust. Giving back and nurturing my connections in my community has grown my confidence and has also strengthened my network.

Embracing Authenticity And Vulnerability

Woman talks to a colleague about community in her career

I have been inspired by so many different people across many industries. Why? Their authenticity and vulnerability. What you think it took to get where they are is only the tip of the iceberg on their true journey. Remember that for EVERY individual you encounter. Embracing my own journey, including the challenges I’ve faced and the lessons I’ve learned, has allowed me to foster genuine connections with others. Sharing my story has not only inspired others but also deepened the sense of community we share.

Adopting A Growth Mindset

Happy man at work adopts a growth mindset

Approaching networking with a growth mindset has been crucial for my development. Being open to new experiences, challenges, and opportunities and viewing setbacks as learning experiences rather than failures has helped me adapt and grow in my career. Can we just get rid of the word “failure”? (Asking for a friend!)

Elevating My Online Presence

Woman sends a message to a LinkedIn connection with her phone

I’ve taken steps to ensure that my online presence reflects my professional brand. Crafting a well-designed LinkedIn profile and curating content, practicing being on video (I prefer behind the camera but oh well), and maintaining consistent social media activity have enhanced my credibility and given me even more opportunities to connect with others.

Listening And Learning

Diverse group of professionals/coworkers listen and talk to each other during a work meeting

I’ve come to understand that effective networking involves active listening. STOP! Read that again! Taking the time to understand the perspectives and experiences of others and learning from their successes and challenges has enriched my own knowledge and understanding.

In conclusion, building a community for your career is about more than just collecting contacts; it’s about creating meaningful connections that support your growth and elevate your trajectory. Surrounding myself with the right people, being authentic and vulnerable, and contributing value to my community has been the key to growth. I now understand that success is not a solitary journey but a collective effort toward mutual growth and prosperity.

Ready to take your career to new heights? Start by building a community that fuels your success. Connect with like-minded individuals, embrace authenticity, and make a difference.


Building A Strong Community For Career Success: A Path To Elevate Your Trajectory

4 Ways To Show You’re Ready For More Responsibility At Work

In almost every office, there are “lucky” employees given formidable projects like setting up a new department or coming up with strategies for rebranding the company. Then, of course, there are those assigned to do the so-called “grunt work” such as alphabetizing clients’ files, updating suppliers’ contact details, and organizing meetings.


There’s nothing wrong with doing grunt work, as these tasks are necessary for the business to operate efficiently. However, there comes a point when you want to move on to do more meaningful and challenging work.

Simply put, you want to get promoted.

After all, doing the same thing over and over again isn’t exactly going to do anything for your career growth. That’s why you should have the courage to ask for bigger responsibilities. Don’t wait for your boss to hand that exciting project to you—you must be proactive! Fight for it if you have to.

Here’s how you can show everyone you’re ready to move up in the world and finally earn that promotion:

Get The Tasks Nobody Wants To Do

Do the grunt work with enthusiasm. If necessary, over deliver. For instance, if you’re tasked with alphabetizing clients’ files, you can also make backup copies of the said files. If nobody wants to face a particularly difficult client, volunteer for the task. Doing so would prove that you’re willing to do even the most difficult things to make your mark. This also establishes your reputation as a reliable member of the team.

Help Overworked And Stressed Co-workers

Woman stands out at work by helping her coworkers

Once you’re done with the tasks assigned to you, you can help out any co-worker who’s overwhelmed with their tasks. Don’t be pushy, though. Let your co-worker tell you what to do—and then give it your best shot. Make sure you have your co-worker’s permission before you tell your boss and other office-mates about the collaboration. Otherwise, people might think you’re trying to take credit for their work.

Take Stock Of Your Skills And Learn New Ones

Woman writes down her skills while looking for a job

Make an inventory of what you can do. Find a way to highlight these skills. If you’re good with words, you can offer to help your co-workers write their reports. You can also acquire more skills that will help you snag your target projects. For example, if your company has an office in Paris and you’d like to be assigned there, then learn French.

Ask Your Boss For A New Project

Woman talks to her boss about getting promoted

Get to know everything about your company. Immerse yourself in all sorts of information about the industry that you’re in. Know the trends and other factors affecting your line of work. This information can help you suggest new projects and tasks to your boss. When you pitch a project, it helps if you present your skill set as well so your boss knows what you can do.

Remember: YOU control your career’s direction.

You don’t have to wait that long to get the project or position or promotion that you want. If you have the drive and will to succeed, then you can move forward in your profession at a much faster pace.

The trick is to do everything that you’re assigned to do extraordinarily well and to keep improving your skill set. This way, you’re always ready to take advantage of an opportunity for career advancement.

Need more help with your career?

Become a member to learn how to UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

Visual Impact: The Role Of Video Testimonials In Employer Branding

Visual Impact: The Role Of Video Testimonials In Employer Branding

In the evolving world of marketing and branding, video content has taken center stage. From engaging promotional ads to interactive social media posts, videos are redefining how brands connect with their audience. In the arena of employer branding, the trend of video testimonials is gaining considerable traction. Video testimonials provide an authentic, engaging, and dynamic […]

The post Visual Impact: The Role Of Video Testimonials In Employer Branding appeared first on Jobacle.com.

How To Change Industries As A Manager

How To Change Industries As A Manager

You might be wondering if it’s possible to change industries as a manager. Of course it is. But is it easy? Well, not to people who don’t know how to do it.


Here’s the good news: you already have management experience. It’s actually harder, in my opinion, to go from an independent contributor role to a manager role when you’re switching companies, and it’s even harder when you’re changing industries.

But when you’re changing industries as a manager, you already have management experience. And that’s the most important thing employers are looking for.

Show Employers You Have The Management Experience And Can Learn The Rest.

@j.t.odonnell Replying to @nicflemrn How to switch industries as a manager. #jobsearch #manager #switchjobs #switchcareer #careerswitch #careerhelp #careeradvice #careerchange ♬ original sound – J.T. O’Donnell

You have management experience. Now you have to connect the dots for the hiring managers in that industry. You have to show them that, in spite of not having their exact industry experience, your management experience is so important and you can learn the rest.

So how do you do that?

Well, you start with informational interviews. Find five managers who are managing in that industry. Ask them to coffee or to lunch or a virtual meeting and say, “Look, I’m not asking you for help getting a job. What I’m trying to understand is where my gaps are and what I’m going to need to do to close those gaps so that I could get a management job in this industry.”

People are happy to help you like that. They’re happy to sit down, talk it through, and give you advice and tips. That’s going to help you. But you’re also networking in the industry so that when their company has a management position open up, you can message them and say:

“Hey, I just applied to the open position on your company’s site. I’m so grateful I had that conversation with you because it really helped me prepare. And I’ve done a few things since. And, hopefully, the hiring manager might take a look at me for the position.”

What’s going to happen?

Well, first of all, this person is going to love that. You said they were helpful. Second of all, since they got to know you, they might walk down the hall or message the hiring manager and tell them they should pull your resume from the pile because you’re actually worth looking at as an applicant.

Only 25% of applicants are usually qualified for the role. Not everybody has the experience. But what employers need most is people who have the right personality and some of the key skills (like management experience) more so than industry experience.

So, if you do the informational interviewing, you’re going to build a network. You’re going to find out where your gaps are so that you can close them. And then you’ll stand out to employers as a great job candidate despite not having the exact industry experience.

This is how you change industries as a manager. It all comes down to that management experience.

You can do this, my friend. Go get ’em!

Need more help with your job search?

Become a member to learn how to land a job and UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!

Building A Strong Community For Career Success: A Path To Elevate Your Trajectory

How To Avoid Appearing Overconfident During Interviews

When you’re really nervous for a job interview, it can work against you. You might not realize it, but your nervousness can actually make you overcompensate and appear arrogant, which can hurt your first impression.


Instead of risking looking overconfident during interviews, apply these tips:

Talk About Your Mentors

If you’re worried you’ll sound like you’re bragging during an interview, take some of the focus off you by talking about your mentors. Show them that you’re open to new perspectives and respect the expertise of others. This will take some of the pressure off you and highlight that you’re willing to learn from others (aka you’re probably not a know-it-all).

Ask Great Questions

Job candidate talks and doesn't appear overconfident in an interview

One sign of looking arrogant is talking too much about yourself. Yes, you’re expected to talk about yourself during interviews, but the best interviews are two-way conversations between the interviewee and the interviewer. When you do this, you appear more interested and genuinely excited about what they have to say. So, pepper in some insightful questions about the role, company, or interviewer.

Find Your Self-Confidence

Hiring manager shakes hands with a job candidate that didn't appear overconfident in a job interview

The truth is, if you’re overcompensating, you’re trying to make up for that lack of self-confidence. And that lack of confidence contributes to that overwhelming nervousness and anxiety you’re feeling. So, find ways to increase your self-confidence. Whether it’s showcasing your strengths or passion for the industry, find a way to boost your self-confidence.

Don’t let “accidental arrogance” kill an opportunity. Use the tips above to nail that first impression and avoid appearing overconfident in your next job interview!

Need more help with your job search?

Become a member to learn how to land a job and UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

7 Things To Keep In Mind While You Pursue Your Dreams

7 Things To Keep In Mind While You Pursue Your Dreams

You want to pursue your dreams. You have lots of dreams and things you want to do. But for some reason, you’re hesitating—even though no one is holding you back.


You are the only one that is responsible for what you can and cannot do. So, how do you pursue your dreams? Here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Create Impact.

via GIPHY

You are a gift to the world. There are things the world would like to see, hear, and feel from you. You are an artist regardless of what you do because the world wants your craft. Do not deny the world this craft.

In this day and age, you do not have the excuse of no money, no time, and barriers. Everything you dream of, you can start with the device in your pocket. Start now.

2. Don’t Just Think, Do.

via GIPHY

To create impact, the union of thinking and doing is a necessity. To pursue your dreams, don’t just think. You need to DO. That means to act upon what you have been thinking.

Doing is easy. Thinking makes it hard. The more you think, the more resistance rears its head.

3. Realize There Are No Formulas.

via GIPHY

People think those who achieve their dreams are special people who have a certain formula. The truth is, when you pursue your dreams, sometimes formulas work. Sometimes they don’t. That’s how new formulas are created. That’s how you improve.

Create your own formula to achieve your dreams.

4. Know That Execution Is Priceless.

via GIPHY

People tell you that ideas are important. But you already have an idea of what your dreams are. You want to pursue your dreams. Your dreams are your ideas. Ideas are worthless. An idea brought to life is priceless.

If that is so, execute those ideas. Go and really pursue your dreams—to breathe life into an idea, act, execute, and, as Seth Godin says, “ship.”

5. Stop Asking Questions.

via GIPHY

There are no whys or maybes. There is a time to ask questions. There is a time to stop. Now is the time to feel the fear and do it anyway. The more you do, the better you get.

This website is an example of how I am pursuing one of my dreams. Sure, it isn’t something big—a lot of people own websites and successful blogs. However, it’s a step in the right direction. I did not sit, think, and dream. I pursued my dream. It’s a step in the right direction—sharing my experience. I did not ask if I will make a fool of myself. If I did, then so be it.

6. Practice Your Way To Perfection.

via GIPHY

Execution breeds excellence. Practice is the growth to perfection. The more you do, the better you become. Everything takes practice including pursuing your dreams.

If you want to achieve your dreams, start. Then learn from the experience and adjust.

7. Understand That Anxiety Is Not Risk.

via GIPHY

People often tell you your dreams are too risky. But having a dream and not pursuing it is even riskier. What you feel is not risk. What you feel is anxiety. Anxiety is not risk. Risk can be calculated. Anxiety cannot.

You delay because you fear. You are afraid to pursue your dreams because you don’t know. You fear the unknown. You will only know when you do. It’s time, don’t you think? Do. Don’t talk. Go!

Want to pursue your dreams with confidence?

Become a member today to learn how to UNLEASH your true potential!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

Building A Strong Community For Career Success: A Path To Elevate Your Trajectory

4 Phrases You Should Never Have On Your Resume

Sometimes the reason your resume gets dismissed by employers has nothing to do with your experience and skills. It simply could come down to having phrases that turn employers off.


On top of avoiding overused buzzwords on your resume like “creative,” “innovative,” “visionary,” “team player,” “motivated,” “highly skilled,” “hard worker,” “passionate,” and “driven”—that are really blank statements that don’t demonstrate anything—you want to also avoid certain phrases on your resume at all costs.

Here are some of the top phrases to avoid on your resume:

“Job Duties”

“Job duties” essentially says to the employer that these are my responsibilities on the job. Well, that’s fine if the only one you need to impress is the applicant tracking system (ATS) looking for matches in the job description.

The problem with including this phrase on your resume is it doesn’t inform the hiring manager how well you perform on the job—and they ultimately have the final say as to whether your resume is a keeper or not.

A more effective phrase to use is “accomplishments” to describe your work experience. You want to inform the employer of what you did on the job and prove that what you did produced valuable results. You always need to quantify your accomplishments on your resume. The first step in quantifying your accomplishments on your resume is getting rid of the phrase “job duties.”

“Transferable Skills”

Employer tossing resume with the phrase "transferable skills"

While professional resume writers speak of highlighting “transferable skills” on your resume when you’re looking to make a career change or when you don’t have the exact work experience the employer may be looking for, the specific term should be avoided on the resume.

When hiring managers and recruiters see “transferable skills” on a resume, it basically sends the message “I don’t have the exact experience or hard skills you’re looking for, but…”

A more effective phrase to use is “skills” or “skill set” or even “experience summary” (see below). It doesn’t bring attention to the fact that you aren’t a direct match with what they are looking for, but goes straight to the point of what you can offer that is of value to them.

“Objective Statement”

A hiring manager holds a resume with an objective statement

Traditionally, the objective statement takes a prime spot at the top of the resume detailing what you, the job seeker, are looking for—but that’s no way to compete in today’s job market. The opening of your resume needs to make a bold statement informing the employer what you can do for them.

Replace an objective statement with an experience summary, which is a list of 6-8 hard or transferable skills needed for the specific job you’re applying for. It’ll help you stand out to employers within seconds of them reviewing your resume.

“References Available Upon Request”

A hiring manager goes through job applications with outdated phrases you should never include on resumes

You can assume all employers will go through a reference check before they hire you. Including this phrase on your resume is simply a waste of space and makes your resume come across as outdated since it was common practice to include it at the end of the resume years ago before ATS changed the landscape of the job search process.

Today’s job seekers need a well-polished resume to compete. Avoiding overused buzzwords and phrases that say nothing or that may imply something negative will help keep you in the running.

We know today’s hiring managers get more applicants than needed for each job opening, so don’t let bad phrases be the cause for them turning away your resume!

Need more help with your job search?

Become a member to learn how to land a job and UNLEASH your true potential to get what you want from work!

This article was originally published at an earlier date.

How to Find a Job in the Construction Industry

How to Find a Job in the Construction Industry

Having construction industry qualifications doesn’t automatically mean you can walk onto a job site and immediately start work. As desirable as your skillset is, the average skilled worker doesn’t always have the connections to find vacancies, nor are construction businesses always looking for new employees when facing material shortages.  As challenging as finding a new […]

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How To Work With A Digital Marketing Consultant

How To Work With A Digital Marketing Consultant

In the competitive business environment, having a strong online presence equates to commercial success. You may develop and implement a successful digital marketing plan with the aid of digital marketing consultants.  They assist you with creating content for your website, managing social media platforms, organizing campaigns, and making your site search engine-friendly. You should work […]

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