Resume tips

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Top 6 Tips For Resume Formatting



Resumes are still the main “calling card" used by job seekers and there are various schools of thought about the formatting of this document.

Here are a few tips for formatting your resume that may help you beat the blank screen blues if you're creating a new resume from scratch (or updating one you haven't touched in years):

1. White Space Is Important


Man on laptop thinking about how to format his resume

Most resumes have at least a half-inch margin, but a full inch is preferable. If your margins are smaller, you risk losing content if the document is printed by the hiring manager. Plus, a resume that lacks a one-inch margin is harder for the reader to peruse and may look cluttered or chaotic—two qualities that are not often sought by employers.

Readability is key when formatting your resume. Keep this in mind if you're using a resume template, or adding bullet after bullet of new information to your already-existing resume. It's a delicate balance between too much and too little information. Never underestimate the power of white space in your resume.

2. Don't Leave Empty Fields


Woman on laptop correctly formats her resume for a job opening

If you're going to use a resume template, ensure all of the fields are completed with your personal information. Nothing looks worse than seeing "insert job information here" on a candidate's resume. A glaring resume mistake like this may tell the hiring manager you lack attention to detail or other basic skills needed for the job.

The better choice may be to look at a variety of resume formats and combine styles based on your level of experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities.

3. Use Spellcheck & Have A Human Edit Your Resume


Man helps his friend format her resume

Spellcheck is great, but it doesn't catch all grammatical and typographical errors. It's helpful to have someone else review your resume. Ask for that person's feedback on the style of your resume and the resume's readability and content.

Where do their eyes look first? Did you quantify your work experience? Are your skills relevant to the position you're applying for? Does the resume prompt them to want to learn more about you and your qualifications?

A good resume format doesn't mean a thing if you have spelling and grammatical mistakes. Having another person review your resume could save you from some embarrassing job search fails. It's definitely worth the extra time and energy.

4. Cut The Fluff


Woman on laptop cuts the fluff while formatting her resume

Your resume should be clear and concise. Almost all people applying to jobs nowadays know how to use Microsoft Office programs and email, so there's no need to have a technical skills section on your resume unless you have skills that set you apart from the competition.

There's also no need to list "references available upon request." If employers want to check your references, they will ask for them.

Resume fluff only hurts your chances of getting the job. Nowadays, it's about quality, not quantity. A one-page resume with quantifiable accomplishments and work experience is always better than a two-page resume with irrelevant information.

So, cut the fluff and get clear on the value you bring to the table.

5. Be Consistent With Your Style


Man on laptop follows resume formatting tips

Keep fonts and font sizes the same throughout your resume. You should also consider using a similar heading on all pages of the document if your resume is more than one page. This is a good precaution in case the pages become separated.

Any inconsistencies will be distracting for the hiring manager. Choose a clean font, pick a font size, and keep the same style in each section of your resume, including section titles.

6. Determine If Your Page Length Is Appropriate


Most resumes are one to two pages. However, if you have more than 20 years of experience and/or a number of academic or professional publications, your resume may be longer.

Keep in mind that a longer resume doesn't equal more review time by the recruiter or hiring manager. Your most important information should still be at the top of page one. This is where all your hard skills (and transferable skills) should be, as well as your most relevant work experience.

When in doubt, ask yourself if the information you want to include on your resume makes you a better candidate for the job. If not, it's probably not relevant to the position and can be removed.

Resumes are not static documents, so even if you think you're finished with crafting a great one, you will want to revise it slightly for each job you are applying for and add to it as you obtain more experience. Since more and more recruiters are using social media, you will also want to update your LinkedIn profile to match your new resume.

With the right resume format, you'll catch the eye of hiring managers everywhere. We hope you use these resume formatting tips during your next job search. You'll be surprised by how much of a difference it makes.

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.


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Top 6 Tips For Resume Formatting

What To Do If You’ve Lied On Your Resume



When you land an interview with a company, the deciding factor was probably your resume—specifically, the types of skills and experiences you included on it. But, what if you lied on your resume?

Lying on your resume can come back to bite you in the hiring process. It can hinder your job search and cause more problems down the line if you do get hired. If you're considering lying on your resume, here's why you should think twice.

Why Do People Lie On Resumes?


Woman thinking about lying on her resume

Most job seekers lie on their job applications and resumes because they are worried that they can't get hired based on the facts.

You can get hired with your current qualifications. Have faith! There is a job somewhere out there for you. However, it may not be as grand a role as you'd like if you haven't earned your stripes in the trenches yet.

It's important to know your genuine strengths and to leverage them accordingly. It's your job to sell yourself to potential employers in your resume and in your job interview. You're a business-of-one, after all. Lying about qualifications to get ahead faster, though, will only put you in harm's way.

Employers won't always know if you've lied on your resume or are faking your way through a new job. But if they figure it out, you are back to square one. And you've been fired.

One TV broadcaster in Toronto, Canada, for example, was fired over 10 years after he was hired purely for lying about completing his education. Marilee Jones was an ambitious academic administrator who attained the position of Dean of Admissions at MIT on the false claim of an undergraduate degree that had never been completed. She was promptly fired after the information was discovered. Some companies will go ahead with verifying your employment, find out you've lied, and never tell you. They just won't hire you—and they'll flag you as "Do Not Hire"...ever. Let's avoid that.

What To Do If You've Lied On Your Resume


Man stressed about lying on his resume

So, what can you do if you've lied on your job application or your resume?

Do you try to bluff your way through for 10 years or more? On the job application form, did you tell them about your misdemeanor felony conviction—if not, then when? How can you handle this without losing out on the job?

1. Withdraw Your Application


Woman on phone withdraws her dishonest job application

This is your safest option. Simply call and say you are "withdrawing your application at this time." If asked for a reason, tell them you've "reconsidered your application."

That's the truth.

They may assume the timing, title, or money isn't right or that you have another job offer or you heard something that makes you think it's not the right company for you. That's all okay.

2. Revise Your Resume & Ask The Hiring Manager To Refer The New Copy


Man thinking about when he lied on his resume

In this case, you can tell them you "noticed some errors" and "want to correct them." Note that this won't work if you've created jobs or performance claims that were exaggerated. However, you can truthfully state that you want to be "more exact," if you wish. They may assume you had someone else write your resume and the errors were theirs.

That said, this isn't always going to work.

3. Come Clean


Woman on laptop stressed about lying on her resume

This may mean you lose out on the job opportunity, but sometimes people have big hearts. There's a good chance they are going to find out about the lie(s) anyway through reference checks or your own social media presence (like LinkedIn).

Provide a corrected resume or job application and tell them the truth. In life, we need to own up to our mistakes and learn from them. Tell them that, too—that you made a mistake and you want to make it right. It's a sign of good character to do that. People make mistakes, especially under pressure (and needing a job is a lot of pressure).

It's best not to end up in this position, but if the deed is done, these are the top three ways of fixing the problem...

How To Avoid The Problem


You can explain job gaps and sudden departures from school or a former job in the interview. If you have a criminal record, and that would include any DUIs, be upfront about it or call immediately to tell them you neglected to mention it and would like to "set the record straight."

Some things are not automatic barriers to employment—but lying about them may be.

Now is the time to change your resume and social media profiles, such as LinkedIn, so you never have to worry about this again. Do it today so if your dream job opens up tomorrow, you are polished and ready to stand out to employers on your own merit.

Need more help with your job search?

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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What To Do If You’ve Lied On …

3 Ways To Convey Quantifiable Information On A Resume



The words you choose to use and how you present information on your resume can dramatically impact the results you get. As a job seeker, you have to remember that your goal with your resume is to make an immediate impact by impressing hiring managers and recruiters with something you have that they want. One of the best ways to do that is to offer quantifiable information.

Quantifiable information allows hiring managers and recruiters to measure the degree of knowledge and skills you have to offer. It is a way to inform them about what and how much you can bring to the table.

To make an immediate impact with your resume, try these methods:

1. Provide Context And Scale To Your Information


Happy woman quantifies information on her resume

When you think of quantifiable information, the immediate thought is to go to the results you've garnered. But on the resume, there's more that can be quantified.

Don't leave out the subject matter. You can talk about how many clients you managed, how many people on the team you had to oversee, or how many products you were involved in marketing across Europe. Putting a number against the subject matter can say a lot.

For example, when you say, "Managed the launch of products across Europe," it tells a bit of information.

When you start to add in numbers like, "Formed 6 new partnerships within a year to support the marketing of 5 new products across 10 markets in Europe, which resulted in an increased of revenue by 90%," it says a lot more.

Some other words to help you along the way include "doubled," "tripled," and "reduced by." We recommend you add at least one number to each bullet point on your resume. If you can't quantify something in that bullet point, it probably doesn't belong on your resume.

2. Use Numbers And Figures


Job seeker on phone and laptop quantifies information on his resume

When you talk about results on your resume, you need to find a way to make it stand out. Putting it in a bullet point helps, but just as important is applying numbers and figures to the statement. When you add numbers and figures, it's easier for the eyes looking over your resume to catch these bits of information.

For example, when you write, "Reduced time lag by eighty percent," it's not as easy to take notice of it.

When you show the actual numbers and figures like, "Reduced time lag by 80%," it catches the eye much more quickly.

The general rule here is to show it when you can—don't spell it!

3. Toss Out Fluff Words & Talk About Real Achievement


Woman on laptop writes her resume with quantifiable information

Anyone can say they're a go-getter, strategic thinker, results-driven... yadda yadda yadda. But why should the employer believe you? What proof do you have to back up those statements?

The point is to prove your abilities and skills as a professional on your resume. Work with words like "on time," "under budget," "improved," "saved," and "negotiated" while also applying appropriate numbers and figures (as discussed above) to help you make your point.

It's about time you turn that resume fluff into quantifiable information! Once you see the difference it makes in your job search, you'll never go back to the old way of writing resumes.

Today's hiring managers and recruiters go through enough resumes each day to know when they have a candidate who's a real winner and one that's simply all talk on the resume.

When you put your experience in context and scale the subject matter, as well as apply numbers and figures with some of the suggested power words, your resume will come across with impact and results hiring managers and recruiters can't deny as impressive.

Need more help with your resume?

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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3 Ways To Convey Quantifiable Information On …

Why Your Resume Will NOT Get You The Job



If you're like most job seekers, you probably think that your resume has the power to get you the job. It can make or break a hiring manager's decision to hire you. Well, that's actually not true.

I need to make this clear to all of you job seekers out there: your resume is not going to get you the job.

Here's why...

Your Resume Will Get You The Interview (NOT The Job)


@j.t.odonnell Your #resume will NEVER, EVER get you the job. Here is why... #resumetips #jobsearch #careerhelp #careertok #jobtok #job #jobtips #jobs #careeradvice #career #recruiter #careers ♬ original sound - J.T. O'Donnell

The resume's purpose is to get you the interview. Its purpose is to get past the ATS using the correct keywords, and then it needs to give the hiring manager just enough information to want to call you to learn more about your skills and experience.

Unfortunately, so many job seekers are agonizing over their resumes, spending weeks and months on them as time goes on and they've yet to find a job. Or worse, spending hundreds of dollars on a resume writer who will write them an overdone, stuffy, wordy, subjective resume that recruiters do not want.

The truth is, you don't need to spend that much time or money on your resume.

Today, recruiters want a skimmable resume—a six-second resume that they can quickly interpret to decide if they should call you. And given the fact that less than 3% of people who apply online ever hear back, the more you can create a skimmable resume that gets them to want to call you, the better.

But the most important thing I need you to understand about your resume is to stop making it the main focus of your job search. Your time will be far better spent on updating a LinkedIn profile and learning how to connect with employers so you can get around the ATS.

Please stop thinking your resume is the thing that's going to get you the job because it won't. It just needs to get you the interview.

Need more help with your resume?

Sign up for my FREE Resume & LinkedIn Bootcamp today to learn how to update your resume and LinkedIn profile the way recruiters want!

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Why Your Resume Will NOT Get You …

7 Things That May Surprise You About The Job Search Process



Unless you've been really lucky, you've probably discovered this simple fact about the job search process: it's not easy.

The process is littered with ups and downs, small victories, and brutal defeats. By the time you achieve the ultimate victory—landing a great job—you're both physically and emotionally exhausted.

As difficult as the job search process may be, the lessons that you learn from it will come in handy if you ever find yourself on the job market again. Some of those lessons may actually catch you by surprise.

We'll make the job search process a little easier for you (or at least mentally prepare you) and tackle some of those surprises now.

Wow! There Are Many Ways To Find A Job


Wow is right.

In a simpler time, a long time ago (in a galaxy far, far away), one would just read the classifieds section of the newspaper to see what was available for employment.

Today, while the classifieds still exist (they're online), there are a large number of online job websites that specialize in job searches from all over the country and world.

Websites like Indeed, Monster, Glassdoor, LinkedIn, and Craigslist are some of the most well-known job boards but there are many others, including some that may be tailored for individual states, regions, and professions.

The number of choices can be very overwhelming, especially if you haven't been involved in a job search recently.

The best thing to do is explore multiple websites to see which ones align best with your needs. Also, seek counsel from friends and colleagues who have been through the process to hear about their experiences with the various websites.

While these websites are a good resource for seeing what's available for jobs, it's important to not over-rely on them. If you've identified some companies you want to work for, conduct a proactive job search and make personal connections via networking. Don't rely solely on the online job board to express interest and submit your application.

There Are A Lot Of Ways To Write A Resume


Job seeker on laptop struggles to write his resume

You haven't updated your resume in a while and want to see what the latest formats look like, so you type "resume format" or "resume template" into your online search engine. All of a sudden, you're presented with another overwhelming amount of choices.

Seeking resume guidance online is like trying to self-diagnose yourself by using a medical website—you sometimes get more than you bargained for.

When working on your resume, it's important to initially focus more on the content, which will eventually allow the format to fall into place.

It's also important to realize that there isn't a "one-size-fits-all" resume, as each resume should be tailored to the job for which you're applying. You want to make sure that your relevant skills and accomplishments that would translate to this new job are at the top of the resume. A recruiter should be able to see these transferable skills within the first six seconds of reviewing your resume.

Work It Daily has multiple resume resources, including a resume review by our career coaches.

The Thought Of Personal Branding May Make You Panic


Professional woman with a strong personal brand

Resumes and cover letters are not enough anymore. At Work It Daily, we like to say that you're a "business-of-one," and personal branding is a big part of that.

Personal branding may seem overwhelming if you've never thought about it before, but it's really not that bad. Think back to when you were preparing your resume. Think about what type of career you're seeking and think about the type of skills that you have that translate to that industry. Think about what really makes you stand out.

Once you've determined this, share it with the world. Use LinkedIn and social media to your advantage.

Your goal is to let people know what you're up to professionally at all times. That way your professional network will be aware of what your personal brand is, which could turn into referrals whenever you're on the job market.

If you worry that you lack a personal branding strategy, don't panic. Take your time, put some thought into it, and consult with colleagues and mentors. Everyone has a personal brand; it's just a matter of putting everything together and executing it.

There's More Than One Way To Do A Job Interview


Job seeker takes part in a video interview

Phone, video, and group interviews are all becoming more common. No matter what type of interview you're a part of, the key is always preparation.

Treat every interview the same. Prepare answers to all the common interview questions the interviewer could ask and do your research on the company before the interview. Prepare questions for the interviewer so they know you're interested and have done your research. Also, be sure to dress professionally (more on that in a minute).

Most people are familiar with the in-person interview and, while it can be nerve-racking, it's also familiar. There's comfort in familiarity. It's those types of interviews you're not as familiar with that can be the most intimidating to prepare for.

Of all these different types of interviews, you'll most likely experience the phone interview, where you're interviewing just for the chance to be invited to an in-person interview. That in itself is a lot of pressure, but when you're doing a phone interview you also lose the advantage of certain social cues.

During an in-person interview, you're able to make eye contact with the interviewer and are better able to convey enthusiasm and emphasis. You're also able to look at the interviewer and attempt to gauge their reactions.

Phone interviews also move a lot quicker than in-person interviews. You get less time to get your points across. Even though all interviews carry with them some level of stress, the condensed timeline and impersonal nature of the phone interview make it one of the trickiest interviews to go through.

You'll Obsess Over What To Wear To Your In-Person Interview


Young professional wears a suit to a job interview

It's true, you will...and that's okay!

You want to dress for success and the interview is your chance to make a first impression. Deciding how to dress goes back to your company research. You want to determine what the company's culture is and then dress one level above it.

For example, if the company is very casual, show up to the interview in business casual attire.

You may already have the perfect outfit or you may spend some time in front of the mirror changing outfits. It's okay to be picky, just as long as the outfit you choose matches the company culture. Make sure your shirt is ironed and your shoes are clean.

And, if you bought new clothes for the interview, make sure to take all the tags off!

You Can Have A Great Interview And Still Not Get The Job


Interesting woman shakes hands with the hiring manager before an interview

There are times when you may know immediately that you didn't get the job. You weren't as prepared as you needed to be or the position just wasn't a good fit. While no one wants to have a bad interview, sometimes it's easier to mentally accept, particularly if you're able to pinpoint where it went wrong and apply the lessons moving forward.

But, what if you did everything right? What if you left the interview feeling like you crushed it and that the job was in the bag, only to later learn that you didn't get the job?

It could be that you did, in fact, have a very awesome interview, but the mistake that you made was assuming that you would automatically get the job because of it.

When employers say they had many qualified candidates apply for the job, it's not just lip service. Chances are they had a tough choice to make and, while you gave it a good effort, there was just another candidate that was a better fit for the position.

It can be a major blow the first time this happens to you. Let it humble you but don't let it deter you. Build on the things you did well and do an honest self-assessment and fine-tune the things that you can do better.

Make sure to thank the interviewer for the opportunity and continue to express interest in the position. There's always a chance they could come back to you at some point in the future.

Salary Is Important But May Not Be Everything


Young professional is happy to receive his first paycheck

A lot of people change jobs to get a better salary, while many others do so because they're not happy in their current jobs. Whatever the reason, salary still remains a crucial component. It's important to do your research on the average salary for the type of position you're pursuing in your geographical area.

However, as you go through the job search process, your stance on salary may change. You may like a company's work-life balance and benefits package so much that you're willing to take a cut in salary. There may also be cases where the demands of a job are more than anticipated and you need to up your salary requirements. Individual circumstances also play a major role in salary negotiations.

When it's time to negotiate salary, be flexible. Don't short-change yourself but also understand your priorities. Salary is an important part of the equation but you also need to factor in everything you've learned about this position during the search process to make a well-informed decision.

One thing is for certain when it comes to the job search process: you learn a lot along the way!

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This article was originally published at an earlier date.

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7 Things That May Surprise You About …

10 Things To Remove From Your Resume



The average amount of time a recruiter or hiring manager will spend scanning your resume is seven seconds. That's why it's important to have just the right kind (and amount) of information on your resume.

The phrase “less is more" has often been used for design purposes, but it can apply just as well to your resume. The point is to only keep information on your resume that is clear, simple, and that supports your personal brand. It is a balance of having just enough information to draw the interest of an employer while leaving room for you to further explain during an interview.

The more irrelevant information you add to your resume, the more it dilutes your key message. Employers today also look right through fluff words and are rather annoyed by them.

So, how can you optimize your resume and make sure it contains the precise balance of information?

Try removing these 10 things from your resume today:

1. Replace The Objective Statement On Your Resume With An Experience Summary


Employers today are not that interested in what you want. You need to tell them what you can do for them. The most effective way to achieve this is by replacing your objective statement with an experience summary.

An experience summary is a list of skills you have that are needed for the job you're applying for. They're hard skills and transferable skills, not soft skills. By removing that objective statement, you're able to clearly start proving your value to the employer within the first few seconds they glance at your resume.

2. Eliminate Superfluous Or “Fluff" Words


Man reviews his resume

We can't tell you how many resumes start with "Dynamic visionary…" We call these "fluff" statements because anyone can make them and they add no real value to your resume.

Keep your message on point and stick to the facts. If you want to express certain traits, demonstrate them with what you have achieved or accomplished. Quantify your work experience. Whatever you do, just avoid meaningless, baseless statements.

3. Edit Out Bad Grammar & Spelling Errors


Job applicant hands the hiring manager his resume

Spelling and grammar mistakes are a big turnoff for hiring managers. Triple check every headline and bullet point. Remove or reword any sentence that doesn't flow. Don't mix up tenses or third and first-person perspectives.

When in doubt, have a trusted friend or colleague review your resume. That way, you can be sure every spelling or grammar mistake is caught before you apply for a job.

4. List Your Primary Phone Number And Toss The Others 


Older woman removes outdated information from her resume

You want every section and piece of your resume to be simplified. Having multiple phone numbers right at the top of your resume makes it feel cluttered and disorganized even before you get to the experience section.

If you must list more than one number, make sure to specify under what conditions the other numbers should be used.

5. Remove Discriminating Information


Job seeker edits their resume

Avoid information that can lead one to discriminate against you, including age, sex, religion, marital status, and ethnicity. This includes the use of photos that should never be on a resume unless your face is an important part of your job (e.g., modeling, TV, etc.). In fact, some employers are forced to ignore your resume if it contains such information because of the chance that they may be accused of discrimination later in the process.

For seasoned professionals, age discrimination can be a very real thing. That's why you should follow these tips on what to remove from your resume. You want to optimize your resume, not submit an outdated one.

6. Throw Out Your GPA


Man edits his resume while looking for a job

You do not need to reveal your graduating year, the institution(s) you transferred out of, or the high school you attended. You should also remove your GPA if you've been out of school for a while or if the number just isn't impressive.

Keep information on your education specific to the degree received, the major completed, and the institution you attended.

7. Get Rid Of Any Irrelevant Information


Woman removes outdated and irrelevant information from her resume

Employers are not interested in achievements or abilities that are not applicable to the job. If you are in sales and you helped develop an Access database to track supplies, that's nice but not relevant.

Also, be cautious about listing your associations or volunteer work that is irrelevant or may be in conflict with the potential employer. You can find this information while conducting research on the company.

8. Remove Technical Skills For Basic Software Programs


Young woman removes information from her resume

Most employers today expect you to be familiar with basic computer programs, such as Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. So, don't waste valuable space on your resume listing them. It's more than okay to remove them from the document entirely.

When choosing which software programs and technologies to include on your resume, think about which ones will help you succeed in the job you're applying for. Which ones will make you stand out from the competition?

9. Do Not Include References Unless Requested


Job seeker reviews his resume

Employers expect you to offer references when requested, which is typically during the latter part of the interview process.

A big pet peeve of recruiters is seeing "References available upon request" on the resume. Do you really know anyone who would refuse to give references?

10. Cut Back On Lengthy Content 


Hiring manager reviews a job applicant's resume during an interview

If you are a recent graduate, most employers do not expect your resume to be more than one page. However, if you have had considerable professional experience, your resume should be two to three pages long. The notion all resumes should be one page is not true, especially in this job market. Resumes need to have enough detail to support your positioning so a two- to three-page resume is acceptable. But, your resume shouldn't be so long that it works against you.

Your resume has to have a compelling message and be easy to read, so after you have tightened up your content, format it to have a decent amount of white space.

Finding the right balance of information for your resume can make it impactful. It's not about how long or short your resume is, or how many employers you've worked for, but finding the right information and words to present it in the best light to demonstrate that you have the specific experiences and skills the employer is seeking. So, keep in mind the phrase, "less is more" when writing or updating your resume.

Writing an optimized resume is no easy task. By removing these 10 things from your resume, you'll be that much closer to landing an interview and securing your next job.

Need more help optimizing your resume?

Sign up for our FREE Resume & LinkedIn Bootcamp today to learn how to update your resume and LinkedIn profile the way recruiters want!


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10 Things To Remove From Your Resume

Top 100 Most Powerful Resume Words



In today's job marketplace, your resume is the very central document you possess to get your job application in the fingers from the hiring manager. In case you can't get your individual resume past the OBTAIN THE, it doesn't matter just how much experience or how great your cover letter will be. That's why you have to be tactical and intentional concerning the words and phrases you include in ones resume.

The particular significance of Powerful Job application Words


Man on laptop makes powerful words on the man's resume

When a hiring office manager is viewing the same kind of resume time in addition to time again (which consists of the cliché words and even phrases like "highly devoted individual" or "great group player") you might be guaranteeing that will your resume is going to be thrown. Not only is this probably not optimized together with the right keywords, yet if you take up space using subjective statements, you're lacking out on the opportunity to evaluate your experience , abilities, and accomplishments on the resume.

Poorly selected words and clichéd terms can destroy the eye associated with the reader. Powerful thoughts, when chosen correctly, might have the opposite effect regarding motivating and inspiring a reader.

Right here are the most effective resume words you ought to use to stay ahead of the main competition and increase your company likelihood of getting hired...

Top 100 Effective Resume Words


Woman on laptop or pc uses powerful words attached to her resume
  1. Advanced
  2. Designated
  3. Assessed
  4. Absorbed
  5. Accelerated
  6. Achieved
  7. Attracted
  8. Announced
  9. Appraised
  10. Budgeted
  11. Bolstered
  12. Balanced
  13. Boosted
  14. Bargained
  15. Benefited
  16. Beneficial
  17. Comply
  18. Critiqued
  19. Closed
  20. Collaborated
  21. Designed
  22. Assigned
  23. Demonstrated
  24. Developed
  25. Detected
  26. Effective
  27. Enhanced
  28. Excelled
  29. Exceeded
  30. Rampacked
  31. Fulfilled
  32. Financed
  33. Forecasted
  34. Developed
  35. Generated
  36. Guided
  37. Granted
  38. Assisted
  39. Hosted
  40. Implemented
  41. Investigated
  42. Improved
  43. Initiated
  44. Influenced
  45. Integrated
  46. Electricity costs
  47. Instituted
  48. Justified
  49. Listed
  50. Logged
  51. Maintained
  52. Mentored
  53. Measured
  54. Increased
  55. Negotiated
  56. Observed
  57. Operated
  58. Acquired
  59. Promoted
  60. Presented
  61. Programmed
  62. Offered
  63. Projected
  64. Qualified
  65. Quantified
  66. Cited
  67. Recommended
  68. Refine
  69. Revamp
  70. Responded
  71. Retained
  72. Recovered
  73. Reinstated
  74. Declined
  75. Sustained
  76. Skilled
  77. Saved
  78. Planned
  79. Supported
  80. Secured
  81. Simplified
  82. Tested
  83. Segmented
  84. Streamlined
  85. Strengthened
  86. Triumphed
  87. Troubleshot
  88. Taught
  89. Tutored
  90. Converted
  91. Trained
  92. Uncovered
  93. United
  94. Single
  95. Updated
  96. Upgraded
  97. Validated
  98. Seen
  99. Worldwide
  100. Witnessed

Typically the next time you're composing your resume, be certain to include a number of the strong words above. Your job search depends on that!

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Top 100 Most Powerful Resume Words

Want To Land A Job In 2023? Your Resume MUST Include This!



The primary goal of your resume is to help you stand out to employers so they give you a call and invite you in for an interview. It's the first impression a hiring manager has of you, and the first step to landing a job. So, how do you optimize your resume so it beats out the competition?

Many job seekers feel lost when writing their resumes. What should you include on it? How much information is enough? What do hiring managers really want to see?

If any of these questions have crossed your mind, don't worry. Here's the one thing you need to include on your resume if you want to stand out to employers and land a job.

The Secret To Landing A Job In 2023? Quantifiable Accomplishments On Your Resume!


Man writes his resume on his laptop

The most important thing to include on your resume is quantifiable accomplishments. Quantify your work experience and put those numbers and figures under the "Work History" section on your resume.

Not sure how to quantify your work history?

Follow these 3 tips to effectively quantify your work history on your resume:

1. Add numbers to your bullet points

You should have at least one number for each bullet point you include on your resume. If you want to show your depth of experience in certain areas, you need to show those numbers. By doing this, an employer can see how much experience you have and how often you use a certain skill. So it's really important to add as many numbers as you can to these bullet points.

Go through an average day at work, list all of your responsibilities and tasks, and ask yourself, "Okay, so if this is what I was doing every day, how often was I doing it? How much did I do? How many people did I work with?" By asking yourself these types of questions, you'll be able to pull out those numbers and add that depth of experience to your bullet points.

2. Include 3-7 bullet points per role

For each role you list on your resume, you should write three to seven of these quantified bullet points to showcase the skill sets that you have that are related to the position you're applying for. Any more than that and you'll likely overwhelm the reader. The hiring manager may think you're overqualified, that your experience is all over the place, or that you wouldn't be happy in the job.

So, be careful how much you put on your resume because too little text sends a message, but so does too much text. You need just the right amount of information, and three to seven bullet points is the sweet spot.

3. Choose accomplishments that support your relevant hard skills

You need to be intentional with what you're choosing to put on your resume to make sure you're supporting your specialty, that service you provide to employers as a business-of-one. The key is to only choose the accomplishments that relate to the skill sets you're showcasing in the top fold of your resume, the skill sets that directly support your specialty.

Make sure you're intentionally pulling these things and including them on your resume as opposed to listing every accomplishment you've ever had in your career. This is going to be very important in terms of showcasing that depth of experience because you don't want hiring managers to get distracted. You don't want them focusing on an accomplishment that doesn't support a relevant skill set. Make it clear what your specialty is and how you've provided value to employers with those skill sets in the past.

Why Quantifying Your Work History Is Essential


Woman holds her resume while talking to a hiring manager on the phone

Quantifying your work history is usually the hardest part of writing a resume for job seekers. It's simply not something we learn in school. Recruiters and hiring managers don't want to know how you did your job or what your tasks were. All they care about are the results.

What did you make happen as a result of your work? How did you add value? When you quantify your work history, a recruiter can look at the hiring manager and say, "This person has done this, this, and this. And here are the numbers to prove it." That's why your resume needs to be quantified. It's proof that you're a qualified job candidate and a valuable potential employee.

What Does "Quantifying Your Work History" Look Like?


Man reviews his resume

There is always a way to quantify your work experience. You may think that you have nothing to quantify on your resume, but you do.

If this is your first time trying to quantify your work history and you can't think of anything that counts as a quantifiable accomplishment, write out what you did at a specific job, circle every noun, and ask yourself: "Can I quantify that?"

For example, a receptionist may not think they have any quantifiable accomplishments or any type of work history that can be quantified. But when they asked themselves the right questions, they realized they accomplished a lot more than they thought, and they could assign numbers to these accomplishments. They asked...

  • "How many people work at my company?"
  • "How many calls did I take a day?"
  • "How many phone lines were on the system?"

The result? A few bullet points listing their quantifiable work experience:

  • Receptionist for a 500-person firm
  • Handled over 100 phone calls a day
  • Managed a 12-line phone system

You can absolutely quantify your work experience. You will find a way. Circle every noun and quantify them. Look for percentages. If you can't come up with exact numbers, you can use your best guess, erring on the conservative side. What was the percentage of growth? What was the percentage of savings? What were the revenues? There are always numbers. You just have to look for them.

In order to land a job in 2023, your resume must have quantifiable accomplishments. It may be difficult at first, but once you get the hang of quantifying your work history, you'll never go back. Quantify your work history on your resume and start seeing results in your job search today!

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Want To Land A Job In 2023? …

5 Reasons You’re Still Unemployed



"Why am I still unemployed?"

At Work It Daily, we're asked this question a lot. The reality is, the reason is different for everyone. The good news? You can overcome whatever is holding you back from getting hired.

Here are five reasons you're still unemployed:

1. Your Resume Isn’t Job Specific


While it's good to have a strong resume with all of your professional skill sets, your resume can become generic when all you do is send the same resume to every open position you find.

The Solution: Customize your resume for each job you apply for. By taking the time to customize your resume with relevant skill sets and specific keywords that are in the job description, you'll be more likely to land an interview and, therefore, will have more viable job opportunities.

2. You’re Overqualified


Unemployed man looks for a job

This problem is common among older workers looking for a career change. But this can happen to anyone who has a lot of experience and is trying to get their foot in the door at another company.

The Solution: During an interview, make it your mission to connect with the employer. Tell a story. Let them know you aren't just running out the clock. If they ask about your 5-year plan, don't mention retirement. Your career isn't over yet.

3. You’re Underqualified (Or Lack Exposure To The Professional World)


Young woman looks for a job while unemployed

On the flip side, you could be unemployed because you don't have enough experience or the right skill sets to do the jobs you've been applying for. Maybe you're a recent college grad, and at this point, you're just begging someone to give you a chance. Whatever your situation, employers are making it very clear you aren't qualified.

The Solution: Take classes or earn certificates to try to develop new skills. Volunteer or intern to get the type of professional experience employers are looking for. Focus on the skill sets you do have and learn how to quantify those skills on your resume to stand out to hiring managers.

4. You've Stopped Being Proactive In Your Job Search


Unemployed man loses motivation in his job search

If you really want a job, your actions have to reflect your attitude. As the weeks (or maybe months) drag on and you still haven't found a job, you may find yourself getting into a dangerous job search routine. You apply for half a dozen jobs every day and hope for the best. This strategy rarely works. If you want quality job opportunities, you need to be proactive.

The Solution: Make networking a priority. Go to job fairs. Reach out to employees at companies you'd love to work for on LinkedIn. Start compelling, professional conversations with them. Remember: you're a business-of-one. The better you actively market yourself to employers, the more job opportunities you'll likely receive.

5. You've Lost All Urgency


Unemployed woman stressed about finding a job

It can be easy to get into a job search rut. Time goes by differently when you don't have a set routine. The longer it takes for you to find a job, the harder it is find the motivation to get a job. You may begin to lose confidence in yourself and your skills as a professional. When your career is suddenly on hold, your life can feel like it is without purpose or direction.

The Solution: Set goals and work towards them—even if they're just small goals. They could be career-related goals, or not. Maybe you want to get in better shape. Maybe you want to learn a new skill. If you set goals for yourself, you'll regain that sense of purpose—and better yourself in the process.

Being unemployed is tough. If you follow these tips, you'll have the tools to overcome the challenges you face in the job search process.

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5 Reasons You’re Still Unemployed

How To Mention Unrelated Work Experience On Your Resume



Many candidates who come to us for resume help have the same question. They have years of professional work experience, but a lot of it isn't relevant to the position they're currently seeking.

On the one hand, they don't want to waste resume space detailing work that doesn't relate to their application. On the other hand, they don't want to omit years of work that developed them as a professional.

How do you mention unrelated work experience on your resume?

The Right Phrase


Woman adds work experience to her resume

We use a magic phrase to address this issue: "additional experience." It's perfectly fine to sum up large portions of your career in one section that lists previous employers, positions, leadership roles, certifications, associations, publications, awards, volunteer experience, and even significant hobbies (as long as the experience supports your professionalization in some way).

If you spent the first 10 years of your marketing career performing lower-level tasks, in your "Additional Experience" section at the end of your resume you could say: "Marketing positions with ABC, DEF, and XYZ (1990-2000)."

If your previous work was in an unrelated field, you can simply list the companies: "Positions with ABC, DEF, and XYZ."

Whatever additional experience you decide to include on your resume, make sure you demonstrate why it's important to the job you're applying for by quantifying the work experience and your accomplishments.

The Age Game


Man looks at the work experience on his resume

This technique can also be very helpful for those who are concerned about age discrimination. We summarized the first 15 years of one candidate's career into one sentence to downplay the fact that she was 55. Because her experience was relevant to her field, removing it from her resume entirely would have been a disservice, but we did not include the years that experience encompassed in her "Additional Experience" section.

The Experience Issue


Woman adds additional experience to her resume

We recently worked with another candidate who needed to show that she was a more experienced professional than her education suggested. This woman had worked for 10 years before going back to complete her bachelor's degree. From looking at her graduation dates, you would assume she was in her 20s. In fact, she was an experienced manager in her 30s—a fact that was important to show for the level of job she was seeking.

By adding an "Additional Experience" section and putting her "Work History" section before her "Education" section, she was able to show employers that her graduation dates were not an indication of how much experience she had. Just because her work experience occurred before graduating doesn't mean it was unrelated work experience. The right resume format will make it much easier to mention any kind of significant work experience you've had in your career.

Many of us have work experience that doesn't fit neatly with our current goals and objectives. If you don't feel comfortable leaving it off your resume altogether, using an "Additional Experience" section can help you mention the experience quickly without wasting precious resume space.

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How To Create An Effective Resume Even If You Were Fired



How can you make an effective resume after getting fired? People get fired from their job for various reasons. However, to a potential new employer, it may leave an unfavorable connotation on the candidate.

If you find yourself in such a situation, you may have a number of questions concerning how to address the adverse reactions you may receive from a potential employer. You may have questions such as:

  • How do I impress an employer given I was fired from my last job?
  • Do I include the job on my resume?
  • How should I answer when asked the reason for departing my previous job?

Understandably, there are many questions on your mind. And yet, there are ways to be truthful in answering the questions your potential new employer may have for you, along with tips to make such a situation feel a little less threatening. Essentially, before updating your resume for the next job opportunity, think about:

Is The Experience From Your Last Position Relevant?

If there is little to no relevance between the positions, you do not have to showcase it on your resume. The hiring company is primarily interested in relevant experience and skills you can bring to their company. You might be able to break your resume into "Relevant Experience" and "Additional Experience" sections.

How Long Were You In The Position?

If you were in the position for only a few months, it may not be necessary to mention it on your resume. Determine if the employment gap, should you choose not to include it, would be cause for concern by an employer. In today's market, it's not a surprise to see some candidates unemployed for a year before finding a new job.

How Severe Was The Cause For Firing?

Were you laid off or fired due to lack of performance or conditions outside of your control? If the latter, then you should put on the resume the reason such as “Major Downsizing," “Company Relocated," or “Management Reorganization," all of which indicate that the termination was not due to your performance. If the reason you were terminated was due to a minor issue that can be easily explained and seen from your point of view by a potential employer, than including the position on your resume should not be a concern. Be honest with yourself and think through your response to a potential interviewer.

Your answers to the questions above will tell you whether it is appropriate to include the job on your resume. If it is included, consider the following to help you through the application and interview process.

1. Showcase Your Achievements And Accomplishments


Woman on laptop writes a resume after being fired

Your mission is to get your foot in the door for an interview and to make an outstanding impression. You do not need to bring up that you were fired or laid off from your last job on paper, especially if you were only there for a year or two. Instead of focusing on how your previous job ended, quantify what you accomplished while you were employed there.

If necessary, you will have the opportunity during an interview to explain further details.

2. Don't Insult Your Past Employer


Man on laptop edits his resume after getting fired

Even if you were fired and have bitter feelings toward your former boss or co-workers, your resume is not the time nor the place to reveal it. It is seen as unprofessional and leads to questions that focus on negative aspects.

So, even if the interviewer wasn't planning on asking you the reason for leaving, you may have just brought it upon yourself by insulting your past employer or hinting at a conflict there on your resume.

3. Don't Lie About Your Employment


Woman on laptop struggles to write her resume after being fired

You should never lie on your resume. Don't fabricate anything on your resume or your reason for looking for a new job. If asked about this during an interview, you need to address the question truthfully, but keep it brief regarding the reason for your departure and move on to more positive points. At least you now have your foot in the door and have a greater advantage of explaining the reason for departure in a more positive light.

You can also use it to your advantage to reinforce points of achievements and accomplishments that may apply to the job. Remember that companies do check references and background information. Any candidate caught lying is grounds for dismissal.

4. Pull Together Your References


Man on laptop pulls together his references after getting fired

Gather people you worked with on the job as references, whether it's co-workers, clients, or vendors. Individuals who worked with you on the job and who can speak positively about your work can help effectively rid any negative connotations associated with being fired.

In this instance, it makes sense to include references with your resume, especially written recommendations.

5. Focus On Functionality Rather Than Chronology


This is a last resort option. Functional resumes typically are not used since it lacks detail on dates of employment—information most employers want to know.

A functional resume focuses on grouping specific skills and experiences together as the highlight of the resume. This type of format might also work for the career changer and those with gaps in employment history that are due to other pursuits, such as education or family.

This is the last resort, though. We recommend using a chronological resume format, even if you got fired. But it might be worth it to try a functional resume format if the chronological format isn't working for you.

Being fired means you have an additional hurdle to overcome to find a new job, but it is not insurmountable. It's all in the way you frame it on your resume and handle yourself in addressing the matter if the subject comes up. Remain positive, address any concerns succinctly and honestly, and then move on to the more positive highlights.

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How To Create An Effective Resume Even …

How To Choose The Right Skills To Include On Your Resume



When you begin the job application process, you need to make sure your resume is optimized and ready to be sent out to employers. The struggle isn't so much finding enough things to include on your resume. Rather, it's choosing what skills, experiences, and accomplishments to include on your resume to boost your likelihood of landing an interview.

Choosing the right skills to include on your resume is easier said than done. What skills will really stand out to recruiters and hiring managers? What skills demonstrate why you'd be a great fit for the position? What skills best represent what you bring to the table?

Fortunately, there's an easy process you can follow to ensure you're answering these questions and setting yourself up for job opportunities.

Here are four steps for choosing the right skills to include on your resume:

1. Decode Job Descriptions


Before you hit "apply" on a job posting, it's important to read through the job description and understand what the job actually entails.

You have to analyze the job description, then think about how you would fit into this "mold" of an employee that they have in mind for the position. Start to think about the core responsibilities you've had in your previous jobs.

Do your previous core responsibilities translate into skills that this job posting is asking for—skills that would make you a great fit for the position?

2. Ask Yourself "Can I Quantify That?"


Man thinks about which skills to include on his resume

Once you've decoded the job description and determined if you have the skills the employer is asking for, it's time to think about which skills you should include on your resume (because you can't include them all).

The key to getting your resume past the ATS is to include only hard skills on your resume.

Hard skills (skills that tie directly to core responsibilities) are what applicant tracking systems (ATS) and hiring managers want to see. They're quantifiable. If you can't quantify it, it's probably a soft skill. Soft skills DO NOT belong on your resume.

So, when deciding what skills you should include on your resume, ask yourself, "Can I quantify that?" If you can, it's a hard skill, and it belongs on your resume.

Both industry-specific and transferable hard skills can go on your resume. After decoding the job description, you will know which hard skills the employer is looking for.

3. Think About Your Brand


Woman on laptop thinks about her personal brand

The next step in deciding which skills should go on your resume deals with personal branding. You want to make sure you are "branding" yourself correctly for job opportunities.

By that, we mean knowing what type of service you provide for a company—and what skill sets support that service.

After all, here at Work It Daily, we know every job seeker is a business-of-one. Are you branding your business (yourself) correctly in order to attract customers (employers looking to invest in you)?

Know your brand, and own it!

4. Customize, Customize, Customize


Man on laptop customizes his resume

The last step in deciding which skills should go on your resume is customization.

Customizing your resume is very important. You'll probably have to highlight different skills for the different jobs you apply for. That means customizing your resume for each job application.

  • What projects did you work on?
  • What expertise did you gain?
  • What skills should you be emphasizing?

If you ask yourself these questions for each job you apply for, your answers will most likely differ. That's how you'll know you're customizing your resume correctly and giving yourself the best chance to land an interview.

As you're thinking about your resume, remember you have more skills than you realize. Your job is to make it easy for employers to see the connection between your skill sets and the skill sets needed to do the job. When in doubt, ask yourself, "Can I quantify that?"

The goal at this stage in the job search process is to get an interview. You can only worry about getting the job after you know you're in the running. What skills are going to get you in the door?

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As you're thinking about your resume, remember you have more skills than you realize. Your job is to make it easy for employers to see the connection between your skill sets and the skill sets needed to do the job. When in doubt, ask yourself, "Can I quantify that?"

The goal at this stage in the job search process is to get an interview. You can only worry about getting the job after you know you're in the running. What's going to get you in the door?

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How To Choose The Right Skills To …