My Team Reviews 1,000,000 Resumes a Year and These Are the People Who Stand Out

My Team Reviews 1,000,000 Resumes a Year and These Are the People Who Stand Out was originally published on The Muse, a great place to research companies and careers. Click here to search for great jobs and companies near you.
Does standing out really help you get hired? And is there such a thing as being too different? The answer is yes—to both.
As VP of Talent Acquisition at Johnson & Johnson, I’ve seen it all: the good, the bad, and the pink. (No really, we’ve received applications printed on pink paper and sprayed with perfume.) And after overseeing a team that screens one million resumes a year, I can tell you how to stand out from the crowd—the right way.
So, if you’re thinking of taking a creative approach, keep the following in mind:

Do: Show Off Your Work in a Portfolio

Why not take a cue from designers and architects and display your accomplishments in a portfolio?
Even if you don’t work in one of those two fields, you can still showcase a recent project in a visually interesting way. For example, I recently interviewed a digital marketer who walked me through her three most recent influencer-marketing projects. She had created a simple PowerPoint presentation with three case studies outlining what she had done and the results for each initiative. She made it easy to see how she could add tangible value to our business by highlighting how she approached these influencers and how she measured her projects’ success.
Even before the interview stage, a portfolio can help you get noticed. For example, you can create a personal website that showcases your work (more on exactly how to do that here). You can send the link to networking contacts and even include it your email signature.

Don’t: Go for Quantity Over Quality

Do you know someone who humblebrags about sending out hundreds of applications? If so, my guess is they achieved this seemingly impressive feat by sending a generic message out as widely as possible.
I receive at least 10 LinkedIn messages a day from candidates throwing their resume over the digital fence and hoping it lands. These generic messages expect me to do the work to match them to our open jobs.
While using social media in your job search can be an effective strategy, using it to mass contact decision-makers with a form message is a gimmick (and one that doesn’t work). For all I know, your exact message has also been sent to 20 other companies. How do I know that it’s our company that you’re really interested in?
Instead, take a more thoughtful approach. Utilize your professional network. Do you know anyone at the company you’d like to work at? If so, find out whether the company has an employee referral program and send this note. If you reach out to someone cold, use a customized template.

I BET YOU FEEL LIKE YOU CAN GO AFTER ANY JOB YOU WANT NOW

…Within reason of course, let’s not go completely nuts.
Check Out 20,000+ Openings Now
'jobs'

Do: Solve a Company Problem

Do your research on the role you’ve applied for. What’s the team working on? Can you identify any pain points? Even better, can you solve them?
Demonstrate how much you want to work at the company by arriving at the interview equipped with fresh ideas and solutions. Knock their socks off with your insight and give the recruiter a sneak preview of what they’ll be getting.
For example, I recently interviewed a social media manager who came to the interview with a complete scan of our social media properties and a set of recommendations that left me wondering what we had been doing the last year. He not only demonstrated that he had the skills needed to be successful in the job but also he cared enough about the opportunity to put in the work before we gave him the job (which we did).
Remember, your relationship with your boss starts during the interview process, not on your first day!

Don’t: Propose Something That Shows You’re Out of Touch

Caveat: It’s not enough for your solution to be innovative. It only works if it still fits with the overall goals, vision, and values of the organization.
For example, just last week, we interviewed a candidate who suggested a sales method that was so far removed from the values of the J&J Credo that we had to wonder if he’d even heard of it. A matter of minutes spent researching the company would have revealed that it’s the underpinning to everything we do.
If a company truly is on your wish list, it shouldn’t be a chore to do your research. Find specific open roles that match your abilities and honestly assess your skills against the listed requirements. Follow your target company’s social handles, see what current employees are discussing, and get to know the company culture.
That way, if you’re asked to interview, you can show the recruiter that you understand and embody their values.
Some companies and recruiters appreciate an unconventional approach; others most definitely don’t. What is universal, however, is that employers want to see that you’re serious about the opportunity and that you have the skills they need. So, if you’re considering doing something unconventional, first ask yourself, “Does this help demonstrate my skills and experience?”
If you have to think about it, the answer is probably no.
Is there something that worked well for you? I’d love to hear from you on Twitter.

How to get your foot in the door for the marketing job you really want

It’s hard for me to believe, but it’s been 12 years since I was getting ready to graduate college and I was looking for my first full-time job in marketing. From the rise of social media to the advent (and growth) of the smartphone, a lot has changed. But when it comes to trying to get your foot in the door for your first job, a lot has stayed the same.
Below are a few notes about getting your foot in the door at the agency at which you want to work. They’re written for recent or soon-to-be grads. That said, I think they can be helpful to a variety of folks.
Know where you want to work
It might seem obvious, but it’s the first step and an important one at that: know where you want to work.
When I was going through my job search my senior year at Mizzou, I knew I wanted to work in St. Louis. I also knew that I wanted to work at a company that valued its culture, employees, and clients. I desired a work environment in which I would learn a lot and grow as a copywriter.
After hours and hours of research and a few painful campus job fairs (you need to be going to these!), I had a list ready to go. Names like Rodgers-Townsend, Momentum and Moosylvania were on it. These were agencies that were well-respected, treated their employees in a way that I wanted to be treated, and had strong, long-lasting relationships with their clients.
I’m going to write more on what I think you should look for in an agency at another time. But for now, just know that all agencies aren’t the same, and while there are a lot of great places to start your career, there are plenty of bad ones too.
Avoid the HR person
 It was accurate when I was an aspiring copywriter, and it’s accurate now that I handle the hiring and firing at Gorilla – avoid the HR person until it’s no longer possible.
Don’t get me wrong, if you apply for a job, and the HR person reaches out (which is likely the scenario), don’t walk to the interview, run to it. But, if you’re reaching out cold, meaning there’s no job posted and you’re looking to just connect with the company, don’t make the first stop the HR department. Their job, as I’ve learned in my own experience as the HR guy at Gorilla, is to keep people out more often than it is to get people in.
Instead, use LinkedIn and Google and company “About us” pages to figure out who is the right person at a company with which to connect. If you’re a writer, look to connect with writers at the company. If you’re a designer, look to connect with designers. Pretty simple, right? You’d be surprised.
When I was in school, we didn’t really have resources like LinkedIn and some of the companies didn’t even really have websites. And if they did, they rarely showcased the team and they definitely didn’t have a blog where the employees were writing. Instead, I read award annuals and industry publications and looked to find the names of the creative directors and copywriters at the agencies at which I wanted to work. It wasn’t a perfect system, but it worked and I got in touch with the right people.
Before we move to the next point, let’s connect on Instagram and on LinkedIn. Gorilla has a presence on both as well: Instagram, LinkedIn.
Ask for the informational interview
As the HR arm at Gorilla, I hear from many looking for jobs. Some are obvious in stating it: “Dear Sir/Madam…I am formally inquiring about any open positions…” They get deleted.
Others are craftier and more strategic. They reach out to our employees first to try to get in to see “what it’s like to work at Gorilla” and to see if they can get some feedback on their book or resume or whatever. And then they might reach out to me to ask a question or two and to see if they can pop by to chat for 15 minutes. They often tell me they really admire our work and love the culture we’re building and they read such and such on page X of our website and it really lined up with their long-term professional goals.
They DON’T get deleted.
My ego is engaged and I feel like I have someone looking to me for wisdom – it’s impossible to say no! Now, I might not always have the perfect advice, but it doesn’t really matter for the job-seeker. Their foot is in the door, and that’s all that really matters.
Follow up, again and again and again…          
So you’re getting close. You’ve identified where you want to work. You’ve contacted the right folks. You’ve even gotten in to meet them. Now, you have to follow up.
First, write the thank you note. For the love of everything, don’t forget this step. It’s so obvious and disappointing when someone drops the ball here. Don’t settle with the email “thank you.” Go old school. Pen. Paper. And a few thoughts. Nothing more. Some are concerned that it takes too long to reach the recipient – that’s not a bad thing. Just as they start to forget they met with you (it’s a cruel world, sorry), you remind them of a great conversation you had just a few days or a week prior.
Next, stay in touch with them. Not too often, but remember, the “squeaky wheel gets the grease.”
Send them work samples you’re working on and ask for feedback. Send them an article you read and explain why it was relevant to your conversation. Show them updates you’ve made on your portfolio, based on the feedback they gave you when you sat down with them (this is how I got my first job).
Whatever you do and however you do it, just make sure you do it. Your goal is to come across their desk at just the right time.
Go land that gig
As you can guess, a lot has changed since I was looking for my job. After all, many of you reading this post were getting ready to finish first grade while I was looking for my first job.
That said, a lot of old-school practices are still relevant today in a multitude of areas. Getting a job in marketing is no exception. As for me, I ended up landing a job at Moosylvania, and to this day, I’m incredibly grateful for that experience. If you’re looking for a great sales promotion agency, they’re as good as it gets in St. Louis.
Author Bio: A founder of Gorilla 76, Jon was named to the 2010 St. Louis Business Journal’s “30 Under 30” class and was named as one of St. Louis’ “Top Young Entrepreneurs” by the Small Business Monthly. He’s a passionate Missouri Tiger and loves to spend his spare time hunting ducks and fishing for fish. Jon has served as a board member for Launch St. Louis (co-founder), the Friends of Clifton Park (co-founder) and Brightside St. Louis. He’s a graduate of the University of Missouri School of Journalism.

25 Tips for Winning In the Workplace

1.      When you prepare and complete tasks, be aware of how your work may circulate up the organizational hierarchy
2.      Networking never ends so take the time to establish relationships and networks even when you’re getting situated into a career because they will always be valuable.
3.      If you discover a resource that may be beneficial to a supervisor, screenshot it and include in an email.
4.      Watch: How Great Leaders Inspire Action by Simon Sinek
5.      Even though you landed a job, there is always room to learn. Mentors are an important part of the process, use them!
6.      Communicate to your supervisor that you value their methodologies and thoughts by asking for their advice when you need it.
7.      If you’re not sure what to wear, it’s always best to be conservative. Apparel is important because it portrays an individuals’ level of dedication and determination.
8.      Although your phone may be a big part of your life, try to refrain from spending too much time on it. A general rule of thumb is to take a quick walk around the block and finish a conversation when necessary.
9.      As accustomed as you are to using your laptop, writing down notes on paper will impress your boss even more.
10.  As you may work on a team, it’s important to professionally treat all co-workers with respect and kindness because you never know when they might resurface in your life.
11.  When preparing for meetings, conduct some research about individuals attending so you are knowledgeable about their positioning and overall perspectives.
12.  Read the ‘deck’ (slide show or power point in the work place) before a meeting. This will demonstrate that you are prepared and ready to contribute ideas and thoughts.
13.  If faced with a task you don’t know how to complete, attempt to navigate through it yourself before reaching out for help. This will exemplify your ability to critically think and problem solve.
14.  Refrain from anything that resembles gossip or negative word of mouth regarding employees, past employers, etc.
15.  During your transition into a profession, it is normal to experience a lack of instant gratification, it doesn’t mean that you aren’t working hard. Just remember that appraisal doesn’t exist for simply doing your job.
16.  Don’t expect to always have feedback or be consistently evaluated on your performance. Silence isn’t always a negative thing.
17.  When asking for or negotiating a raise, support your argument with evidence or data that your contributions, work ethic, and achievements are valuable to the organization.
18.  Although we live in a rather open culture, it is best to avoid discussions about personal matters.
19.  It is imperative to understand that in the business world, you must bring in more than you make or the organization cannot afford you.
20.  Although it can seem tedious, read every single email you receive and respond thoughtfully with questions to answers, interest, and enthusiasm.
21.  If your mailbox is consistently flooded with emails, try to prioritize and organize them by using flags and categories.
22.  To demonstrate your interest and engagement with an organization, gain knowledge by attending lectures and conferences, reading blogs, and keeping up to date with current events regarding your industry.
23.  When you receive advice, do your best to demonstrate that you value it by executing it within your workplace.
24.  If you are not already, genuinely try to find inspiration from your occupation. The more inspired you are, the more you will achieve, and the more you achieve, the more satisfied you will be.
25.  Make friends! Friends within the workplace are an important part of your job because they can inspire you, help guide you, and contribute their skill sets.
The University of Denver would like to thank the rock star employees who make up the Millennial Club at the very awesome Denver powerhouse company, Zayo, for creating this amazing list of tips.

How To Make Your Resume Stand Out With No Work Experience

Great news! You’ve found an advertisement for your dream graduate job. All you have to do now is get it.
You need to write a resume, but you don’t have any work experience. What are you going to put on there? Competition for graduate jobs is tough. You need a resume that is going to stand out from the crowd, to get you the interview where you can really shine.
Don’t worry. Hiring managers for graduate positions know you’re not going to have extensive work experience. What they want to see is evidence of strong transferable skills, a can-do attitude, and the ability to do the simple things well.
Here’s how you show them that you’re the stand-out candidate.

Simple things

If it’s a good graduate job that’s on offer, it’s likely the Hiring Manager is going to receive a lot of resumes. You don’t want yours to end up in the trash because of a simple error.
Open with a short summary. An elevator pitch. Detail your core skills and educational achievements. Give the Hiring Manager encouragement to read on.
Make sure your resume is laid out in a way that’s easy to read. Ensure it’s free of spelling mistakes and grammatical errors.

Show off your skills

Transferable skills are what the Hiring Manager is primarily looking for, and if you have no work experience, you have to find other ways to show off your skills.
Anything can be a skill. Think of times where you demonstrated a skill that could be useful for the job. If you play for a sports team, do drama, volunteer, you’re displaying transferable skills. Leadership, initiative, ability to multitask. Find them, and put them on your resume.
If you have computer skills that are relevant for the job, like Microsoft Photoshop if you’re applying for a role in an ad agency, include it on your resume. It will put you one step ahead of someone who doesn’t have that skill.
Use specific numbers where possible. ‘Directed a play seen by 2,000 people’ is better than ‘directed a play many people saw’, take a look at some of these resume samples on how to elucidate your experience with numbers.

Attitude

Skills can be taught, but attitude cannot. On your resume, demonstrate times when you’ve shown a can-do attitude, willingness to learn, and good interaction with people.
When detailing your time at university, relate a time when you’ve had to study outside of your core subject. Let the Hiring Manager see that you are eager to learn and not afraid to go the extra mile.
All these tips will help you land that interview.
To conclude, a couple more insider tips. Research the company for the cover letter. Put something in there that shows you are actually interested in working for that company. If you have an idea that would benefit the company, don’t be afraid to put it down.
If possible, talk to the Hiring Manager on the phone. It gives them an opportunity to get to know you, and remember you. Do it under the guise of checking they received your resume, if you need to.

4 Tips for Surviving Super Day

For a term that sounds like so much fun, Super Day can often be one of the most stressful days during the interview process. Super day is the final round of interviews, typically for financial firms, at which point a small group of candidates participates in hopes of landing an offer. They can last anywhere from a couple of hours to a couple of days. Here is some advice from personal experience. 

  1. Come mentally and physically prepared. This may sound like a no-brainer, but it’s easy to underestimate how demanding the day(s) can be. Make sure to get a sufficient amount of sleep the night before, and eat a filling meal before you go.
  2. Remember that the entire day is an interview. The firm will likely have many employees from all levels taking time out of their busy schedules to participate. Even if you don’t have a sit-down interview with someone, you still have opportunities to make an impression. Be courteous to all, and don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation with someone to ask them some informal questions about their role 
  3. Be flexible. Your interview times, locations, and interviewers may change. Remember that the firm is taking time out of their schedule to meet with you, so it is only polite to remain amenable to any changes they have to make. 

  4. Show your interest. My final super day was much more fun than some others because I was genuinely interested in meeting everyone and learning everything I could. It is much harder to survive an entire day of interviews if you’re not excited about the firm or job. Moreover, if you feign interest, the interviewer will be able to tell.

Be calm and confident. Remember that you are at super day for a reason. Whether you’ve made it past one or four prior interviews, the firm is interested in learning more about you. Be confident in what makes you a great candidate, trust in your preparation, and remember to have fun! These are exciting times, and they move very quickly.

How to Choose Between a Career in Private or Public Accounting

The realm of accounting offers substantial career choices for those seeking it.  Accountants are vital to a business because they collect, analyze, and organize financial findings so as to steer a company into making wise financial decisions.  Other duties of an accountant include verifying that a company is working within the boundaries of financial law.
There are two main branches under accounting: public and private.  Public accountants are those that work with a diverse array of clients, while private accountants will work with one company.  However, there are still many other differences between the two that lead entirely different paths. If you are wondering whether private or public accounting is best for you, here are some guidelines that should assist you.
Education
Both require a bachelor’s degree, which usually consists of a focus in accounting, finance, or business.  Many people of either field will go on to graduate school. However, the training required will be different.  A public accountant is trained specifically to analyze accounting systems and collect financial information. This accountant will use this information to help make a business run more efficiently.  A public accountant will do this for a variety of businesses, yet a private accountant will only do this for one. In addition, a private accountant is trained to develop more accounting transactions.
Certification
Public and private accountants require different certification.  A public accountant requires a Certified Public Accountant certificate (or CPA). The CPA is a very long, intensive, and comprehensive exam that requires aspiring public accountants to undergo hundreds of hours of preparation.  It can take some accountants a few years in order to pass the exam if they persevere. Most must invest in a CPA review course to adequately prepare themselves for the exam, which adds thousands of dollars to the already time-intensive study process. Private accountants do not require a certification, although having a CPA next to your name will still bring additional professional opportunities to you. In the long run, it’s a worthy goal for both public and private accountants to have.
Work Environment
Because a private accountant works with one company, their work environment is likely to be constant.  You will probably have your own office or desk and you will have a fixed schedule—more of a nine to five position than you’ll experience in public accounting.  For those with a family or those who seek stability, becoming a private accountant provides that. If you would like more flexibility and versatility in your job, public accounting may include travel.  However, public accountants often have long hours and strict deadlines. There are benefits and disadvantages in both sectors, but it’s important to examine your personal work preferences before committing to either.
Skills
Both jobs require similar skills despite having different work environments and requirements.  Public and private accountants both need to be excellent communicators. This is because you will often, in either position, need to communicate your findings and advice effectively to peers, leadership, and laymen that may not understand finance very well.  Analytic and critical thinking skills are also essential. However, there are also differing skills that play a part as well. The ideal personality for a public accounting position is someone who is adaptable and outgoing, due to the variable nature of their career.  Private accountants need to be highly organized within their company and dependable because of their fixed environment.
Endgame
If you want a career with chance of advancement, both paths are viable options.  Private accountants typically grow from entry-level professionals to managerial positions within one business.  They may also become CFOs and gain specialization quickly due to the focus of their job. Public accountants will start as entry-level as well, but they may become senior accountants and gain partnerships in the firm they belong to. In terms of salary, both offer competitive rates.  Depending on education and experience, an accountant of either field will receive a substantial income that can rise substantially over time.
A private accountant will typically start at around $44,000 to reach upwards of $60,000 over time.  A public accountant will usually start at about $50,000 and rise over time to about $74,000. Both offer the potential to earn an income in the triple digits given the position.  In addition, there is always a need for accountants, therefore you will find no shortage of jobs wherever life takes you. Keep these facets in mind as you make a decision and catapult your accounting career.

I Sem-General English – Mini Teaching Vs. Micro Teaching

MINI TEACHING LESSON PLAN (for presenters)
Name:                                                                  Subject:
Grade Level:                                                        Date:
OBJECTIVES:
The student will be able to:
[Identify each objective (what you want your students to learn or accomplish) by number, using appropriate verbs that indicate measurable objectives.  Additionally, be sure not to confuse objectives with goals.]
MATERIALS:
[In a numbered list, identify all materials and resources you used in preparing and delivering the mini lesson.  In the case of articles and texts, provide sufficient bibliographical information.]
CONTENT OUTLINE:
[Provide a topic outline of your mini lesson using the following main headings: Introduction, Activities, and Closure.  Note:  A topic outline, by definition, has specific characteristics, including parallel construction.  Be sure that you adhere to the guidelines for this type of outline.]
ACTIVITIES AND PROCEDURES:
[In narrative form, provide a detailed discussion of the mini lesson using the following subheadings: Introductory Activities, Development Activities, and Concluding.  Be sure to indicate the time allotted for each of these activities as well as the competencies that support them. ]
EVALUATION AND ASSESSMENT:
[List how the students will demonstrate their learning.  That is, how will you know the mini lesson has been successful?  Consider informal, formal, and portfolio methods of assessment from both a short- and long-term perspective.]
ITF Mini Teaching evaluation form (for audiences)
________________________  __________________
Presenter                                             Topic
CRITERIA
COMMENTS
Lesson Planning and Organization
  -Length of lesson
  -Clear introduction, Body, Conclusion
  -Clear expectations to students
Knowledge of Subject Matter
  -Demonstrated good technical knowledge
  -Covered subject matter well
Engagement of Students
  -Demonstrated good activities to get students engaged
  -Made topic as interesting as possible 
Instructional Media
  -Instructional media helped to convey information   (video, overheads, handouts, etc.)
Teaching performance
  -Showed enthusiasm
  – Use good strategies to deal with language challenges 
Strengths of Presentation
Weaknesses of Presentation

3 Resume Summary Examples That’ll Make Writing Your Own Easier

3 Resume Summary Examples That’ll Make Writing Your Own Easier was originally published on The Muse, a great place to research companies and careers. Click here to search for great jobs and companies near you.
There’s one thing you likely already know: If you still have an objective statement perched at the top of your resume, it’s time for some serious updating.
That formal (and, let’s be honest, totally useless) blurb of the past has since made way for something new: a summary statement. So… uhh… what exactly is a summary statement? It’s a few short lines or bullet points that go at the top of your document and make it easy for the hiring manager to understand your experience and qualifications. Basically, it explains what you bring to the table for that employer.
It sounds simple in theory. But, if you’re anything like me, when you sit down to actually crank out that brief little blurb, you’re left staring at a menacing blinking text cursor for a good half hour. Yes, even I struggle with these—and I make my living as a writer.
Fortunately, there’s nothing like a little bit of inspiration to get your creative juices flowing. So, I’ve pulled together three real resume summary statements that are sure to get a hiring manager’s attention.
Extract some lessons from what these people did well, and you’ll take a little bit of the stress and pain out of writing your own.

Who Needs a Summary Statement?

Just wait—before we jump right into the samples, this is an important question to answer.
If you’re one of those people who has righteously told yourself, “Psh, summary statement? I don’t need one of those!”—well, you might be right, they work better for some people than for others.
“Summary statements are usually best for more experienced professionals with years of experiences to tie together with a common theme (read: brand). Or, alternatively, they can be used to tie together disparate experiences with a set of key transferable skills,” explains Muse writer, Lily Zhang, in her article on the topic. If you’re someone with a pretty straightforward career history and path, that precious real estate might be better used for bullet points, rather than this type of paragraph. But, if you’re an experienced candidate or are changing careers? This could be just what you need to make your resume a little more cohesive.

1. Start by Saying Who You Are

Editorial-minded marketer and communications strategist transforming the way brands interact with audiences through content. With over seven years of experience at consumer startups, media companies, and an agency, brings a thoughtful perspective and blend of creative chops and digital data-savvy. Entrepreneurial at heart and a team player recognized for impassioned approach and colorful ideas.

 Why it Works:

“This is a great example of a concise and compelling summary because it explains who this professional is (first line), puts her experience into context (second line), and highlights her intangible strengths (final sentence),” explains Jaclyn Westlake, career expert, resume writer, and writer for The Muse.
But, what this statement does exceptionally well is start with a powerful statement about exactly who this candidate is and what she does. “If this were the only sentence a hiring manager read about this candidate, she’d still have a pretty good idea what this person is about,” Westlake adds.

2. Make it an Elevator Pitch

High-achieving Enterprise software account manager driven to increase sales in established accounts while reaching out to prospects. Help Fortune 500 companies gain a competitive edge and increase revenue by identifying customer needs, providing recommendations, and implementing technology products that solve problems and enhance capabilities.

 Why It Works:

One way to make writing your own resume summary statement easier? Think of it like an elevator pitch. Since employers care most about what sort of value you can add to their organization, it’s smart to follow in the footsteps of this sample and use the bulk of your summary to emphasize not only what you do, but why it’s important. “This summary clearly articulates who he is, whom he serves, and how he helps,” says Theresa Merrill, Muse Master Career Coach.
Maybe you won’t use words like “gain a competitive edge” or “increase revenue” in your own statement. But, give some thought to how your skills and expertise help the overall organization, and then weave that into your statement.

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3. Keep it Short

Award-winning journalist and digital producer offering extensive experience in social media content curation, editing, and storytelling. Adept at transforming complex topics into innovative, engaging, and informative news stories.

Why it Works:
This one is significantly shorter than the other statements included here. But, that doesn’t mean it’s any less effective.
“It’s short and sweet,” says Merrill, “It highlights his expertise the right away with a word like ‘award-winning’ and also shares what makes him unique.” When you’re trying to keep things to one page, you know by now that space is limited on your resume ( here’s some great advice about what to cut, by the way). So, the more concise you can make your statement—while still ensuring it still packs a punch—the better.
If you do choose to move forward with a resume summary statement, remember to treat it as your own personal highlight reel. “A summary isn’t meant to be a regurgitation of the information already on your resume,” concludes Westlake, “It should serve to further enhance the reader’s understanding of your experience, specialties, and strengths. It’s also an excellent way to tie your work history together to help hiring managers better understand how your experience would translate into the role they’re recruiting for.”
Think through what you bring to the table and then use these three samples as your inspiration, and you’re sure to craft a resume summary statement that grabs that hiring manager’s attention
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCzOJDJZHoBttdHAjJsnN9w?sub_confirmation=1

How to Make a Successful Career Transition

Are you considering a career change? Unlike finding a new job, this might mean leaving an industry, as in shifting from journalism to wealth management, or moving to an entirely different position in your company, such as transferring from procurement to human resources. If career transition is on your horizon, following these steps will make the swap easier.
Reflect
Why do you want to change careers? Are you looking for a different work environment or culture? Do you seek the potential for a higher salary and/or more upward mobility? Do you want fewer hours, remote or part-time work options? Do you prefer different types of customers or clients? Are you ready for a new challenge? Do you feel your best talents are not being used?
If so, designate time to reflect and decide what you really want. Reread old performance evaluations. Talk to your closest advisors. What do you complain about? What energizes you? When do you seem most satisfied? Consider the many reasons you believe change is necessary and what will make you happy.
Assess
Make a list of your strengths, weaknesses, likes and dislikes. How have you used your strengths in current or past jobs? What weaknesses have become apparent? What would make you get up each morning excited to go to work? What do you never want to do again? What areas do you lack in your desired field? You may be able to answer these and identify the perfect job. If not, consider using a formal assessment tool like the Strengths Assessment or the Meyers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI). Learn more about the former here or participate in the MBTI group assessment on September 18 by emailing Grace.Goodman@du.edu.
Explore
Investigate your options. Whether you know the job you want or are unsure, research is your best tool.  Check out job boards to learn about opportunities in that field, what skills are required and the salary ranges. Network with professionals and ask about the day-to-day work and future growth of positions that interest you. Utilize Pioneer Connect (DU’s networking platform) and LinkedIn to find people in your desired area and chat with them about their experiences.
Learn
If you are missing required skills, determine how to acquire them. Take classes or obtain certifications through DU’s Executive Education, Center for Professional Development or University College. Inquire at your local work force center. Use Lynda.com to take online classes.
Tell Your Story
Revise your resume to showcase transferable skills. Use the language of your desired position to describe your past accomplishments. Focus on the similarities between the two jobs. Explain why this transition is natural and a benefit to your future employer.
If you are embarking on or considering a career transition, join us on campus on August 29 for Career Transitions: a Roadmap for Success, part of the Alumni Professional Development Series. You will leave understanding the steps necessary to make a successful career transition.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCzOJDJZHoBttdHAjJsnN9w?sub_confirmation=1

The 5 C’s of Credit

By Chemeketa SBDC

Businesses require capital to start, run and grow. Where does it come from? Isn’t that a large piece of the successful business puzzle? Many small businesses must save for years or invest inheritance or retirement funds, while others borrow from friends and family.
While these are successful venues to pursue in raising funds for business, they are not always available. Who is always available? The bank.
Visiting a bank is not a guarantee that you will receive needed funds; typically, about one in four businesses will be successful in getting a loan. Why is that number so low? Banks want to lend in a manner that brings the greatest return for the least risk. In other words, they want to know they’ll get their money back.
So your job as a potential borrower is to demonstrate that you are capable of repaying what was borrowed and that you are a minimal risk to the bank. Banks look at potential borrowers and assess their 5 C’s: character, credit score, capacity, capital and collateral. Bankers often use this term to describe the considerations given to the borrowing ability of a small business.
A bank is going to assess your character. This is often picked up during the interview process and throughout your work with the loan officers. Do you have a history of paying on time? How do you treat your managers, employees, vendors and customers? This is a subjective judgment but is one of the 5 C’s, a piece of the decision-making process.
On the flip side, the next test is not so subjective. Credit score is often a make-or-break consideration. A credit score demonstrates your commitment to meeting your financial obligations. There is not a concrete minimum score; each institution sets its own policy regarding credit scores. Having a high score increases your chances of borrowing money.
Free reports are available, and you should review your score at least annually. This will help you identify ways to clean up your credit. It also provides a basis for comparing yourself to other borrowers, as most reports tell you where you rank nationwide. You can work on your credit score for months and even years in advance of applying for a loan to position yourself to be lendable.
Capacity is where your projections are used. What is your ability to repay the loan? A banker will look for sufficient cash flows to cover your debt repayments, not just to this bank but to all the sources from which you have borrowed funds.
Debt-to-income ratios are used in making these determinations. Most homebuyers are familiar with this computation. When looking at your total debt payments as a percentage of your total income, it must be below certain thresholds determined by the bank to keep its risks at moderate levels.
Next comes the skin-in-the-game test. A lender wants you to invest, not just your time and efforts, but your money into the business as well. Capital. This is often a deal breaker as many people expect to be 100 percent financed. Typically you will need to contribute 20 to 30 percent of the capital. These funds are often raised from friends, family or retirement withdrawals.
The last of the 5 C’s is collateral. Your lender wants to know how it can get its money back if you default and don’t repay. If you pledge real estate or capital equipment as collateral, then you can be forced to sell the assets and the proceeds used to repay your creditor. Remember, banks are risk averse, and having sufficient collateral allows them the best opportunity to recover their funds, but such a drastic measure is typically a worst-case scenario.
Banks are great to work with. They want to lend money. But will they lend to you? Are you bankable? That is for the bank to determine, but if you strive to improve your 5 C’s, you are giving yourself the best chance at raising the funds necessary to start, run and grow your small business.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCzOJDJZHoBttdHAjJsnN9w?sub_confirmation=1

Considering a Gig Job? Here’s What You Should Know.

Gig jobs are those where workers earn money based on the task, or “gig” they complete. Gig workers are typically independent contractors or free-lancers who work part-time, without benefits, sometimes for multiple companies. There has been a lot of buzz in the press lately about the rise of the gig economy. Is this the new wave of the future?
According to Colorado Department of Labor statistics, the number of Colorado part-time workers actually decreased from 23.9% in 2006 to 22.5% in 2016. Interestingly, the number of part-time workers seeking full-time employment rose during the same period, from 13.7% in 2006 to 16.7% in 2016. So what does this mean? Despite all the press, the gig economy isn’t significantly changing the way we work. People work part-time for a number of reasons and some of those prefer full-time work.
What has changed is the number of opportunities. The rise of Uber, Lyft, Airbnb, Rover and similar companies has resulted in an increasing number of easily accessible gig jobs. If you are considering testing the gig economy, here are some considerations:
  1. Is the gig economy a good fit? If you’re trying to earn some extra cash, try out a new business or field, or plan for a future career change, a gig job may be what you’re looking for. If you crave stability, benefits or a traditional structure, you will likely wind up frustrated.
  2. Do you like flexibility? The hours and schedules for gig jobs can flex to fit your lifestyle. Do you have to work around another job or family obligations? Do you prefer to work from home? As your own boss, you decide when and where to work.
  3. Can you manage yourself? You won’t have a set schedule so you have to stay on task. If you don’t work, you don’t get paid. And don’t forget to plan for taxes as a self-employed worker.
  4. Do you offer a needed skill? As in most types of work, the more in-demand your skill, the higher the pay. If anyone can do the gig job, you may be putting in a lot of hours for minimal return. Working the most needed hours or providing something that is more niche should increase your income.
  5. Are you entrepreneurial? If being your own boss is appealing, gig jobs may be a great option. Working for larger companies as an independent contractor can allow you to focus on the work you love.
If you’re interested in learning more about the gig economy, join the DU Young Professionals on October 17 to hear about the benefits and challenges of working gig jobs. Register here.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCzOJDJZHoBttdHAjJsnN9w?sub_confirmation=1

Take Advantage of the Just in Time Career & Internship Fair

Careers with a Cause

All Majors “Just In Time” Career & Internship Fair

Thursday, May 3, 20181pm – 3pmCraig Hall (Graduate School of Social Work)Learn more: http://bit.ly/2BReg9P

Whether you’re at the career fair to gather information about possible careers, or to network with employers and alumni, it’s important to be prepared and professional.
If it’s your first time working the room, we have some tips that will help you get the information you need and make a good first impression.

PREPARING FOR THE CAREER FAIR

  • Look over the list of attending employers and target those that interest you most.
  • Research your target employers ahead of time and carefully review their company websites and job listings.
  • Make a list of questions you want to ask your target employers.
  • Update your resume, making sure it’s relevant to your target employers.
  • As a rule of thumb, bring at least 10 more copies of your resume than you think you’ll need. It’s better to have too many than too few.
  • Bring a notebook or portfolio with room to collect business cards and brochures.
  • Prepare a short, professional introduction, including focused information about your experience, strengths, accomplishments, career interests and goals.
  • Dress professionally.
  • Arrive early, and plan extra time for parking and locating your target employers.

NETWORKING WITH EMPLOYERS AND ALUMNI

  • Always shake hands, make eye contact and smile when you meet someone for the first time. Demonstrate enthusiasm, confidence and interest.
  • Introduce yourself using your prepared professional introduction and don’t forget to ask the questions you’ve prepared.
  • Answer any questions directly, politely and concisely.
  • Listen attentively, take notes if you need them, and ask for business cards and brochures from your target employers.
  • Network with other students and alumni as you go; they may know of other relevant opportunities.
  • If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a break. Give yourself time to get organized and return to the fair with renewed energy.
  • Always thank employer representatives for their time.

GATHERING INFORMATION

If you haven’t yet declared a major or chosen a career path, career fairs can be a great place to do a little research.
Before the fair, make a list of careers and fields you’re considering. Then, during the fair, approach the relevant employers, introduce yourself, and tell them you’re currently researching careers, and would love to know more about their company and industry.

GETTING CREATIVE—WHEN YOUR FIELD ISN’T REPRESENTED AT THE FAIR

If you’re interested in one career, but an employer is recruiting for another, don’t let that stop you from saying hello.
Pick employers who might use your skill set, introduce yourself and ask about opportunities in your field. Ask if the representative can give you a name and contact information for someone in the relevant department.
Even if the recruiter takes a copy of your resume to pass along, make sure to follow up with the relevant department after the fair.

AFTER THE CAREER FAIR

  • Send thank you notes to representatives at your target companies. Thank them for the information, remind them how you met, and reiterate your qualifications and interest in the company.
  • Follow up on interesting employment opportunities; send your resume and cover letter to the potential employer, complete an online application, request a job description or application packet, or call or email the relevant person/department to ask if someone has had a chance to review the resume you submitted at the fair.

RELAX; IT’S NOT A TEST.

Don’t forget to relax and have fun. Choosing a career and finding a job can be daunting, but it can also be exciting—learning more about your options, taking advantage of free employer giveaways and meeting new people.
So, while you’re doing your research and making your connections, don’t forget to smile and enjoy the process.
Need some help brainstorming your introduction, preparing your resume or coming up with employer questions? Contact our team.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCzOJDJZHoBttdHAjJsnN9w?sub_confirmation=1

3 Lies You Tell Yourself When You Can’t Seem to Get Any Interviews

3 Lies You Tell Yourself When You Can’t Seem to Get Any Interviews was originally published on The Muse, a great place to research companies and careers. Click here to search for great jobs and companies near you.
At one point during my last job search, I lost count of how many days went by without an interview. And as much as I wanted to say I was doing just peachy, the truth was that having nothing on my calendar was taking a toll on me. I get a lot of energy from being around people, so the fact that I had nowhere to be but the little desk in our living room made me feel like a complete failure.
Fast-forward to today and that experience makes me confident enough to say two things. For starters, people in a similar situation are absolutely not failures. But even more importantly, there are some pretty common lies that are easy to believe when you’re constantly striking out.
Since you’re reading this right now, here are a few things I have a feeling you’re thinking right this second.

1. I Need to Apply to More Jobs to Increase My Odds

Sometimes, job openings can seem like lottery tickets. When you need to find something ASAP, it’s even easier to look at the number of positions you’ve applied for and say, “I need to double that number to increase my chances of landing one of them.” And when that happens, you end up spending an entire day sending out typo-ridden resumes and badly-tailored cover letters just for the sake of being able to say you did “everything you could” to find your next gig.

What to Do Instead

Instead of applying for more jobs, take a closer look at the positions you’ve applied for recently. You might find that some of them aren’t actually aligned with your career goals. In other cases, you’ll discover that you made a critical error on your application that cost you the interview. No matter what you find, do a little homework on your past applications before you start blasting out more to out to any company that happens to be hiring.

2. I Have it Pretty Good at My Current Job

When all you’re getting is radio silence, it’s easy to look at your current role with rose-colored glasses and assume that it’s a sign that you should stay put. I’ve been there myself. Ask any one of my closest friends, and they’ll tell you about a time when I said that even though my job at the time kept me up all night, that at least I was able to make my rent. And when nobody’s reaching out to schedule any interviews, it’s easy to take this lie as proof that it’s time to pump the brakes on trying to find something new.

What to Do Instead

A friend of mine forced me at one point to write down everything I disliked about my position. Not just hypothetically, and not just during a general brainstorming session. I mean I got a pen and pad out of my desk, gave myself 30 minutes to think about my job, and write down what I couldn’t stand about it.
At the end of the exercise, I realized that it was time to start pursuing new opportunities ASAP. This might sound silly, but seeing your biggest grievances written down in ink is a pretty good motivator to keep grinding during a long hunt.

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3. There’s Nothing I Can Do to Change This

When things aren’t going your way, simply getting an interview on the calendar can seem impossible. And as the days (sometimes, weeks) go by with nothing but radio silence, it’s natural to assume that you’re not hearing back from employers because you’re just the worst candidate on the face of the earth. Of course, that couldn’t be further from the truth—but when you have nothing to look forward to, it’s hard to believe otherwise.

What to Do Instead

This might sound counterintuitive, but I found that it was incredibly helpful at these junctures to take a break from my hunt. I had a really hard time being productive (let alone find openings I actually wanted) when I was so down on myself. If you’re currently employed, take a day to focus 100% on your current role, even if you hate what you’re doing.
Or, if you’re unemployed, take an afternoon to catch up on something you enjoy doing. This might sound like a step in the wrong direction, but you’ll be more inspired to get back on the grind after you take a second to catch your breath.
But in the event that you still need a little kick in the pants to shake the feeling that you can’t change your situation, consider hiring a career coach to help you understand why you’re not getting any responses.
No matter where you are in your job search, it’s hard to look at your calendar and see absolutely nothing on the docket. Of course, there are a few things about your approach you could consider adjusting.
But no matter how many (or how few) interviews you have lined up, don’t let yourself believe that things will be like this forever. Find the help you need, take a few beats to collect your thoughts, and attack the search like you and I both know you can attack it.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCzOJDJZHoBttdHAjJsnN9w?sub_confirmation=1

How To Get That Interview And Land The Job

Get That Interview And Land The Job
Do you feel as though you’re great on paper, but you’re not able to get past the application stage of the job search process? It’s not about your experience, but the approaches you’re taking when looking for work. Here’s how you can optimize your job seeking process and get that interview.

Take advantage of applicant tracking systems

Many companies now use applicant tracking systems to whittle down the applicants for interview automatically. These systems use keywords and look for them in your application. If they can’t find enough instances of them, your application is instantly rejected. Determine what they keywords may be, and make sure you use them.

Don’t be too picky

Students who have just graduated, or people looking to switch career, are often stuck in the trap of looking for the perfect job. The problem is, it doesn’t exist. The roles you’re applying for will never be able to meet every single thing you require of them. If you understand that when you’re applying, you’re much more likely to be able to adapt to the roles at hand.

Take your time

Don’t rush an application. Take your time and research the company you’re applying to. Take care in the writing of your CV and covering letter. If you plan in advance, you can put a lot more care and attention into what you write.

Don’t ignore temporary jobs

Temp jobs may feel like a step back when you’re job hunting, but in fact, you’re much better off in a temp job than unemployed. If you have large gaps in your CV, then you’ll have to explain them to any recruiter who asks. If you’ve been temping though, you can show that you’ve been active in working, even if it’s just temping, while you’ve been looking for a better role. Some companies will hire their temps on permanently if they’re good, so it’s worth making a good impression while you’re there.

Get your foot in the door

Before getting that perfect role, you need to get your foot in the door. Don’t focus too much on the role itself, if it’s with the right industry or company. Instead, just get in here and then focus on working your way up the ladder. You have the opportunity to really show what you’re made of, so use it.

Tools to help you get that job

– Resumention: These writers will happily work with you in order to get your CV looking perfect.
– 5 Ways To Create A Truly Memorable Resume: This guide has some highly useful technical tips to help you put your CV together before you apply.
– PaperFellows: If you struggle with grammar, this is a writing community to turn to. Users can suggest you how to correct the grammar in an existing CV, or help you with writing a new one.
– 10 Resume Building Tools And Services: These tools can be very helpful in the CV writing and application process, and so are worth checking out.
– Resume Genius: This website has a whole host of resume templates to choose from, so you have a good base to start writing from.
– EasyWordCount: If you’re struggling to proofread, or you don’t have time to get it done, use this online tool. It will highlight the misspells in your CV.
To get that interview, it just takes a slight readjustment of expectations and a different approach to what you’re doing. Take this advice and you’ll soon be getting the interviews you need. You’ll get that job in no time.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCzOJDJZHoBttdHAjJsnN9w?sub_confirmation=1

What Actually Happened When I Transferred to a Different Team at My Company

What Actually Happened When I Transferred to a Different Team at My Company was originally published on The Muse, a great place to research companies and careers. Click here to search for great jobs and companies near you.
If you told me a year ago that I’d wind up changing jobs, there’s no way I would’ve believed you. I felt really lucky that my first role out of college was at a company with a mission I believed in—and I had no complaints.
Fast forward and I’m working in a completely different field as an HR Coordinator. I love my current role, even though I hadn’t always been planning on it.
So, what happened in between? I transferred internally from the profiles team at The Muse to a role in human resources, and the process was nowhere near as scary as I imagined it would be.
That said, there were three steps that helped make the transition go smoothly that I’d recommend to anyone contemplating a similar move.

1. I Tried the Sort of Work I’d Be Doing First

My first hint that I was interested in another field came out of a project I worked on for fun in which I helped organize a way to formally celebrate employee anniversaries. (Yes, this was something I thought was fun!)
After testing it out and seeing the success, I kept going—despite the fact it was in no way a part of my role.
The fact I looked forward to this was a big sign to me that I wanted to be a part of helping people feel recognized and appreciated for their time at work.

Here’s How You Can Do the Same

If you’re drawn to opportunities outside of your job description, take them on. Yes, it can mean more work in the short run, but it’s a great way to find out how much you enjoy it—before you set things in motion to change roles.
Not to mention, when something opens up in that other department and you want to apply, you’ll have concrete examples of how you can contribute.
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Hanging out with my first team at The Muse in the office

2. I Talked to My Boss

After I read the job description for the HR Coordinator role, I decided I’d like to pursue it. So, my next step was to have a long talk with my manager about what it would mean if I applied—whether or not I ended up getting the job.
I was torn between wanting to apply, and not wanting to leave the team that I’d grown so close to. It was hard for me to wrap my head around the right decision since I wasn’t unhappy. My manager was extremely supportive and let me know that my current position would still be there for me if I didn’t end up getting this new job.

Here’s How to Have That Conversation

Before you sit down with your boss, be prepared to discuss why you want to apply. Assuming you’re on good terms with your manager and he or she cares about your growth, it’ll be a positive exchange (albeit a little awkward).
Think of this discussion as a good time to talk about what you like and dislike about your current position. If you end up staying, you’ve started a dialogue about the work you’re most passionate about, and if someone else needs to take your place, your manager has the information they need to help the team move forward. Since you’ll remain working in the same vicinity, it’s incredibly important to keep this conversation positive (so no burning bridges or turning this into a venting session).
That said, I know not everyone has a good relationship with their boss. So, if you think they may start excluding you from good projects if you share your desire to change roles—and then stay put—that’s something to think about before moving forward.
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Hanging out with my second team at The Muse on our ski retreat

3. I Stayed Considerate of My Old Team

When I found out that I got the position, I was thrilled for this new chapter to start, but also anxious. I knew why I wanted it, but since I hadn’t been unhappy or actively looking for a job before applying, how would I explain it to my co-workers? Would I have to explain my move to people one by one as I ran into them at the Keurig machine?
I informed the people I worked closest with first and worked with my team to make sure all of my daily responsibilities would be covered before I moved. The week before I started, my new manager sent out an email to the whole team announcing my new role (and saving me from having to explain why I was suddenly sitting at a different table).

Here’s How to Leave on Good Terms

If you get the offer: Congrats! Once everything’s official, have a conversation with your manager letting them know you’ve accepted and offer up any details about the timeline.
Fortunately for your team, your transition away from the role will be a little less scary since you’ll still be around for any questions. Be sure you speak personally with anyone who reports to you or who relies on you to get their own job done before any wider announcements are made.
If you don’t get the job, spend some time thinking about what motivated you to apply and focus on ways you can grow your current role—or if that’s not possible, ways you stretch outside of work.
At most (reasonable) organizations, applying for a job internally will not affect your current role. Though, if you find yourself incredibly bummed that you didn’t get it—or you do feel repercussions—it might be a sign that it’s time to explore other similar opportunities outside of your current company.

WANT TO SEE WHAT IT WOULD BE LIKE TO WORK IN HR?

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Once everyone knew, my inbox flooded with supportive and congratulatory messages from my co-workers. I learned that if you take the initiative to explore what you’re really passionate about, it’s hard for people not to be excited for you.
So, if you find yourself being drawn to a new opportunity, see it through. And when you’re happy at your current company already, an internal transfer is really the best of both worlds.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCzOJDJZHoBttdHAjJsnN9w?sub_confirmation=1