Creative Resumes How Much Is Too Much

Creative Resumes â€" How Much Is Too Much Those of us who make our living in the field of recruiting have seen our share of resumes. During my tenure as a Sourcer, I would venture to say I viewed over a thousand resumes a month. Nearly all of these were standard print resumes posted on internet job boards and career sites. Recently, I saw an article entitled 13 Insanely Cool Resumes That Landed Interviews at Google and Other Top Jobs. These included incredible works of innovation and graphic design, some of which were worthy of wall space in the Guggenheim. Resumes resembling movie posters, subway maps and Facebook pages, resumes that included tables of contents, info graphics and videos, even a resume embroidered on a piece of fabric were all featured in the article. However, despite the originality and artistic splendor that these resumes displayed, another descriptor came to mind…overkill. I couldn’t help but wonder how these types of resumes were viewed by employers â€" as a display of true creative genius, or as a cry for attention from unemployed candidates with too much time on their hands. There Are Always Exceptions The fact that a candidate was able to secure an interview at Google with an over-the-top resume does not surprise me. Google is known for being unique in every respect, and it works for them. Any company whose employees descend slides and fire poles in the office instead of staircases has got to appreciate the outside-the-box thinking that such a resume demonstrates. But what about the rest of the world’s employers that don’t hold board meetings on beanbag chairs? Heres a creative resume example (you decide whether its too much or not!):  How To Make a Creative Resume on Prezi. Sometimes Less Is More An article printed in Brigham Young University’s school magazine tells of an MBA student who sent his resume to Johnson Johnson, only to have it returned with the instructions that it “needed to be printed on white paper, mailed unstapled in an 8 ½ x 11 envelope, and could not have fancy printing or graphics, bold, underlines, italics, or small print.” This particularly concerned three BYU professors of Management Communication whose teachings included embellishing resumes with these items. The professors decided to conduct a study of the prevalence among Fortune 500 companies of electronic resume management (ERM) systems â€" systems that manage resume data in a database that allows the data to be searchable. The issue at hand was whether these companies who received large volumes of resumes utilized scanners to input resumes into the ERMs, and if so, would their scanners be able to accurately read text from embellished resumes. The results showed that 60 percent of the companies surveyed did not scan their resumes, instead choosing to input the data manually. Of the companies that did scan the resumes they received, 77 percent said their scanners would generally accept embellished typography. In the end, the three professors felt they could safely continue to counsel students to embellish their resumes. Know Your Audience Despite a company’s ability to input a resume’s contents into their database, the question remains whether or not employers look favorably upon lengthy, flashy or overly-creative resumes. In some industries such as graphic design or advertising, the resume may act as a living, breathing example of the candidate’s ability to do the type of work that the job entails. What better way to prove you’re worthy of a job than with a resume that demonstrates your skill to the hiring manager before they even read a word? But for jobs that do not directly involve the skills used to create the resume, many employers will view the candidate as someone with misplaced priorities â€" someone who spends too much time amusing himself with creating a document instead of focusing on putting that document to work in order to achieve its intended result. Always Have a Back-up Plan The fact is that every job is different, as is every employer. If a candidate has the skill and originality to create a resume that will set him or her apart from the competition, and the creation of such a document is what the candidate truly enjoys doing, then why not put the skill to use in order to obtain employment? But the candidate should always remember to keep a plain, unembellished copy of his or her resume on hand as well for those employers who want nothing to do with creative, artistic resumes. In the end, the eye-catching flash and flare on a candidate’s resume that gets him or her the job at one company is the exact same distraction that will route the resume straight into the hiring manager’s trash can at another company.

Why More Women Should Consider a Career in Trades

Why More Women Should Consider a Career in Trades Economists agree: millennials should consider trades. Education is very expensive. Most students are graduating with $37,000+ in student loan debt. Its a hard pill to swallow when a lot of graduates are just starting their lives and want to: buy cars, get a home and start a family. Women and men alike are being told to consider a career in trades. Trades also offer great salaries, and the education requirements are a lot less than going to college. A few of the best-paying career options in trades for women are: 1. Truck Drivers Truck drivers are in very high demand, but were seeing a misrepresentation of women in the field. Sure, women may have families that keep them from a career as a truck driver; long hours and sometimes weeks away from home are the norm. But the Bureau of Labor statistics found that there are 177,000  female   truck drivers. This is an industry that has swelled to 3.5 million active truckers in 2015. Truck drivers earn $41,340, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, but this figure is often much higher with experience. The field is under threat by autonomous trucks. However, with 113,000+ jobs expected to be added between 2016 and 2026, its a field that is in very high demand. 2. Plumbing How many times have you called a plumber and a woman came to the door? Probably not often. Plumbers have a safe job because theyre not under threat of automation just yet. Technology is helping refine the industry and advance it, but the industry is safe. Why? 75,800 jobs are expected to be added over the next decade The industry is expected to experience 16% growth on average Plumbing does require an apprenticeship, and the majority of states will require a plumber to have some form of licensing to operate legally. A career in plumbing will earn you an average salary of $51,000+ per year. 3. Mechanic Automotive service technicians are in high demand, and with an ever-changing automotive landscape, there is always a demand for highly-skilled mechanics. On-the-job training is required, and salaries have a median pay of $38,470 per year. The industry is expected to grow at a rate of 6% per year and add 47,600 positions in the next decade. Statistics show that less than 2% of women are mechanics or auto technicians. The field is in need of more women, and you can fill this position with little training involved. Whats the Catch? Trades will require some form of training, so you will need to be a go-getter. Youll need to have a passion in the field and work to bolster those skills as you enter the field. Apprenticeships and training may be required. Depending on the field, you may also need: Certification Licensing Training Depending on the field, you may have to go through training programs that last 6 months to 2 years on average. But the training is far less expensive than your traditional college education and may be covered completely by a potential employer willing to invest in you.

The new authenticity More nuanced than simple transparency

The new authenticity More nuanced than simple transparency You know authenticity is how you connect with people, but its hard to know how to gain authenticity. Just wanting it does not increase it. Also, our perception of what is authentic changes. For example, five years ago, when social media was new, authenticity was transparency. Today, with most things feeling transparent, authenticity is something more nuanced. 1. Authenticity is traditional. Its what we expect and not overly inventive. Think the farm-to-table movement. People want real food which means real farms with real farmers. Which is a very traditional lifestyle. Farm to table is traditional food: no Asian fusion. Trends in religion are the same. Gen Y gravitates to religions that are not so much cool as grounded in tradition. And in response, the new pope is making huge headway by going back to the roots of Christianity, publicly embracing the shockingly deformed, for example, instead of focusing on elitist and top-down leadership. 2. Authenticity is about grit, not success. Facebook makes people depressed because people paint such rosy images of themselves. And increasingly people find the constant self-promotion boorish. The well-loved blog posts are those that talk about personal struggle. We find our true selves when we go through a difficult time, which means we are best able to show our true selves while we are going through it. 3. Authenticity does not have its own domain name. Authenticity is about connecting, not promoting. You do not need your own web site. Because the world does not see you as a destination spot. I know you are thinking that this is odd coming from me on a website with my name as the .com. But heres the difference. I spend my life creating a community on my site. You do not want to spend your life creating that kind of community. You have other things you want to do, like have friends  and hold a marriage together. So you dont need your own domain name. Its so 2010. And if you dont believe me, think of it this way: no one in Generation Z will have their own domain because the domains that matter are all gone. So in ten years having your own domain will be the mark of an old person. But more importantly, you connect by creating content on other domains. Thats contributing. Check out this video by Chicago Blackhawk Patrick Kane. Its a really cool ad for his sponsor.  And check out his teammates response here. Its hilarious. And, note, its not on his own domain. Because its for fun and connecting, not for promotion. Which is what authenticity is about. The best connections I make online are when people have something interesting to say. I can read that anywhere, and respond anywhere. Its not about ownership of a spot online, its about participating in the ideas we spread. 4. Authenticity is about caring what other people think of you. You know that authenticity is a key factor in career success. But like most key factors in career success, people want a shortcut. The problem is that self-knowledge only comes from hard work. Its a commitment to understanding how people see you and then adjusting what you want to project. The Harvard Business review divides the ability to be authentic into two skills. One is  self-awareness: knowing who you areâ€"your values, emotions, and competence. And the other skill is knowing how you’re perceived by others. Most people have one but not the other. The first thing to do in your quest for authenticity is to know which half you are stronger in so you can work on the other one. Im probably stronger in the self-knowledge department, but what makes me a good blogger is that I understand how you perceive me on the blog. People tell me that Im the same in person as I am on my blog, but I never feel authentic in person because I have a hard time reading how other people perceive me in person. 5. Authenticity is short. Theres a rule for writing authentically that if something really bad is happening, write shorter. One of the biggest breaks I got in my writing career was that I was one of the only working journalists who was both covered in debris after 9/11 and able to write about it that day. So I got published in Time magazine. I reread that piece all the time, and one sentence really bugs me: My slip-ons slipped off. Except for that sentence, its an urgent, harrowing accountfocused and direct, short. And then in that one sentence I write like Im a writer in Time magazine, making the mistake of adding something to show people Im a great writer. Another  important thing about writing short is not allowing yourself to just dump your notes online. We all have a pile of things we want to say, but if you dump them online, like a list of links, its actually putting a wall up between you and the reader. Authenticity is the unfettered back and forth between us that reveals something new. You cant do that in a pile of random links or notes. The urge to be more, do more, show more than other people can be so strong that it overpowers our desire to connect. I used to think  authenticity was about showing everything all the time and making a big deal about it. I remember going on 20/20 to talk about transparent salaries: Authentic CEOs make all salaries transparent! Authenticity really is quiet, intimate listening. I love the photo up top because its me in an empty church, waiting for my son to play his cello. I am doing nothing but listening and responding and caring. When we are doing our bestat anythingthis is what we are doing. Authenticity is stark and simple and unfettered, and it probably doesnt need a lot of self-promotion. Because authenticity is magnetic. It makes everyone lean in closer.

Avoid the Professional Version of the Freshman 15

Avoid the  Professional Version of the Freshman 15 When many of us take our first jobs, they come with a lot of perks weve not yet experienced an expense account,  regular happy hours, etc. I experienced this first handand gained a solid 15 pounds over my first year of employment. For my 51 frame, it was a super shocking, but the scale doesnt lie. Looking back, I bypassed all the signs, one pound at a time. Here are five steps you can take to avoid major weigh gain during your first year on the job: 1. Take Your Lunch This one was hard for me, since my department  went out for lunch consistently. Whether it be with each other, our supervisors, clients or colleagues within the community lunch dates had a spot on our  Outlook calendars daily. It was also challenging because my office was within walking distance of  so many yummy choices upscale Mexican and Chinese, burgers even a steakhouse. If you have a lot of temptations  too, know that you can make a difference in your group. When one person begins to bring their lunch, even if its only twice a week, the effect can rub off on coworkers. Whether you claim it be for health reasons, or to save a few bucks, almost everyone can get behind that. Also, pack something that you look forward to dont make it the same ham and cheese sandwich with a side of cottage cheese youll just be tempted to join your coworkers. Start a Pinterest board with healthy lunch options and plan out your week the Sunday before. 2. Dont Count Calories Ive been a notorious calorie counter since college, which some may say is a good thing. My calorie counting, however, got to a point where it became pointless. I was so worried about eating the right amount of calories, that I was eating the wrong kind of food. When I began letting my calorie counting go by the wayside and focusing on eating real food, natural and clean(er) food, I began seeing the weight that I had gained drop naturally. 3. Choose Booze or Coffee (Plus water, water, water) A daily latte from Starbucks, plus a few martinis at happy hour can really add up (in more ways than one).  Decide beforehand whether your day will be a coffee day or an alcohol day and replace the other drink  with lemon water or green tea. If you screw up one day and have both, skip both the next day! By cutting your liquid calories down to approximately 150 a day, youll save room to fill up on calories that are much more beneficial. 4. Establish a Manageable Exercise Routine I LOVE the idea of being a morning exerciser. And I was one at one time in my life. During my last semester of college I was working full time and had just gotten engaged. Getting in shape was important to me and the only time I could find to do this was every morning at 6:30 a.m. So I would set my alarm for 6 a.m., get to the gym for an hour or hour or so, run home to shower and get in  to work around 9 a.m. When I began working at my corporate job, rolling in around 9 a.m. was not encouraged, so I tried to set my alarm for 5 a.m. and waking up was just not happening. Now that I work from home, I feel the same way. Im just not going to force myself out of the house without the deadline of a meeting or someone waiting for me, so Ive set a new rule for myself: By lunch time, my work out has to be complete. I know I dont do well with the post-work crowd either, so I had to find something that  was manageable for me. And for those jam-packed days that I DO have to leave the house before the sun comes up? I get an accountability buddy. 5. Envision Your Desired Lifestyle You know that girl  you see in your head (or more realistic, on Pinterest) that you know you want to be? Write down what is it that makes her so attractive to you and go be her. Is it the girl who cooks healthy meals? The one who goes to spin class every Tuesday and Thursday? The one that spends her weekend hiking? Get out there and make it happen. Life is too short not to be proud of the person you push yourself to be. Most importantly, listen to your body and be mindful of your habits. Extra pounds creep on quickly, but melt off slowly and we know you, Ms. Career Girl, want to be your fit, best self while tackling the problems of the world!

Basic Resume Samples - Learn How to Create the Perfect Resume

Basic Resume Samples - Learn How to Create the Perfect ResumeBasic resume samples that can be used for the purpose of creating the perfect resume are quite wide. Some of them are required to be more attractive than others. Others do not have any important information like details of education, achievements and references included in them. The two main purposes of using resume samples are to create the perfect resume and also to check the person's education as well as the qualifications before accepting an offer from a job candidate.Student resumes are highly recommended for students. In these, the student should be allowed to use the entire cover letter to explain all the relevant information about himself. The rest of the information should be left to the end of the cover letter.But when it comes to common place, the common resume cover letter is there to provide all the necessary information about the candidate. The most common ways of composing a basic resume sample include the us e of all caps or without. Some examples include the letters 'ps 'ps (basic)' or even just 'R 'U'. However, most companies prefer using the wordings without the capital letters. This helps in making the cover letter looks less formal and gives it a personal touch.There are some other aspects that a resume sample will highlight. These would be the details about the education as well as the training or course that the candidate has undergone. Some of the details may be highlighted in black, while others may be in red. The actual educational qualification would be highlighted in red, while the rest of the details will be highlighted in black.One of the common errors made by the people who are trying to write resumes is in highlighting the numbers instead of the names. They make the mistake of providing a few numbers for the name and then a few names. The names of the friends or the former teachers who knew the candidate will also be highlighted in the form of two dots.There are some oth er basic resume samples that are based on the applicant's name only. However, there are many companies who take care of this requirement by including the name of the candidate in the resumes. There are some other options such as the use of the person's nickname or any other similar nicknames. The employer can also emphasize on the accomplishments that the candidate has done.Another common mistake is that the student or the youth often feel the need to emphasize his hobbies and interests. These hobbies should be discussed in the basic resume samples. Some of the common ones are sports, health and exercise, reading, studying, pets, and watching movies.One of the most common mistakes is the omission of contact details. The most common form of contact information is the phone number. It should be mentioned in the cover letter as well as the resume as well. There should be the address to send the resume to, the e-mail address as well as the fax number included in the samples.

Simple Instructions for How to do What You Love

Simple Instructions for How to do What You Love Discovering or identifying what you love to do is sometimes difficult.  The answer is usually right in front of your nose and you  cant see it. I met a woman once who said to me I know it sound frivolous, but I just want a job that I love doing. Theres nothing frivolous about this.  You can have a job you  love or at least like a lot, if you  are doing things and using talents you  enjoy. There are nay-sayers out there who believe a job is a job or that sometimes you just have to have a job to pay the bills. Im not disagreeing. You may not LOVE every job you hold, but wouldnt it be nice to find one? How To Find A Job Youll Love Here are the instructions (for those who read instructions):  Think about the times in your life you felt happy.   What were you doing?   Keep thinking and write it all down. Wait a day or so and  then review the list and look for re-occurring patterns or themes Brainstorm ways you could make money doing these things with a creative friend Research the labor market for similar sounding jobs (use O*Net and Indeed) Make another list of these jobs/occupations Identify companies that hire these jobs Network to find out more about the companies This is about the journey mostly, not the destination.   What will you learn about yourself in the process of exploring these opportunities?

Skilled At Or Enjoy Driving 3 Careers That Can Suit You - CareerAlley

Skilled At Or Enjoy Driving 3 Careers That Can Suit You - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. Driving is a wonderful pastime. It can relax you, focus you and get you to places all at the same time. Thats a pretty strong trio of virtues. If you find that your drivingenjoyment is so strong that you believe yourself willing and able to monetize it, you might be well suited for a career behind the wheel. But what jobs can you get when trying to develop a livable income? Where should you look, and what qualifications should you be looking at acquiring? Were here to help. Uber/Lyft Uber and Lyft have given working autonomy to many who never even considered becoming taxi drivers. While Uber is undergoing many controversies and sometimes legal action in certain communities, they have been relatively successful at giving many people a supplementary or extra income when they might need it the most. If you have a driving license, an appropriate car, and a private hire license (depending on your country,) you may be able to get started right away. Simply pay the setup and registration fees to Uber or Lyft, and they will equip you with the components to get you roadworthy and able. Side Hustle: From Idea to Income in 27 Days Price: $10.99 Buy Now from Amazon We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. Last Updated: March 2, 2020 Before long your ticket list will fill up, and youll be deftly navigating the app to take on multiple clients an hour. These services have also introduced personal tipping for drivers, meaning that giving a great service is a strong incentive for potentially higher revenues. These jobs are also great if youre hoping to add a small social element into your driving. Youre not going to be best friends with everyone who enters your taxi, and some people might be downright rude and difficult to deal with. However, its likely that daily youll encounter a great conversation, a friendly and warming personality, or someone who simply puts a smile on your face. When it comes to working, this is sometimes all we can hope for. Skilled At Or Enjoy Driving? 3 Careers That Can Suit You Delivery Driver If you enjoy the long pace of the road, then consider becoming a delivery driver, particularly a heavy goods driver. These drivers often travel long distances, sometimes even internationally. You will become friendly with the highway from your cabin, but overall this experience is a relaxing and calming one. Your job is important too, as it allows for businesses all over the world to consider themselves stocked, and consumers access to the products you haul. The best part? Delivery driver jobs are often numerous and easily found. Door Dash Price: Bring home the Bacon- Deliver Good Food for Good Money with DoorDash Earn Now We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. This line of work can also connect you with many great driver personalities, as the truck driver community is often a welcoming one. Taking a driving course and any tests your firm might give you will be a breeze if youre a skilled driver. You will also likely need little accident history or points on your license (if at all,) as well as a certain amount of driving experience. If you fit these parameters, this can be a wonderful job for you. We hope these have helped you find the career you most enjoy, or at least have helped you earn a little extra income. What's next? Ready to take action? Choose the right tools to help you build your career. Looking for related topics? Find out how to find the opportunities that help you grow your best career. Subscribe and make meaningful progress on your career. It’s about time you focused on your career. Get Educated Contact Us Advertise Copyright 2020 CareerAlley. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy + Disclosure home popular resources subscribe search