Are you job searching? Perhaps because you got laid off due to “restructuring” or you wish to find a career position which better suits you. Well, in either case, you need to have a strong resume and LinkedIn profile.
Top 3 Resume Tips – some of which you probably already know, yet have you implemented them?
- In your Summary area add more exciting verbiage which shows results / achievement. My LinkedIn colleague, Bob McIntosh, describes this in his article about Zombie resumes, “Zombie résumés start with statements like, Result-driven Project Manager with 20 years of experience in Manufacturing. Instead, Project Manager who leads teams producing software that generate sales exceeding $3M in competitive manufacturing markets, would be more enticing to the employer.”
- Use your LinkedIn personalized URL on your resume. It’s easy to do: go to Settings à Edit Public Profile àCustomize Your Public Profile URL – then enter your name and if it is available, click to change / update. If it is not available, use variations such as a middle initial, last name first or even adding your state at the end.
- Always make sure you have your education added as well as any additional training, certifications or licenses. Also include your community involvement – companies are interested in seeing that you do more than just work.
If you are not on LinkedIn (LI) and you are job searching, you are missing out on the biggest job search engine in today’s world. Building a profile does take some time, so plan accordingly when getting started. It does not all have to be completed in the first sitting.
Top 3 Tips for LinkedIn – even if you are already on LI you may want to read through these to be sure your profile is up-to-date:
- Have a great picture – it is easy enough to get a professional headshot inexpensively these days, so do it. If it is not feasible then have someone take a few pictures with you dressed professionally or at least in business casual attire. Note – Always check the background in the picture before using – DO NOT use one with a social, casual or cluttered background. LI is a professional social media.
- Make your headline say more about what you offer or do rather than your job title and organization / company name. Example: instead of “President, Global CPA Associates” try something like: “Audit Professionals | CPA | Fraud & Forensic Accounting” or whatever is your specific niche.
- Headline in job searching might say something like: “In search of position: Claims Director | Claims Manager – Auto Industry” or “ Executive Seeking: Marketing | Product Development | Sales in Pharmacy Industry.”
I’ll be posting a few more LinkedIn tips in the next few weeks. Be sure to check back to see the latest updates: https://www.yourresumeeditor.com
Remember, I always offer a complimentary resume or LinkedIn profile review.
Happy editing.
Margaret Martin, 2014©
