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If you're searching for a job in the IT industry, there are several things you can do to help yourself get ahead of the game, including implementing some resume tips.

The current number of applicants for most IT jobs has more than doubled, meaning that candidates have to work harder to get noticed. A well-focused, well-written resume is one thing that can help you do just that.

According to an article by Datamation, your resume should focus on the results you've seen from past jobs, instead of simply putting together a list of skills you have acquired.

"(Applicants) tend to have all the technical lingo and that they’ve been exposed to this and that, but they don’t talk about their experiences,’’ Frank Cullen, president of The Cullen Group, said in the article. “They talk about programs they’ve worked with rather than the real value they will bring to the company.”

IT job seekers also should make sure their resume is not too short. While the typical rule is often to make your resume fit on one page, that often doesn't work for those in the IT industry.

Another mistake is having a resume that is too brief. Making your resume fit into one page doesn’t work in the IT industry, maintains Kingsley Tagbo, an IT career coach with IT Career Boot Camp by Exacticity Inc.

“You have to get into detail about your technical skills, since people are looking for skill sets and will compare your resume to someone else’s," Kingsley Tagbo, an IT career coach with Exacticity Inc.'s IT Career Boot Camp, said in the article. “(It's a) skills-crazy industry and the person who details every skill for a software developer’s position will get more notice because of the relevant detail being provided.”

But that also means your resume shouldn't be too cluttered. It should be organized and still maintain some white space so it's easier to read. In addition, your resume should focus on jobs that were more important, regardless of how long ago they were.

Labels: Resume tips

You probably know that keeping an up-to-date resume is one of the most important things you can do while employed or while thinking about looking for another job. This might not always occur to people who are self-employed, but it's just as important, and there are some resume tips to consider.

You never know when you're going to need a good, up-to-date resume, especially during this economy. Resumes can be handy for just about any worker, and that includes the self-employed, according to an article by Examiner.

For instance, a client might request a resume before they will hire you, an organization might request a resume before it will allow you to speak or you might need a resume to re-enter the traditional workforce.

Here are some tips for the self-employed worker looking to write a resume:

• Focus on your accomplishments instead of your tasks. For instance, if you write reports, you shouldn't only say you write reports. Instead, describe what those reports have accomplished and how they've brought in revenue or benefited your business in some other way.
• If you're looking for a salaried position, it's sometimes better to downplay the fact that you're self-employed. You can avert this by calling yourself an organizational consultant instead of the owner of the firm. This also could help any misconception that the self-employed don't like to take orders from others.
• Instead of writing an objective section on your resume, write a profile about yourself, which should include what skills you have and why you would be an asset to the company.
• In the end, remember that the resume of a self-employed worker is really no different than that of any other worker.

Labels: Resume tips

We all know that finding work right now is hard. It takes more than just a good resume (click here) to get an employer's attention. But because the recession has many people scrapping for money, several people that normally wouldn't be searching for a job, such as mothers, are.

In June, the nation saw its unemployment rate increase to 9.5 percent, according to the United States Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. The country lost a total of 467,000 jobs during the same month. Since the beginning of the recession in December 2007, the number of unemployed people has increased by 7.2 million. Those numbers show that it has been anything but easy to get a job.

It's hard enough trying to convince someone to hire you. It's even harder when you've spent the last few years taking care of children. That's why Act Three, a new start-up company, is trying to help women move from motherhood to employment.

The president of the company is a mother of four. Act Three offers personal coaching, group workshops and affordable networking sessions. The company also has a "Back to Work Readiness Test" and can help mothers identify their passion and talentsin order to choose the right career path.

Act Three also helps mothers refresh their skills by offering one-on-one training in Word, Excel and PowerPoint. You also can get help creating an online present and setting up a professional network and professional e-mail account.

Overall, the site helps you identify your passions and talents, determine what kind of work fits you, build a resume that addresses years off and gets you interviews, write an elevator speech that leaves a lasting impression, learn how to network effectively, practice interviewing skills and dress for the job you want.

Labels: Resume tips

Often times we forget that the unemployed aren't the only ones looking for a job. There are many people who are currently employed, yet still looking for a job. Whether it's because they're unhappy at their current job or because they just want a better opportunity, there are some things, including resume tips, those people should keep in mind.

Many of those who do have jobs are thankful to be employed amidst an economic recession. However, that shouldn't stop you from searching out other options. In the same breath, it's often a good idea to keep your intentions to yourself so as to not put yourself in an awkward or bad position.

There are some simple tips to follow in the way of job searching etiquette, according to an article by Examiner. These things should help you keep your current job while still allowing you to search for a new one.

First, make sure to keep your job search hush-hush. For instance, when it comes to networking, consider using the Web or sites like Twitter and Facebook instead of discussing your options with coworkers. Not only does the Web allow you to remain more anonymous, but it also decreases the possibility your boss will discover that you want to leave.

Second, be careful of where you post your resume. While posting to bigger sites like Monster can provide some opportunities, creating a more targeted approach can be more efficient. You can apply or submit your resume to specific positions that interest you instead of putting your resume out there for the world to see and waiting for someone to contact you. Even though this method takes more time, it allows you to be more selective and secretive.

Finally, make sure you search for a new job on your own time. You should let hiring managers know up front that you have a job and don't want to jeopardize that opportunity by communicating about other potential positions. You can list the hours you can be reached on your cover letter or resume.

Labels: Resume tips

Everyone knows that you need a resume in order to apply for a job. In most cases, typical resumes serve as a place to showcase your work experience. But what if you're an entry-level worker who doesn't have a lot - or any - job experience?

In this case, you should use an entry-level resume template. Even if you haven't actually held a real job yet, you can still make your resume stand out by focusing on things like schoolwork, relevant classes and internships.

There are several things that should always be included, even in the most basic resume. The first section should include information on how a potential employer can contact you, including your first and last name, address, landline or cell phone number and e-mail address.

The next section of your resume should focus on any education you've had. This is a good place to list the colleges you attended, degrees you earned and any special awards or honors you received.

The final section of your resume should focus on any experience you have. This is the place to list any companies you've worked for, dates of employment, the positions you held and a list of your responsibilities and achievements. This also is the place to list any internships or summer jobs you've had.

Here is a sample entry-level resume template. The person lists their contact information, education and relevant courses, professional experience, additional experience and examples of leadership.

Labels: Resume templates

If you think you know how to write a resume, think again.

The typical way of writing resumes is in the past. In today's world, job seekers have to focus on writing a resume that caters to the cyber world that most employers depend on. According to an article by The Seattle Times, the algorithm for resumes has changed significantly.

Before the beginning of the economic recession, it was common for job seekers to write resumes for actual people, when in fact, humans don't usually read resumes anymore. Instead, resumes are handled by online software systems programmed to look for specific keywords.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when writing resumes:
Don't focus on length - It used to be that resumes should be short, about one page, maybe two. However, software often processes how many pages are in your resume and associated fewer pages with less experience.

Don't focus on a career objective - In the past, it was common form to start your resume with a statement about what the applicant wants in a career and a list of past experience and job skills. Today, resumes should list technical skills first, because that's what software will look for.

Get certification whenever possible - While having a college degree is still essential, it most likely won't make your resume stand out. However, job training or certification in certain skills that are applicable to your career might be picked up on by certain software.

Present a professional online profile - Your resume should include links to online sources where employers can find out more information about you. Most software automatically looks up your LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter profiles.

"After LinkedIn, the next place the resume software will look will be Zillow to look up your address find out the value of your home," the article notes. "There's a lot that can be learned from this. Are you carrying a very high mortgage? Will you want to relocate to their office in Boston if you just bought a new house? Do they want to hire someone from Marysville if the candidate has to commute to Redmond every day? They'll use a lot of this information to second-guess your application."

Labels: How to Write a Resume

If you're looking for freelance and temporary work, it's important to remember that your resume should look different than that of a typical job seeker.

While most HR departments or job placement agencies are looking for a specific type of resume, they don't always know what to do with resumes from freelancers. These workers often have lots of employment experiences that don't fit on a standard resume.

Following are some resume tips from Examiner that you can follow to make the process easier on yourself and on potential employers.

First, don't focus on standard job listing requirements. These are often too vague or too limited can require you to constantly rewrite your resume. You should instead focus on how to communicate your qualifications for a project, company initiative or request for expertise.

Second, make sure the design of your resume is simple and articulate. Your resume should focus on skills, project work and successes and list contracts, assignments and projects. You also should include any education you have.

Your resume should have a small section dedicated to skill keywords. These can be specific skills you have and use regularly, such as advanced software use or project management with the specific number of people involved. You should list a total of six to 10 key projects you have worked on.

Finally, put most of your focus into an accompanying cover letter. This is the place to convey that you understand the assignment, contract or project you are pitching. You should clarify why you are the candidate to handle the client's needs. You can list similar successes and verbalize why the opportunity appeals to you.

Labels: Resume tips