If you do not have a resume, you need to have one - even if you are not currently planning a job search. If your last resume was created several years ago and hasn't been updated, you need to do so. Start by determining the information to be included in your heading. Do not include your work phone number unless it is OK to receive calls there. If the resume will be posted on the Internet, it is suggested that you do not include your home address. Personal information (date of birth, social security number, race, age, number of children, marital status, etc.) should not be included in your resume.
Then write down the information you would need to include in your resume. List each job title you have had and the name of each employer and their address (at least the city) where you worked. If you remember the names, write down the name of each supervisor you had with each job. Also write the tasks you performed and your accomplishments. Then write information about volunteer or community activities in which you have been involved. Again, list the name and address of the organization and the name of your supervisor and their job title. Write out the tasks you performed and any accomplishments - from whenever they occurred in your work history. On the first draft, don't worry so much about wording, just get the information written down.
Write out the details of your educational background and/or training, including the name of the institution/organization, dates, degree or certificate received. You would also include licenses or special certifications you have received, as well as memberships in professional organizations. If you have attended college, but you didn't complete a degree, make a list of the courses you completed that relate to your current career goal or current work. Include work-related seminars or conferences you have attended. If appropriate, you should also make a list of presentations you have made, articles you have written, or other professional-related accomplishments.
Although the additional sections on your resume are not required, you may want to write down information about work-related recognitions or honors you have received and community or volunteer organizations in which you are/or have been involved. You may also need a section for special skills. Generally your hobbies or personal interests would not be included on your resume unless you know that information would be to your advantage.
My next blog will go into more details about preparing your resume for a job search.
Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor. Check out her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com.
To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 and leave a personal and confidential message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Why Do You Need a Resume?
A resume is one of the important tools for a job search and other self-marketing campaigns. It can also serve as a reminder of your skills and accomplishments. Even if you are not looking for different work, a resume is requested for some volunteer activities, honors for which you are being considered, applications to graduate school, and some small business opportunities. If you are planning to make a career or job change, a well-written up-to-date resume is a necessity.
Your resume should give a potential employer a brief synopsis of your work history and related work experiences. It should also include the training or education you have completed and skills you possess. Your resume should provide information about the kind of work or position you are seeking, in addition to what you have to offer a potential employer. Although your resume does not have to include everything you have done in life, all the information included should be accurate.
Ideally, your resume will be written in a clear and concise way so that prospective employers get an accurate picture of your background. It should also be clear about the direction you are currently pursuing. Your resume should include a number of action verbs (key words) describing your accomplishments and activities.
If you have never written a resume, it is a good idea to write on for historical purposes. In that case, you would include all the jobs you have held, all volunteer or unpaid work experiences, and training and education you have received. Having that information in one document can save time later if you decide to change career directions.
Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of your job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty next, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association, a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association, and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor. Check out her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com.
TO contact Ms. Davis, please call (513Z) 665-4444 x3 and leaved a personal and confidential voice message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.
Your resume should give a potential employer a brief synopsis of your work history and related work experiences. It should also include the training or education you have completed and skills you possess. Your resume should provide information about the kind of work or position you are seeking, in addition to what you have to offer a potential employer. Although your resume does not have to include everything you have done in life, all the information included should be accurate.
Ideally, your resume will be written in a clear and concise way so that prospective employers get an accurate picture of your background. It should also be clear about the direction you are currently pursuing. Your resume should include a number of action verbs (key words) describing your accomplishments and activities.
If you have never written a resume, it is a good idea to write on for historical purposes. In that case, you would include all the jobs you have held, all volunteer or unpaid work experiences, and training and education you have received. Having that information in one document can save time later if you decide to change career directions.
Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of your job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty next, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association, a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association, and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor. Check out her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com.
TO contact Ms. Davis, please call (513Z) 665-4444 x3 and leaved a personal and confidential voice message or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.
Wednesday, May 7, 2008
A Reminder for High School Students and Their Parents
Just a reminder - it is not generally wise to wait until senior year to start thinking about college. Many colleges open admissions to new students early in the calendar year, although some very selective programs begin reviewing applications earlier than that. Certainly it is possible to get admitted to many colleges later in the year, but not all. Generally the most competitive programs admit a limited number of new students for the coming academic year.
Most colleges also require test scores from the ACT and/or SAT to consider a student for admission. So that testing should be done in a timely manner in order to have scores available. High school counselors should have information about college preparatory/admissions tests, so even if information is not offered, students should ask for it. Both programs have preparatory or practice tests that can be taken prior to taking the actual test.
Additionally, students applying for financial aid should do so as soon after the beginning of the calendar year as possible. Generally, the student applying for financial aid needs to include information about their and their parents' income taxes from the previous calendar year. So, if you are applying for aid for this coming autumn, the tax returns filed recently would be needed and for the 2009-2010 academic year (not the coming school year), you will need information from the 2008 income tax returns. In addition to federal and/or state aid that may be available, the student may want to check for other sources of financial assistance. There are a number of organizations and groups that offer scholarships, grants, etc. to students who meet their criteria. In general, you have to reapply for most forms of financial aid every year.
All of that requires some advance planning and preparation. One last word of caution - if you need to take out a student loan, I encourage you not to borrow more than is actually needed to cover tuition, etc. You can reduce some of the stress associated with a college education by planning ahead and taking some action on a timely basis.
Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor. Check out her web site at http://www.YourCareerPlan.com.
To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.
Most colleges also require test scores from the ACT and/or SAT to consider a student for admission. So that testing should be done in a timely manner in order to have scores available. High school counselors should have information about college preparatory/admissions tests, so even if information is not offered, students should ask for it. Both programs have preparatory or practice tests that can be taken prior to taking the actual test.
Additionally, students applying for financial aid should do so as soon after the beginning of the calendar year as possible. Generally, the student applying for financial aid needs to include information about their and their parents' income taxes from the previous calendar year. So, if you are applying for aid for this coming autumn, the tax returns filed recently would be needed and for the 2009-2010 academic year (not the coming school year), you will need information from the 2008 income tax returns. In addition to federal and/or state aid that may be available, the student may want to check for other sources of financial assistance. There are a number of organizations and groups that offer scholarships, grants, etc. to students who meet their criteria. In general, you have to reapply for most forms of financial aid every year.
All of that requires some advance planning and preparation. One last word of caution - if you need to take out a student loan, I encourage you not to borrow more than is actually needed to cover tuition, etc. You can reduce some of the stress associated with a college education by planning ahead and taking some action on a timely basis.
Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor. Check out her web site at http://www.YourCareerPlan.com.
To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.
Sunday, May 4, 2008
When the Job Search is Unexpected
Work was going ok, but all of a sudden, Judi was told her job had been eliminated. Terrance was not excited about his recent work assignments, but it was a job - until his boss told him there wasn't enough work to keep him on. Murray had been thinking of making a career change for some time, but was comfortable in his routine. When he received the news that his job was being eliminated, he had to admit that he was rather happy, but very scared about finding work at his age. These stories, and many others, have different details, but the bottom line is the same - these people were thrown into a job search unexpectedly.
Some of the people I have worked with said the news caught them completely by surprise. Other clients said that initially, but after thinking about what might have gone awry, they realized there were little signs of trouble at work, but they had ignored them. Either way, an unexpected job loss can make it difficult to prepare for a new job search. Aside from updating their resume and remembering interviewing and other skills needed for the search, there is the whole issue of preparing your mind to cope with the unexpected circumstances in which you find yourself when you are suddenly out of work.
In a job search, as with so many activities in life, you need the right mindset. It is difficult, if not impossible, to portray self-confidence when you are angry, disappointed, or low on self-esteem. No matter the reason why you are looking for work, it is important to portray confidence in your ability to learn the specific tasks of a new job and to apply the knowledge and skills you possess. If you need a boost to your self-confidence, there are some things you can do. If needed, make or buy a motivational tape and listen to it. Some people create or find inspirational messages and write them on post-its. Those can be placed around the house and inside the notebook you take to interviews and networking meetings. You may also talk to family members and upbeat friends to get a boost. Talking with a counselor can also help you sort through your feelings and regain your confidence.
Many people are able to take advantage of the unexpected change to pursue work that is more in line with their real desires and career goals. Although you may need to take a little time to adjust to the sudden change, you should soon be able to start planning for your new career direction. Keep in mind those things you can offer an employer, including your work-related skills and personal traits that are desirable to an employer and the knowledge and experiences you possess. Undertake your career change with confidence and a well thought-out, detailed plan to achieve your goal.
Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest, continuing education, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor. Check out her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com.
To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.
Some of the people I have worked with said the news caught them completely by surprise. Other clients said that initially, but after thinking about what might have gone awry, they realized there were little signs of trouble at work, but they had ignored them. Either way, an unexpected job loss can make it difficult to prepare for a new job search. Aside from updating their resume and remembering interviewing and other skills needed for the search, there is the whole issue of preparing your mind to cope with the unexpected circumstances in which you find yourself when you are suddenly out of work.
In a job search, as with so many activities in life, you need the right mindset. It is difficult, if not impossible, to portray self-confidence when you are angry, disappointed, or low on self-esteem. No matter the reason why you are looking for work, it is important to portray confidence in your ability to learn the specific tasks of a new job and to apply the knowledge and skills you possess. If you need a boost to your self-confidence, there are some things you can do. If needed, make or buy a motivational tape and listen to it. Some people create or find inspirational messages and write them on post-its. Those can be placed around the house and inside the notebook you take to interviews and networking meetings. You may also talk to family members and upbeat friends to get a boost. Talking with a counselor can also help you sort through your feelings and regain your confidence.
Many people are able to take advantage of the unexpected change to pursue work that is more in line with their real desires and career goals. Although you may need to take a little time to adjust to the sudden change, you should soon be able to start planning for your new career direction. Keep in mind those things you can offer an employer, including your work-related skills and personal traits that are desirable to an employer and the knowledge and experiences you possess. Undertake your career change with confidence and a well thought-out, detailed plan to achieve your goal.
Mary Ann Davis is a Licensed Professional Counselor in private practice providing coaching and counseling for life's transitions; including career change or job search, as well as loss of job, retirement planning, grief work, coping with an empty nest, continuing education, and other life planning issues. She is certified as a Master Career Counselor by the National Career Development Association; a Life/Work Counselor by the National Employment Counseling Association; and is a Distance Credentialed Counselor. Check out her web site at www.YourCareerPlan.com.
To contact Ms. Davis, please call (513) 665-4444 x3 or send an email to YourCareerPlan@cinci.rr.com.