HRinmotion Blog – Career advice from HR Pros

Below if our latest submission for this week’s 24 hour newspaper: Applying online with a scannable resume, we cover text resume tips.

Applying online with a scannable resume

With the emergence of new technical means of obtaining resumes over the past few years, it is important for job seekers to create a scannable resume. Unlike traditional resume formats, the scannable resume is a must to keep for applying for jobs via online tracking systems. Most job seekers usually copy and paste a resume online, but you will notice the format is a disaster. By creating a scannable resume, you will have a text resume that looks good and will get you noticed by resume tracking software.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when creating a scannable text resume:

- Avoid italics, underlining, shading, or other fancy font styles – use simple text.
- Avoid bold or ALL CAPS. Most scanning software does not differentiate between this and other font styles.
- Maintain a simple font style and size throughout the document. Use Arial or Tahoma font style.
- Font size: use 10, 11, or 12.
- Avoid fancy lines, graphics, or boxes.
- Avoid bullets. Instead, use asterisks or hyphens.
- Avoid all brackets.
- Left justify only. Avoid centering or right margin justification.
- Place your name on each page on bottom left corner
- Make sure you place your address below your name on the first page.
- When including phone numbers for cell and home, list each on a separate line.

Tips to convert your standard resume to a scannable online text resume:

- Open your classic standard resume in MS Word
- Select the “Save As” option in the “File” menu on top left of menu.
- After you open the “Save As” menu, there is a drop down menu on the bottom of the window that opened where you can select the file type for what you want to save. Select the “Text File txt” option and save your file as a text file. The text resume has now been created.

Remember, after saving, you want to open this text file to make sure that it still looks legible since text resumes removes all the formatting and fancy characters.
You can open your text resume with any standard text editor like Wordpad or Notepad.

You now have a text resume along with your traditional resume and you are ready to start your job search.  A tip:  I also recommend sending the classic version via email, fax or in-person.

Looking for some resume writing tips?  Looking for more scannable text resume tips? If so, contact us at info@hrinmotion.com

photo by onlynick http://www.flickr.com/photos/onlynick/2056227855/sizes/o/

Breathe new life into your job search and with a new resume. The ART method of resume writing is a simple and easy to use resume technique developed by the HR Pros from HRinmotion.

Watch this resume writing video lesson and learn practical resume tips and advice.  Breathe new life into your tired resume, revitalize your job search and stand out from the crowd.

In this training video, HR pros share practical resume tips with you.  Hiring professionals make it simple for you, and take you through step by step each resume writing tip.   Some of the resume tips that we will expand on include inserting the action verbs to catch the employer’s attention.   We discuss how to utilize searchable words in your resumes that attract the attention of application tracking software.  You will learn how to showcase your career accomplishments in the best way possible to land you an interview.  And here’s one you will never read in all those other resume writing websites:  Learn how you can control what interview questions you will be asked based on what you write in your resume!

Until our next post, I wish you much luck and success in your career goals.

What is the ideal resume? In this short clip, we show you what employers are looking for in an ideal resume. We present research that asks over 1000 employers on the characteristics of an ideal resume including length, font styles, sizes and so on.

In this video clip, you will find out what employers and hiring managers want in an ideal resume. Watch this short video clip, jump start your job search with a new resume.

This resume writing training video has been successfully used by a variety of professionals including financial planners, customs and border officers, teachers, certified nursing assistants and so on. We hope you enjoy this free resume writing training video developed by our professional resume writers and HR pros.

Free Resume Writing Training Video

In this lesson we present the major styles of resumes, the chronological resume, reverse chronological resume, functional or skills based resume, and the combination or hybrid resume.

For each resume style, we discuss the pros and cons and help you decide what approach is best for your specific employment situation. Watch this short clip, learn resume tips from HR pros and breathe new life into your tired resume.

Free Resume Writing Training Video

Here is an interesting news item from the Province newspaper about a Victoria area doctor who has been charged with fraud over lying that he holds two doctoral degrees.

According to the news article, James Walker is 31 and his credential includes “a bachelor of arts degree in psychology, a master’s degree in social work and two PhDs. It also lists him as a registered social worker, and indicates that he has worked as a paramedic, a child-protection investigator with Toronto police and Toronto’s Children’s Aid Society, a manager of public education for the B.C. Ambulance Service, an auditor and adviser for the Capital Health Region, and a policy adviser for the province.”

The charges are over forged documents that “indicates he holds a doctorate in medical sciences from the University of Calgary, a doctorate in philosophy from “Smith College” — the name of a women’s liberal arts college in Massachusetts — and a diploma in human behavioural science from the Yale School of Medicine.”

I have written a few articles on resume fraud, (including politicians who have lied) and the consequences of lying on your resume. The danger of lying on your resume or misrepresenting your credentials is that it threatens your entire application. Meaning, if a hiring manager catches a lie, omission, or embellishment on your resume, your entire application will be suspect. In such a situation, even the credentials you have worked hard to attain will not be trusted.

Re-read the credentials and accomplishments that Mr Walker indicates he has achieved and ask yourself how much of it you believe.  Now as for Mr Walker, if his career as a “doctor” does not work out, he might just have a shot in politics.

Photo by soundman http://www.flickr.com/photos/soundman1024/576328302/

I think it was Shakespeare who said, “A rose by any other name smells as sweet”. This saying is almost always true except in regards to the email address on your resumes. When it comes to email addresses on your resume, there are email addresses that make the right impression in your job search and there are ones that make the wrong impression (or just down right embarrassing email addresses).  Using the right email address can get you job interviews.

As a HR pro, I have seen many resumes and as a result, many contact email addresses. When I chat with fellow hiring professionals, the overwhelming comment is the shocking and humorous email addresses that they come across.  Here is a list of some dos and don’ts when it comes to email addresses on your resume.

Don’t

If you want to get a job interview, don’t use the word, “girl” in your email address when applying for a job. For example, the email address “butterflygirl@example.com” just doesn’t give a positive impression of someone who will stay put at a job longer then a few seconds. So avoid the word, “girl” in your email address.  Of course, this is unless you are applying for work in a child-labor factory in the third world or perhaps as a ride operator at Michael Jackson’s Never Never Land. Which takes me to my next point – don’t use the word “boy” in your email address.

Avoid using the word “boy” in your email address when applying for work if you want to get a job interview. For example, “souljaboy12@example.com”.  Again, unless the job you are applying for involves a polyester uniform, a visor and a plastic name tag – avoid using the word “boy”.

Stay away from listing any email address on your resume that contains the words, “bigdaddy” as in “bigdaddy@example.com”. Unless you are applying for the position of “pen pal” and want to start getting emails from prison, I would advise against this email name.

Refrain from listing an email address on your resume that contains the number “69”, such as “JohnSmith69@XXXample.com” . Just don’t. I don’t care if you were born in ‘69 and your favourite musician is Bryan Adams, just abstain from the number “69″.

To get that job interview, don’t use anything that would indicate your age. For example, “bobsmith71@example.com” is not the best choice when applying for a job.  Unless of course you believe that age discrimination does not exist. So if you firmly believe that employers don’t age discriminate like at your local trendy yuppie chain restaurant, where even the most qualified and experienced fine dining server would be bypassed because they are over the ripe old age of 30 (not to mention their shirt is not tight enough and skirt not short enough). So if this is your religion, then pray on.

Do’s

When applying for work, use email addresses that are professional, short and clean.

A good convention to help you land that job interview and avoid an embarrassing email address on your resume is to use a combination of your name or initials along with your job category or industry. For example, a good email for a nurse applying for work is “sjane_rn@example.com” or “jsmith_healthcare@example.com” . Both of these emails help the hiring manager remember your name, application and create a professional image (the first step in creating a personal brand).

While the benefits from creating a personal brand are attractive, you may be still reluctant to create another email that you have to check for employer responses. Well there is good news. You can simply either forward the new email address to your existing email address or simply add the new email account to your existing.

Be Professional

When it comes to applying for jobs, you need to create a personal brand that is professional. A great resume creates the wrong impression with an unprofessional email address attached to it. I should know since I have seen many resumes with embarrassing email addresses.

Well it’s time to wrap this up. Until next post, good luck and much success with your career goals. If have any HR questions or need professional advice, please don’t hesitate to contact me at “bigdaddyboy69@example.com” ……see, you wouldn’t trust it either.

What Makes A Good Restaurant Manager Resume?

This site contains hundreds of posts with resume tips along with sample resumes.  While I cannot cover every aspect of what makes a good Restaurant Manager resume, I will discuss a few of the major points below.

Restaurant Manager Resume Tip #1:  Know the Job Requirements For A Restaurant Manager

To write a professional Restaurant Manager resume, it’s good to remind ourselves of what the job actually does  Sometimes, it is easy to forget what our job really requires because we do it everyday.  By reminding yourself what your does, you focus on the personality traits, knowledge, skills and abilities that are needed to be a good Restaurant Manager, and get yourself into the right frame of mind needed to write your Restaurant Manager resume.

For example, when I write a Restaurant Manager resume, this is what comes to mind for this type of work.

Restaurant Managers work in restaurants, bars, cafeterias, hotels and so forth.  Restaurant managers wear many hats because their  prime role is to overlook the entire operations, this means that they plan, organize, direct, control and evaluate the operations.  They are responsible for a diverse set of responsibilities such as hiring and training staff, planning menus, controlling food costs and promotions.

restaurant manager Jobs In USA
restaurant manager Jobs In UK
restaurant manager Jobs In Canada

Restaurant Manager Resume Tip #2:  Highlight Core Restaurant Manager Competencies

Knowing the traits required for your Restaurant Manager job, is important because a professional Food Service Supervisor or Restaurant Manager sample resume highlights the core competencies required of the job.  Core competencies are like the essential traits required to be successful for Restaurant Manager work.  In other words, a good Restaurant Manager sample resume should highlight traits like customer service orientation and focus, ability to lead restaurant staff, create an establishment that delivers excellent service, financial acumen to monitor revenue and costs, ability to work in a fast pace environment and stay calm under fire and so forth.

Restaurant Manager Resume Tip #3:  Focus on Your Accomplishments As a Restaurant Manager

Let’s face it, employers want employees who can deliver results.  So in your Restaurant Manager resume, mention career accomplishments that highlight the job competencies .  This means you need to give examples of where your customer service orientation and focus, ability to lead staff, financial acumen, food knowledge decreased cost, improved efficiency, service and so forth.  For example, perhaps you reduced food costs by selecting and negotiating with food suppliers.  Or perhaps you planned a menu or created flyers and ads that resulted in an increase in sales.

Mention awards and recognition your Restaurant earned under your management.  For example, if your restaurant had a positive food review in a newspaper or magazine.  Or even the fact that you got your restaurant in magazines, newspapers and so forth can show your ability to establish relationships with media and bring exposure to your restaurant.  But don’t limit yourself to just formal awards and recognition.  For example, include work achievements where you may not have received an award like a letter of appreciation or commendation from head office, suppliers, customers and staff.

Again, don’t just think about your accomplishments with costs and revenues.  How about showcasing your achievements in leading your staff.  A key part of being a successful restaurant manager is leading the restaurant staff.  Mention the customer services awards earned by staff, the number of customer commendations, the decrease in complaints, decrease in staff turnover, and so forth.

If your work as a Restaurant Manager or Food Service Supervisor is not easily measured then use social evidence such as testimonials and references to demonstrate your accomplishments on your resume.  A quote from a former employer inserted in your resume can show any employer that you are the one to hire.

Restaurant Manager Resume Tip #4:  Don’t Be A Needle In The Haystack

Most employers today use software programs to manage and search resumes.  Employers run job title queries in their resume database to find candidates with previous experience.  Because of this, the job title you list in your Restaurant Manager resume can greatly impact resume searchability.  So make sure your Restaurant Manager resume contains job titles and key terms that are commonly searched.  For more on how the job titles listed in your resume can affect your chances for landing your next job interview, check out our article “Don’t Get Pigeon Holed By Your Resume“.

Restaurant Manager Related Job Titles Commonly Searched By Employers

What Makes A Good Starbucks Barista Resume?

This site contains hundreds of posts with resume tips along with sample resumes.  While I cannot cover every aspect of what makes a good Starbucks Barista resume, I will discuss a few of the major points below.

Starbucks Barista Resume Tip #1:  Know the Job Requirements For A Starbucks Barista

To write a professional Starbucks Coffee Shop Barista resume, it’s good to remind ourselves of what the job actually does  Sometimes, it is easy to forget what our job really requires because we do it everyday.  By reminding yourself what your does, you focus on the personality traits, knowledge, skills and abilities that are needed to be a good Starbucks Barista, and get yourself into the right frame of mind needed to write your Starbucks Barista resume.

For example, when I write a Starbucks Barista resume, this is what comes to mind for this type of work.

Starbucks Baristas great customers with a smile, take orders and payment accurately,  prepares food, sandwiches, drinks, portion and wrap food or place it directly on plates for service to patrons, and package take-out food.  Stock refrigerators and salad bars and keep records of the quantities of food used and Keep their workplace and floor area clean and neat..

Starbucks Barista Resume Tip #2:  Highlight Core Starbucks Barista Competencies

Knowing the traits required for your Starbucks Barista job, is important because a professional Coffee Shop Counter Person or Starbucks Barista sample resume highlights the core competencies required of the job.  Core competencies are like the essential traits required to be successful for Starbucks Barista work.  In other words, a good Starbucks Barista sample resume should highlight traits like friendly, outgoing, a “real people person”, able to handle cash accurately, neat, clean and organized, knowledge of safe food handling, the ability to work in a fast-pace environment, customer service orientation and so forth.

Starbucks Barista Resume Tip #3:  Focus on Your Accomplishments In Customer Service

Let’s face it, employers want employees who can deliver results.  So in your Starbucks Barista resume, mention career accomplishments that highlight the job competencies .  This means you need to give examples of where your friendly, outgoing, organization and so forth decreased cost, improved efficiency, service and so forth.  Mention awards and recognition you earned as a Starbucks Barista.  But don’t limit yourself to just formal awards and recognition.  For example, include work achievements where you may not have received an award like a letter of appreciation or commendation.

If your work as a Starbucks Barista or Coffee Shop Counter Person is not easily measured then use social evidence such as testimonials and references to demonstrate your accomplishments on your resume.  A quote from a former employer inserted in your resume can show any employer that you are the one to hire.

Starbucks Barista Resume Tip #4:  Don’t Be A Needle In The Haystack

Most employers today use software programs to manage and search resumes.  Employers run job title queries in their resume database to find candidates with previous experience.  Because of this, the job title you list in your Starbucks Barista resume can greatly impact resume searchability.  So make sure your Starbucks Barista resume contains job titles and key terms that are commonly searched.  For more on how the job titles listed in your resume can affect your chances for landing your next job interview, check out our article “Don’t Get Pigeon Holed By Your Resume“.

Starbucks Barista Related Job Titles Commonly Searched By Employers

What Makes A Good Network Engineer Resume?

This site contains hundreds of posts with resume tips along with sample resumes.  While I cannot cover every aspect of what makes a good Network Engineer resume, I will discuss a few of the major points below.

Network Engineer Jobs In USA
Network Engineer Jobs In UK
Network Engineer Jobs In Canada

Network Engineer Resume Tip #1:  Know the Job Requirements For A Network Engineer

To write a professional Network Engineer resume, it’s good to remind ourselves of what the job actually does  Sometimes, it is easy to forget what our job really requires because we do it everyday.  By reminding yourself what your does, you focus on the personality traits, knowledge, skills and abilities that are needed to be a good Network Engineer, and get yourself into the right frame of mind needed to write your Network Engineer resume.

For example, when I write a Network Engineer resume, this is what comes to mind for this type of work.

Network Engineers Computer network technicians establish, operate, maintain, and co-ordinate the use of local and wide area networks (LANs and WANs), mainframe networks, hardware, software and related computer equipment. They set up and maintain Internet and Intranet Web sites and Web-server hardware and software, and monitor and optimize network connectivity and performance. They are employed in information technology units throughout the private and public sectors.

Network Engineer Resume Tip #2:  Highlight Core Network Engineer Competencies

Knowing the traits required for your Network Engineer job, is important because a professional Systems Administrator or Network Engineer sample resume highlights the core competencies required of the job.  Core competencies are like the essential traits required to be successful for Network Engineer work.  In other words, a good Network Engineer sample resume should highlight traits like critical thinking, problem solving, strong ability to organize, multi-task, communicate, and attention to detail.

Network Engineer Resume Tip #3:  Focus on Your Accomplishments As a Network Engineer

Let’s face it, employers want employees who can deliver results.  So in your Network Engineer resume, mention career accomplishments that highlight the job competencies .  This means you need to give examples of where your critical thinking, problem solving, strong ability to organize, multi-task, communicate, and attention to detail decreased cost, improved network efficiency, reliability, security and so forth.  For example, suppose you installed completed a network migration.  Show how you did it successfully with little downtime, no lost data, etc. Mention awards and recognition you earned as a Network Engineer.  But don’t limit yourself to just formal awards and recognition.  For example, include work achievements where you may not have received an award like a letter of appreciation or commendation.

If your work as a Network Engineer or Systems Administrator is not easily measured then use social evidence such as testimonials and references to demonstrate your accomplishments on your resume.  A quote from a former employer inserted in your resume can show any employer that you are the one to hire.

Network Engineer Resume Tip #4:  Don’t Be A Needle In The Haystack

Most employers today use software programs to manage and search resumes.  Employers run job title queries in their resume database to find candidates with previous experience.  Because of this, the job title you list in your Network Engineer resume can greatly impact resume searchability.  So make sure your Network Engineer resume contains job titles and key terms that are commonly searched.  For more on how the job titles listed in your resume can affect your chances for landing your next job interview, check out our article “Don’t Get Pigeon Holed By Your Resume“.

Network Engineer Related Job Titles Commonly Searched By Employers

What Makes A Good Junior Accountant Resume?

This site contains hundreds of posts with resume tips along with sample resumes.  While I cannot cover every aspect of what makes a good Junior Accountant resume, I will discuss a few of the major points below.

Junior Accountant Jobs In USA
Junior Accountant Jobs In UK
Junior Accountant Jobs In Canada

Junior Accountant Resume Tip #1:  Know the Job Requirements For A Junior Accountant

To write a professional Junior Accountant resume, it’s good to remind ourselves of what the job actually does  Sometimes, it is easy to forget what our job really requires because we do it everyday.  By reminding yourself what your does, you focus on the personality traits, knowledge, skills and abilities that are needed to be a good Junior Accountant, and get yourself into the right frame of mind needed to write your Junior Accountant resume.

For example, when I write a Junior Accountant resume, this is what comes to mind for this type of work.

Working under the direction of a Senior Accountant, a Junior Accountant, Accounting Intern or CA Articling Student examine and analyze the accounting and financial records of individuals and establishments to ensure accuracy and compliance with established accounting standards and procedures. They ensure records are kept accurately and verify procedures are established and maintained for recording financial transactions.

Junior Accountant Resume Tip #2:  Highlight Core Junior Accountant Competencies

Knowing the traits required for your Junior Accountant job, is important because a professional Accounting Intern or CA Articling Student or Junior Accountant sample resume highlights the core competencies required of the job.  Core competencies are like the essential traits required to be successful for Junior Accountant work.  In other words, a good Junior Accountant sample resume should highlight traits like critical thinking, problem solving, attention to detail, adaptable, strong communication skills, ability to take direction and so forth.

It is important to mention the ability take direction in this position since a Junior Accountant or Accounting Intern works under the direction and supervision of the Senior Accountant.  Because of this, an Accounting Intern must demonstrate his/her ability to take direction, receive feedback, and show their coach ability.

Junior Accountant Resume Tip #3:  Focus on Your Accomplishments As a Junior Accountant

Let’s face it, employers want employees who can deliver results.  So in your Junior Accountant resume, mention career accomplishments that highlight the job competencies .  This means you need to give examples of where your critical thinking, problem solving, attention to detail, adaptable, strong communication skills decreased cost, improved efficiency, service and so forth.  Mention awards and recognition you earned as a Junior Accountant.  But don’t limit yourself to just formal awards and recognition.  For example, include work achievements where you may not have received an award like a letter of appreciation or commendation.

If your work as a Junior Accountant or Accounting Intern or CA Articling Student is not easily measured then use social evidence such as testimonials and references to demonstrate your accomplishments on your resume.  Another way to demonstrate achievements for those just entering the accounting field with little experience is to indicate a strong GPA.  But what if your GPA is not stellar?  Besides using your GPA to show your accomplishments, you can describe a school project, papers, publications and volunteer activities.  A quote from a former employer or list of academic achievements inserted in your resume can show any employer that you are the one to hire.

Junior Accountant Resume Tip #4:  Don’t Be A Needle In The Haystack

Most employers today use software programs to manage and search resumes.  Employers run job title queries in their resume database to find candidates with previous experience.  Because of this, the job title you list in your Junior Accountant resume can greatly impact resume searchability.  So make sure your Junior Accountant resume contains job titles and terms that are commonly searched.  For more on how the job titles listed in your resume can affect your chances for landing your next job interview, check out our article “Don’t Get Pigeon Holed By Your Resume“.

Junior Accountant Related Job Titles Commonly Searched By Employers