Video resumes were first introduced in the 1980s for use and distribution on VHS tape, but the laborious technology dampened the idea and it never took off. However, with the modern capabilities of transmitting streaming video via the internet, video resumes aka visumés are taking on new popularity. Continue reading Tips for Adding a Visumé to your Job Search Branding Package
Tag Archives: job search
What IKEA can teach you about designing your career
Ingvar Kamprad, the Swedish entrepreneur, is well-known around the globe for founding IKEA, the world’s largest furniture retailer since 2008. Kamprad had dyslexia, a learning disorder that affects one’s ability to read, spell, write, and speak. What distinguishes IKEA from other retailers is a result of Kamprad’s dyslexia. His disorder caused him to struggle with numbers, so using pictures and letters made more sense. He replaced numeric codes with European names, places, and islands that make it easier to identify each furniture piece. Continue reading What IKEA can teach you about designing your career
Don’t markdown your career or grab it off the rack. Make it a perfect fit.
Don Fisher had bought two pair of pants. When they didn’t fit, he and his wife Doris began a search for the right size at clothing stores in San Francisco. Their futile search became an epiphany. “What if,” Don mused, “someone put together all the styles, colors and sizes Levi Strauss had to offer in one store?” That led to the creation of the first Gap store which revolutionized the retail industry. With no retail training or experience, they created a contagious shopping experience that the Fishers grew into a major global brand with over 3,200 stores and a portfolio that includes Gap, Banana Republic, and Old Navy. Continue reading Don’t markdown your career or grab it off the rack. Make it a perfect fit.
Where’s the résumé beef?
Back in 1984, 81-year old retired Chicago manicurist-turned-disgruntled old lady Clara Peller asserted that a Wendy’s Hamburger served up a comparatively bigger value by asking the fast food competition, “Where’s the beef?” Today, Clara’s iconic words could become the voice of Applicant Tracking Software which, when it rejects an estimated 70 percent of the resumes submitted because of low keyword matches against the desired qualifications or it can’t figure out the formatting, analyzes a spectrogram to generate a voice that asks itself, “Where’s the résumé beef?”
FUEL YOUR RÉSUMÉ WITH ACTION KEYWORDS
Think of a job posting as a gift. The prospective employer has literally shared with you the experience, skills, and education being sought in qualified candidates. The greater the match between your résumé and the job description, the higher the probability of being selected for an interview. And, keywords narrow the qualifying gap.
The one-résumé-does-all with the generic cover letter, like Elvis, have left the building. You have to:
Continue reading FUEL YOUR RÉSUMÉ WITH ACTION KEYWORDSRÉSUMÉ DON’TS
DON’T use subjective keywords like “reliable” and “hardworking.”
DON’T use creative wording and long phrases.
DON’T take a one-résumé-does-all approach.
DON’T say, “References Upon Request.”
Continue reading RÉSUMÉ DON’TS
PB&J: PERSONAL BRANDING AND YOUR JOB SEARCH
When people hear the word “brand” they instantly think of “products” or “things on a store shelf” or “cool stuff we can order through Amazon.” The last association people make with “brand” is to themselves. Branding is not just about products. YOU are a brand. And, if you’re seeking a new career or looking for your next job your personal brand is your foundation for success. Continue reading PB&J: PERSONAL BRANDING AND YOUR JOB SEARCH