Volume 6, Issue 2 April-May,2014
From the Editor’s Desk
“A person on a laptop computer follows steps on writing a great resume by including things like skills, experience, interest, education, awards, goals, references, objective, abilities and more.” What an ideal scenario and seamless way of writing a resume! . . . Reality check? Writing a resume is difficult! It is often so daunting that we put off our job applications indefinitely. With this in mind, Eric Nilsson (Articles from Around the World-Wide Web) had selected some choice articles about resume writing that hopefully will help the job seekers overcome the biggest challenges that they face when it comes to writing or updating their resume. ETP’s CEO, Rod Colon’s article, “Reason to Target Your Resume” (on page 3) is an excellent introduction to these series of Resume articles. Personal Commendation to Eric Nilsson from Amanda Sherman: “I would like to put a little note in . . . Thanks, Eric, for supplying job postings for the Charlotte, North Carolina Empowering Today's Professionals Blog post. Eric has been keeping me up-to-date.” ** ** This is an undeniable testimony that ETP Network is not only a professional network but most importantly a family-oriented organization where members care for each other. We hope you’ll enjoy reading the Lamplighter – April-May 2014 edition as much as we enjoyed putting it together for you. Many thanks to our generous contributors, Jerry Clifford, Amanda Sherman, Rod Colon, and Carl Reid.
A VERY HAPPY EASTER TO YOU AND YOURS!!!
Aida A. Rodriguez
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Volume 6, Issue 2 April-May,2014
Empowering Today's Professional (ETP) Volunteer Directory Executive Committee Rod Colón, Founder Carl E. Reid, Executive Director Michele Battista, Faculty Leader & Quality Assurance Amanda Sherman, Director, Volunteer Services Anthony (Tony) Colon, Business Consultant Phyllis M. Shelton, Public Relations & Global Events Book Production Team
Lamplighter Newsletter
Faculty Leaders
Lamplighter Newsletter Production Team Adelaida (Aida) Rodriguez, Editor-inChief & Writer
New Jersey Rod Colón
Eric Nilsson, Designer Layout & Writer
Michele Battista
Barbara Daisak, Quality Assurance & Writer
Peter Hansen
Carl E. Reid, Online Publishing & Writer
Thomas E. Kenny
Scott Chase, former Editor-in-Chief & Writer Contributing Writers
Aaron Cohen Laura Cohen
Win The Race For 21st Century Jobs
Barbara Alexander
Maureen Kinsey
Ruth Harenchar, Project Manager
Michele Battista
Keith Gross
Rod Colón, Co-Author
Jerrold (Jerry) Clifford
Sam Anson
Chip Hartman, Co-Author
Aaron Cohen
Lou Piombino
Carl E. Reid, Foreword Crowd Source Investors include ETP Members & Community Supporters Volunteer & Member Services
Laura Cohen Rod Colón Chip Hartman Thomas E. Kenny
Genesius Jaromsky Satnam Singh Bansal New York Phyllis M. Shelton
All Executive Committee members
Carl E. Reid
Carl E. Reid
Tiana Reid, Administrative Assistant Barbara Alexander, former Director of Volunteer Services James Ledwith, Coordinator Administration, Finance, and Fund Raising Ruth Harenchar
James Scott
Anne Gambina
Amanda Sherman
Ronald Richards
Wendy Woolfork
Norman Reiss
James Yoakum
Denise Hamilton Michael Canfora
Surekha Vaidya
North Carolina
Carl E. Reid
Amanda Sherman
Rod Colón
Rod Colón
Vicki Gaddy
Carl E. Reid
Ashley Cisneros
Phyllis M. Shelton
Phyllis M. Shelton
Tiana Reid
Amanda Sherman
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Volume 6, Issue 2 April-May,2014
The Reason to Target Your Résumé By Rod Colón
As a fifteen–year veteran of Human Resources recruiting in both a corporate and an agency setting, I've devoted a third of my life to reviewing Résumés. During this time, I saw every combination of résumé fads and styles. It is abundantly clear to me that professionals spend too much time and money developing a winning Résumé when the client is not looking for a Résumé at all. The client is not really interested in a full accounting of your education and employment. What he or she wants to know is if you have the required skills for the job and if you've successfully demonstrated mastery of those skills, preferably within the last 3 – 5 years. Here are the questions most likely to be running through the client’s mind: Does the candidate have the required skills? Does the candidate clearly describe how he/she used the skills in his/her last few positions? Does the candidate demonstrate success in the skill sets required? Does the candidate have enough of the skills to be worth pursuing even if he/she is not a perfect fit? Is the candidate able to clearly communicate this on the Résumé or is it poorly written? Are the compensation expectations in line with the role? Is the candidate a fit from a “level” (grade) perspective? Is he/she looking to take a major step down just to find employment and then leave once a better opportunity presents itself? What is the risk in hiring the candidate? Will the candidate fit within the culture of the organization? Most decision-makers review a countless number of résumés each day. On average, you only have 10 - 15 seconds in which to make a powerful first impression. If your TR doesn’t “grab them” right away, there may not be another opportunity to grab them at all. Still more food for thought: In the race for 21st century jobs, we are now living in an age of consensus hiring — the decision of “yea” or “nay” is not up to just one individual but rather a whole team. Your ability to “connect” with the entire team matters a great deal. Finally, you'll have a much better chance of being considered for an interview if the experience you cite is relevant, current, and clearly written. This way, no one with input on your suitability will misunderstand or misinterpret what you’ve written. That is the power of the targeted résumé.
Separating Résumé Fallacies From Facts By Rod Colón
Fallacy The purpose of a résumé is to list all your skills and abilities. A good résumé will get you the job you want. Your résumé will be read carefully and thoroughly by an interested employer. The more good information you provide about yourself in your résumé, the better. If you want a really good résumé, have it prepared by a résumé service. Fact The purpose of a résumé is to spark employer interest and generate an interview. All a résumé can do is get you in the door. Your résumé probably has less than 10 seconds to make an impression. Too much information on a résumé may kill the reader’s appetite to know more. Page 3 of 10
Volume 6, Issue 2 April-May,2014
Résumés are written to impress, not inform. Think of your résumé as a marketing tool, not an historical record. It is valuable real estate, so use it for your most impressive but relevant information. Specific Steps for Preparing a Targeted Résumé 1. Copy and paste from the job description the core requirements and responsibilities into a blank document. 2. Place a bullet “•” before each key requirement/responsibility. 3. You now have a list of key questions the client/company will ask you on the interview. 4. Now put the list in priority order — here, you must try to think and act as if you are the decision-maker to determine priority. 5. Select the top 5 to 8 skills from the list and write below each one how you have accomplished the requirement/responsibility including the impact/result of your work. 6. You now have the content to build both a great targeted résumé and your talking points for the interview. 7. Incorporate your answers into the generic résumé and you now have the beginnings of a powerful targeted résumé. 8. Delete/remove from your résumé facts/details that have no value for the job.
information in a vacuum, you lure in reviewers by defining the challenge you’ve faced, your course of action and the results you achieved. The repeatable formula is often used by technical writers to create compelling marketing messages when space is limited. If you want to see the technique in action, take a look at these case studies from Microsoft. Let’s review the process and how to use the results to jump-start your search. Read the full article here: http://news.dice.com/2014/02/14/craft-psrresume/
How to Format a Resume Our editors explain the resume formatting process Scribendi
How to Craft a PSR Resume By Leslie Stevens-Huffman | Feb 14, 2014
The Problem: Employers are ignoring your resume. In fact, you’ve only scored one interview after sending it out to more than 100 open positions. The Solution: You use the PSR – for “problem, solution, results” — methodology to punch up your experience bullets and provide a brief project summary. The Results: You score a dozen interviews and two offers after tantalizing employers with a revitalized package that emphasizes your value. So what is this magical PSR methodology? In a nutshell, it’s a classic writing technique that authors have been using for years. Instead of providing
In our article "How to Write a Resume," we explained that the style of your resume will depend on your individual purpose. However, there are certain components that are the basis of any resume format. We have broken down the main resume format tips, which can be used in most resume styles.
Tips to a great resume format: Once you've read our resume formatting tips, take a look at our example resume to see exactly how each of these components can be formatted in a standard resume. Find out more here>> http://www.scribendi.com/advice/resume_format_ basics.en.html
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Volume 6, Issue 2 April-May,2014
We're Hiring: Tips For A Perfect Resume and Smooth Interview
3 Ways to Get Past Resume Filters Posted by John Scott on 01/10/2014
By Carolyn Anger The U.S. unemployment rate has dropped to levels not seen since late 2008 when the Great Recession began, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Despite the 16-day government shutdown in October 2013, small businesses actually added more employees as opposed to the reduction of workforces in September, according to the National Federation of Independent Business. The stars have aligned for those millions of Americans who have been out of work for an extended period of time. You may be a little rusty, so here are some quick refreshers regarding your resume and subsequent interview. Read more: http://www.nettemps.com/careerdev/crossroads/index.htm?op=view &id=5358&newsletter_id=1271#axzz2uRyAxmKR
7 mistakes that make your professional resume – and you – look old
By now you’re probably familiar with the role software can play in the application process for an open position. Gone are the days of going door to door hand delivering your resume to companies in search of a new job. In today’s digital age, not only is it assumed that you must apply for a position online through a company website or job board, but that a company is likely using an Applicant Tracking System (ATS). An ATS is a tool used by companies to organize, filter, and rank candidates for an open job. With such a disparity between qualified job seekers and open jobs, employers use an ATS to help narrow their options to candidates that have the right keywords, phrases, and work experience designated in the job posting. Here are a few tips you can use to help get past an ATS: - See more at: http://www.theconfidentcareer.com/2014/01/applic ant-tracking-systems-and-yourresume.html#sthash.0zsurIMB.dpuf
45 Quick Changes That Help Your Resume Get Noticed
Posted by Amanda Augustine | February 25, 2014 Are your job applications saying the wrong thing about you? Resumes, like many other marketing materials, have an expiration date. As technology changes and the job-search process becomes more mobile, it’s important to reevaluate and edit your resume periodically. Your resume is a reflection of you – and you don’t want recruiters thinking you’re outdated because your document is. Here’s how to know if your resume needs an update.
It’s become too long An eye-tracking study by TheLadders found that the average recruiter spends only six seconds reviewing a resume before deciding if it’s worth a closer inspection. Maximize your exposer by limiting your resume to one page if you’re new to the workforce or two pages if you’re a seasoned professional. Remember, your resume should always highlight the skills, experience, and accomplishments that are most relevant to your job goals. Keep reading>>http://info.theladders.com/your-jobsearch/outdated-resume-mistakes Page 5 of 10
By The Daily Muse Editor, February 25, 2014 There is certainly a time and a place for a resume overhaul. Taking a couple hours to really clean up your resume is worth doing before you start a job search, or even just once a year as a tune-up. But sometimes, you don’t have that kind of time. Sometimes, you just have a few minutes, and you want to spend them giving your resume a quick polishing-up. And for those times, we made you this list of resume updates that only take a few minutes, but that can make a big difference in making your resume shine. Choose how much time you have, pick a (mini) project, and get ready for your resume to be that much more eye-catching. Keep Reading>> http://www.themuse.com/advice/45-quick-changesthat-help-your-resume-get-noticed
Volume 6, Issue 2 April-May,2014
Welcome to Your Tech Tip! Have a social media, tip-n-trick, or “knowhow” article to read and share? Email me! We will publish it in upcoming issues... bndaisak@verizon.net And many Thanks to Eric for an endless supply of news to use! Your posts are always welcomed! Check our next issue for another great Tech and Social Media Tip!
Need An Introduction? LinkedIn Now Finds The Best Person In Your Network To Tap Professional networking got a tad bit easier. By Alice Truong
A new LinkedIn feature will show more context on how users are connected on their extended networks, spotlighting the strongest connections who can help make introductions. A tool called How You're Connected begins rolling out Wednesday, highlighting the people in one's network who can serve as the best path to reach a potential contact. "When looking for an introduction to someone you may not know yet, you will now not only see 'who' in your network knows them on their Profile, but also 'how' they know each other to help you decide the best contact to request an introduction from," product manager Udi Milo wrote in a blog post. Read the full article at this link: http://www.fastcompany.com/3025709/fastfeed/need-an-introduction-linkedin-now-finds-thebest-person-in-your-network-to-tap
LinkedIn gives members more room to share insights By Michael Liedtke February 19, 2014
SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — LinkedIn is hoping to unleash more wisdom on its professional networking Page 6 of 10
service by giving its 277 million accountholders more space to share their experiences and insights. A new feature rolling out Wednesday will free LinkedIn users from restrictions that have limited posts to a maximum of 300 characters. Those limits had been in effect since the service began allowing status updates in 2009. Keep reading at this link: http://www.businessweek.com/ap/2014-0219/linkedin-gives-members-more-room-to-shareinsights
Mobile Apps for Job Seekers Author: Right Management
In an increasingly mobile world, there is widespread use of smartphones with apps that can do just about anything. Among the available mobile apps are those created specifically to assist job seekers to conduct effective job searches, allowing them to continue their online experience while they are on the move. See the apps at this link: http://www.right.com/blog/careerpluswork/2014/ mobile-apps-for-job-seekers/
The Right Way to Connect with a Stranger on LinkedIn by Joshua Waldman Last week, I received an informational interview request from a stranger as a direct message on LinkedIn. Despite my very busy schedule, I decided to take his call. Over the weekend, I asked myself, “Why did I agree?” Let’s take his email apart and identify its four essential elements so you can use them in your own LinkedIn networking communications. Networking with strangers on LinkedIn can give you great results — if you’re deliberate in the process. (Click here to tweet this thought.) Keep reading at this link: http://www.careerattraction.com/the-right-wayto-connect-with-a-stranger-on-linkedin/
Volume 6, Issue 2 April-May,2014
VOLUNTEERING by: Amanda Sherman | ETP - Director of Volunteer Services
Volunteering -“ gives one an opportunity to change lives, including your own. It provides many benefits to both mental and physical health.” www.helpguide.org/life/volunteer_opportunities_benefits_volunteering.htm What an honor my volunteer undertaking has given me especially when I received “The President’s Volunteer Service Award.” I really would like to thank Empowering Today’s Professional s (ETP). It is a pleasure to be able to participate in an organization that cares about people. One of the main things I am proud of is being able to give back to ETP the recognition of being a recipient of “The President’s Volunteer Service Award.” It was not only a personal blessing but it came at a time when my spirit needed uplifting. When you think about volunteering you have to ask yourself . . . how do I go about volunteering? Am I cut out to volunteer or do I have the time to volunteer? Well, if you really think about it you have probably already volunteered one way or another. A few months ago when I was in the hospital, I guess I stepped in the Twilight Zone because I asked my nurse, Chanel, a young 23-year old, about the candy stripers that used to come around and visit the patients. Her reply was, “Who are they? If you want some candy, I can send one of the CNAs to the vending machine.” I shook my head because I realized that Chanel had no clue who the candy stripers were. Fortunately, Mrs. Elizabeth, who has been with the hospital since day 1, overheard our conversation about the candy stripers and she said that unfortunately good people come and go. She explained that the candy stripers were volunteers who visited and talked to patients who didn’t have visitors or just wanted someone to talk to. To the patients, the candy stripers were the heart of the hospital. Volunteering must stay alive because we have to learn to give back services to our communities or to our organizations that we are a part of. Did you ever think about the fact when you got married or decided to move in with your significant other that you were offering your volunteering service without even realizing it? You become the person that volunteers to go to the supermarket, do the laundry or do the cooking. How about when your significant other says, “Oh, the gang is dropping by, can you throw something together for them? “ How about when the kids come home and tell you that you have been selected to bake cupcakes for the class party and that it is needed “tomorrow?” “Betty Crocker” is now your best friend? Oh, let’s not forget about the sports activities, the dance practice, and how you have become the volunteer taxi driver to the other five individuals who are attached to your children. Don’t forget to add these to your dossier. Yes, I enjoy volunteering and I can’t say enough about the fact that it is a wonderful honor to receive “The President’s Volunteer Award” but my passion is making sure that I give back in any way that I can. Although, I am proud to admit that the award looks very nice on my “Wall of Fame.” This year marks the 40th anniversary of National Volunteer Week, April 6-12, 2014, which is about inspiring, recognizing, and encouraging people to seek out and lend a helping hand to organizations, churches, schools, and communities. If you take out time to read to someone, talk to someone, be the candy striper who no longer exists, your generosity demonstrates the importance of recognizing that you have a gift of sharing your talents.
About: Amanda Sherman — Director, Volunteer Services at Empowering Today's Professionals Current: Charlotte, North Carolina Area Events Services Previous: Time Warner Cable Brooklyn Queens Parent Magazine
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AtUrBest Special Events Blackstone Valley Tribune
Volume 6, Issue 2 April-May,2014
Plan to Achieve By Jerrold (Jerry) Clifford
A long time ago there was a humorous song about “mañana” (tomorrow). It described how a window was broken letting in a lot of rain and stating that if it isn’t fixed everyone would get soaked. It then goes on to say that the window can be fixed tomorrow. But by then the rain will be gone and a working window isn’t necessary on a sunny day. Extolling procrastination may be humorous at times but if you are job hunting it is unlikely to lead to a job offer. While the procrastinator delays, other events affecting hiring continue other people are submitting applications increasing the amount of competition, job application deadlines may pass, the company may institute hiring restrictions, the job may be filled. It takes time to prepare for getting a job. A job attainment plan is important and creating this takes time. Doing research to find out about its availability, requirements, the company offering it, determining individuals who may be able to help you or might be involved in the interview process all take time. If you run out of time to prepare properly you lessen the likelihood of a job offer. When it comes to job hunting, procrastination is a habit that is hard to break. The job hunting process is filled with negativity, for example, the lack of response that a company has received your application, or notices that you almost got the job (you were second best), or word that other qualified candidates are being considered, etc. It is hard to stay focused when the results of your efforts are repetitively negative. To avoid all this negativity we procrastinate when it comes to doing the job hunting steps. We can’t have a negative result if we don’t even try. So the trick is to find a way to ensure that we always try to do what we intend to accomplish. When we answer to others we reduce the likelihood of yielding to procrastination. This is called accountability. When we are accountable to somebody it means that they get to comment on our actions. We may be willing to “fake out” ourselves but we feel embarrassed if we don’t make a goal that we commit to someone else. We don’t want to let them down so we tend to try harder and we also feel better for accomplishing what we promised. This requires two actions: A. First, we have to know what we want to do. This is the purpose of our job attainment plan. Of course it should be written and it should state exactly what your goals are, how they will be accomplished and when each action will be accomplished. Arrange for someone to be your accountability partner and give the plan to that person. It is important to get together with that person on a scheduled basis (such as weekly) to summarize what you did, compare what you accomplished to the plan. If necessary adjust your plan and prepare for the coming week. B. Secondly, we must be realistic about the steps we plan to perform. They must be realistically possible (for example, don’t say you will attain a professional certification in a month when you haven’t even determined the requirements or planning to accomplish too many things in a short period of time which is likely to lead to frustration). Avoid procrastination and implement your job attainment plan.
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Volume 6, Issue 2 April-May,2014
Lamplighter Contributors Click a snapshot for the LinkedIn Profile
This 2-minute short film illustrates the power of words to radically change your message and your effect upon the world. Watch it, love it, and SHARE it... Your friends and family will thank you for it! Watch - Power of Words >>
Doug Westmoreland Co-Founder LifeSecretsOnline.com PS - please remember there is no cost to be subscribed to this newsletter. Our service is 100% complementary. We hope you find it valuable in your pursuit of staying motivated, engaged and inspired!
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Volume 6, Issue 2 April-May,2014
Lamplighter Staff
ETP and You To Help Veterans Please share this with your network. We are also looking for other volunteers and partner organizations to help with this initiative to get more military veterans employed. Non-profit, Empowering Today's Professionals (ETP) is on a mission to help as many military veterans as possible land jobs in the next 90 days. SIGN UP is free at www.ETPnetwork.org - Since 2004 proven job search training, career management education programs and our book "Win the Race for 21st Century Jobs" by ETP founder Rod Colon, ETP has inspired thousands to safely land jobs. As Chief Operations Officer [pro-bono] at Empowering Today's Professionals, I remember what it was like transitioning out of the United States Marine Corps and being on unemployment. I felt embarrassed, I had low self esteem and it hurt that my military service did not seem to matter much to non-military citizens. I would not wish those feelings on anyone. Leveraging my experience, I'm spearheading this initiative for those who served in the military as an ETP priority. With a global support network, Empowering Today's Professionals is doing it's part to get America back to work. In your SIGN UP application Please type "VETERAN" and credit the person who sent you this email as the referrer. I'll be on the look out for your application to connect with you and provide a personal job search /career game plan. We are also looking for other volunteers and partner organizations to help with this initiative to get more military veterans employed.
SIGNUP free at www.ETPnetwork.org - Empowering Today's Professionals Carl E, E Reid, CSI (USMC 1979/1980) Chief Operations Officer Empowering Today's Professionals (ETP)
Tel: 201-222-5390 Web: http://www.etpnetwork.org/ Carl is the author of the book: Win the Race for 21st Century Jobs)
July 20, 1969
When you first start working, you take whatever job is offered, because you have to build your resume. But you don't think about what you're building. — Chris Hardwick Page 10 of 10