Resume Writing

Tips from the Pros

Jul

If your resume is difficult to read, fewer people will read it.

As a job candidate there are many variables that are beyond your control when applying for a job. Employer perceptions, personal preferences and competition are just a few.

Resume writing is an art form. There is no foolproof advice that will guarantee your resume to land an interview, however there are many different aspects that make up a great resume and in order to succeed you need to make sure your professional resume ticks all the right boxes.

There are millions of tips on how to write the best resume but the number rule of professional resume writing is as follows:

If your resume is difficult to read, fewer people will read it.

A well designed resume should aim to allow any person to pick up your resume up and read it. Your resume needs to allow 100% of people who wish to read your resume the ability to do so. I’m not saying everyone will understand what you do on a day to day basis, but they must be able to read through the resume and clearly be able to identify your work history, dates, skills, achievements etc.

So where do job seekers go wrong when preparing their resume writing?

Too much “make-up”

A resume is a marketing document and as such needs to be written in a professional way. Think about all the important documents you have received. The document is professionally laid out, spelling and grammar is correct, and the document is formatted and presented professionally. Your resume has one single purpose and that is to get you a job. It is not a work of art that is going to be hung up in the living room or framed in the study.

Trying to “Deceive the Reader”

The reader of the resume is only interested in the facts! Hiring managers and recruiters read hundreds of resumes on a daily basis and can easily pick up a resume that is exaggerated or sounds
“too good to be true”.

Wasting Time and Space

A good resume will attract the reader’s attention within the first 10-15 seconds. Alternatively, a bad resume will be deleted within 10-15 seconds. Do not waste the limited time and space you have on your resume to impress the reader. Focus on your achievements and the value-added skills you can offer your next employer. Use selected keywords to highlight your skills and promote yourself. Your resume is your selling tool and therefore needs to be able to sell all the key areas that will make you the perfect candidate for the job. Unfortunately once your resume has been deleted it will never be able to be viewed again. You have one chance to impress!

Tags: cv writing, executive cv, executive resume, graduate resumes, how to write a resume, professional resume, resume achievements, resume service, resume success, resume writer, resume writing, writing a resume, writing resume

Jul

Including Key Achievements in your Resume

By RedStarResume 2 comments

If I had a dollar for every resume I saw that did not include “key achievements”, I would be a very wealthy resume writer!

Failing to include key achievements throughout your resume is a recipe for disaster and will cause your resume to be put straight in the deleted folder and never to be seen again.

The job market is competitive, and if you’re going to prove to the hiring manager that you are the best candidate for a job, you need to show off every key achievement and skill that will stand you out against all the other job candidates. Remember the golden rule of resume writing – your resume is a marketing document and, as such, needs to market all the great things that you can bring to a potential job. Providing achievements that are backed up with quantitative evidence will guarantee that you will stand out from the other job seekers.

The best written resumes adequately sell the person’s achievements, skills and personality. Do this correctly and I guarantee that you will find success.

What Types of Achievements should you include in your resume?

Employers want to know the value you are going to add to the business and therefore want to see examples of your past behaviours to indicate your future behaviours. Types of achievements to include are:

Ways you saved the company money

Examples of how you reduced costs

Examples of new ideas or implementations that resulted in positive outcomes

Special awards or recognitions you received (e.g. voted #1 salesperson for two consecutive years)

Training, hiring, mentoring, leading, managing staff

Resolution of problems or issues that led to a positive outcome

Training courses, seminars, workshops that you successfully completed

2 key Tricks and Tips to turn your resume into a selling tool

Use strategic keywords throughout your resume to catch the reader’s eye. Strategic keywords will ensure that your resume will be picked up by employers using software programs that help eliminate candidate resumes

Go through the job requirements to find out exactly what the employer is looking for in the right candidate and incorporate these directly into your resume. For example, if the job is looking for someone with leadership skills, make sure you provide examples about the leadership you performed either in your past jobs or through community involvement or extra curricular activities

RedStarResume: The leaders in Resume Writing, CV Writing & Cover Letter Writing

Tags: achievements, achievements in cv, cv writing, executive resume, graduate resumes, how to write a cover letter, how to write a resume, professional resume, resume writing

Jul

Professional Australian Resume Writing Targeting the Australian Job Market

By RedStarResume No comments yet

Do you need an Australian Resume Writer with an in depth knowledge of the Australian job market who can construct your professional resume specifically for the Australian job market?

At RedStarResume we have writers to suit every job candidate’s needs.

We can help you no matter where you are located in Australia. From working in the mines in Perth to working at an investment bank in Sydney, the team at RedStarResume will strategically target your resume to ensure that your application stands out from the crowd.

Why is the Australian Resume different?

All job markets around the world are unique in their own ways. The culture of a certain country plays a large part in how the job process works. In Australia, for example, it is neither necessary nor required to put a picture on your resume. Providing additional personal information such as date of birth, marital status, religion etc. is also very much discouraged. In order to write a good “Australian”, resume you need to have an understanding of what the Australian employer is looking for in a resume.

Highlight Achievements in your Australian resume.

Recent reports have indicated that recruitment agents and hiring managers will only spend up to 15 seconds reading your resume before deciding to either read on or delete. Once the resume has been deleted there is no way for the reader to give the resume a second chance. The number one rule with your resume is to highlight your achievements. When you apply for a certain job you can expect that a large percentage of the candidates will share relatively the same skills and education as you. In order to stand out above the competition you need to highlight your achievements and show the reader where you can specifically add value to their business.

Top 5 tips to ensure your new Australian resume is targeted toward the Australian Job Market:

Achievements are essential – Use examples to back up statements

Target your resume – Each time you apply for a job, ensure that your resume and cover letter is targeting that specific job.

Use correct “British English” – Words such as “realize” are spelt with a “z” using American English, but in Australia the “z” is replaced with an “s” – “Realise”

No picture or unnecessary personal information

Use strategic keywords (Strategic selection of keywords and phrases designed to highlight your resume and cover letter)

RedStarResume the number 1 choice for resume writing services. With our 100% satisfaction guarantee, we will be right by your side the entire journey until you have secured your brand new job.

The journey to finding your dream job starts with a brand new professional resume

RedStarResume have Resume Writers available in every major city throughout Australia

Click here to get started:

Resume Writers Australia

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Jun

Questions to ask in the Job Interview

By RedStarResume No comments yet

How to nail your job interview

As a job candidate what is the best question to ask in an interview? At some point in the interview (typically at the end) the hiring manager will turn to you and ask “Do you have any questions which you would like to ask me?”

There are two main benefits in asking the right questions. Firstly don’t forget the number one rule from chapter one. The interview is a two way process and you need to ensure that this organization is the right fit for you. If you are uncertain about certain aspects of the role or need greater clarification, than this is the time to ask those questions. Don’t be shy or intimidated. Secondly by asking clever questions will not just help you in deciding if this job is right for you but will impress the interviewer and leave a positive image as someone who comprehensive and professional.

What you need to do:

Prioritize your questions based on the interview situation – Is this the first interview or the second interview?
The best questions you can ask are open ended questions
Have 3-5 questions prepared (The more the better)
Only ask questions that you are interested in knowing the answer!
Only ask questions that are relevant to the job, department, management and organization

Sample 15 Job Interview Questions to ask:

How will my leadership responsibilities and performance be measured?
Do you provide any sort of professional development or training?
How do you measure performance and how often is it reviewed?
Who was in this job before and why did they leave?
Is this a new position? How long has this position existed?
Could you explain your organizational structure?
How many people work in this office/department?
How much travel is expected?
What’s the makeup of the team as far as experience?
With whom will I be working most closely?
Why do you enjoy working for this company?
How will my leadership responsibilities and performance be measured?
Can you describe the company’s management style?
What would be the goals of the department in the coming year?
What are the traits and skills of people who are the most successful within the organization?

Types of Job Interview Questions NOT to ask:

Salary and benefits
Questions that are clearly stated on the website
Generic / Obvious questions
Questions that the interviewer is unable to answer. Do not try to “outsmart the interviewer” Asking questions that appear to be challenging the interviewer or a question that the interviewer is unlikely to know will only create a negative vibe between you and the interviewer. Remember you are trying to build rapport with the interviewer not challenge the interviewer.
Questions that are irrelevant to the job or organization

Sample 15 Job Interview Questions NOT to ask:

How many sick days and holiday days do I get?
Do I still get paid for a sick day?
If I start next week how long until I will get a pay rise?
How long is the lunch break?
What is it that your company does?
Are the working hours flexible?
Am I able to have my own office?
Who are the “coolest” people on my team?
How many warnings do you get before you are fired?
Are there many coffee shops close by?
How financially sound is this company?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
Will I be given an employee handbook?
What is the company policy on internet use?
Can I use Facebook?

RedStarResume the number 1 choice for resume and CV writing services. With our 100% satisfaction guarantee, we will be right by your side the entire journey until you have secured your brand new job.

The journey to finding your dream job starts with a brand new professional resume

Tags: cv writing, expert resume, expert resume writing, interview questions, interviewing, job interview, professional resume writing, resume writing, resume writing service

May

Are you prepared to answer all the tough Job Interview Questions?

By RedStarResume No comments yet

Unless you are born extremely rich and plan on spending the rest of your life lying on your own private island or you have a family business you can move into, chances are at some stage in your life you are going to have sit face to face with a hiring manager in a job interview.

The interview is your time to shine. Don’t be intimidated because you don’t think you have all the skills that are wanted in the job specification. Most businesses will teach you as you go, so lacking a certain skill will not mean you can’t get the job. If you do lack certain skills or experience, you need to work twice as hard in your interview to portray the skills that you have and can bring to the job. It is a myth to think that the most skilled person will get the job. When it comes to hiring the right person, it is about the overall package – skills, personality, confidence and also the passion you show in your interview.

The brand new Ebook from RedStarResume – “Interview Secrets Exposed” will teach you everything you need to know to easily prepare yourself for your next important job interview and most importantly be able to nail the job interview. Rather than going into the interview feeling nervous and unprepared, you can stand out from the competition and force the hiring manager to take notice. This simple, powerful formula guarantees you will be prepared for any question that comes your way.

Learn everything you need to know to prepare yourself for the interview including

Researching and preparation
How to answer Ice Breaking Questions
The most frequently asked interview questions and answers
Open Ended and Closed Ended Questions
General “Standard” Interview Questions
Behavioural questions and examples
50 most asked Behavioural Interview Questions
Situational Questions
What to wear to the job interview
Asking the interviewer questions
Dressing for the Interview
Top 10 Job Interview Blunders
How to Answer Illegal Interview Questions

Plus: Bonus material “how to nail the Telephone Interview” and “following up after the Interview”

Job Interviewing does not have to be a scary experience! Research, Prepare and Practice and you are already another step closer to landing your next job.

IMMEDIATE DOWNLOAD –

INSTANT ACCESS!

Time for an Interview?

Interview Secrets Exposed

Interview Questions Interview Samples Interview Tips and Advice

May

Job Interview Secrets Exposed

By RedStarResume No comments yet

The Brand new EBook from RedStarResume “Interview Secrets Exposed” is an insider’s guide on everything you need to know in order to nail your job interview.

Follow our steps and make sure that you are well prepared to answer every possible interview question when the opportunity presents itself. This E-book is a compilation of many months of research and discussions with hiring managers and career experts in recruitment, career counselling and interviews.

Time for an Interview?

Interview Secrets Exposed

Interview Questions Interview Samples Interview Tips and Advice

The interview is your time to shine. Don’t be intimidated because you don’t think you have all the skills that are wanted in the job specification. Most businesses will teach you as you go, so lacking a certain skill will not mean you can’t get the job. If you do lack certain skills or experience, you need to work twice as hard in your interview to portray what you do have that you can bring this job. It is a myth to think that the most skilled person will get the job. When it comes to hiring the right person, it is about the overall package – skills, personality, confidence and also the passion you show in your interview.

Did you Know – In less than 30 minutes you can have all the answers you need to quickly and easily prepare yourself for your next important job interview. Rather than going into the interview feeling nervous and unprepared, you can stand out from the competition and force the hiring manager to take notice. This simple, powerful formula guarantees you will be prepared for any question that comes your way.

What you will find in this EBook:

•Everything you need to do to prepare yourself for the interview
•How to answer Ice Breaking Questions
•The most frequently asked interview questions and answers
•Behavioural questions and examples
•50 most asked Behavioural Interview Questions
•What to wear to the job interview

•Plus: Bonus material “how to nail the Telephone Interview” and Following Up After the Interview

IMMEDIATE DOWNLOAD –

INSTANT ACCESS!

Tags: behavioral interview questions, cv writing, free interview questions, interview question, interview questions, interview secrets, interview secrets exposed, interview tips, interviewing, job interview, job interviewing, job interviews, nail your job interview, resume writing

Apr

Standing out in your Job Interview

By RedStarResume No comments yet

Interview Secrets Exposed

A true story…

A candidate was applying for a job at one of the large investment banks.

Out of 150 candidates the hiring manager had selected the top 10 best resumes to perform first round interviews. Every interview was 15-20 minutes long. The final question the hiring manager asked to each of the candidates was

“Tell me something about the company.”

Nine out of ten of the candidates rattled off information they had read from the company’s “about us page”, but one candidate stood out. After reading about the company’s strategic purchase of a new acquisition, the candidate was able to impress the hiring manager with his (somewhat different) knowledge.

The hiring manager later offered this candidate the role not because he was the smartest candidate, but because he showed his dedication by going the extra step in his interview preparation.

Check out Interview Secrets Exposed

Interview Questions Interview Samples Interview Tips and Advice

Tags: cv writing, free interview questions, interview help, interview questions, interview samples, interviewer questions, interviews, job interview, job interview questions, job interviews, job questions, job search, resume, resume writing, resume writing service, telephone interview

Apr

Job Interview Questions

By RedStarResume No comments yet

Imagine going to your interview today and starting your new job tomorrow …. You Can

The Brand new Ebook from RedStarResume “Interview Secrets Exposed” is an insiders guide on everything you need to know in order to nail your job interview.

The purchase of this E-book is your first step in ensuring that you get the job! Interviewing is all about research, confidence and creating a good rapport. The hiring manager needs to know that you are capable of performing the tasks of the job and also that you will be a good addition to the team. The interview is your time to shine. Don’t be intimidated because you don’t think you have all the skills that are wanted in the job specification. Most businesses will teach you as you go, so lacking a certain skill will not mean you can’t get the job. If you do lack certain skills or experience, you need to work twice as hard in your interview to portray what you do have that you can bring this job. It is a myth to think that the most skilled person will get the job. When it comes to hiring the right person, it is about the overall package – skills, personality, confidence and also the passion you show in your interview.

Did you Know – In less than 30 minutes you can have all the answers you need to quicklu and easily prepare yourself for your next important job interview. Rather than going into the interview feeling nervous and unprepared, you can stand out from the competition and force the hiring manager to take notice. This simple, powerful formula guarantees you will be prepared for any question that comes your way.

Check out Interview Secrets Exposed

Interview Questions Interview Samples Interview Tips and Advice

Apr

Front Office Bankers Resume Writing

By RedStarResume 1 comment

When it comes to resume/CV writing there is no magic formula to follow that will ensure your resume will be read. There are however clear dos and don’ts that will either add value to your resume or work in the negative by having your resume deleted. No matter if you’re a front office banker or part of the mailroom team, listing and identifying achievements and backing these achievements up with numerical examples is the number one way to make your resume standout.

red man Front Office Bankers Resume Writing

Too many times a job candidate will focus much of their resume on standard day to day duties. For example every person on the trading desk knows how to “analyze data”, “liaise with clients” and “maximize opportunities”. These are soft skills which are expected. It does not enhance your resume as it does not tell the reader anything. For example when writing a resume for an equity trader it is no longer good enough just to list these soft skills. In order to effectively write a good resume you need to clearly identify your areas of expertise but most importantly present quantitative examples

Writing your resume is not about reinventing the wheel, it is about ensuring that you adequately highlight everything that is required to make sure that your resume is selected and you are given the chance to present yourself in the interview. Divide your resume into sections and concentrate on using bullet points to make the resume clear and possible for the reader to scan.

As a banker, your professional experience is the most important aspect on your resume and needs to be placed on page one. However in order to make your resume stand out above the competition I like to include a short career summary, an introduction (2-3 sentences) which adequately summarizes your career. For example:

“Masters of Business Administration with seven years experience as an equity trader. With a strong background in analysis, risk management and strategic planning, I have planned, coordinated, and performed diverse trading functions in various sectors.”

Following your short career summary is the most important aspect of your resume which is listing your top key achievements in bullet point (5-6 key achievements) with an emphasize of using “keyword” rich words (These are words which are mentioned in the job description or words which headhunters or recruiters are likely to search for in their database)

Remember, the most important aspect of listing these achievements is backing everything up with quantifiable results of your work. Using the equity trader as an example, part of your success is measured in numbers so ensure your main achievements by including quantifiable examples

‘Increased cash flow by $15 million by consolidating …..”

‘Revenue and income growth of 55% over a 12-month period, through ….”

“Key member of an elite trading team that generated more than $65 million by ….”

The final part of your resume presentation is your work experience, education and professional memberships. Again the most important aspect is providing examples to everything you write and incorporating achievements as opposed to just listing day to day duties. Always ensure that you provide dates on your resume and that the resume flows chronologically. The document needs to be as easy as possible for someone to read. The more difficult you make your resume to follow the more likely it will end up being deleted.

As a front office banker, focus your resume on your leadership abilities and achievements to guarantee that your resume stands out from the crowd!

Do you have a job interview coming up? Check out INTERVIEW SECRETS EXPOSED

An Insiders Guide: Everything you need to know in order nail your job interview

Interview Questions Interview Samples Interview Tips & Advice

Resume Writing Cover Letter Writing Job Success

Tags: cover letter, cover letter secrets, cover letter writing, cv writing, free resume, how to write a resume, interview secrets, job interview, job search, need a job, resume example, resume template, resume writing, sample resume, successful job interview, writing a resume

Mar

10 Seconds for your Resume to Shine

By RedStarResume No comments yet

One of my favourite books is the “The E Myth Revisited” written by Michael Gerber. In the book Michael speaks about the marketing strategy. He quotes

“In a television commercial, we’re told; the sale is made or lost in the first three or four seconds.

In a print ads, tests have shown, 75 percent of the buying decisions are made at the headline alone.

In a sales presentation, data have shown us, the sale is made or lost in the first three minutes”

Same is true for your resume – Reports suggest that a hiring manager will spend no more than 10 seconds reading through your resume before deciding to read on or delete.

Less and less time is being spent reading a persons resume. In today’s society, hiring managers are more interested in eliminating candidates before they begin their pursuit of finding the perfect candidate.

When it comes to writing your resume, remember the golden rule of highlighting your achievements and putting them on the front page. No matter how good your achievements, skills, experience and knowledge if the hiring manager has not found them within 10 seconds than your resume will be deleted – and once it is deleted from the inbox it will never be read again.

Your resume is a marketing document – it’s your marketing tool to sell yourself. First impressions count for a lot and if your resume is being deleted than it will be impossible for you to get the job

Do the small things right and your already half way there to your new job!

Good luck

Tags: 10 second resume, best resume, cv writing, guaranteed interview questions, guaranteed job, hiring manager, how to write a resume, job seeking, marketing strategy, resume tips, resume writing, sales presentation, secret resume, writing a resume

Resume Writing

Tips from the Pros

If your resume is difficult to read, fewer people will read it.

Including Key Achievements in your Resume

Professional Australian Resume Writing Targeting the Australian Job Market

Questions to ask in the Job Interview

Are you prepared to answer all the tough Job Interview Questions?

Job Interview Secrets Exposed

Standing out in your Job Interview

Job Interview Questions

Front Office Bankers Resume Writing

10 Seconds for your Resume to Shine

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