Should I rewrite my resume?
I am looking for work and not getting any results. I'm wondering what I am doing wrong. I have a personal portfolio and blog site displaying my work and expertise, a comprehensive resume and descriptive cover letter. Is the job market down or am I missing something? I believe I am a good candidate for all the jobs I apply to. I'm wondering what I am doing wrong and what can I do to stand out in the application process.
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Mar 1, 2016
Hi, Liz! Don't upset! Maybe the reason of your problem is in an incorrect resume. If you want to be sure in an accuracy of your resume and waiting for efficient one, I recommend you to use special services of CV writing/editing, for example, http://craftresume.com or another one. With the help of such services, you can create a resume that will emphasize your skills and experience to get you noticed by an employer. Best of luck!
Sep 22, 2014
Liz - I haven't read all the comments but here's my 2 cents. You should actually have several versions of your resume. Which one you use would depend on what kind of job you are applying for. Example, if you're applying for a government hob, having that Top Secret clearance on there is important, even if it's not active because it shows that you were, at one time, eligible for it - a BIG PLUS! (you could put next to it something like "not currently active but still eligible" or something like that).
In fact, each resume and cover letter should be tailored specifically for each job to include the keywords mentioned in the job description. These days, most resumes and cover letters are computer screened looking for those keywords. So "top secret clearance" might get you through that first gateway. I know it sounds like a lot of work, but if you have a coupe of versions already done up, then you should be able to insert the necessary keywords with minimal tweaking.
Finally, have a friend check out your site on THEIR computer periodically to ensure there are no issues with anything like downloads, opening files, disappearing pix, etc.. I had a bunch of pix just disappear from mine for no reason for an unknown length of time - I could see them bc I was the adminn but I never found out they were missing until a potential job prospect notified me. So who knows how many opportunities I lost bc of it.
Best of luck!
Leslie
Sep 18, 2014
In a word Yes, always update your resume, every year or each time you change jobs. Give it a pro styling.. Then get a professional to punch it up. It is well worth the cost. Keep it as short as possible, these days the old 2 to 3 pager is dead. As an employer, I am way to busy to, sit around reading long resumes. that is not to say you shouldn't write one however, but keep it for the interview. Send the shorter version with your application. Power words are the ticket to shortening your page.Do not use the generally excepted though (Excellent, Great etc.) go wild kid (Monumental, Fantastic, Super human), grab lines. get their attention.
Also keep a proof file handy, letters of recommendation, job performance sheets, Photos of completed projects, certificates, degrees, etc..
Sep 17, 2014
I am a seasoned veteran (euphemism for being old). I have been doing resumes all my life as a job seeker as well as a hiring manager. In the past I have followed the advice of so called experts and tried all the tricks. In the process I have come to the conclusion that being authentic about who you are, what you do and the benefits you bring is the best basis for your resume. I am the only one who knows my skills and talents and usefulness to prospective employers. My advice is to simply present yourself as you truly are in a way that is easy to read and follow. Give examples of the way you have used your talents and more importantly, how you plan to use them in the future to achieve your stated mission in life. Anything different is non-authentic and may be simply an impossible attempt to satisfy the values of a myriad of reviewers with every conceivable "set of key attributes". That is a crap shoot. So if your resume is written in this way, consider redoing it.
Sep 17, 2014
Very thoughtful answers to your question. Would suggest you go to a professional CV writer. At one stage a while ago, I was sending out CV's and getting nowhere. Once I invested in a professional CV makeover, interviews just kept poring out of the woodwork. My work experience hadn't changed, but the way it was presented and worded made the difference. Something for you to ponder. Wishing you success in your job search.
Sep 16, 2014
There are four points are important to apply any job:
1-You are able to this job or not, according to their criteria.
2-How do you design portfolio according to applying job.
3-your portfolio give your complete picture or it has scattered points.
4-Social networks ids' are showing your right personality.
Sep 16, 2014
Now that you have improved your resume, it's definitely time to work on your cover letter. The fact is that a lot of resumes don't even get looked at. If your cover letter isn't well-written, most likely, your resume will be deleted without being looked at. This is because employers get tens and even hundreds of job applications. They simply don't have the time to look through all those applications. If your cover letter doesn't show you to be professional and doesn't provide information on how you match the requirements for the job, then no matter how much your resume does, it won't be looked at. When preparing your cover letter, review the ad well and try to include the skills you have that are required for the job. Make it easy for the recruiter by showing how your qualifications, experience, and skills fit those required for the job. When the recruiter sees from your cover letter that you are the right candidate, they will most likely shortlist you and call you for an interview.
Sep 16, 2014
Dear Liz. Finding a new job is a complex exercise that requires time, courage, stamina and every help you can get. The resume is but one element of the project and it cannot be seen in isolation. This may also be the opportunity to move closer to you dream job and dream career. I would be happy to help you in this your journey that far exceeds a few sentences on a blog. Perhaps we could carry-on this conversation off-line, either by email (patrice@lasserre.co.za) or via video-Skype (patrice.lasserre). I look forwards to th epleasure of earing from you. Patrice Lasserre.
Sep 16, 2014
It's called Networking!!! Go out and meet people at various networking events. If you're just sending in your resume to employers, no one is going to bite. Everyone that is looking for a job does that. Utilize your network to help you find jobs, not Linkedin.
Sep 16, 2014
A comprehensive profile alone will not do in your resume
Consider the following:
What you can bring to the table where the potential employer is concerned- what is your USP.
Your strengths and weaknesses
How frequently you have changed jobs.
Gaps in employment and how you account for them
These are issues whch any potential employer will look at
Sep 16, 2014
Forget the cover letter and resume. Employers don't even use those tools anymore. Linkedin has become one of the premiere ways for employers to find employees. Get an appropriately done Linkedin page and employers will come to you, I suggest you contact Jean Serio on Linkedin. She is a social and networking Linkedin certified pro.
Sep 16, 2014
One key issue that is very apparent to any would be employer is that in your web page and profile you identify yourself as ‘freelance’.
If you are looking for employment it is important to realise that very few design groups or agencies want to employ an individual that considers themselves as a freelancer.
To see your content as an employer would see it transfer your copy into word file then do a search and replace substituting the word ‘unemployable’ for ‘freelance’. That is how it will be read!
Now delete unemployable from you resume and on-line profiles to, become a Graphic Designer, that will make you far more employable!
Sep 16, 2014
From an employer's perspective a freelancer is (by definition) not seeking employment but looking for clients and commissions as they are self-employed.
You are by your own example an unemployed graphic designer, you are not freelance until you stop seeking employment and consider yourself as self-employed. It is a very simple delineation to make, any employer will tell you that.
If you are going to be taken seriously by an employer your resume should have your current employment as part time teacher not freelance designer.
Sep 16, 2014
Your resume (erroneously) states that you have been employed as a freelance designer for the last 14 years, and you are still in that position - That should scare off any would be employer as you are apparently settled and successful as you are. Delete this falsehood, and mention that you have taken on various illustration projects and short term design contract work during the last 14 years.
Sep 17, 2014
Ok good advice. I had no idea this was a turn off to employers. I actually thought it was a good thing. I will remove it from my resume and my profiles. Thanks so much.
Sep 16, 2014
Long term, ideally, but I'll take what I can get! I freelance now because I love what I do and I can't find a 9-5 so I take whatever work I can find. But I am actively seeking contract, part or full time.
Sep 16, 2014
How far are you willing to travel or do work? Have you attempted to contact the ad agency community in and around the area?
Sep 17, 2014
I used to drive 1.5 hours a day to work but it's too much for me to do everyday. So I would like to find something more local or telecommute. There isn't much of an ad agency community here, it's almost all government since I'm in the DC metro area. And that's the sector I focus on, since the job market is huge and I've worked for government contractors before. That's why I hold a TS.
Sep 16, 2014
My apologies to those who offered replays before me. I haven't read any of them.
Having said that here is my advice based on observation over a few decades.
Resume is a device to eliminate you from consideration. So every word on your resume MUST be positive and to the point. If you use a cover letter keep it short , to the point and tell them you would be honored to explain how you did some amazing you will reference in your resume.
Good Luck
Sep 16, 2014
You have some great answers here. I would add that your accomplishments are important as well. What results were you able to bring your clients or employers through your work? This should replace what your job responsibilities were - that's old school and no one cares about that.
Have you considered being a freelancer?
Sep 16, 2014
Thanks, and I am freelancing, actually. But I really need a full time job. I have also done some volunteer work too to add to my experience.
Sep 16, 2014
Hello Liz - I haven't read all the responses below and I will not comment on "How to write good CV" kind of subject. However, having been in your position few years back, I found that a good resume on its own seldom sells. Even good portfolio and case studies do not help. Real need for anyone looking for a job is to network heavily and meet people who "may be" looking for a candidate like you. 70% time should be spent on networking and 30% time should go on applying. Now, when I say networking, it means - you join forums, groups, attend relevant (and often free) seminars, chat-up sessions, contribute actively in forums and look around for anyone local you can meet. I would say, even calling your potential target organisations and seeking appointment is something you should try. As a recruiter myself, I look for self-starters, initiative-takers and those who don't hesitate asking questions such as "What can I do for you".
Another point is that a lot depends on supply/demand. Your recruitment agent is NOT your best friend when they have 000's of CVs for a position. Try to find connections who can give your insider's contact and take the lead.
I have been there and I understand your dilemma - so please feel free to write to me and I would be happy to review your CV. And hope my views help you in some way.
All the best! Sharad
Sep 16, 2014
It's difficult to say without looking at your resume. But some tips to keep in mind:
1) Your resume should not be "comprehensive" -- it should only highlight the skills and experience that the target employer is interested in. Any other work experience is somewhat distracting.
2) A resume isn't a biography. Keep your resume under 2 pages. Busy professionals don't have time to review long resumes. If they don't see what they need in the first two paragraphs or bullets - they will not continue to read the resume.
3) Customize your resume and cover letter for each position that you are applying for. Back in the old-days, you would make 60 copies of the same resume and send it out to everyone. These days, it's so easy to quickly modify/customize your resume to match exactly the terms and attributes they are looking for.
To stand out - quantify your accomplishment in the terms of $$. Companies are in the business to make money. Quantify your accomplishments in regards to increased revenue, reduced costs, improve client retention and loyalty, reduced time to market - which increased sales, etc.
Sep 16, 2014
Being a dedicated follower of detail, the first thing I did before responding to this cry for help was to hit on what I presumed was the "resume" button above and it reverted to another page entirely, so I could not do the first thing and am flying blind on this now.
Seriously do believe that resumes need to be fluid and cover in simple terms who you are, what you have done and who for BUT more importantly how you can add value to the task you are seeking and that component only comes from a growing experience, so yes re-writ the resume for the reader not for yourself.
I am certain this will help.
John B Foreman
Sep 16, 2014
Where is the resume button? If you could please expand,maybe I can fix the link. Is it the link to my website on here that not working?
I freelance now because I I can't find any steady employment. I am actively seeking employment but I am already doing freelance jobs and working as a teacher. I shouldn't say that I freelance?