What Are the Most Common Resume Mistakes Candidates Make

What Are the Most Common Resume Mistakes Candidates Make Resumes are tough to perfect  and unfortunately job seekers continue to make the same errors time after time, which can let them down on their hunt for a new job. This week we asked the Undercover Recruiter community to let us know what the  most common and critical resume/CV mistakes that candidates make are and in turn, what they can improve on. There are all sorts of different factors that can contribute to the quality and effectiveness of a candidates CV and we received a whole spectrum of responses from the community,  ranging from spelling and grammar mistakes, to making the document too general for the  specific role they are applying for. Heres what you had to say on the topic: C. Holly Wilbanks Principal at  The Wilbanks Consulting Group Spelling and grammar mistakes. Still. In 2016. Spell check should be the final step before saving and submitting. Forget, and you can forget being considered for the role. Charlotte Miles Senior HR Consultant Lazy CVsseveral tenses being used incorrectly, missing words, spelling errors, not enough information in key skills, too much information about an old Saturday job! Renee Fortin Associate Vice President at  lEntremetteuse Sending a general cv and cover letter, not adapted to the job there are seeking. Praveen K. Dewan IT Recruitment Specialist and Managing Partner at  Antal International Network Poor formatting. Makes the CV unreadable. Agata Mikolajczyk HR Brand Manager at  Sila Brandu Photos selfies, family photos, funny photos etc. Duarte Mendonça Associate Director of Talent Acquisition at  Midland Memorial Hospital Having an Objective section on the resume. Arely Susana (Guccione) Lodge Contract Human Resources at  TriNet Four or more pages long. Melissa Matos Operations Manager at  Lloyd Staffing Personal info with picture included Kimberly Hadley Talent Acquisition Specialist at  Invenio Solutions Inc. Not providing enough information about duties and responsibilities under their work experience.

7 Reasons Pay May NOT Be the Best Motivational Tool

7 Reasons Pay May NOT Be the Best Motivational Tool Salary and pay is a taboo subject  at most  companies.   Even in business school, the subject is rarely  discussed even though  it is the main incentive tool that  companies  use  for better employee performance.   Despite what most managers and companies believe,  some reward schemes are counterproductive and can actually backfire. During business school, my favorite course was  organizational behavior. I remember we read an interesting book Productive Workplaces Revisited by Marvin Weisbord.   This book  outlined the following  problems  with pay. Here Are 7 Reasons Pay May NOT Be the Best Motivational Tool: 1. Higher pay does not guarantee greater engagement.  Unfortunately, money doesn’t buy happiness. 2. Some incentives can backfire, decreasing employee motivation.   Don’t give an employee more money just because  he or she  has to do a  boring job. 3. Money without meaning is not enough compensation.  More money to  sit in a room and twiddle my thumbs. No thanks, I need a challenge. 4. Most employees who feel generously compensated repay the gesture.   If a company knows how  hard you are working and repays you for it, it will most likely make you work harder. 5. Pay comparisons among employees spark intense emotions.   I guess this is why the subject is so taboo! 6. Good and bad employees are equally likely to think they deserve a raise.    And the hard part is, they dont both deserve it. You have to be fair. 7. Pay is more about status than paying the bills.   Unfortunately, I think this has a lot to do with the culture that we live in. [RELATED: One Woman Encounters (not so) Equal Pay]   A recent study at Live Science  found that “We  tend to be happy as long as we’ve got more than the people around us.’   said study researcher Christopher Boyce in the Department of Psychology at the University of Warwick in England. “You might buy a new car. But if your neighbor has just bought the very same car, that new car doesn’t seem as good as it once was if you were the only one to have that car.” A higher salary may get you to do something but it can’t make you care about something. So, if money doesn’t motivate, what will? Honorable purpose.   This is  when employees believe what they are doing adds meaning to their lives and purpose to other’s  lives. Ben Bernanke, the Federal Reserve Chairman,  recently spoke to graduates at the University of South Carolina.   He gives  this advice, “We all know that getting a better-paying job is one of the main reasons to go to college.   But if you are ever tempted to go into a field or take a job only because the pay is high and for no other reason, be careful!   Having a larger income is exciting at first, but as you get used to your new standard of living and as you associate with other people in your new income bracket, the thrill quickly wears off.” So, what do you think? Would you do a boring job for a few  extra bucks? What motivates you at work?

Top 7 Fears while Having a Job Interview and Ways to Overcome Them

Top 7 Fears while Having a Job Interview and Ways to Overcome Them Job interviews are exciting. With each interview you go through, you are richer for a valuable experience. However, there is a factor that disturbs all those positive aspects of a job interview: it’s called fear and it comes in many forms. You have that traumatic feeling inside that doesn’t allow you to be fully aware of the questions and situation in front of you. No matter how confident you are, fear has a way of taking control. Don’t worry; that doesn’t have to happen every single time. Before you can control fear, you need to recognize it. Suppression is the worst solution to the problem. You can’t just keep saying to yourself “I’m not afraid, I’m not afraid,” until the fear goes away. Where Is Fear Coming From? People are usually afraid of things they don’t know. Suspense makes you uneasy, especially when it’s related to important issues about your future. Will you get this job, or are you silly for making all these efforts to look good, talk well, and leave the best possible impression? You never know… that’s exactly why job interviews are frightening. In the continuation, you’ll find a list of the top 7 fears job hunters face when preparing for job interviews and facing interviewing situations. You’ll find different tips for overcoming each of these common fears, so you’ll prepare yourself better for the challenge. Speaking of preparation, it’s what causes most of these fears. You are aware of the fact you can’t be 100% ready for unknown situation, settings, and questions. You’re getting anxious imagining every possible scenario. You have to be fully aware of your mental and emotional state before showing up at the interview. Try to identify and recognize the type of fear that takes over your mind, and learn how to overcome it. 1. Fear: “What will they ask? What if I give the wrong answers?” No matter how much you prepare for the interview, you can never predict the exact questions the hiring manager is going to ask. This fear causes an underlying problem: what if your answers are completely irrelevant to the company’s policy? What if they expect you to give a very specific answer related to the policies and culture of the organization, but you don’t know what the question is about? The Solution: The solution lies in a simple realization: most interviewers ask similar questions. Get ready for the most usual types of questions, such as: Tell me something interesting about yourself. Tell me something about your interests and hobbies. What do you do in your free time? Why do you want to work for us? What makes you a suitable candidate for this particular position? What are the strengths and weaknesses of your personality? What talents do you have? How will you contribute to the company’s benefit? Do you think our company could improve its products/services? Do you fit into this company’s culture? Since you need to make relevant assumptions, find as much information as possible about the organization. Investigate its policies and inform yourself about past, present, and future projects. If you know someone who works in that particular organization, ask about the questions they got during the interview. Moreover, ask about the current projects and try to get insights into the office culture of that company. 2. Fear: “What if I behave strangely? Everyone has unique behavior. Your uniqueness can be an issue when you meet an interviewer for the first time. You may be known for your jokes, but an interview is not the right time and place for most of them. However, if you try to suppress your true character, you’ll come off as stiff. What’s the right thing to do? The Solution: All you need to do is maintain proper etiquette. Humor is okay, but don’t make inappropriate jokes. You do need to be yourself, but you’ll adjust your unique behavior into the standard expectations. That doesn’t mean you’ll be boring. Read some tips and self-help books that teach you how to impress strangers. 3. Fear: “I don’t have enough experience” You really cannot make up for the lack of experience, so you should only apply for jobs you’re a good fit for. However, even if you have the needed education and background, you may be afraid of leaving an impression that you don’t know enough. The Solution: Find someone who has a lot of experience in the position you’re aiming for. LinkedIn is a great source of such connections. Get interested in their professional biography and pay attention to the main milestones that led them there. Do you have similar experiences? Focus on them when you want to show knowledge and initiative during the interview. Make sure your resume is written well. Find inspiration for your resume improvement from online writing services, such as Australian Writings, if you need to feel more prepared and confident. 4. Fear: “What if fail to pick the right outfit?” If you go too far with the official appeal, you’ll appear as a stiff, uninspired individual. If you show your creativity through clothes, maybe it will be too much. Many people spend days thinking of the right outfit and shopping for new items, but they still miss the point of dressing appropriately. The Solution: Find out how the people in the organization dress, and follow the pattern. If you’re uninspired, search for some ideas on the web. Polyvore is a great source of inspiration. Add a personal stamp in the form of subtle jewelry or a nice scarf. You really don’t need to buy new clothes for an interview. Go through your wardrobe and you’ll surely find something that looks nice and fits into the company’s dress code. 5. Fear: “What if I don’t get there on time? What if something prevents me?” Maybe your car will break down, the cab will be extremely late, or you’ll simply get stuck in traffic. Maybe you’ll get sick or you’ll have to take care of your family. The Solution: Don’t attract bad circumstances by playing negative scenarios in your mind. Everything will be okay! Make sure to leave for the interview very early and get there at least half an hour before you’re expected. If something unexpected occurs and you really can’t get there on time, you will simply call with a request to reschedule the interview. If you have to do that, make sure to call at least two hours before the interview is expected to start. 6. Fear: “What if I don’t have enough to present?” If the interviewer asks to see recommendations or a portfolio, you’ll need to present those materials. But, how do you know what they will ask for? The Solution: You’ve already submitted a resume with recommendations, but it never hurts to have them in print. Bring any certificates or documents that show you’re a good fit for the job. Never be afraid to present your skills, talents, and knowledge even if the interviewer doesn’t directly ask you about them. 7. Fear: “What if they don’t think I’m motivated enough?” If you do your best to show the right behavior and make a great impression by talking about your skills and experience, you might appear cold and uninterested for the job. You’ll look too prepared and unspontaneous, which is never a good thing. The Solution: Show genuine interest in the organization’s mission. Smile, engage in the conversation, and ask some questions about the company. The most important thing is to listen! That will show your true interest in that position. Remember: you can never be perfectly prepared for an interview. Where’s the fun in that? The interview is a challenge, and you should approach it that way. Keep in mind that this is the opportunity that will help you make progress in your career. You’ll do great! About the Author Jessica Freeman is a professional journalist and a freelance content writer from Sydney, Australia. She focuses her content writing on education, career and business topics. You can follow her on Facebook and Google+.

How to build a Social Media Career From Scratch

How to build a Social Media Career From Scratch Can you really build a Social Media career? Weve said before that social media can help your job search, but can the right use of it help you build a Social Media career? The infographic below is by the University of Florida and it shows that you can now indulge in your obsession with likes, retweets, pins, and circles and re-emerge from the depths of the social media web with some money! Small and large businesses alike continue to invest more and more in social media marketers. To build a social media careers, you need to understand the impact of social media on businesses. The 3 most important reasons small businesses leverage social media are: Connecting with customers Visibility Self-promotion There is a lot of information below which we hope you find useful. If you have any thoughts on it, please leave a comment below. University of Florida Online Masters in Social Media 0

6 Rewards that Make Us Feel Valued at Work - Career Pivot

6 Rewards that Make Us Feel Valued at Work - Career Pivot Do you feel valued at work? The #2 reason people leave their job is that they do not feel valued at work. The #1 reason is the boss! So what makes you feel valued at work? Most of us want 2 to 3 of the following 6 rewards: 1. The Mission I have found some of those in the military or in nonprofit work that the mission of the organization is the imperative. If they believe in the what the organization is doing and they feel they are having an impact, nothing else is important. Is this you? Have you been deeply aligned with the mission of your organization? 2. The Bonus Check Only some of you are motivated by money. I hear the chant, if we pay them more or give them a bonus, we will get greater productivity! Most of the time, this does not work. Really good salespeople are often motivated by money or a bonus check. Have you felt really valued when you got a bonus check? 3. Public Recognition There are some who are motivated by being recognized publicly. Do you have a wall of plaques in your office? Does being recognized by your peers make you feel good and feel valued? Listen to the most recent episode 4. Pat on the Back from Your Boss Do you need feedback from your boss that you are doing a good job? How frequently do you want that feedback? I have a client who needs this feedback. I told him to go ask his boss how he was doing. When he asked, his boss said, “You are doing great work!” My client then asked, “Can you tell me that more often?” His boss replied, “Yes, and thank you for telling me that.” I claim that most managers do not know how to motivate their employees. You need to tell them! Do you need the validation of your boss to feel valued at work? 5. Pat on the Back from you Team Does it feel good when your team tells you you have done a good job? This is particularly true of our younger generations who have grown up in school and sports as part of teams. Do you need your team to feel valued at work? 6. Pat on the Back from your Client Is it important that your client tells you that you have done a good job? For me, this is my #1 reward. I can tell you my worst jobs were when I never met the end customer who bought the services or products we produced. In fact, my first year of teaching high school was incredibly difficult. In your first year of teaching, your kids give you nothing but crap! It is in the second year when your first year students come back and tell you how much they appreciated your efforts. That first year was really tough. Which two or three of these rewards make you feel valued? Have you ever asked for them at work? Does this sound interesting? Are you suffering from Career Insanity? Marc Miller Like what you just read? Share it with your friends using the buttons above. Like What You Read? Get Career Pivot Insights! Check out the Repurpose Your Career Podcast Do You Need Help With ...

Why Chronically Talking About Your Past Will Keep You Stuck In It - Kathy Caprino

Why Chronically Talking About Your Past Will Keep You Stuck In It Part of Kathy Caprinos series Finding Brave To Build a Happier Life and Career Last weekend, I had the opportunity to travel to Virginia to visit my elderly mother and my sister. I live far from them and I dont get the opportunity to see them in person nearly as much as Id like to. My sister and I did a lot of catching up and a lot of talking â€" about our lives, our families, our current areas of focus and, of course, our challenges. In our discussions, something happened that stopped me in my tracks and made me think long and hard. I was sharing with my sister a story of an event from my past â€" when I was 16 years old â€" that   was devastating to me and still angers and hurts me to think of it.  I wont share the details of the story but I can tell you that the net effect of the event back then was that, as a young teen, I suddenly and irrevocably felt very alone and I realized that it was not safe for me to share my fears and my grief with this individual because their response and backlash gave me the clear signal that they couldnt handle it unless I was continually demonstrating myself to be strong and capable. Their boundaries were such that my fear and grief was too much for them to bear. And their response made my grief and fear even worse. After sharing that story to my sister, she mentioned that shed heard me talk about that event MANY times before.  I hadnt realized how many times Id repeated it, but clearly it was a LOT. She then offered that, while it was perfectly fine with her to listen to that story as many times as I wanted and needed to tell it, she felt sad for me that the pain of that event was still so alive and active. We began discussing how both of us can, at times, delve back into the past and dredge up the hurtful things that happened to us, with very specific detail, as if it happened yesterday. Sometimes were doing it just because something in our current lives triggered the painful memory. Sometimes we do it as a way to vindicate why were feeling what were feeling today. And sometimes we do it, I believe, because the past is absolutely not dead to us â€"  it lives in a vibrant, active way inside of us and, in many cases, is still coloring much of what were thinking, feeling and communicating. And it influences our decisions and relationships as well. In my years as a therapist, and in my career coaching today, Ive seen that what happens to us in childhood and in our early years dramatically shapes us, so much so that if we dont actively address the pain and trauma that many of us experienced, it will never be released. If we dont look it squarely in the face and learn to see it differently and move beyond it, we will never be free of it. As a therapist, I learned too that trauma can occur even in happy families, families that seem to have it all together and are the envy of the neighborhood.  Children and young people can indeed be traumatized by even one parental remark or event, or one behavior that was crushing and made them feel very sad, alone, scared or rejected. These traumatic events are often burned into our memories and will not let go, unless we actively work to address, heal and release the pain. The longer I thought about my sisters remarks to me â€" that I have repeated that one painful story over and over in past years â€"   I had some very potent realizations about whether or not talking about our past is helpful, or keeping us stuck in a never-ending cycle of pain. Heres what Ive seen to be true about talking about the past: When its helpful to talk about the past Ive seen that sharing a painful story from the past can be helpful, but only under one condition â€" when you endeavor to think differently about it, to be willing to grow beyond it, to learn from it and be positively changed by it, rather than simply repeat it over and over, in the exact same way, without new awareness or growth. When its hurtful to keep talking about the past On the other hand, its hurtful to keep talking about the past when youre using that story over and over again, in the same way, to vindicate you and to justify your current behavior, to yourself or others. Talking about the past solidifies the memory that you have it, and often, that memory morphs over time and changes the whole tone and nature of the event, often in a way that supports the anger and pain you continue to feel. I dont mean to imply that we consciously want to change history. But we often do revise actual events in our minds (even ever so slightly) so that those events tell a story thats more in line with the pain were feeling today. In other words, our memories are a reflection of who we are today. How to grow beyond pain from your past People often ask me, Kathy, how can I let this go? How can move beyond this painful event that keeps me feeing devastated? There are many ways to heal, but Ive found that one of the most potent, effective way is first through growing in your willingness to let this pain go, to stop blaming this other person, and for you yourself to become someone different â€" who is stronger, more resilient, more authoritative and capable of running your own life in successful ways. Often we dont want to relinquish the painful memory because doing so might feel like a betrayal â€" to our hurt self that was so damaged at the time by the event. But if we can see the bigger picture, and understand that we are NOT that person any longer, that we have greater capacity for strength, power, resilience and growth â€" we can understand that were not betraying our younger self, but actually honoring our expanding capacity for growth and happiness. The more we can be willing to finally let go of the blame and the pain, the more we open the door to become the person we really wish we were â€" strong, capable, joyful, loving and forgiving. Im pretty sure that our younger, more vulnerable self would want that for us â€" to not stay stuck in the cycle of blame and pain, but be willing to learn and grow from past hurts and thrive beyond them. For hands-on help to close your power gaps and release pain from past experiences, work with Kathy and tune into her podcast Finding Brave.

Writing the Resume of Your Life Book

Writing the Resume of Your Life BookIt is very important that you start writing the resume of your life book as soon as possible. This is because it is the most critical step in your career to date and it is imperative that you leave nothing to chance. You must give yourself a great sense of urgency and be determined about it, because if you are not, then you will be doing yourself a great disservice.It is important that you start writing the resume of your life book right away because in this business, you cannot afford to take too much time getting ready. You cannot afford to take any time to rework anything, because you cannot afford to miss a deadline.Your resume will need to be submitted and it will be received by employers no matter where you are in your career. The goal here is to get as many employers as possible to read your resume so that you can learn something from their perspective. This will help you learn how to make your resume stand out and be remembered by the emplo yers who see it.Your resume should show that you have a history that is relevant to your needs. You should not leave yourself out in the cold because your employer can always look into this if they so choose. If you leave yourself out, your employer is likely to pass on you and it will not be your fault.Even if you find that you have a very strong career goal, be sure to focus on the career goal, because otherwise you are going to get lost in all the other items that you must accomplish when you begin your career. Focus on this one thing and make it your bread and butter.You need to have a list of goals and you should have a clear idea of what it is that you want in order to be successful at your career goal. But you donot have to leave the goals out entirely. Having a list in front of you when you begin will give you more direction and make it easier to get started on your career.Your resume is there to show what you are, but it is not there to show what you are not. It is a two ed ged sword that you have to learn to live with because it is not always about what you are and who you are. If you are going to write a resume of your life book, it is important that you write it correctly so that your employers will be able to tell what you really are.Your resume is the first impression of you to everyone that sees it. Therefore, it is very important that you make it as impressive as possible so that you do not leave any good impressions with your potential employers.