BCjobs Blog

Job seekers often wonder if they should include hobbies and interests on their resumes. Some people say these details help break the ice at an interview and make the job seeker stand out.

Effective resumes focus on accomplishments, results, or bottom-line impact. Generating revenues as a salesperson, or saving on production costs as an efficiency expert are examples of effective resume content. More examples of positive bottom-line impacts include an administrative assistant that keeps her boss so organized that she is never unprepared for a meeting, or a […]

Sometimes great ideas come from unusual sources. This article was inspired by research that I was conducting on how to give an awesome presentation. Here are three little yet powerful ideas that I have translated into the world of resumes! Do not begin with a professional profile. Many resumes begin with a professional background that’s […]

In the past, opening your resume with something to the effect of, “Seeking a position as an engineer” may have gotten you a job in your field. But today, focusing your resume solely around you probably won’t yield such great results.

Did you know that most job applicants don’t understand the purpose of a resume? The purpose of your resume is not to get you a job, it is to get you an interview. You can sabotage your very first impression by including too much in your resume. So what should you cut out? The answer may surprise you.

Your resume is the primary branding tool to introduce and position yourself to the professional world. It is, quite simply, the most financially important document you will ever own: when your resume works you work, when it doesn’t you don’t. Properly executed, a carefully branded resume insures that prospective employers and colleagues see you, as you want to be seen. Short-change the effort you put into your resume and you cheat employment and future success.

Most job-seekers like to list skills on their resume. In fact, most experts suggest listing skills on your resume. The problem with simply including a skill set is that the reader has no reason to believe you. You could say that you’re an expert in hiring, training, sales management, payroll control, visual presentation, and loss prevention, but that doesn’t mean the reader will trust you just because you say it. That’s why it’s important to back up those statements with proof in the way of accomplishments.

Does your resume or online profile tell the world all about you? Does it sell your skills? Are you using key words that help it stand out in a search? Have you defined your brand? If not, now is the time to do it.
I put my website into a tool called Wordle, which creates word pictures based on key words.

“The limits of my language mean the limits of my world.”- Philosopher, Ludwig Wittgenstein

So very true. Isn’t it remarkable how so few words capture so much meaning?
As is my way, I can absolutely relate this quote to career management. How (the question begs to be asked) is the language of your resume working for you?
If you’ve saturated your resume with “provided, assisted, or even managed,” might I suggest that you have some work to do?