10 Resume Tips to Consider When Editing Your Resume

10 Resume Tips to Consider When Editing Your Resume
By: Kristin Kane, Kane Partners


1. Font and Size – Keep it consistent. 10-12 size, Arial and Times New Roman are most common.

2. Details – Do not re-write your job description. Instead, incorporate your accomplishments and what value you added to the job description. Examples: cost savings of $x, meeting deadlines on time or ahead of schedule, implementing processes or procedures etc. What makes you different or unique?

3. Dates – Double check your dates to be sure they are accurate on your resume. Do not lie or misrepresent this in any way. It will cost you the job or offer. Using months and years are preferred.

4. Education – Clarify if you are degreed or ‘in process’ taking classes, note your major/minor and if you have a strong GPA consider including that as well.

5. Objective – Consider omitting the objective and replacing it with a summary or overview that sums up your experience and value added. Remember to keep this objective and factual, written in third person.

6. Customizing – Always review your resume before sending it to a company. If you know you are a fit for the role, your resume has to read that you can do the job. You may have to edit your resume to fit a job and ensure a call. Do not assume the person reading your resume knows what you do because of your job title. Remember an employer is looking to see what you can do for them!

7. Industry Terms/Acronyms – Each company/industry has terms/acronyms that are unique. Spell out the acronym first and define it if needed. For example if you are running a proprietary software database write that vs. just INLEX CRM. Do not miss an opportunity to link your skills and experience to the job description. Do not get lost in translation!

8. Approach – Write your resume for the job you want not the job you have. The resume is the vehicle to get you the interview the interview is what will get you the job.

9. Style – In today’s market the competition is fierce, making a well crafted resume is even more important. It should be easy to read locate skills, catch the attention of the reader and say “Pick Me.” Consider Bullets that begin with Action Verbs that explain your experience, most important/significant at the top. Add a skills section that pulls out keywords explaining your industry skills/exposure.

10. Spelling/Grammar – This is your first impression to potential employer. Grammatical errors, spacing, word use, spelling all are the most common mistakes on a resume. If you want to stand out don’t rely of spell/grammar check, get a second person’s opinion!



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NBC10 BLOG POST by Kristin Kane of Kane Partners

"Job Seekers: Not getting the Callback/Interview"
By: Kristin Kane, Kane Partners Staffing Solutions


Today’s economic climate has had a huge impact on many people’s job search often leaving them with frustration and little results. With fewer jobs available and stiffer competition, many people asking the question… WHY? Why have I not received an interview or even a call back? I don’t get it… I can do the job!

Evaluating the question “WHY” is something every job seeker should do, especially in today’s economy. First one has to keep in mind the ‘job market’ has shifted, more people, less jobs which means you may/should have to change your strategy. Many job seekers have kept the same routine for job hunting and are expecting the same results as a few years ago.

Most people are equipped with a current resume, which is usually well written and aesthetically pleasing with only minor mistakes, spelling or grammatical. Unfortunately, the problem is the resume lacks real content, the key component to getting a call/interview. The ‘content’ is unique to each job seeker and a cookie cutter approach to a resume might not be the best strategy. A resume is not just your ‘job description’ but should include how you added value to the job. A well written resume may include: accomplishments, awards, cost saving measures, special projects, and/or what distinguishes you from the competition.

For those that are still not getting the call/interview… what now? First, I would suggest you pull up the job description and your resume. Does your resume actually say that you can do the job on paper? If not, this may be why you have not received a call. You do not appear qualified. Each company is looking for something different and you can’t assume they know you have done something because of your title. Be careful. There is a fine line between to much and not enough on your resume. Never lie or exaggerate on a resume. If you don’t have something do not put it. It’s grounds for immediate disqualification. Not sure how to phrase it, consult a professional. If you are applying to more then one type of job you should have more then one type of resume. It is the resume that will get you the interview or call back. If you haven’t spent the time or addressed what the company is looking for, especially in today’s economy, chances are you will end up in the ‘pass’ file.

Thanks to NBC10 I had the opportunity to help a job seeker, Alessandro, in a similar situation. It wasn’t until we actually sat down and went over his resume and the jobs he was applying to that we found what was missing. Go to AS SEEN ON NBC10 to view the story of Alessandro. Hopefully this will show job seekers a little elbow grease and editing of a resume can go a long way, especially in today’s economy! If you are having a similar problem or not sure why you might not be getting the call, help is out there. The current economy has slowed the hiring process and with the high unemployment rate the number of applicants has increased, therefore companies are slower to hire and more selective with a larger candidate pool. Remain positive and don’t be afraid to change your tactics to get seen.

As I like to say, it’s your resume that will get you the interview and the interview is what will get you the job. Your time and efforts should be invested in the resume!


Submitted by: Kristin Kane, Kane Partners LLC| www.kanepartners.net
July 14, 2009, 12:15pm

NBC10 Career Resources

Thanks for watching or planning to watch Tracy Davidson's NBC10 Survive and Thrive spotlight. Kristin Kane of Kane Partners answers your questions on job/career topics. Here are some of the resources she has referenced to help you jump start your career search!

Where to find a job online?

Indeed - www.indeed.com
This is on on-line aggregating tool that will pull job listing/postings from the Job Boards (Monster, CareerBuilder, Job Circle etc...) AND directly from company websites.
- Search by skill, job title, location, mile radius company and see all the results on one site.
- Save your search and have an email sent to you of whats new that has been posted.

Dont forget about local Newspapers! Great resource for 'blue collar' jobs, sales positions and healthcare position - they are always listed.

Call your local Chamber of Commerce, see if there members are hiring, attend a networking event.

Network - call old collegues, friend and family members - educate them on what you are looking for, they can be your best marketing tool.


Where can I get Job Training?

PA - www.cwds.state.pa.us
PA CAREERLINK Centers ( FREE )

You must visit the location of the county you live in for assistance.
They will help you with everything from formulating a resume, to interview tips and what to where, to career counceling and help set you up with job training.

FEDERAL WORKFORCE DOLLARS are given to PA CAREERLINK Centers for residents that are unemployeed each county has their own dollar cap, and offer different classes and programs at local colleges/vo-tech schools etc. You must contact your county center for details.

** PA Stimulus money is currently being decided for NEW programs and caps - TBA soon.

NJ - http://lwd.dol.state.nj.us
One-Stop Career Center ( FREE )

You must visit the location of the county you live in.
They will help you with everything from formulating a resume, to interview tips and what to where, career counceling and help set you up with job training.

* Money to fund NJ training is both federal and state money.

Contact local Community Colleges/Univeristies
Offering free college credits to the unemployed. Limited availablity, restrictions may apply.

Kane Partners On-Line Education/Training
Go to Kane Partners Website at www.kanepartners.net and click the button for On-line Education. You can browse 2,500 course from Computer Skills to Management to IT Courses all for one flat rate per course. So $125 and you can choose what you want to take, you have access 24/7 for 365 days - a great tool especially after you learn the course you can reference back to it online (from anywhere).

Looking to make a career change after 30+ years?

First decide if you are financially able to make a change. If you can take a signifigant cut to start over then go for it!

Contact a Career Coach/Job Strategist to help you discover a career path for you.
They are available at a nominal fee.
- Make sure you have an effective resume that targets your NEW career path.
- Focus on your strenghts and accomplishments (Value-Added) when interviewing.
- Consider a self assesment to help get you started on the environment you will work best in, type of work etc.

OR

Contact go to your local PA CAREER CENTER & ONE-STOP CAREER CENTER - for free resume writing, career counceling, interview tips. A great resource to get you started!

Looking for your last career move?

If its only for a coulple years - consider staying where you are, its a competitive market and senior level positions are more difficult to come by.
If you have to make a change or looking long term - EXPRESS THAT INTEREST of LONG TERM in the interview and when you send the resume.

Do not use a 3-6+ page resume, they are not effective. Instead put together a targeted 2 page resume that highlights your accomplishments and strengths (value-added) and target the job you want. Remember you are selling yourself - why do they want you?

Any other questions go to Tracy Davidson's Facebook Fan Page and post them there!

Kane Partners Seminar Series Finale

Want to take your company website to the next level?
Want to get business from your website?

Does it make sence for you to network for new business connections?

If so join us for our Free Business Seminar Series Finale.

June 9th
3:30-6PM Seminar
6-7:30PM Networking
7:00PM Spinalis Chair Drawing

Blue Bell Country Club
1800 Tournament Drive

All are welcome, you must register online at: http://www.kanepartnersseminarseries.eventbrite.com/

Questions contact Kristin - 215-699-5500

"Aloha" Event at Montco College Woman Owned Business Network

Kane Partners will be vending at the "Say Aloha to Summer" Event at Mongomery Community College. This is a free event and open to the public... the first 250 attendees will receive a free resuable Aloha Bag. Browse tables, see Lynn Doyle, win a door prize, attend a free seminar, get a free massage, join us for speed networking or just come and have a snack to meet new people! Free onsite babysitting is available. Come one come all to say ALOHA to summer!

Montgomery County Woman-Owned Business Network Holds Free Expo on June 3

May 4, 2009, Blue Bell, Pa.—The Montgomery County Woman-Owned Business Network will hold a free expo on June 3 from 5-8:30 p.m. in the student dining hall at Montgomery County Community College, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. Admission is free of charge and is open to the public. For more information, contact Rosiland Johnson at 610-718-1979 or rjohnson1@mc3.edu.

The summer-themed event, titled “Say Aloha to Summer Fun,” will feature a keynote address by Lynn Doyle, host of “It’s Your Call with Lynn Doyle,” on the The Comcast Network, as well as seminars, free massages, samples of local cuisine, speed networking, door prizes, and a vendor expo of more than 30 woman-owned businesses. Complimentary childcare will be available.

The expo begins at 5 p.m. with registration and vendor tables, followed by the keynote address at 6 p.m. Attendees can choose between four 30-minute seminars, which will be presented from 7-8 p.m. Topics include “The 30-Minute Marketing Plan” by Square 2 Marketing; “Candy Making: It’s Not Just for Kids” by Kathy’s Just Desserts; “Your Bottom Line from Inside Out” by The Paula G Company; and “To Grow Your Wealth, Ensure Your Health” by Juice Plus. Speed networking and door prizes conclude the evening.

The expo is sponsored by Montgomery County Community College and Harleysville National Bank. Additional sponsorship opportunities are still available, with all proceeds benefitting the College’s entrepreneurial summer camp “Let’s Talk Biz” for ages 15-17. For sponsorship information, contact Rosiland Johnson at 610-718-1979 or rjohnson1@mc3.edu.

The Montgomery County Women-Owned Business Network provides practical information and resources for women to use to start, grow, and sustain a successful business. The network holds monthly meetings at the College in the fall and spring. Membership is $20 for 12-months on a rolling basis. The network is an outgrowth of the College’s popular course “Starting a Successful Woman-Owned Business.” For information, call 215-641-6397.

*Photo courtesy of Jen Capone Photography: www.jencapone.com

Kane Partners Business Seminar Series - March 31st

Kane Partners Business Seminar Series - March 31st
"State of the Region & Outlook" by Bernie Dagenais, Editor of Philadelphia Business Journal
"How to Survive & Thrive in 2009" by Eric Keiles, CMO of Square 2 Marketing

With over 160 business professionals in attendence the event went off without a hitch. Bernie started us off with what has been happening in our region at an economic level and Eric wrapped it up with how to survive and thrive in the current times. A great jump start to the week with some great ideas and a positive out look.



A special thanks to our sponsors: Philadelphia Business Journal, SpinaliS, Square 2 Marketing, Philly Soft Pretzel, Blue Bell Country Club, & Kane Partners

Kane Partners Business Seminar Series - March 10th

Kane Partners Business Seminar Series March 10th at Facenda Whitaker.
Pinnacle Group and Christo IT Services presented. A great group of buiness owners and professionals attended. A special thanks to our sponsor, SpinaliS, and our speakers Therese & Chris.

www.pinnaclegroupbrs.com, www.christoit.com, www.spinalis.us, www.kanepartners.net