Tag Archive for: resume

Let’s Talk Resume Boosters!

As we move full-force into the new year, it’s time to update our resumes! For those who are in a job transition, job hunt, or soon to be college graduates- let’s discuss some ways to boost your resume. Your resume gives the hiring manager a first glimpse of who you are and what you have accomplished.  Adding role-specific or software certifications to your resume is one way to raise your value as a candidate.

Role-Specific Certifications

Online certifications are popping up everywhere and they are very accessible to everyone. Make sure you are taking the time to complete certifications that are tailored to your field of work. This will help ensure that your certification can make a difference on your resume. A recruiter might not take a second look if you are certified in something that is not applicable to your field. With the right research, you will be able to find a certification that is helpful for your job/role. To get started, a few role-specific certifications are listed below.

Software Certifications

Software certifications are very relevant in our world of technology. This certification can help any resume stand out, not just people in the field of IT. Careers like digital marketing, software engineering, data science, etc,  can all benefit from a software certification. Read below to find out more about these software certifications.

Google: Analytics, Publisher, AdWords

  • Google has plenty of free online certifications that you can complete. You simply make an account and start the certification courses. Google Analytics is especially useful for students who are going to be graduates soon and on the job hunt. Adding a certification like Google Analytics will show the hiring manager that you can analyze reports, track data collections, processing and configurations, and many more.

Salesforce: CRM certifications

  • Salesforce is a website that offers customer relationship management services. This can be useful in any career where you are directly working with other people- like sales, marketing, customer service, etc. Completing a Salesforce certification will help you to be well-versed in analytics.

Not all certifications are useful, in fact, some can be pointless to add to your resume. Do your research before completing a certification in order to know it will benefit your resume. Certifications can be time-consuming, but they can also be worth it. Your resume might stand out more to the hiring manager if you have appropriate certifications.

Working on your resume? Read here to find out what fonts to use!

Searching for a new position? Check out our open jobs list!

5 Reasons Recruiters Toss Your Resume Out

Recruiters at Esquire Recruiting, LLC and recruiters everywhere look at many resumes each day. They can spot the difference between the good and the bad. Today we are going to discuss the top 5 reasons that recruiters will pass your resume up or even throw it in the no pile. Continue reading below to find out why!

  1. It’s way too long! Resumes are generally 1 page, sometimes 2. When recruiters receive resumes that are 4 pages or 6 pages, they simply cannot read through it without getting bored or annoyed. Keep it short and to the point.
  2. It’s overstyled! Resumes should be clean and simple, for the most part. If your resume has multiple different fonts, includes broken hyperlinks, uses buzzwords or overly formal speech, or is too long-winded- then you need to fix it up! Those four are examples of some of the biggest mistakes you can make on a resume. Style issues like those make it difficult to read the resume, which is exactly what you don’t want happening.
  3. It doesn’t include keywords! Make it easy to connect the dots! Include words or short phrases that relate to the particular job requirements you are applying for. This will help catch the hiring managers eye when they are looking over your resume. Recruiters will also benefit from this because they are looking over hundreds of resumes a day, and the keywords will help them narrow their search.
  4. It’s not ordered correctly! The order of everything on your resume matters. It needs to be in the order of relevance or impact. You don’t want to add your current job in at the bottom, everything that is the most current should be placed at the top. Make sure your resume highlights your accomplishments and relevant information at the top.
  5. It doesn’t tell a story! We talked about telling your career story in last weeks blog regarding job interviews. The same goes for your resume! Tell your story through the words on the paper. When a recruiter looks at your resume, they need to be able to tell what your career story is and where you are hoping to go in your career.

Resumes are very tricky! A resume is something you want to take your time on completing because it is the first thing a hiring manager and recruiter will see. It is basically your first impression that you are giving. Follow the dos and don’ts above to help make sure your resumes do not end up in the trash pile!

Missed last weeks blog? Catch up here!

Searching for a new position? Submit your resume to any of our open jobs!

Read some resume tips from our very own recruiters here!

Recommendation Letters: How To Guide

Recommendation letters aren’t usually necessary when applying for a job, but it will sure help your chances of landing an interview or making a great impression. They provide another information outlet for the interviewer or hiring manager. It helps them see you, the candidate, through someone else’s eyes. Follow the tips below regarding recommendation letters!

Who To Ask

When reaching out to people in your network about writing you a recommendation letter, it’s important that you’re asking the right people. You will want to ask someone who is going to give you a strong endorsement and that you have/had a good working relationship with. This might be your former boss, a fellow colleague, vendors, business acquaintances, etc. Make sure it is someone that can attest to your abilities and that has worked with you or beside you. This person is going to be writing all about you including your strengths, qualifications, and why they think you would be a good employee.

How to Ask

Asking for a letter of recommendation can feel awkward to some people. Make sure you communicate clearly what you need and ask if they feel like they know you well enough to write the letter. That way, if someone wants to say no, they will be able to say they aren’t comfortable and it will be an easy out. Don’t put pressure on anyone or make them feel like they have to write you a recommendation letter. If they say yes, provide your updated resume and your qualifications so the writer has something to reference when they are writing your letter.

What to Include

In the recommendation letter, make sure you make it clear that you need certain criteria. The letter should have the following things: dates of employment, the position held, the company name, job responsibilities, qualifications, strengths and abilities, and contact information. The writer can add their own personal touch and discuss their own positive feedback as well. If you have those 7 things in the letter, you are ready to go.

Don’t Forget to Say Thank You

Just like following up interviews with a thank you note, the same goes for letters of recommendation. Extend a thank you note/email/phone call to the person who wrote you a recommendation letter. It shows that you appreciate them for their time and energy they put into the letter and it makes a big impression.

A letter of recommendation is a great way to vouch for your job knowledge, skills, and overall performance. It can give the hiring manager insight into who you are and how you work. Keep in mind that recommendation letters aren’t everything- the most important part of the job search process is to have a great resume and cover letter!

Searching for a new position? Check out our open jobs list!

Are you worried that your cover letter isn’t up to par? Learn how to write a great one here!

Top 4 Things to Do During an Employment Gap

Are you currently in between jobs? Many people experience a gap when moving from one job to the next or after being laid off. The way you utilize your time during that gap is important for the success of finding your next job. Continue reading below to find out what to do during an employment gap!

  1. Update Your Resume: Resumes can be a daunting task. It’s that thing that is always on someone’s to-do list, but it keeps getting pushed back. No one wants to spend time updating their resume, but this is one of the most beneficial things you can do during an employment gap. Take the time to proofread, reformat, and update your resume so it’s in tiptop shape.
  2. Improve Your Skills or Learn New Skills: Adding certifications to your resume is a great way to up your game. Take advantage of the time you have during an employment gap and take online certifications for things like marketing, strategy, and technology, etc. There are many online certifications that are free, and adding some certifications to your resume will help you give it the boost it needs.
  3. Reach Out to Your Contacts: Reach out to some past contacts to let them know you’re in a transition period between jobs. Consider sending people in your network an email updating them on your career journey and also sending along your resume too. Use your networks to your advantage! It’s a great way to find new opportunities or jobs that may not even be posted anywhere. It can get you ahead of the game and help secure a potential new job.
  4. Quality Over Quantity: When applying for new jobs, keep this phrase in mind. It isn’t about how many jobs you apply for, it’s about how much effort you put into your application. Tailor your resume and application to each job and do your research on the company. You don’t want to apply to hundreds of jobs and not be able to keep track of where you even applied. Apply to jobs at companies you want to work at and take the time to send in a quality application. While it’s time-consuming, it’s worth it in the long run.

Having an excessive amount of free time might make you feel anxious during an employment gap. Remember to keep yourself on a schedule so you aren’t bombarded with hours of free time. Take these tips and make good use of the time you have to make your job search a good one. It can take time to find a job that fits your criteria but stay motivated and you will get there!

If you are in the middle of an employment gap, check out our open jobs list here!

Are you in the process of job interviews? Read our article here to learn more about successful interviews!

Things to Do in College for a Post-Grad Job

Are you on track to graduate college? College can be a very fun and exciting time, but it is also a time where you can prepare for your future. Today we are discussing some things you can do to make sure your post-grad experience is a smooth one. Continue reading below to find out things you should do while in college to prepare for post-grad!

Get Out of the Classroom: The classroom is a great place to learn extremely useful information, but you will also learn a lot when you step outside of the classroom. Join some extracurricular activities! Every campus has clubs and organizations, whether it’s an art club or a public relations club, you might find something that will be beneficial to your future career. Learning takes place even outside of the classroom. Invest your time in a part-time job on campus, volunteering, or even an internship.

Start Networking: Networking is a great way to get yourself out there. Make a LinkedIn profile and connect with your peers, friends, family, and professors. Make new connections, but also use the connections you already have. Network with friends who graduated and have been in the workforce or maybe even the career you want- chances are they have ample information that is useful. Networking can be difficult for some but start by building friendships and relationships with people.

Find a Mentor: A mentor is a very beneficial person to have on your team. A mentor can be anyone including a friend, family member, boss, or a professor! It may seem scary, but it isn’t as intimidating as you think. Just find a trusted person that you are comfortable talking with. A mentor can provide so much knowledge and help you with things like- resumes, practice interviews, networking, cover letters, etc. A mentor in the field of work that you want to go into is an extra bonus!

Work on Your Resume: Get your resume ready for the job search that follows graduation. Use college as a time to refine and perfect your resume. If you have no idea where to start, don’t be stressed out! Talk with a mentor or professor for help. Every college has a career center, so start there! They can proofread your resume, help you update it, and reformat it.

These are all great ways to get on track for the post-grad life. Post-grad can be an alarming time, utilize these tips to help you feel more at ease about the transitions! Get ahead of the game and do these things to make your college experience great and useful.

Searching for a new position? Submit your resume to any of our open jobs!

Where are you living post-grad? Read our article to find out the benefits of living at home!