The Smart Resume Blog

Regardless of your chosen profession, there are several steps you should follow to get to the top of your field. Freelance Switch provides practical advice to achieving success, all you need is dedication.

Informational interviews can lead to new opportunities, especially for career changers. Like every part of the job search process, there are rules to follow that can guarantee a strong first impression. Read all 10 tips at BusinessWeek.com.

Blogging is the ultimate career tool. Not only are you able to voice your opinion on topics that you are truly passionate about, but in the process you create a network of like-minded individuals interested in your ideas. There’s no downside to blogging, because a successful blog can lead to job offers and other opportunities. Read Penelope Trunk’s post on why blogging will build a better network than handing out business cards.

If you are looking to change careers it all starts with dedicating yourself to learning your new industry inside and out. For more advice, check out Hotjobs’s five tips for switching careers.

Here are a few more e-mail guidelines for sending your resume electronically.

E-Mail Subject Heading

If the job listing does not give instructions for the subject heading you should at least include the job title. Other information that is useful for hiring managers are job number and department (if provided). The goal is to make this process as easy as possible so including additional information allows them to sort through responses quickly.

E-Mail Body

If you are not required to send a cover letter include the following information in the body of the e-mail:

• Name of the person you are sending your resume to (If you don’t know the person send a generic introduction)
• Name of the position you are applying for
• Where you found the job
• Contact information

Keep your correspondence brief (3-4 sentences). Don’t forget to spell check and proofread your e-mail before sending.

Example:
Modify based on the specific job your are applying to.

Dear Sir or Madam:

I am seeking an opportunity with COMPANY NAME for the JOB TITLE position posted on JOB BOARD SITE. Attached you will find my resume for consideration. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me. Thank you.

Sincerely-

YOUR NAME
CONTACT INFORMATION

These additional items, look great on a resume, are great topics in an interview, and can help elevate your career. Here’s six ways to add sparks to your resume.
1. International Experience

Diversity is big buzzword in the workplace. And it isn’t just about race and gender. It’s about bringing together people with different backgrounds, beliefs, opinions, and experiences. If you have spent a semester abroad, a summer backpacking through Europe, or you just love to travel, employers looking to add diversity will value your global experience.

2. Foreign Language Skills

Jobs across all industries are looking for employees with bilingual skills and the demand will continue to grow as more companies continue to expand abroad. A fluency in any language will definitely lead to exciting career opportunities.

3. Volunteer

Giving up some of your free time to help out your community is a humbling and rewarding experience. Companies value employees that are compassionate about their environment. It also shows that there’s more to you than just your career accomplishments.

4. Continuing Education

One of the best investments you can make while navigating your career is in education. Taking night classes or attending seminars and workshops keep your skills sharp and eventually enables you to position yourself as an expert in your chosen field. Employers will appreciate your passion, knowledge, and growing expertise.

5. Entrepreneurship

Employers want passionate and motivated employees. Whether you’ve started a company out of your college dorm or run a successful weekend business, the qualities that make up a successful entrepreneur are very valuable in today’s rapidly evolving marketplace.

6. Digital Skills

The digital age is here to stay, so why not get familiar with a few tools (blogging, wikis, HTML, RSS, web design, etc.) and dedicate yourself to mastering at least one. Identify what tools your industry utilizes and learn them well enough to remain competitive among other candidates.

This format focuses on skills and abilities detailing what a job seeker can do for an employer.

Key Features:

• Focuses on areas of expertise and measurable achievements
• Career history and background are grouped into skill sets
• Employment section lists company names, job titles and dates

Advantages:

• Clearly identifies strengths and your best skills
• Targeted to a specific position
• Highlights skills and experiences that were acquired through unpaid work experiences

Disadvantages:

• Most employers expect to see reverse chronological format
• Does not focus on a career path in a linear format

This Format Works Best For:

• Career changers
• New graduates
• Job seekers returning to the workforce
• Individuals with gaps in work history