nonprofit jobsHave a trusted colleague hold a non-interview conversation with you, and let him or her give you feedback on your tone, pauses and vocabulary. This is the kind of input you need in order to best pace yourself and to modify your usual way of speaking just enough to make you appear even more self-assured, confident and knowledgeable than you do in casual conversation.
Because ethnicity/race/national origin raise sensitive issues, you do not need to open the door to unnecessary inquiry around topics of this nature.
Q: Should I include graduation dates and dates for all of my diplomas on my resume? A recruiter told me to get rid of them because they “date” me. What do you think?
A: The sad truth is when dates are left off the resume, the reviewer is likely to draw one of two conclusions: (1) The candidate is, in fact, an experienced professional, or (2) The candidate is somehow trying to skew the truth.
Have you ever wondered why it takes several days to get around to revising your resume or why you spend hours agonizing over each bullet? I do, too. After many years of working in the recruitment field with countless candidates, I still ponder, perseverate, and, frankly, procrastinate when I get stumped. And, that happens quite often. Why do resumes generate this level of angst and nervous energy? What’s really going on?
This series covered all aspects of the reference process. Part One covered working with references as they relate to the candidate. Part Two focused on engaging with the references themselves, and Part Three put the ideas into practice through the reference check process. In this series conclusion, the highlight is on identifying what “a great reference” really means.
In parts One and Two of this four-part series, I outlined the “homework” required in order to best prepare yourself, a candidate and a reference for a formal reference interview. In this entry, details of the actual process, from questions to ask to delivering the results, are outlined.
In Part One of this series, I outlined the homework I do with regard to references before placing the formal reference checking call as it relates to the candidate. Today, that homework process continues to unfold with a focus on the references.
A good not-for-profit resume is concise, accurate and industry-friendly. It highlights your past successes, strengths and potential for growth. It shows commitment to mission which, in this sector, means social equity. It is a powerful, truthful document. And, when referenced along with your communications on the Web (LinkedIN/Facebook profiles, Twitter and blogs), a potential employer gains a clear picture of the value you will add to an organization.
Many organizations are familiar with using references in the final phases of search to support or eliminate one winning candidate. References can serve equally critical functions, however, beyond giving you data about your proposed “winner.” In this four-part series, the pieces of the referencing process are outlined and defined so you can be best prepared no matter your role.
While social media is a great way to network with colleagues during a job hunt, remember not to focus all of your efforts online. There are many places for you to connect with others in the community.
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