In part one of our series on resume design for nonprofit professionals, we got into what you accomplish by putting together a good resume and the necessary areas to include. In this part, we’re going to look into what sections aren’t necessary.
If a job gap involves education, the applicant can include education as one of the first items on the resume. If the gap resulted from business closure or downsizing, a short explanation on the resume will suffice to explain that situation. Potential employers are likely to be sympathetic. A potentially more hazardous situation involve termination due to mistakes or incompetence. Every working person hopes to avoid this scenario. However, we live in a world of imperfect people. It’s never a good idea to lie or misrepresent this kind of situation on a resume. Instead, present the episode as a learning experience. Karen Alphonse, the Search Solutions Leader and Executive Coach at ExecSearches, stated: “Most interviewers know that during the course of a healthy career, sometimes things do not go well. They are impressed by those with the honesty and clarity of vision to accept responsibility for their shortcomings and move forward armed with renewed self- awaren
So, you are finding yourself either in an unhappy environment, have accepted a ‘buy out’, or maybe like so many, find yourself collecting unemployment? Colleagues and friends often ask me about how to improve and enhance a job search. In the past, you may have simply applied to positions in your field and gotten multiple offers. This time is different. Erase all the job-seeking lessons you learned from your past. Today is new and we are now in uncharted waters. So, what can you do to amp up your game? Are you ready to jump-start your job search?
Leadership has many facets that include having a vision, implementing plans and programs, managing, influencing and motivating others, ensuring the financial health and sustainability of your organization and building strategic partnerships/relationships....
Recruiters who take the time to review your resume will give it a two-second once-over to see if it reflects key skills and experiences they seek. Even if a resume is well drafted if it fails the two-second test you are at risk of being overlooked. Keep it simple, direct and focused.
Focus on accomplishments, money and mission. By accomplishments, I mean anything that pushed your organization ahead and for which you can honestly claim ownership.
The purpose of a resume is to land an interview. Nothing more, nothing less. It need not exclaim to tell a potential employer why they must hire you this instant, but rather, get your foot in the door to tell that story yourself.
No matter how senior you are in your organization or how secure you believe is your position, you would do well to take an entrepreneurial attitude toward your career. It is comforting to believe others will take care of you, and it's easy to become either complacent...