5th Anniversary of Career Pivot - What is Next - Career Pivot

fifth Anniversary of Career Pivot - What is Next - Career Pivot fifth Anniversary of Career Pivot Copyright: atulvermabhai/123RF Stock Photo February 13, 2017, marks the fifth commemoration of the Career Pivot brand and site. It was 5 years back that this site was propelled with the expectation to help people born after WW2 in their vocation aspirations. That one year from now CareerPivot.com was chosen for the Forbes Top 100 Career site list. What I discovered astonishing at that point was that there were not very many sites devoted to the reason for helping children of post war America. I composed a post in September of 2013 calledForbes Top 100 Career Websites List Dissectedand later in October I wroteAre Baby Boomers Ignored by the Career Industry? Until as of late, children of post war America were the biggest portion of the working populace. Millenials have passed us and apparently gen X-ers have begun to resign by the thousand, at any rate as per the article distributed in Bloomberg.com titledOlder Americans Are Retiring in Droves â€" The mass migration of the people born after WW2 from the workforce resumes. Is it accurate to say that we are Still Ignored? Hannah Morgan, otherwise known as the Career Sherpa, discharged her rundown of the top 50+ Career Website Lista scarcely any weeks back. She just recorded 3 sites devoted to the Over 50 Job Search: AARPâ€"AARP's activity master, Kerry Hannon, covers gives that the more seasoned activity searcher needs to know so as to contend. You'll discover all the issues you have to mull over while chasing down your next activity as a progressively prepared proficient. You ought to tune in to my meeting with Kerry on the Repurpose Your Career Podcast. My Lifestyle Careerâ€"My Lifestyle Career composed by Nancy Collamer, offers guidance for individuals more than 50 on the most proficient method to progress into another profession before retirement, regularly alluded to as second act vocations. Nancy likewise composes for Next Avenue (PBS site for individuals more than 50). CareerPivotâ€"Over course, CareerPivot was on the rundown! She didn't list NextAvenue.org the PBS site that centers around Baby Boomers however with an a lot greater center: cash security, wellbeing prosperity, providing care and substantially more. So the appropriate response is still … YES! Vocation Pivot fifth Anniversary I am running my first yearly Career Pivot perusers review. My old buddy Dara Quackenbush played sentence structure police on me and disclosed to me it can't be the first yearly since it is the first overview. One year from now it very well may be the second yearly peruser's study. In the event that you have not taken the review, it would be ideal if you accept it now as it will help shape what occurs with Career Pivot. What's Next 2017 is the year Career Pivot turns into an enrollment site. There will be a free side that will proceed as you see it today. There will be a paid side that will incorporate a month to month membership. I will likely keep the expense unobtrusive. Tune in to the latest scene In two or three weeks, we will distribute the aftereffects of the peruser study. We are moving toward 100 respondents and it is truly clear there is an extraordinary requirement for both network backing and training without bringing about the expense of one on one instructing. At the point when you take the overview, I will inquire as to whether you are eager to take an interest in a pilot gathering to associate in building up the bearing of the site capacity and mission. In the event that you have just taken the overview and still need to take part, simply get in touch with me by clicking hereand telling me you need to partake. Assist me with helping you by taking the review. Upbeat fifth commemoration! How about we celebrate! Marc Miller Like what you simply read? Offer it with your companions utilizing the catches above. Like What You Read? Get Career Pivot Insights! Look at the Repurpose Your Career Podcast Do You Need Help With ...

What Are Resume Best Practices?

<h1>What Are Resume Best Practices?</h1><p>If you have been searching for continue best practices or read about some of them, you are not the only one. The vast majority who land their positions either through a vocation reasonable or with referrals to organizations are looking for employments nowadays and what works for one individual may not work for you or for somebody else.</p><p></p><p>Resume best practices, as a rule, are ignored for the resume itself. The resume is only an apparatus. It's not the most significant instrument. However, it is the main device that you will use as you continued looking for a vocation and on the off chance that you don't utilize it appropriately, it can mean the distinction between getting a meeting and having no meetings at all.</p><p></p><p>You need to land the position first. Landing the position implies putting the activity on your resume. You have to put that activity on there so the business can see precisely what you bring to the table and how you would fit into their business. This activity incorporates your work history, your training, your abilities, your honors, your experience, and what your specialized topics are.</p><p></p><p>Resume best practices incorporate everything that can be on the resume. Regardless of whether it is your instruction or work history, this data ought to go on the resume with the goal that the business can know precisely what you need to offer.</p><p></p><p>When you are going after a position, there is a need to look proficient. This doesn't imply that you need to wear formal attire each day. It implies that you need to show that you are proficient. In a conventional circumstance like a prospective employee meeting, you have to show that you are appearing at your meeting wearing formal attire, not wearing pants and flip failures. You would prefer not to give the feeling that you are simply going to be a little room to breath jawed interviewee.</p><p></p><p>Resume best practices don't simply include looking expertly. You likewise need to look proficient. There are numerous approaches to do this, yet basically you have to dress for success.</p><p></p><p>If you have ever had a vocation counselor reveals to you that you should ensure you dress for progress, at that point you have to take a gander at those hips and pay attention to them. They are an approach to set you up for success.</p>

Who Is Misleading Us About Best Resume Writing Services Dc 2013?

<h1> Who Is Misleading Us About Best Resume Writing Services Dc 2013? </h1> <h2> The Essentials of Best Resume Writing Services Dc 2013 You Can Benefit From Beginning Immediately </h2> <p>Complete the basic information and experience, so you can peruse employments by capacity and area. In the event that it comes to resumes, various sorts should be accessible. </p> <p>Employing an expert resume author is an advantageous speculation and may even end up being among the best choices in your profession. Choosing a Professional Resume Writer is a magnificent thought for most of experts since continue composing is a particular aptitude. CV Solutions offers proficient CV writing to help you become taken note. Composing a CV might be a long and tedious method, however by methods for the perfect master help, you can make one rapidly. </p> <h2> How to Choose Best Resume Writing Services Dc 2013 </h2> <p>The rundown of administrat ions isn't broad. It's additionally imperative to audit what sorts of administrations are given by the association. In case you're searching for a better quality supplier, if it's not too much trouble see the main 10 rundown referenced already. You may discover likewise some additional administrations. </p> <p>Others are extremely expensive, however don't really offer much better quality. There are bunches of tributes from the individuals who attempted their administrations and are more than happy with the outcomes. It's imperative to utilize a help which offers you an extraordinary cost for top quality. As an outcome, you can pick among the best administrations at a value that is practical to you and get welcome to all the meetings you wished to enter. </p> <h2> Top Best Resume Writing Services Dc 2013 Secrets</h2> <p>If you're searching for top exposition composing organizations, give a shot the referenced previously. Truth be told, a prepared e ssayist can carry out the responsibility a lot quicker than any understudy as they've been composing scholarly assignments during their whole life. Regardless of whether you are a newcomer to composing resumes and introductory letters or your composed resume doesn't seem to make sure about you welcomed on a few meetings, we're directly here to help you. For instance, in case you're an IT master, you should be very exacting, as simply the best IT continue scholars on the web can be allowed to chip away at your resume. </p> <h2>Best Resume Writing Services Dc 2013 Explained </h2> <p>The more you glance around, the more prominent your likelihood of finding a confided in organization that gives the excellent administrations and item that you merit. Don't simply consider the absolute first couple of associations you run into. Verifiably, organizations won't pour in a huge number of dollars into publicizing should they accept simply having a perfect item is suffici ent to create deals. It is conceivable to at present pick the most legitimate and dependable organization by perusing audits at AUresumereviews.com. </p>

User Interface (UI) Developer Resume Sample Guide

User Interface (UI) Developer Resume Sample Guide A UI developer seeks to create convenient interfaces that fulfill the users needs. Interface development is a complex process combining elements of design, engineering, and psychology. A UI developer resume has to document that complex skillset in a relevant and easy to understand way.Youve got to create an interface thatll make the hiring manager demand you code a bright green youre hired button.Dont worry, its easier than it looks.Read on and youll see a professional UI developer resume example you can edit and make your own. Youll also learn a simple formula for writing a resume for UI Developer jobs that will land you 10x more interviews than any resume youve ever written.Want to save time and have your resume ready in 5 minutes? Try our resume builder. Its fast and easy to use. Plus, youll get ready-made content to add with one click. See 20+ resume templates and create your resume here.Sample UI developer resumeSee more templates and create your resume here.One of our users, Ni kos, had this to say:[I used] a nice template I found on Zety. My resume is now one page long, not three. With the same stuff.Create your resume nowConsidering similar jobs in your industry too? See our related resumes.UI/UX Resume ExamplesUX Designer ResumeFront End Developer ResumeFull Stack Developer ResumeWeb Designer ResumeWeb Developer ResumeGraphic Designer ResumeInstructional DesignerIT ResumeProduct Owner ResumeGame Designer ResumeSQL Developer ResumeComputer Science ResumeScrum Master ResumeBest Resume Samples For All ProfessionsUI Developer Resume Sample to Get You Inspired (Text Version)Karen Andersonkarenandersonzety@gmail.com555-2223-124Professional SummarySenior UI developer with 5+ years experience and specialization in Android app development. Designed applications that increased user satisfaction by 20% and resolved persistent browser compatibility issues for Firefox users whilst rigorously adhering to project deadlines. Looking to leverage my skills to produce sea mless and profitable UI for Semtex Systems.Work ExperienceSaffron Systems, San Francisco, CASenior UI DeveloperAugust 2014PresentDeveloped application to assess JSON and XML for RESTful web service using JavaScript and Angular.JS.Developed front-end web pages with HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript.Resolved browsers compatibility issues, solving all conflicts for Firefox users.Designed web pages and applications that met business and user goals increased user satisfaction by an average of 20%.Liaised with customers to determine project scope and project timelines, which were rigorously adhered to without overspill.Crimson Web Systems, San Francisco, CAJunior UI DeveloperSeptember 2011August 2014Developed web-site mock-ups ensure QC and 100% client satisfaction before project development phase commenced.Managed and created project plans while providing updates to senior team members and adhering to project timeframes.Aided senior UI developers by contributing to design and coding.Promoted f rom UI Intern to junior UI developer in four months.EducationB.S. in Computer EngineeringUniversity of California, Riverside, CACompletion: 2014SkillsLeadershipConceptual skillsRuby on Rails and SQL database developmentProject management skills: Agile and Scrum methodologiesSEOConferencesGuest speakerHalf Stack Phoenix 2019Guest speakerSmashingConf Austin 2017 and 2018LanguagesSpanishfluentNow for the job-winning UI developer resume formula.1Choose the Right Structure for Your UI Developer ResumeA good UI developer is meticulous about their coding. Theyd never just slap in some spaghetti code and hope for the best.Your resume is the same. To work well it needs to be well structured.Heres how to format a UI Developer resume template. No sauce required!Layout: Go for reverse-chronological format, it creates the best UI.Headings: bold text for section titles to focus recruiters attention.Fonts: use elegant and legible fonts for your resume.Font size: always use 1112pt for the body and increase by 24pts for titles.Margins: use a 1 border on every side of your UI developer resume.Line spacing: 1.15 or single line spacing.Sections: Double space between sections to create eyeball-friendly white space.File format: preserve that layout, for resume format PDF is best, unless the job ad specifically asks for Word DOC instead.Now for an outline of the sections your resume has to include, from top to bottom:Header: include your full name and resume contact information.Resume profile: write a short paragraph proving youre the best candidate for the UI developer job.Work experience: describe your previous jobs including both duties and achievements.Education: list your academic history.Skills: a brief list of abilities tailored for the job.Extra sections: stand out by including awards, languages, certification, hobbies, etc. Discover more about resume formatting.Well actually start in the middle though with your work experience section and leave your resume profile for last. Its the best way to write your resume because then youve got a full stack of achievements, skills, and experience to create your profile with.Lets begin.2Begin with a UI Developer Resume Work Experience SectionThe good news first. Youre working in an industry thatll see the number of jobs increase by 13% in the next 10 years.The flipsideThe bigger the crowd, the harder it is to stand out.But a properly written work experience section creates instant user recognition of your ability to excel.Heres the best way to code your UI developer resume work history:Write in chronological resume format. Start with your most recent job and work back.List job title, company name, location, and dates of employment for each.Include 46 bullet points and use skills and quantifiable achievements alongside your duties. Dont just describe what you did, explain how well you did it.Dont be generic. Write a targeted resume tailored to the specific job description.Use the PAR (Problem-Action-Result) formula to give your description of your UI Dev chops more impact.Start every bullet point with an action word for added impact.Lets see it in action.Here are two UI developer resume work experience section samples.Senior UI Developer Resume ExamplesRightSaffron Systems, San Francisco, CASenior UI DeveloperAugust 2014PresentDeveloped application to assess JSON and XML for RESTful web service using JavaScript and Angular.JS.Developed front-end web pages with HTML5, CSS3, and JavaScript.Resolved browsers compatibility issues, solving all conflicts for Firefox users.Designed web pages and applications that met business and user goals increased user satisfaction by an average of 20%.Liaised with customers to determine project scope and project timelines, which were rigorously adhered to without overspill.WrongSaffron Systems, San Francisco, CASenior UI DeveloperAugust 2014PresentDeveloped websites for major national clients.Developed UI design specs facilitating project and functional requirem ents.Undertook extensive HTML coding.Designed web pages and applications that met user goals.Used CSS and Jquery for user interfaces.The first example is in the goldilocks zone. Numbered achievements and skills mixed in with great experience.The second has none of that. Its just a snooze-inducing list of duties. ButIts from the same person! Following the right formula makes them look completely different.This next example is for an entry-level UI developer resume.Entry-Level UI Developer Resume ExamplesRightTechnotronic, San Francisco, CAUI Development InternJune 2019September 2019Performed testing and documentation of UI and services identifying in excess of 20 critical bugs.Implemented new features and UI in an Agile environment in collaboration with clients and project team.Developed prototype concepts with Axure and Photoshop, winning praise from colleagues and clients.Helped launch a national marketing campaign that contributed to 30% quarter on quarter growth in sales.WrongTec hnotronic, San Francisco, CAUI Development InternJune 2019September 2019Performed testing of UI and services.Implemented new features and UI in an Agile environment.Developed accurate prototype concepts.Helped launch a national marketing campaign.Again, its the same candidate. But the first example implements plug-ins with achievements, skills, and actions that add value for the employer.When making a resume in our builder, drag drop bullet points, skills, and auto-fill the boring stuff. Spell check? Check. Start building your resume here.Create my resume nowWhen youre done, Zetys resume builder will score your resume and tell you exactly how to make it better.Get more professional advice about describing work experience on your resume: How to Add Work Experience in a Resume [20+ Sample Job Descriptions]3Enter Your Education (It Isnt as Easy as You Think)People cant even agree on what a UI developer does. What is clear is that the UI developer job description includes a complex mix of front-end development, application programming, and web design.For that level of knowledge, you need to evidence a good education. Heres how to include it on your resume.If youre an experienced UI dev its simple. Just list your degree like this.Senior UI Developer Resume ExampleRightB.S. in Computer EngineeringUniversity of California, Riverside, CACompletion: 2014If you havent got much experience, then you need more detail. Include some coursework thats relevant to the job like this.Entry-Level UI Developer Resume ExampleRightB.S. in Computer EngineeringUniversity of California, Riverside, CACompletion: 2019Relevant coursework:C++ programming, data structures and algorithms, design and architecture of computer systems.Entry-level UI developers can actually put their education section above their work experience section. Always best to put the most persuasive info first.Read more: How to Put Education on a Resume4List UI Developer Resume Skills Relevant to the RoleA UI is like a joke, if you have to explain it then its not that good. The opposite is true for a resume.For a good skills section youve got to explain the impressive skillset you bring to this complex role.ButA resume cant be longer than one or two pages.So how do you decide what to include?Heres how to do it:Copy-paste the UI developer job ad into a word processor and highlight the resume keywords identifying the skills the employer needs.Then its time to brainstorm. Make a master list of all of your skills, using your work experience and education sections for reference.From your master list, match your own UI dev skills with the requirements in the job description.Then write your UI developer resume skills section, making a list of 510 of the most relevant skills.Include both hard skills and soft skills along with technical skills for maximum impact.Heres some typical UI developer resume skills to inspire you.UI Developer Resume Soft SkillsCommunication skillsProblem solving skillsTime manage ment skillsConceptual skillsTeamwork skillsDecision-making skillsInterpersonal skillsOrganizational skillsUI Developer Resume Hard SkillsComputer skillsProgramming skillsWeb design skillsGraphic design skillsTest-driven development skillsUI Developer Resume Technical SkillsTechnical skillsHTML, CSS and JavascriptProject management skills: Agile, Scrum, Kanban, LeanRuby on Rails and SQL database developmentAdobe Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash FlexSEO skillsThis is how theyd look in your resume.Senior UI Developer Resume ExampleRightLeadershipConceptual skillsRuby on Rails and SQL database developmentProject management skills: Agile and Scrum methodologiesSEOEntry-Level UI Developer Resume ExampleRightTeamworkGraphic designAdobe Suite: Photoshop, Illustrator, Flash FlexC++Data analysisBut thats not all. Your resume isnt complete without including your skills in your work history and resume profile. Doing this makes your expertise more believable.For even more about listing ski lls on your resume check out our guide: Best Skills to Put on a Resume [99+ Examples]5Show Dont Tell: Add Extra Sections to Your UI Developer ResumeTo create good UI you need to know your users. For your resume your users are recruiters and they want proof that youre better than the other 250 people gunning for the job.Extra sections provide that proof. Theyre the best way to get your users to tap, youre hired.Here are some suggestions.Certifications and LicensesGood UI devs need knowledge above and beyond an off the shelf college degree. You can prove that by including a certification. If you dont yet have one theres a wealth of options online. Udemy makes a great starting point.Volunteering WorkAn ideal extra section for an entry-level UI developer resume. Its a big boost to your chances of getting hired as a whopping 8 out of 10 recruiters say theyd be more likely to choose candidates with volunteering experience.Foreign Language SkillsNot programming languages, but human ones. F oreign language demand is off the scale with 9 out of 10 American employers saying they rely on employees with foreign language skills.Attending ConferencesUI Development best practice is constantly evolving. Show that youve got your finger on the pulse by listing relevant conferences youve attended and contributed to.PublicationsHave you contributed to UI development resources or published research? Highlight your expertise by including publications in your UI Developer Resume.ProjectsLet's be honest: projects are the bread and butter of any user interface developer's life. Be sure to write them up and showcase your wins.Now see some real examples.Senior UI Developer Resume ExampleRightConferencesGuest speakerHalf Stack Phoenix 2019Guest speakerSmashingConf Austin 2017 and 2018Entry-Level UI Developer Resume ExampleRightVolunteeringDesigned new website for Bay Area Homeless ShelterFor even more suggestions for additional sections on your resume, check out this guide:20+ Top Example s of What to Include on a Resume6Compile the Best Bits Into a UI Developer Resume Summary or ObjectiveA successful app or site has to be developed to make a great first impression on users. The same holds true for a successful resume.That first impression comes from your resume profile. Youve got to get it right.Profiles come in two themes. The resume summary and resume objective. But both are constructed with the same code.Review your experience, education and skills sections choosing 23 of your best achievements that are relevant to the job description.Use them to write a 34 sentence introductory paragraph.Keep it targeted by name-checking the company and job title.If youve got plenty of experience under your belt then write a UI developer resume professional summary. It works by combining your experience and skills with a quantifiable achievement as proof.Check these professional summary examples to see how to do it.Sample UI Developer Resume Summary StatementsRightSenior UI deve loper with 5+ years experience and specialization in Android app development. Designed applications that increased user satisfaction by 20% and resolved persistent browser compatibility issues for Firefox users whilst rigorously adhering to project deadlines. Looking to leverage my skills to produce seamless and profitable UI for Semtex Systems.WrongExperienced senior UI developer. Skilled in creating minimalist and functional UI in accordance with client specifications. Confident with data analysis of split testing results to introduce iterative improvements. For full list of programming abilities please refer to skills section.The first example is a heady mix of experience, numbered achievements, and skills. Then it stays targeted by mentioning the job title and company the resume is for.But the second looks unfocused and gives no quantified resume achievements.If youre an entry-level UI developer opt for a resume career objective. Instead of wielding your experience you use caree r goals as your weapon, not forgetting to include achievements here too.Heres two UI developer resume objective examples.Sample UI Developer Resume Objective StatementsRightRecent BS in computer engineering graduate with a passion for clean and functional coding. Undertook UI dev internship contributing to a new product launch that contributed to 30% quarter on quarter sales growth. Seeking to build my knowledge and skills and contribute to Black Box Inc.s stellar reputation in UI and Front End development as Junior UI developer.WrongGraduate in BS in Computer Engineering from University of California. Dedicated to using clean and functional coding to create effective UI. Looking to obtain professional experience and develop my skills in a dynamic startup environment.Just like writing a resume summary, the key to success is targeting your objective to the job and adding a numbered win to keep them reading.For a complete guide on resume profiles, take a look at: How to Start a Resume : Tips Examples7Dont Forget to Attach a UI Developer Cover LetterPicture this.A/B testing results are in. Changing the size of an element increases conversion by 50%. Youd do it in a flash right?Well, thats exactly how important a cover letter is.Around half of recruiters will reject your application if you dont include one.Heres the best way to write it:Get your cover letter format right before you start.Use the hiring managers name when addressing your cover letter.Grab the users attention with a compelling cover letter introduction.Show off your best UI dev skills and experience.Finish strong. End your cover letter with a closing statement that includes a call to action.But thats not all. Youll learn even more in our guides on how to write a cover letter and what should a cover letter say.Plus, a great cover letter that matches your resume will give you an advantage over other candidates. You can write it in our cover letter builder here.Here's what it may look like:See more cov er letter templates and start writing.RecapUI Developer Resume in a NutshellHeres the coding standards for writing a UI Developer Resume:Use the right structure: the correct format, font, line spacing, margins, and generous use of white space will maximize readability.Dont begin until youre finished: Write your UI Dev objective or summary last.Make your work experience shine: Use action word enhanced bullet points that are targeted to the job.Choose specific skills: Make them targeted and mix them into your UI resume profile and work experience to make your expertise believable.Get your education right: If youve got less experience include targeted coursework.Dont forget extra sections: Make that first impression count.Attach a cover letter: Its a proven boost to your chances.Thanks for reading my guide. Now Id love to hear from you:What are the biggest challenges of writing a UI Developer resume?Which section do you struggle with the most?Tell me in the comments section. Lets get t alking!

Cheap Resume Writing Services Online

Cheap Resume Writing Services OnlineLooking for the best cheap resume writing services online? Having a job is one of the most important things in your life. You want to make sure that you are able to get your work done by someone who knows how to write a good resume.There are many professionals out there who can help you with your resume. It is crucial that you hire the best person to write a great resume for you. It does not matter what field you are in, because they will be able to write a good resume for you.You do not have to pay any small fees to get an expert in writing a great resume. Your time is valuable and you need to spend it on the things that matter. You do not want to waste your time writing a resume for someone who does not know how to write a good one. You do not want to waste your time doing something that does not matter.This is why you should do a search for companies and then find reviews from people who have used these major resume writers. You do not want to h ire someone just because he or she was able to get a person hired at a higher paying company. You want to hire the best because you want to make sure that your career is getting off on the right foot.Hiring a writer from the internet is a great idea. You do not have to sacrifice your time to go to a particular place and wait for hours to see a person who is not very personable. You will be able to find a person in seconds instead of waiting all day.Another good thing about using an online writer is that you can easily check the quality of the work that is being done. You will be able to see for yourself how a professional can write a great resume. You will be able to see how he or she can write a great resume with a quality of work.You do not have to spend a lot of money to find a great service. You can also save a lot of money by working with a company that has a great reputation. You do not want to spend money on a service that does not do a good job with its resume writing servic es.By using a great cheap resume writer you will be able to save time and money. You will be able to spend more time with your family, spend more time with your loved ones, and you will be able to find work more quickly. These are all good things to have in your life.

Does Your Resume Scare Recruiters - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

Does Your Resume Scare Recruiters - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career A student asked me to review her resume. She had just failed my business development class because she turned in no work. I always worry about the effect on someone’s career, student visa, chances of getting into another graduate program, and just their general state of mind when I have to turn in a failing grade to the university. While students clearly know they aren’t turning in assignments during the semester, I try to remind them before the course ends, so there’s no question when the grade arrives.   In her case, the week before the class ended I confirmed with her that she was failing. When she arrived in our last class she announced to me that she was “good with failing.” It gets weirder. Because the holiday took a day out of our course schedule, I offered a one-on-one half-hour to the students in class, for career coaching or my insight into a business development issue. So, Ms I-Fail-And-Feel-Good-About-It scheduled her half-hour. Then, she emailed her resume to me before our chat last Friday. Let me tell you: it scared me. Unless Ms I-Fail suffered from multiple personality disorder, this resume had nothing to do with the person I got to know over three months in class. She produced no work. She had barely spoken in the workshop portion of our weekly class, where each person shares their assignment and gets feedback from class members. I never knew when she was not coming or when she was leaving early. She even moved slowly and sat all bundled up in a chair by the door, in summer. So you can imagine my shock â€" when I read the first paragraph of her resume. High energy marketing professional. Dependable, detail-oriented, well-organized, genuine team player with great problem solving, communication, writing and researching skills. Not a single attribute that her resume touted, had she demonstrated. At our one-on-one meeting, I asked her if someone else had written her resume. Yes, she said. Had they met her? I just wondered that one. What’s worse is she listed eight core competencies that had she actually commanded those skills, would make her a winning candidate for a group vice president of marketing at a Global 2000 company.   Unfortunately, when you read through her experience she’d only been a director of marketing for a few years, and before that an administrative assistant, and before that an IT trainer â€"someone helping other people learn the Office suite of programs. This is why it scares every recruiter when it’s time to dig through the emailâ€" or the online job applications, when a job is posted. People are sending virtual garbage that heaps up and soils every legitimate inquiry. This is why you’re not getting found. This is why you don’t get a personalized thank you or even a rejection. This is why we are still saying that personal connections and referrals are the #1 way to get a job. People who have no business putting themselves up for the spot you deserve are crowding you out like weeds among roses. So, time for a check-up. Look at your resume. Discard all the self-congratulatory nonsense about what a great person you are.   Discard any competencies that are hopes and not truths. And, never believe that someone else can write a great resume for you, if you haven’t told them your real story.  If they’ve inflated you, then deflate the rhetoric until it’s actually you that we find on that resume. For more pointers on what NOT TO DO on your resume, email me with the subject line: Resume Don’ts. Email address is Nance@NanceRosen.com Author: Nance Rosen  is the author of  Speak Up! Succeed. She speaks to business audiences around the world and is a resource for press, including print, broadcast and online journalists and bloggers covering social media and careers. Read more at  NanceRosenBlog. Twitter name:  nancerosen

Are You Creative

Are You Creative If you think of your career goals as a problem to be solved, then creativity would be a wonderful asset to have. Indeed, being considered “creative” has a wonderful ring to it and brings up all kinds of positive associations. Yet only a small percentage of people would describe themselves as creative. Why? Part of it is the all or nothing approach we have for any descriptor. When you see the work of a Van Gogh or Steve Jobs or George Lucas, it’s natural to be intimidated. “That’s creative,” you think. “I’m not creative at all.” We say the same thing about beauty, grace and athletic ability, and we’re wrong on every count. We all have those traits to one degree or another; it’s never an all or nothing game. Ask any group of four-year-olds if they are artists, and they will all proudly say that they are. Ask any group of 34-year-olds the same question and not one will dare to say yes (except the beatnik artist in the corner. Even then, she may define herself as an artist only if she makes her primary income doing so.) In fact, I hear friends all the time declare that they are not creative. I’m lucky; I write for a living (mostly) and get to define myself as a creative every day. You can too. In fact, you can take a creative approach to any problem you have.   Michael Michalko, author of Creative Thinkering: Putting Your Imagination to Work, writes about creativity and what it takes to learn it. His website is filled with exercises to enhance your creativity. The titles of the exercises give you a definition of what Michalko considers to be the elements of creativity: breaking patterns, seeing things differently, breaking associations and inferring things from coincidences. We all have these skills, although they may be more developed in some of us than others. Michalko has also written about what it takes to teach children (and you) to be creative. Here are some of his “things you were not taught in school about being creative.” First, teach them that they are creative. It’s often your own attitude that blocks creativity. If you believe you’re not creative, it will be hard to unblock your mind to try new approaches. Creativity is a process; you must go through the motions to think creative ideas. Most of us, by the time we’re adults, are using the same neural pathways over and over â€" that’s why breakthroughs are so rare. Creative thinking literally carves new grooves into your brain. You must work at it, just as you would at building muscle. Know that creative people work incredibly hard and make lots of mistakes. Many, even most, of their ideas are bad ones. It’s persevering that gets them to the great ideas. Most of us give up before we get to the great idea. Michalko also says that creative people never stop with their first good idea. Push through to figure out how to make it better. There is no one right answer. Michalko contradicts Aristotle’s famous dictum: A thing is either A or not A; it cannot be both. Reality is ambiguous , writes Michalko, and nothing stifles creativity like the censorship of thinking of only what’s possible, or looking for the “right” answer. There is no such thing as failure. Michalko cites Thomas Edison, who is famous for saying: “I have not failed. Ive just found 10,000 ways that wont work.” Michalko’s website offers lots of encouragement and ways to become more creative. What rule of job search should you be breaking tomorrow?