HowToDoThings.com Recent Resume Writing Articles

How To Use Storage Pods

jasonkeeley — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 15:53:47 -0600

How To Negotiate Your Salary

jasonkeeley — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 13:26:07 -0600

How To Write a Reference

garrett — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 13:52:59 -0600

How To Make a Reference Sheet

garrett — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 13:44:51 -0600

How To Reenter the Workforce after Military Duty

jasonkeeley — Wed, 29 Oct 2008 13:45:23 -0500

How To Negotiate Severance Pay

jasonkeeley — Mon, 20 Oct 2008 23:01:30 -0500

How To Purchase a Foreclosed Home

jasonkeeley — Wed, 24 Sep 2008 23:29:52 -0500

How To Determine the Value of your Property

jasonkeeley — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 17:38:54 -0500

How To Get a Government Job

jasonkeeley — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 13:56:41 -0500

How To Write a Successful Teacher Resume

jasonkeeley — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 01:19:28 -0500

How To Find and Use Resume Samples

jasonkeeley — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 00:51:35 -0500

How To Avoid the Top Two Cover Letter Blunders

tommcb99 — Mon, 07 Jul 2008 13:06:41 -0500

How To Choose an Online Resume Writing Service

jasonkeeley — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 12:52:17 -0500

How To Tailor Your Resume for Scanning

jasonkeeley — Wed, 25 Jun 2008 12:31:46 -0500

How To Handle Resume Flaws

jasonkeeley — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 13:40:53 -0500

How To Download KSA Samples

jasonkeeley — Tue, 03 Jun 2008 16:22:28 -0500

How To Write a Career Transition Resume

jasonkeeley — Tue, 06 May 2008 17:55:12 -0500

How To Write a Student Resume

jasonkeeley — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 14:59:31 -0500

How To Format a Resume

jasonkeeley — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 18:06:51 -0500

How To Write a Resume Objective

jasonkeeley — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 17:33:19 -0500

How To Use Resume Distribution Services

jasonkeeley — Wed, 26 Mar 2008 19:58:20 -0500

When you’re job hunting, success has everything to do with numbers. The more potential employers have your resume in their hands, the greater the number of interviews you’ll be contacted about. And the greater the number of interviews you ace, the likelier you are to not only land a job, but also land one that you’ll love.

How To Write an SES Resume

jasonkeeley — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 12:50:37 -0500

No matter how many resumes you've prepared during the course of your career, your Senior Executive Service (SES) resume will be the trickiest--but perhaps the most important. This resume is unlike any other because SES jobs are some of the most elite and competitive in the country. Your resume must combine the outstanding qualifications needed to secure an executive job with the unique qualifications needed to obtain a government job. Those doing the hiring are looking for proven leaders who can interact successfully with the loftiest members of the federal government. And your first step into that world is a great resume.

How To Write a Legal Resume

jasonkeeley — Thu, 13 Mar 2008 23:34:19 -0500

Law school taught you plenty, but it probably didn't teach you how to write a resume that will secure you an interview with the firm of your dreams. It can be daunting to create or even update a resume because there's so much pressure to be unique. The best advice, however, is not to strive for "different" but for "best." Legal resumes aren't the venue for getting creative or artsy. You want to blow them away with your incredible successes and winning attitude. How do you do that? By putting your experience in the best possible light (no lying) and expressing your desire to do great work for them.

Below are more tips on creating a winning legal resume:

How To Write a Successful Engineering Resume

jasonkeeley — Tue, 11 Mar 2008 20:59:16 -0500

You’re talented and experienced, so any old resume should be able to secure that dream job you’re after, right? Wrong. Whether you’re writing a new resume or revising an existing resume, you can’t assume that the standard rules apply. After all, you’re an engineer! And while you’re undoubtedly a very good engineer, there will be dozens—perhaps hundreds—of talented engineers applying for the same desirable job.

What works for most professionals won’t necessarily work for an engineering resume. For instance, resumes are typically structured in a chronological format, but because the field of engineering is very project-oriented, it’s better to list important (read: impressive) projects, achievements, and skills first. Below are more tips on creating an engineering resume that will lead to those all-important interviews.

How To Write a Successful IT Resume

jasonkeeley — Mon, 03 Mar 2008 22:15:32 -0600

Information technology jobs are popping up in unheard-of numbers all over the world. After all, everyone uses computers today, which means everyone needs help figuring them out and fixing them when things go awry. But just because more IT jobs are available than ever before doesn’t mean that you can slap together a so-so resume and assume you’ll be hired. Why not?

How To Write a Military to Civilian Resume

jasonkeeley — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 17:42:24 -0600

When you’re separating from the military after years of service, it can be daunting to look for a civilian job. Sure, you’ve got experience that most other job seekers don’t. (Has any other applicant jumped out of an airplane in the middle of the night? I don’t think so.) But the question is, how do you get potential employers to look past “military” and see how your incredible experiences will benefit their company?

It’s not such a difficult task, but it does require more finesse than the typical job seeker has to put into a resume. There are several mistakes that many former military personnel make when writing a resume designed for civilian jobs. Fortunately, the tips below will help you understand what potential employers are looking for and how to design your resume to meet those needs.

How To Know When You Need a New Resume

jasonkeeley — Mon, 25 Feb 2008 17:18:54 -0600

Maybe you haven’t updated your resume since your first job out of college—10 years ago. Or perhaps you haven’t been called in for any interviews despite sending out dozens of resumes. Those are just two of the signs that you probably need a new resume, but there are many more.

You need a new resume when you:

How To Write a Cover Letter

jasonkeeley — Tue, 19 Feb 2008 19:36:10 -0600

Your cover letter is the first thing a prospective employer sees, so it’s crucial that it grab his or her attention and never let go. There are two schools of thought on a cover letter’s opening remark: some advocate opening with a rhetorical question or a funny remark as an attention grabber, while others find that sort of thing unprofessional. It isn't a good tactic for most people, because it can come off wrong. Only consider this approach if you’re applying for a very creative position. Otherwise, stick with the obvious; describe what job you’re applying for and where you saw it advertised, if applicable. That way, there’s no guessing game for the person reading your letter.

How To Write ECQ Statements

jasonkeeley — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 15:15:46 -0600

If you are applying for a Senior Executive Service (SES) position in the government, you will need to submit a special application package. The SES package includes:

A cover letter
Your federal resume
ECQ statements

This article explains how to write your ECQ statements.

What are ECQ Statements?

ECQ stands for “Executive Core Qualifications.” As the name suggests, your ECQ statements demonstrate your qualifications for the job. The U.S. Office of Personnel Management has divided these qualifications into five major groups: Leading Change, Leading People, Results Driven, Business Acumen, and Building Coalitions.

How To Write a Non-Profit Resume

jasonkeeley — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 18:15:09 -0600

Non-profit agencies do a lot of good work—whether raising money for sick children or finding happy homes for abandoned animals. If you’d like to join the paid ranks of those who work for non-profits, the first step is to put together a resume that will get you noticed and, ultimately, hired.

Remember that first and foremost, a non-profit organization is a business. You may be applying to the agency because of the cute puppies on its publicity materials, but their job is stay in the black. That means they have to take in more money than they spend on their mission. Your potential job is undoubtedly related to that: generating publicity, executing successful events, donor relations, etc.

How To Make Your Resume Stand Out

jasonkeeley — Wed, 30 Jan 2008 18:12:08 -0600

It’s been said that you only get one chance to make a good first impression. People meeting you for the first time will make some type of judgment based upon your appearance, the circumstances of meeting and more. Just as this saying is true for a face to face meeting, it also goes for your resume as well. Potential employers will make a judgment about your skills and abilities based upon the first impression – which is more than likely your professional resume. That’s why it is so important to put a good bit of planning and thought into how you wish to be perceived through your resume.

How To Build a Winning CV that Positions your Personal Brand Powerfully

lalittara — Wed, 02 Jan 2008 16:17:51 -0600

The words "Curriculum Vitae" translated literally mean "the story of your life." Your CV is a very important document: With it rest your hopes and dreams for the future, that next step up the career ladder, a better position, more money, new challenges, etc. Therefore, if you do not want to miss out on that ‘dream opportunity,’ your CV has to represent the best you can offer. Writing a CV that has the potential to be short-listed and/or make a positive impact is a skill and requires expertise. Many brilliant professionals and top brains haven’t been able to make it to the top or get the desired results in their careers only because they couldn’t position their talents, skills, knowledge and experience positively.

How To Start a New Job

jasonkeeley — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 14:47:56 -0600

You knew that first impressions were important in your interview, and you obviously aced that, because now you’ve got the job. However, did you know that first impressions are equally as important when starting a new job?

During your first hours, days, and even weeks on the new job, your new boss and coworkers are going to form their opinions of you, and these will likely color the rest of your time with this employer. For instance, if you earn a reputation as a slacker early on, it will be difficult to shake that label for long enough to earn a promotion, even if you deserve it. Conversely, if you work hard during your first few weeks on the job, your boss and coworkers will be much more likely to overlook rough periods in your performance later on.

Here are ten tips for creating stellar first impressions when starting a new job:

How To Apply for a New Job

kriszelunka — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 13:40:44 -0600

Applying for a new job can be a stressful and daunting task for many people, but it doesn't
have to be. There are an abundance of job opportunities out there if you know where to look. By following several simple steps, you can find your dream job.

Begin by asking yourself what you want from a job. This includes knowing what work hours, duties and salary you expect from the position, as well as what sort of industry and environment you want to work in.

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How To Analyze Handwriting

David Block — Tue, 30 Oct 2007 13:47:44 -0500

Handwriting analysis, or 'graphology', is based on analyzing the way the writer creates words and sentences through the physical action used to do so. Here are a handful of simple and basic principles that can provide intriguing insights to those around you.

It can help you better understand your partner, business colleagues, competitors, celebrities, family members, friends, yourself, and everyone else.

It can reveal aspirations, creativity, energy, fears, inhibitions, potential, sexual stability, strengths, weaknesses and much more. But it cannot accurately reveal a person’s age, future (other than potential), gender, left- or right-handedness, race, religion or sexual orientation.

How To Create a Professional Resume

kriszelunka — Fri, 19 Oct 2007 12:43:57 -0500

A good resume can mean the difference between being short-listed for an interview or getting cut at this first stage. To increase your chances of getting an interview, you should tailor your resume for each position that you apply for so that only previous employment history that is relevant is included.

How To Write a CV

jasonkeeley — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 11:43:30 -0500

If you are looking for a job, you may have noticed that some employers request a CV instead of a resume. Many jobseekers assume that a CV and a resume are different terms for the same thing, but this is not necessarily true. CVs and resumes are similar, true, but the differences are important. If you submit a resume instead of a CV, you will risk appearing inexperienced and naïve - definitely not qualities that will scream, "Hire me!" to prospective employers.

What is a CV? "CV" is an abbreviation for "Curriculum Vitae," which roughly translates to "This is my life." In other words, your curriculum vitae or CV is meant to draw a picture of your life for prospective employers. A CV is more than just a listing of past employers: It is a resource that describes everything you have done in life pertaining to your career.

How To Give a Successful Phone Interview

jasonkeeley — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 16:33:30 -0500

Phone interviews are becoming a common way for employers to screen potential employees during the hiring process. Unlike traditional, in-person job interviews, phone interviews are usually fairly short, require less preparation, and can even be outsourced by the employer if necessary. These features make phone interviewing an effective way to narrow down the list of candidates before scheduling in-person interviews. Unfortunately, many people are not comfortable conducting a conversation of that importance over the phone. If the prospect of a phone interview makes you nervous, these tips can help turn an awkward interview into a confidence-inspiring success.

How To Write an Executive Resume

jasonkeeley — Mon, 30 Jul 2007 11:29:56 -0500

You already know that having an effective resume is an important part of finding a job. What you may not realize is that the higher the stakes, the more vital it is to have a good resume. Executive-level jobs are harder to find and generally have more competition, so an attention-getting executive resume can make the difference between getting the job and getting left behind. A successful executive has more than just education and experience – he also has a unique skill set that enables him to handle the scope and stress of his job. Keep reading to learn how to write an executive-level resume that presents you as a well-rounded professional.

How To Write an Entry Level Resume

jasonkeeley — Thu, 19 Jul 2007 22:15:31 -0500

Whether you are just entering the workforce after graduation or you have decided to change careers, you need an entry-level resume that will help you get a job in a new field. Without industry experience, however, many applicants worry that their resume won’t pass muster. Not to worry – when you are applying for an entry-level job, employers will expect you to have entry-level experience. However, a professional resume is still required, regardless of your level of experience.

How To Choose a Resume Writing Service

jasonkeeley — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 19:32:31 -0500

Having an attention-grabbing resume is one of the most important parts of any job search. Your resume and cover letter are your introduction to a potential employer; and without a strong introduction, you may never get another chance to make a good impression. As a result, the success of your job hunt can hang on how well your resume is written.

Maybe you are entering the work force after graduating from college. Or maybe you just need to find a new job. Regardless of why you are looking for work, a skilled resume writer has the power to help you get your foot in the door. Here are a few tips to help you choose a resume writing service:

How To Write KSA Statement Answers

jasonkeeley — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 20:52:18 -0500

If you have never heard of a KSA statement, you are not alone. Many Americans don’t know what a KSA is, let alone how to write an answer to one. However, knowing not only what a KSA statement is, but also how to write an effect answer to one can make the difference between getting a job…and getting left in the dust.

What is a KSA Statement?

KSA stands for knowledge, skills and abilities. A KSA statement, therefore, is a statement about the unique qualities needed to fill a particular position. A job that requires KSAs usually lists between three and five KSA statements in the job description.

How To Write a Federal Government Resume

jasonkeeley — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 16:07:06 -0500

A federal resume is simply a resume that is formatted to meet the needs of federal job openings. When applying for a federal job, more information is required than when applying for a job in the private sector. The federal resume is formatted in such a way as to highlight this specialized information.

Pre-printed application forms are also sometimes used when applying for a federal job. Although the SF-171 is generally considered an outdated form, some employers may still request it. The most commonly used form is the OF-612. A federal resume contains all of the same information as these forms, but presents your application in a more attractive format and allows you more freedom to articulate your skills. Be sure to read the job vacancy announcement carefully, as it may specify which format applicants are to use.

How To Learn from Sample Resumes

Stacy451 — Tue, 22 Aug 2006 10:20:00 -0500

There are a lot of people who learn well by example. If you are one of these people, you could benefit from learning to write your own résumé by studying a sample résumé. By using sample résumés to create your own résumé you will be able to create for yourself a professional and well-written one to call your own.

Find a good sample résumé. The first step to learning from a sample résumé is to locate one. There are many wonderful books that you can purchase that include sample résumés. Two books that I recommend are 101 Best Résumés, by Jay A. Block and Michael Betrus, and Encyclopedia of Job-winning Résumés, by Myra Fournier and Jeffrey Spin.

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How To Hire a Professional Resume Service

Ann110 — Tue, 16 May 2006 21:39:00 -0500

You are in the job market and it is time to brush up your resume. If you decide to hire a professional resume service, it is important to know what to look for and how to find the best match for your needs.

Give yourself time. It is always a good idea to keep your resume up to date. However, most of us leave resume writing to the last possible moment. If you plan to use a professional resume service, you need to allow yourself time to hire them, apprise them of your needs and then for them to actually write your resume.
Find a qualified resume service. There is no shortage of professional resume services. The hard part is not finding one - it is finding the "right" one. When evaluating resume services, it is important to think about your experience and the type of resume you need.

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How To Build Your Resume

Elizabeth69 — Tue, 18 Apr 2006 18:19:00 -0500

Your resume is often the first glimpse that a prospective employer will have of you. It reaches the boss' desk long before you get the chance to make a personal impression, so you must be sure that it shows you in a positive light.

Even if you have a limited amount of work experience, you need to have a thorough, well written resume to open doors. Here are a few tips to help you to beef up your resume:

Volunteer -- in your chosen field, if possible. Volunteer experience within your profession would definitely add weight to your resume, but other volunteering experience may be valuable as well. Although you don't collect pay, volunteering allows you to gain time management as well as other skills.

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How To Find Free Resume Examples

Meave223 — Sat, 15 Apr 2006 15:17:00 -0500

Writing your resume seems like a daunting task, but it certainly doesn't have to be. Sometimes the easiest solution is to look at other resumes; they can give you a good idea of how to format your own, and show you how to present yourself and your skills in the best light possible.

How To Submit a Resume and Cover Letter

Liz71 — Sat, 15 Apr 2006 12:37:00 -0500

You have expertly designed your resume, tailored it to the needs of your potential employer, and now you're ready to hand off your fate to the powers that be. There are several options you have at this point as far as how to submit your cover letter and resume:

How To Write a Functional Resume

Liz71 — Sat, 15 Apr 2006 11:35:00 -0500

True or False: When writing a resume, you should highlight all of your qualifications and accomplishments, list your previous employers, starting with the most recent and working backwards, and arrange the resume in such a way that it can be used for multiple job applications in a variety of fields. If you answered False, good!

The key to writing a successful resume is to tailor it to fit the type of position you are applying for, not to generalize it so you can just make twenty copies at Kinko's and scatter them all over office supply stores, accounting firms, and zoos (what? People work at the zoo...). What's the best way to create a functional resume? I'm so glad you asked, and I'll give you a few easy steps that will answer that question and give you the tools you need to make your resume shine.

How To Write a Resume

Donald128 — Thu, 13 Apr 2006 12:23:00 -0500

One of the first steps to employment is creating a professional resume. There are services available to assist you in this endeavor, but before you spend upwards of $300, consider writing your own resume. In this era of computer proliferation, it's not as difficult a task as it once was. A resume is your marketing tool - your sales brochure - and who is better qualified than you to write a brochure about you? There are two basic types of resume, and their designs are a bit different so I will address how to write each type separately.

Chronological Resume

This type of resume is a timeline of your experience listed in order of most recent to oldest.

You can, optionally, begin your resume with an objective. An objective states your area of interest, and may include your goals. An example of an objective is: To obtain a position in food service management for a growing company with room for advancement.

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