Happy Schools Blog » Resume

6 Mistakes That Can Kill Your Resume

HSB — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 17:10:29 +0000

Here is an interesting 6 mistakes that you should avoid in your resume, if not you will be spending more time in Job Search. Previously we have discussed about 28 Question About Entry Level Student Resume, this this article ( from CIO) you can learn about common 6 Ways to ruin your resume.

6 Costly Resume Mistakes

Try to avoid the following mistakes in your resume.

Mistake 1: Your objective is unclear
Mistake 2: You’ve listed old skills
Mistake 3: You’ve created an acronym explosion
Mistake 4: You misuse industry jargon
Mistake 5: You’re unclear what job you’re applying for
Mistake 6: You’re vague about your experience, or you’re just downright confusing

You can read more details about each resume mistake. Author has given clear description of the mistakes and how to avoid them.

Most of the international students applying for jobs make the following 3 mistakes

Mistake 1: Your objective is unclear
Mistake 5: You’re unclear what job you’re applying for
Mistake 6: You’re vague about your experience, or you’re just downright confusing

Objective is Unclear

If you come across a resume that has Objective that looks like this

“Looking for Full time position as Software Engineer, where I can utilize my skills to full extent”

What job you’re applying for

This is common mistake in the resume. You might be willing to take any job in this economy ( Software Developer, Tester, BA, …). In that case, have a separate resume for each job area you apply. Don’t have a common resume for each job. That will not work.

Each resume have to be tailored to the job you are applying.

Job Experience or Project Description

Resume should say who you accomplished in previous job/projects and how you can contribute to new job you are looking. Don’t just copy and paste the project description into resume. That clearly shows immaturity.

Post from: Happy Schools Blog

6 Mistakes That Can Kill Your Resume

Is $180 for Resume Writing Too Much? Maybe Not!

HSB — Sun, 12 Apr 2009 14:26:03 +0000

Professional resume writing services are expensive. I have to agree to that. Resume Edge charges around $180 for Resume writing service. But the question is – IS $180 too much for getting resume written professionally?

Resume Is an Art

First look at your resume and look at the samples resume templates in Resume Edge. Can you prepare a resume of that quality? If so, then there is no need for you to read this article right? I have looked at so many student resumes and you’d be surprised to see the mistakes that will definitely lower their chances to get called for an interview. Resume with mistakes wouldn’t get you interview call.

Common Resume Mistakes

Here is a list of common mistakes in resume I have come across

One page resume with not enough information
Masters level student will have just 1 or 2 projects listed
Objective is not clear.
Skills Set will list all programming languages, but no projects to support it
Spelling Mistakes
Format looks crumbled ( not appealing )
Missing Phone numbers and email address
Don’t have a copy of the ASCII format.

$180 for Resume Writing

Lets face it, you should have spent $20,000 to $50,000 in graduate education and might be willing to spend $4 on Starbucks coffee once per day or week. $10 for movie ticket, $200 for iPhone but unwilling to spend $180 for something that will ultimately get you full time job.

If you spend $180 once, that resume can be modified and used for next 4 to 5 years before you will need to get it revamped with your experience. There are many resume writing service. I have personally used 2 of the best, but I recommend Resume Edge and I was not satisfied with other service. Reason being, you get

Word Document Resume
ASCII format of the same resume
Online link to your resume ( easy to send to employer or creative resume marketing)

Other services will not give the above offers for $180. Go with full resume writing service based on your experience ( entry level, student, ..) with Resume Edge, not just resume review or resume critique. If you are thinking of spending for resume writing do it before your job search. Not 1 month before your 90 days OPT expiration date.

Post from: Happy Schools Blog

Is $180 for Resume Writing Too Much? Maybe Not!

Should You Use Resume Writing Service?

HSB — Tue, 06 Jan 2009 03:08:58 +0000

I know for the very fact and you will also agree – Job Search is not easy job. In this economy, searching for job take well planned effort and time. Resume determines if you will get an interview call or not. I was talking to a recent graduate with Masters in Computer Science and he is applying for job for last 3 months and haven’t received even single interview call.

One other student looking for internship applied to 6 companies in last 4 days and got rejected/not selected email within 2 days. If you are in similar situation, you need to consider making changes to your resume. In job search, if the approach you are taking is not getting interview call, then you have to start making some changes. first place to start is your resume.

Truth About Resume

Think about the following facts about resume

Companies receive 1000’s of resume everyday for a single job position. Hiring manager and HR person don’t have time to read all the resume in detail.
Atmost they spend 2 minutes or less to scan the resume.
Most of the resumes I review have many grammatical errors and typos, which means your resume is going to Recycle Bin.

I applied for 589 Companies for Internship

When I was applying for internship, I spent one full semester and made it a routine to apply to atleast 10 jobs in a day. I had huge list of job search websites and I was applying in brute force. I ended up getting 2 interview call and 1 job offer. Later I realized my mistake. My resume was totally flawed. I had taltent and academic skills, but I didn’t express in the right way. I didn’t have the words and proper sentences to express my skills. My template was standard template used by all the students. That’s when I decided to get my resume evaluated and written by resume writing service.

Advantages of Resume Writing service

Following advantages are there when you get your resume written by a professional

Professional resume writers know what Hiring Managers look within the resume.
They know how to express your transferable skills
they know how to map your academic skills to corporate skills required in job search
They make it easily scannable and managers can find what they are looking for in a resume in first few seconds
They do it as their job, so they write many resumes. You write one resume. So, you know they have more experience than you.

About RESUMEEDGE

ResumeEdge offers a hand-picked team of over 200 resume writers and career coaches who specialize in 40 different industries. The team provides the highest quality resume and cover letter services available, bar none. With partners ranging from Yahoo! to The Wall Street Journal’s CareerJournal.com, ResumeEdge is the Internet’s premier resume writing company. ResumeEdge is a proud member of the Professional Association of Resume Writers and the National Resume Writers Association and is a member in excellent standing of the Better Business Bureau.

How Does RESUMEEDGE Work?

With ResumeEdge you’re in good hands. Our expert resume writers and editors are experienced in creating the best resume based on your years of experience and industry expertise.

Select your preferred resume writing and editing service.
Submit your resume or cover letter order online via our secure online payment form.
Complete our exclusive questionnaire to provide your resume writer with the information needed to bring your strengths and accomplishments to light.
You may also upload your existing resume, if one exists.
Have an in-depth discussion about your job search goals through a personal phone call and e-mail consultation. A writer in your specialty area will contact you to set up a time.
Receive your expertly written resume and/or other job-application documents, in Microsoft Word format, within 48 to 72 hours after assignment to your editor. Your order is accessible via the ResumeEdge customer control panel. You’ll also receive an ASCII version of your resume (if applicable) and a link to your Web resume at WebResume.com.
Continue working with your writer one-on-one, via phone and e-mail, for a period of up to seven days after your initial documents have been delivered.

Visit ResumeEdge.com now.

Save $20 when you purchase a Resume and Cover Letter at ResumeEdge.com

Graduates, build your resume only $29.95 at ResumeEdge

Do the Math

Entry Level student and Graduate Student resume package costs $150 which is your one day earning after you get a job. think about 3 to 4 months you of time wasted without any interview call?

With $150 of spending its almost instant savings when you get an interview call. If you don’t get a job in 90 days in OPT, you will be out of status. I would spend $150 to $200 to get my resume written professional. So, my resume will stand out from the crowd of other job seekers. If you believe you have talent and skills and if your current resume is not getting the job done, its definitely worth spending for resume writing service.

$150 = Less than One day’s Pay

Graduates, build your resume only $29.95 at ResumeEdge

Post from: Happy Schools Blog

Should You Use Resume Writing Service?

Coupon – Professional Resume Writing Services

HSB — Sun, 28 Dec 2008 19:15:53 +0000

In this tough economy, finding job is going to big job in itself. I have been getting email from lots of current students who are graduating this December. Most of the questions are like

I have applied for jobs more than 8 months now, but no luck. Now I am planning to start from the beginning?
Can you let me know where I can find a list of companies who are not on hiring freeze and are still hiring for 2009?
I’m applying to jobs directly to the companies to over 500 in last 3 months, but no one is responding, what should I do?

I planning to write series of articles that will help students to search for jobs in coming weeks. First to start with you need a good resume, that speaks for about you. It has to highlight all your professional skills and transferable skills.

I have looked and reviews many resume. Most of the resume doesn’t show whats required by an employer. Certain power words have to be used. If hiring manager looks at your resume, it should convey who you are, what are you looking for, and what professional skills you have within few seconds. Most of the resume students have don’t have above said qualities.

Professional Resume Writing

I was reviewing one of my friends resume and I sent her a sample professionally written resume and asked her if she can prepare something like that. She said we can prepare a similar layout, but not the contents.

I know you will have to spend $100 to $200 get get your resume professionally written. But, in order to get a job in this economy, you will have to spend to get the job. But, I have some good news for you. I found some coupons that you can use and save some money for writing professional resume writing.

Save $20 when you purchase a Resume and Cover Letter at ResumeEdge.com

Graduates, build your resume only $29.95 at ResumeEdge

I created my resume when I was searching for Internship and I know the magic behind the professionally written resume and I personally know many friends who got their resume professionally written and reaping the benefits. You can create an ultra-honest and high impact resume when its written professionally.

Do the Math

You will spend $150 for getting professional written resume. $150 is tiny amount copared to amount of money you spent studying Masters degree. Now with 90 days OPT Rule, you have to find a job in 90 days or you will be out of status.

If you applied for jobs for last 3 months and haven’t received any interview call, you know something is not working. First change you have to make is changes to your resume. That’s what this $150 will get it done for you.

$150 you spend will be recovered in just less one day aftre you get a job. When $150 can have so much power to get you a job, why do you take risk with resume which is not working for you?
ResumeEdge: Certified Professional Resume Writers edit and write your resumes and cover letters. Get an Edge. Click Here!

Post from: Happy Schools Blog

Coupon – Professional Resume Writing Services

Resume Writing Tips

HSB — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:32:56 +0000

Resume plays very important role in getting you job offer. Resume open up the door for job interview. But, preparing resume is tough task. While I was drafted my resume, I had 28 questions about resume and I did find answer to all the questions about resume.

Then I realized, having skills is of no use, unless you find a way to highlight your skills in resume. While writing resume, try to avoid the top mistakes in resume usually every student have during initial drafts.

Resume Writing Tips

First my resume used to look plain, dull, expressionless. But, I was quick to realize, first impression counts. If resume is crowded with information and your skills are not visible, hiring manager will not be interested and impressed in you. So, I cleaned up my resume to make create that “first impression”.

If your resume wants to speak your personality, make use of the following resume writing tips. I searched lots of free resume samples, created so many resume drafts, had them reviewed with my seniors, college career counselor, mentors, before I was able to get it right.

I like to stress that fact that your resume will be evolving, you can’t get it right the first time. As you search for job, you will have to make changes to the resume. If job requires some skills that you have, but haven’t highlighted in your resume, then make changes. So, resume keeps changing over time and with every new job you apply.

How to Make a Resume

Here are few useful links to help you create your resume. I used the resources below very extensively when I created my resume.

Post from: Happy Schools Blog

Resume Writing Tips

Types of Resume – Email, Print, Scannable and Plain Text

HSB — Thu, 17 Apr 2008 12:06:15 +0000

During job and internship search Resume plays an important role. Resume get you that much wanted Job Interview. then rest is up to you to get the job. That’s why Resume plays a major role in the job search process.

Friend of mine submitted Resume in pdf format during online job search. If it happens to be that, if resume to be scanned by keywords scanner, then pdf format will not be recognized by the software and the resume will never get into the hands of the hiring manager. There are different types of resume, student has to have to be used based on situation.

Resume Types:

1. A Print Version, designed with bulleted lists, italicized text, and other highlights, ready to print and mail or hand to potential contacts and interviewers.
2. A Scannable Version, a less-designed version without the fancy design highlights. Bulleted lists are fine, but that’s about the limit.
3. A Plain Text Version, a plain text file ready to copy and paste into online forms or post in online resume databases. This might also be referred to as a Text-Only copy.
4. An E-mail Version, another plain text copy, but this one is specifically formatted for the length-of-line restrictions in e-mail. This is also a Text-Only copy.

You can more details about the types of resume from the Authors page and they have differentiated Email Resume to be same as Plain Text Resume. but, I would say, Email Resume can be same as Print Resume. continued types of resume.

Post from: Happy Schools Blog

Types of Resume – Email, Print, Scannable and Plain Text

Entry Level Student Resume : How to highlight your skills

HSB — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 13:27:45 +0000

I don’t have work experience, what shall I include in my resume? How do I highlight my skills?

Well, you are not the only person who is trying to find the answers the above questions. Over past few years, I read few books on Resume Make Over and how to highlight your academic experience in the resume to get that job interview. I know its tough to get your resume apt for the position you are applying. I had written about students in OPT looking to get job and H1B visa and many students reading this blog are entry level students. So, I figured, some tips on their resume will help.

Resume is an evolving process, it keeps changing over the time, to get started, find the resume template, that you fell attracted and start working on its contents.
I worded on my resume daily, making small changes and trying to get it right. There is no magic behind getting perfect resume, the first time. You will have to invest lots of time in preparing your resume. I enjoyed the resume preparation process and here are few tips

Resume : Objective or Professional Summary

For entry level students, listing your accomplishments would be a great way to start, instead of including Objective. Most of the resume objective states what students want rather than what they can provide to the company. Watch the following video, it will explain few things on what qualities to highlight in your resume as Entry Level student.

As you can see from the above video, try to write down any experienc3es in your college that you can use to explain your skills. For example, you might have worked as part of 4 member team preparing presentation, that experience can be included to highlight your team work skills.

Presented a paper on Wireless communication as part of 4 member team
Lead the team of 4 in designing and implementing the Mechanical Design Project.

In a sheet of paper and list all the experience that you can relate to team work, communication skills, deadline oriented work, .. and frame sentences and include in the project description.

Image Credit : Daquella Manera

Post from: Happy Schools Blog

Entry Level Student Resume : How to highlight your skills

How to make your Resume look good

HSB — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 03:27:08 +0000

I Stumbled Upon this very useful web page about Resume makeover. I was glad to see such a detailed description on how to change your resume. They have explained with sample resume template. If you are looking for job or internship, this is a good tutorial on Resume Make Over from Life Clever.

Post from: Happy Schools Blog

How to make your Resume look good

28 Quetions About Resume

HSB — Sat, 01 Dec 2007 04:59:52 +0000

I have listed some of the common questions students will have to find the answer while writing the resume. If that’s the first resume writing experience, I’m sure they will have at-least 90% of the questions I have listed below.

1) What should be the length of the resume

2) Which resume template should I select?

3) Where should my educational details go, before or after the project, academic experience section.

4) I have low GPA, should I indicate that in the resume?

5) I have filled contents of resume only for 1.5 pages, can I leave half page blank?

6) I don’t have any work experience, can I add few work experience, since there is space left in the resume?

7) Should I list when I graduated from school?

Do I list summary of qualification or objective section to start the resume with?

9) I want to write a good resume, but my mind just freezes when I start to edit the resume, I really don’t know how to proceed further.

10) I applied for some 50 or more jobs, I haven’t got any response, should I change my resume template?

11) What is the difference between functional and chronological resume?

12) I’m entry level student, I don’t have any work experience, can I have 2 ore more page resume?

13) My friends has good looking resume template, can I use the same template?

14) Do I have to list all the people who gave reference about me in the resume?

15) Do I need to write about the company I worked for in the resume?

16) I know what C programming language is, and have written 2 small programs, can I list C in my skills set?

17) How do I make the resume fax-able?

18) I have less then 1 year work experience, but my resume is more than 5 pages, do I have to reduce the length of the resume?

19) Description of the project I worked in school is 2 page long, how do I explain it in 3 lines in resume?

20) Do I need to change the resume for each job I apply?

21) I have certification logo, can I use that in the Microsoft Word format resume?

22) Do I need to have special format resume to upload resume in websites like Yahoo Hot Jobs (10 best web sites to search for jobs)

23) Do I need to keep updating the resume?

24) Can I print the resume in 1 paper on both sides or on 2 separate sheets of paper?

25) What is the best font size and font family to use?

26) How do I create a ASCII format resume?

27) How to make MS word format resume scannable?

28) Will this resume format, contents is sufficient enough to get me a job?

In future posts, I will write about resume and also answer to all the above questions, including job search tips, internship search tips. Hope you enjoyed the article. To find better jobs, I recommend Yahoo Hot Jobs. More details on job search engines in future articles. Good Luck in your job search.

Post from: Happy Schools Blog

28 Quetions About Resume

Free Resume review : Winners

HSB — Sat, 22 Sep 2007 15:46:00 +0000

Last week, I had a post for Free Resume Review for student readers who read the posts and comment on topics with their email. There were lots of comments, but few didn’t have email id to contact them back and some were anonymous. I have selected Nikhil and Alok and their Resume will be reviewed. Resume format used here is quiet different from the format followed in India while you are in college or formats used for applying for jobs.

So, what’s included in Resume Review:

Resume template evaluation

Guide to highlight your strengths, achievements instead of listing your experience

How to guide for creating positive approach in your resume to get noticed

How to minimize negative factors in resume that distracts the readers

What keywords to use to gain attention

Interesting Reads:

How to find part time jobs

How to email professors during admission process

Post from: Happy Schools Blog

Free Resume review : Winners