The #LetteroftheDay is “Q” as in Quantifiable.
There is no better way to showcase your achievements than to have quantifiable data that shows what you have accomplished.
According to The Economist, the world’s most valuable resource is no longer oil, but data. This statement holds true when preparing your résumé.
On your résumé, saying that you grew sales is fine, but showcasing that you grew sales 7.4% within the first twelve months tells a much deeper story.
I’m glad your project was a success, but I’d rather you show me that you completed your project $95,000 under budget and 2 weeks ahead of schedule.
As you go throughout your career, keep a brag book. Document your successes on a weekly basis so when you go to prepare your résumé you will have easy access to your quantifiable data. It makes a big difference.
The #LetteroftheDay is “S” as in Sell.
Your purpose as a job seeker is to sell yourself. The process of selling yourself starts long before you sit down for an interview.
- Building an online brand in today’s job market is essential, not only with LinkedIn but also with blogging, personal websites, and reputation management
- Developing a résumé that highlights your accomplishments and your unique value
- Learning not only about the company you are interviewing with but about the hiring manager too
- Preparing for your interview by matching the job description to what you’ve accomplished in the past
- Realizing that the interview begins the moment you walk into the office—your rapport with the receptionist matters
- Sending a thank-you note and following up after the interview
- Maintaining your level of professionalism throughout in all written, verbal, electronic, and in-person communications
The #LetteroftheDay is “I” as in Ideology
There are two issues that spark controversy in even the most benign settings – politics and religion. Prior to engaging in a job search, I suggest auditing your own social media profiles for any content that could be frowned upon.
These items could include drunken college frat party photos, political commentary, religious posts, anything with an overt sexual connotation, anything that would indicant intolerance of a certain group of people, obscene language, confidential information, or disparaging comments about coworkers or employers.
Put yourself in the mind of a hiring manager and analyze how someone else may view your content.
The #LetteroftheDay is “C” as is Certifications
When preparing an effective résumé, certifications are something to be proud of and something that should be highlighted.
However, before listing them on your résumé, ask yourself just how relevant they are to the position you are seeking. Could that space on your résumé be better utilized in other ways, besides listing an irrelevant or outdated certification?
Your Microsoft Windows 95 certification should be left with your floppy disks – in a storage bin in your basement while your Lean Six Sigma Black Belt should be highlighted front and center
