Resume Mistakes

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When you apply for a job in today's world, you must realize that the majority of the time your resume will not be seen by a human being until the time it is pulled from the company's resume database.  As a result, many people have recommend using the format below to increase their chances of getting pulled on an initial search. Unfortunately,  they have forgotten that a human being will eventually review their submission.  The resume below is a perfect example of what not to do. I will highlight the mistakes in RED.  The main problem with this resume is the fact it does not contain enough information and a KEY WORD LIST!   Remember in this electronic age the number of resume pages does not matter as long as its CONTENT is relevant.								DO NOT CREATE A LIST OF KEY WORDS!!!!!
	your name here Street Address, City, State, Zip Code Phone number • email address DESIRED JOB TITLE Professional Summary -  You would be better served with a list of your professional awards. Resume Search Keyword • Resume Search Keyword • Resume Search Keyword • Resume Search Keyword Resume Search Keyword • Resume Search Keyword • Resume Search Keyword • Resume Search Keyword Resume Search Keyword • Resume Search Keyword • Resume Search Keyword • Resume Search Keyword PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Company Name • Company City, Company State Zip Code• Dates of Employment Company Description – Include a brief description of the company here. Position Held Position Description – Provide a description of your duties in this position in paragraph format using your career's  most popular keywords for the description §  List Accomplishments - Use key phrases here §  List Accomplishments §  List Accomplishments EDUCATION - You need to also include any certifications earned during your career and that dates issued. Degree, Specialty, School Name, School City, School State

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— Anastasia Zoldak (@anastasiaz007) April 30, 2014

A Government Internship Program with the U.S. State Department

Internship programs are an excellent way to acquire work experience with resume flagship organizations and companies. The U.S. Department of State2013 Fall Student Internship Program is an unpaid opportunity for college students to participate in a 10-week program. It may be an unpaid internship but it provides an intensive educational and professional experience within the environment of America’s principle foreign affairs agency. That is a plus for anyone's resume.

These unpaid internships are available at many over 265 U.S. embassies, consulates and missions to international organizations around the world, as well as at the Department of State in Washington, D.C. The U.S. intern participants will gain first-hand, hands-on experience, and learn the realities of working in and with foreign and civil service professionals.  

As an unpaid intern, you may have the opportunity to participate in meetings with senior level U.S. government or foreign government officials; draft, edit, or contribute to cables, reports, communications, talking points used by policy makers. In addition to helping organize and support events, including international, multilateral and conferences meetings on critical global issues.  

The internship is for the Fall 2013 with the U.S. Department of State and you may even earn educational credit depending upon your college.  

To find out about this intern position and other government jobs, visit USAJobs. You will need to complete the application gateway and please note that the deadline to submit completed intern applications is March 1, 2013.

Build Job Experience with Internships

An Internship Access Card Opens Doors to Jobs (Photo credit: davidciani)

Many companies offer college students internships which often turn into real jobs.  Taking advantage of these internships takes planning but the opportunities for real work job experience with reputable and resume noteworthy companies and organizations is essential for a successful post college life. 

I often receive notifications from companies and other organizations with updates on current intern opportunities just by registering  my email with company job notification mailers, government agencies and industry newsletters. Internships are often nonpaying but the opportunities to promote and network yourself  within a company while gaining real job experience is priceless.   

The example below is an intern announcement I received on May 28th from the State Department notice the registration is for their spring 2013 session.


"We are pleased to inform you that we are now accepting applications for the U.S. Department of State's Spring 2013 Student Internship Program.
Click here (http://careers.state.gov/students/programs) to read more about the Student Internship Program, and to start the Gateway to State online application process. Please note that the deadline to submit completed applications is July 02, 2012.
To be eligible for this program, you must be:

• Be a U.S. citizen
• Be a full- or part-time continuing college or university junior, or graduate student (including graduating seniors intending to go on to graduate school).
• Have good academic standing
• Successfully complete a background investigation
• Be able to receive and maintain either a Secret or Top Secret clearance.

Please read the entire vacancy announcement carefully for all qualifications and requirements.
You can also visit our Student Programs forum (http://careers.state.gov/engage/forums/student-programs) to post questions or read discussions about this program.
We appreciate your interest in a career with the U.S. Department of State."


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How to Find a Job Using a Business Card - part three

Silas Peirce's Business card circa 1822 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

How to Use It-  Network!  Network! Network!

Carry your personal card wherever you go so when you find yourself chatting with someone you can mention you are looking for a job. Recruiters use a similar technique to network with perspective employment candidates. I have often started conversations with people while waiting in lines at the grocery store, amusement park and other places in order to recruit them for future career opportunities my clients may offer. How many times have you talked to someone while waiting in line? 

These job-networking opportunities can only increase your chances of getting a job and getting a personal referral from someone you may have just met may increase your chances of getting a job interview. You never know they may have a job opening in their company or know of a job opening. If the conversation clicks then that is when you hand them your job handbill or personal business card. 

It is essential to remember that once you have your  personal business cards made that make sure to carry it with you every time you go out in public. Also remember personal grooming and image is important when using this job search technique so only try it when you are looking your best. Standing in line half drunk at a bar or shopping without makeup is not a good time to use it.

How to Find a Job Using a Business Card - - part two

Zeke Meyer Studebaker Business Card. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Information to Provide

A handbill or personal card by its nature should be brief. You want someone to take 30 seconds and know all about your experience. Make sure your first list your contact information as you would do in a resume or on a business card. One of the reasons, I like personal cards is because they look like business cards on the front but carry your job information on the back. Their size also makes it easier to carry with you anywhere you go. 

On the front, list your personal contact information and your last career position. It is essential that you include your name and all your professional contact information. I do not recommend including your private social networking information but if you have finished polishing your online image, you should have a professional social network page. 

If you have room on the front, also put a tag line highlighting your area of experience. Create a tag line that can also be your 10 second this is my best experience sales pitch. For example, my personal card tag line may read, “Over 15 yrs. of Executive Recruiting and Hiring Management Experience”

Include a sentence or two on your professional expertise and level of education. Make sure to pitch any awards for example, 2009, 2010 and 2011 sales woman of the year.  Use bullet points to highlight your greatest professional accomplishments.

For example:

·         Over 13 years of executive recruiting experience for fortune 25 companies including eBay and Chevron Oil.

·         Over 11 years as an independent businessperson running various small business enterprises

·         Over 20 years of experience in management, business development and recruiter training

"Let one hundred flowers bloom; let one hundred thoughts contend." (Photo credit: mollyjolly)

The Chinese philosopher Confucius once wrote "Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life."  The goal of this new blog is to help you find a job and get hired in a career you love.  Please send your email questions to a.zoldak@sbcglobal.net and take advantage of my thirteen plus years in the employment recruiting industry.  I welcome all questions.  .

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