How Your Resume Buzzwords Get You Rejected

How Your Resume Buzzwords Get You Rejected 218 Are resume buzzwords an HR buzz kill? This is a guest post by Tabitha Flack. If you’d also like to guest post here on JobMob, follow these guest post guidelines. As a recruiter, I can tell you that buzzwords are funnily enough a bit of a buzzword at the moment in the employment sector, and have been for some time. It is all about throwing back all-important indicators to hiring managers and HR teams showing that you know what you are talking about. And to an extent I would agree with this argument, but not wholeheartedly:eval If you are formatting your CV and want to make the “argument of you” compelling to your potential employer and easily navigable for an HR team member, then this is certainly the best way to go about it. If you want to make yourself sound flashy by calling yourself a Ninja, Guru, Superstar, or Demi-God, they probably won't be so interested. Repeat back to us the key components we are asking for within a job advertisement and we will love you for it! Because it is important to remember that often these days, your CV needs to make the cut through an HR department before being forwarded on to the appropriate line manager.eval If you do not seem to be hitting the right high-notes, in a group of people who might not be as clued up on your occupational area as you obviously are, you might not make the hiring manager's desk. This is, and should be, eye-opening for a lot of job hunters out there. Just because you know you can do a job does not mean that everyone else under the sun knows this. Think about the lowest common denominator â€" you need to appeal to that guy. If you describe yourself as being a Ninja 6 times in 3 sentences, your CV will probably get moved to the side with people left thinking you are a tosser. Unless you’re a salesperson, this tactic is not likely to work, and even then sometimes it can be shaky. Be confident, but be smart in how you display this. Besides these turns of phrase are so overused at present they will probably be regarded by a glazed expression, and not an attentive eye. (Actually, this can also be said for recruitment agents who ask for ‘gurus’ in their advertisements. Unless you are looking for someone to offer you spiritual guidance, this is not what you are after.) CV keywords yes, CV buzzwords no. Buy a dictionary and a thesaurus and broaden your vocabulary. Happy Job Hunting! About the Author Tabitha Flack is an IT Recruitment Specialist from Auckland, New Zealand. After fancying herself as a bit of a wordsmith for quite a while, she eventually took the plunge and started her own recruitment-focused blog back in 2012, and hasn't looked back. She currently works for Madison Recruitment, more information can be found about her through her LinkedIn profile or follow her on Twitter @tabithaflack. This article is part of the The $11K 8th Annual JobMob Guest Blogging Contest. If you wantTabitha Flack to win, share this article with your friends. READ NEXT: Funniest Strangest Job Titles Ever

6 Soft Skills You Need to Advance Your Career

6 Soft Skills You Need to Advance Your Career Developing the right soft skills can go a long way in determining your career success.While hard skills are still a necessary part of career education, your career education still needs to include soft skills if you wish to succeed.Soft skills shape how you work and interact with those around you.But how do you know what soft skills will help grow your career?Check out our list of 6 soft skills you need to advance your career.1.Communication SkillsNo matter what industry you are in, knowing how to communicate well is always a helpful skill.Knowing how to communicate effectively both in written and verbal communication helps establish a positive perception of yourself.Having excellent communication skills means that you can effectively communicate your needs and ideas, and you know how to listen to others actively.Active listeners pay attention when others are talking, taking in what is being presented and offering thoughtful questions and responses.Good communicators can get their id eas across clearly while also being able to listen fully to others’ opinions.Having good communication skills makes you more valuable in the workplace as you can clearly present ideas, listen to feedback well, and build positive relationships.2. AdaptabilityRegardless of who you are or what your role is, change is always a part of your life.Being able to adapt to change quickly and decisively makes you invaluable.You will experience change in your workplace, whether it be a change in management, change in work style, or maybe even a change in your seat.If you can approach change with a positive attitude and quickly adapt to the new way of work, you show that you are a team player who is willing to grow and improve.Your willingness to accept the change and adapt will be remembered by those around you and will reflect well on your performance.3. TeamworkHaving the ability to work well with others is a skill everyone needs to know.Even if your work can be done alone, a company’s su ccess is mainly dependent on many people working on a common goal.Knowing how to function on a team and be a team player will help support company goals and establish positive relationships with others.To be a team player, you need to be able to work in harmony with others, being inclusive to new ideas and respectful of others’ needs and beliefs.Being able to work on a team shows that you can collaborate and strengthens the quality of your work.4. Emotional IntelligenceEmotional intelligence refers to the ability to recognize and manage your own emotions and the emotions of others.Those with strong emotional intelligence demonstrate good self-awareness, emotional regulation, a strong sense of motivation, an ability to empathize with others, and strong social skills.Being able to recognize your emotions in the workplace and regulate them shows you can keep calm under pressure and react appropriately to stress.Strong motivation helps you seek out new opportunities for growth.Empathy and social skills help you build positive relationships and connect well with others.5. Work EthicWithout a good work ethic, you will not be able to succeed in your career.Even if you possess all of the technical knowledge, without a strong work ethic, you will not go far.Being willing to take the initiative and get a job done will lead to much success.Employers value workers who are willing to work hard and go the extra mile.6. Openness to FeedbackIn the workplace, being able to receive and listen to feedback is critical to career growth.If you are unable to handle constructive feedback, you are holding yourself back from doing the best you can do.Being able to listen to constructive criticism and apply it to your work can improve your work performance.It also can make you seem more approachable and adaptable if you are willing to listen to feedback and act on it.

6 Ways Working Moms Can Improve Their Home

6 Ways Working Moms Can Improve Their Home If you’re a working mom, you know how difficult it can be to balance a full-time job and the upkeep of the home. Not finding the time to do things around the house anymore is completely understandable. However, there are small things that you can set up and services you can hire that can drastically improve the quality of your house without a time investment on your part. The following are things you can do around the house that can improve your quality of life and save you money down the road. Improve heating and cooling. Those who live in temperate climates have all the joys and despairs of feeling all the seasons equally. This means you’ll be trying to stay cool in the summer and warm during the winter. If you live in a home with older HVAC equipment, this could mean that you’ll experience terrible temperature fluctuations. Hiring HVAC professionals to upgrade your heating and cooling systems can not only keep your home comfortable but also prevent other damage associated with extreme temperatures. Install proper home insulation. Insulation in your home is another way that you can shelter your home from the unpredictable nature of seasonal weather. If you feel that your home would benefit from added insulation, talk to some professionals to figure out which techniques will be the best solution for you. Add a dishwasher. Many modern homes already come equipped with a dishwasher, but if you don’t have one you should definitely invest in one. They can save you tons of times, especially if you’re already splitting your time between work, children, and other personal things in your life. They’re easy to use, quite affordable, and convenient. While their main purpose is to relieve your dishwashing duties, dishwashers are an eco-friendly and energy efficient tool that utilizes considerably less amount of water to get the job done. Install energy-efficient water fixtures. An energy-efficient home is the best option for all who live under its roof. Water consumption is a huge resource drain with it taking up about 15 to 25 percent of energy bills. Looking at energy efficient water fixtures can improve the aesthetic of your home as well as save you huge amounts of money in the long run. A variety of companies offer green appliances that can effectively remove chemicals and impurities from your water. Remove any damaged parts of your home. If your family lives in an older home, you can’t just leave it the way you found once you’ve moved in. If you find that there are scratches in the paint, chips in your kitchen tile, or water damage, seek out professionals to have it taken care of. Call All Dry before water damage  ruins your walls and causes further damage that can cost even more in the long run. Invest in a humidifier. A simple addition to your home that can make a huge difference in your quality of life is a humidifier. This device will keep the air in your house moist enough that it prevents health issues like sinus congestion, throat irritation, and dry skin. Humidifiers allow you and your family to enjoy better air while you’re at home. However, you have to be careful. If overdone, the moisture produced can penetrate your walls and allow mold growth. The Bottom Line The home improvements listed above may seem like small, inconsequential steps that may not make a difference. However, they can slowly transform your life in ways you won’t even notice. These methods will ensure that working moms are worry-free when they come home.

The Importance of an Inspiring Workplace

The Importance of an Inspiring Workplace Never underestimate the power of the physical environment, especially as a strategic tool for unlocking the keystones of innovation: creativity, productivity collaboration. Kursty Groves is a Workplace Innovation Consultant and thought-provoker for creating inspiring physical and cultural work environments.  Kursty  has gone behind the scenes of the world’s most innovative companies, uncovering insights that drive their success. Her latest book, Spaces for Innovation, guides leaders and designers alike through the important elements that make effective environments for exceptional work performance. Have a listen to the interview below, keep reading for a summary and be sure to subscribe to the  Employer Branding Podcast. Listen on  iTunes,  Stitcher Radio,  Google Play  or  SoundCloud. In this episode youll learn: Why workplace environment has become so important, especially in terms of innovation and inspiration. What the key spacial types are and what they mean: Collaboration Stimulation Reflection Play How to define the right environment for your company, while keeping in mind all the right values and behaviors you want your employees to exhibit. Why looking at your environment from an efficiency standpoint is Kurstys  number one pitfall she sees employer make when it comes to their environment. How to measure the return of investment  of having an inspiring workplace. How Microsoft, and more, are doing so well when it comes to the workplace. What Kurstys  top 3 tips are for employer brand manager out there looking to make a change in their environment. Connect with Kursty on Twitter and check out her website.

Are You a Generalist or Specialist and Why It Makes a Difference [Updated] - Career Pivot

Are You a Generalist or Specialist and Why It Makes a Difference [Updated] - Career Pivot Generalist or Specialist How you manage your career depends on whether you are a generalist or specialist. When I started my career in the 1970s, large corporations valued generalists. In my 22 years of working for IBM, they let me take a variety of career paths. It also suited my personality, because I have a lot of varied interests. After a few years in a job, I would get bored and wanted to do something new. IBM allowed me to work with a lot of leading-edge technologies that are still around today. Some of these included: Word Processors â€" I worked with early word processors even before the IBM PC was released. 3D printing â€" I was working with early 3D printers in 1989. HTML and Internet Applications â€" I was designing Internet applications in the 1990s, long before it was common. Advanced Router Design â€" When I left IBM in 2000, I developed curriculum to teach major equipment manufacturers how to design next-generation routers and switches. High Definition Video â€" In 2007, after spending a couple years teaching high school math and working in the non-profit arena, I went to work for an HD video conferencing startup developing a training and certification program. I am a generalist. I have enjoyed working with a lot of different technologies and methodologies. My challenge was that I got bored about every three years and wanted to move on to something different. Specialists Rule A fundamental shift started about twenty years ago. As technological change sped up, the need for specialists increased. Starting in the mid-1990s, I saw many of my colleagues move on to become specialistsâ€"and they were generously rewarded…for a while. If you developed skills and became a specialist in an area that was in the early adoption phase, you could make a lot of money, again, for a while. That was only true until others developed those same skills. The key was to identify correctly which skills would be desirable to have a year or two ahead of the demand. This is easy to see in the world of technology, but does it apply elsewhere? YES! In the world of Human Resources, you could be a generalist or a specialist in recruiting, compensation, benefit programs, diversity, HR IT, etc… In the world of sales, you could be a generalist or a specialist in B2B or B2C, Internet sales, Channel sales, etc… The challenge is that, if you are a specialist, your skills may not be valued in 5, 10 or 15 years. Let me give a few examples of skills that have become obsolete: Experts in direct mail (snail mail) marketing â€" With the exception of credit card offers, what industries still market through direct mail? Travel agents â€" When was the last time you talked to a travel agent? Fifteen years ago, this was still a valued skill. Specialists in the complex process of laying out newsprint for your daily newspaper â€" When did you last pick up a paper newspaper? Photo-Journalists â€" Why have photo-journalists when everyone has a camera? These were all valued skills just a few years ago. Listen to the most recent episode What If I Am a Generalist? Generalists are typically more valued in smaller organizations. Small organizations typically cannot afford to hire a lot of specialists. I have a client who is a marketing generalist. She likes to write press releases, e-mail marketing, social media, direct mail, the creation of collateral… You will be more valued in smaller organizations who need their employees to wear a lot of hats. Many generalists may also be multipotentialities. I am one of these, where I have so many interests that I get bored with a job after 2 to 3 years and want to move onto something new. What I do to keep things interesting and fresh is to purposely make a change every year. In 2016, I launched the Repurpose Your Career podcastwhich continues to grow every week. I am now launching the Career Pivot membership community. Both endeavors are to help the community but also to keep things interesting and new to me. I can do this because I work for myself. What if you work for someone else? What If I Am a Specialist? Specialists need to stay on top of their areas of expertise and be willing to move when their expertise becomes a commodity or obsolete. This requires vigilance and the willingness to move with industry trends. You must be aware of disruptive trends in your industry. I had a discussion several weeks ago with a gentleman who has been a contract project manager for Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system projects. For the last 5 or more years, business has been brisk and when one project ended he was able to pick the next very easily. The wave of EMR projects has crested. Most hospitals and clinic have now implemented EMR systems and suddenly he is having trouble finding work. Another person I know jumped on the Ruby on Rails train. Just a few years ago to have Ruby on Rails programming knowledge you were a hot commodity. This person jumped on the train just as the demand was cresting. Now to be in demand you have to know how to program Ruby on Rails but also have multiple years of experience. She is struggling to get established now that skills she worked so hard to attain are not hot any longer. Specialists have to stay on top of their game if they want to stay relevant in the ever-changing world of work. Creative Destruction is Accelerating New technology is being introduced at an ever-accelerating pace along with the opportunity to destroy entire professions and industries but also creating new ones. The world of automation, artificial intelligence, and robotics is changing everything. I claim that if you think your career is immune to these factors you are smoking something and you are inhaling. I have written multiple posts on these effects: Surviving Creative Destruction in the 2nd Half of Life Beware Automation and Robots Will Sabotage Your Career Labor Market and Robotics. What Awaits Us? [Guest Post] If you are not careful you could end up just like a couple of my clients who I wrote about in the post Living in a “Career Disaster Area” at the Age of 65. One of these individuals I would consider to be a generalist and the other was a specialist. Whether you are a generalist or specialist you have to stay on top of things. Give it some thought. Are you a generalist or specialist? Are you prepared for the creative destruction that is coming? Marc Miller Like what you just read? Share it with your friends using the buttons above. Like What You Read? Get Career Pivot Insights! Check out the Repurpose Your Career Podcast Do You Need Help With ...

Ignite the Spark Is Career Change Right For You - CareerAlley

Ignite the Spark â€" Is Career Change Right For You’ - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. It is the pivotal moment in the film Witness, when Harrison Fords cynical cop finds solace in the barn-raising sequence, working with his hands, collaborating, gaining the trust and respect of his peers and revelling in a job well done. It is a lifetime away from his previous existence. The scene has such powerful connotations. Many workers also feel fed-up with their current occupations. Like an itch they cant scratch, a voice tells them there must be more to life. Perhaps it is time for a career change. The job market for plumbers, electricians and mechanics has experienced resurgence in recent times. Skills are always a necessity, regardless of the economy. The public need those skills for the jobs they are not qualified to do themselves. Are you ready for a change? If you are thinking of acquiring a trade, then be prepared for some tough challenges. Tradesmen may not be required to earn university degrees, but apprenticeships can be just as demanding. There may be years of essential theory and practical studies before you can qualify as a technician. These hours are essential in order to provide the basis for lifelong careers. A successful tradesman can earn as much or more than a university graduate and the potential for increased job security is often a deciding factor. By updating their skills and staying abreast of government guidelines and new technology, specialists can charge accordingly for their services. Switch On. Image courtesy of Mike Flemming. Becoming a tradesman has many advantages. When the recession hit, many white collar workers found their skills were no longer relevant but tradesmen were still in demand. There are additional benefits. People respect the skills that tradesmen possess because they provide an invaluable service for society. There is stimulation from the variety of jobs their work entails, which can include residential, commercial and industrial projects. It may be physical hard work, requiring common sense and practical intelligence, but tradesmen also enjoy being able to see a job through from beginning to end, without feeling they are just another cog in the machine. Eventually, they can satisfy themselves that they have acquired a skill that will bring benefits for the rest of their lives. That light bulb moment. If your problem is wondering whether you have job satisfaction then ask yourself: is it your job that is making you unhappy or is it your career? This is a massive decision. People who decide to change careers are not looking for more of the same; they want to do something completely different with their lives, while focusing on strengths they have acquired over time. It is advisable to investigate the day-to-day components of the job. Unearth the most undesirable aspects of the job, and then ask yourself if your heart is still in it. There is little point opening a bicycle shop if you dont like fixing punctures. Chances are, you will spend a lot of your time doing just that. Bullets: Find your passion. Focus on your strengths. Network and do your research. Know the requirements and go out and get them Portray your background in a positive manner. Plan ahead. Choose the right career. Do not expect instant success. Be realistic about your salary. Reality Check. Electrician jobs may seem like they are recession proof but they are not. Electricians have been hit by scaling back in the construction industry just like other trades and competition is fierce. Although it is true that homes and businesses always need electricians, the industry is constantly updating the requirements needed to be a competent person or a business qualified to carry out the necessary work. There will be exams to pass. These will cost money and time when you could be working, so make sure the course is industry recognised. Use the Summit Skills website to help you investigate the opportunities in your region of the country. Make sure you are not retraining to be a plumber in Cardiff when the best prospects are available in Leeds. Embrace Change. There are plenty of positives. Putting your money into a career-change, demonstrates to employers that you are committed. The building trade is founded on trust, so you need to build up a good working relationship with your contacts. Get your pitch right and suggest you start at beginners rates. You may have to start as low as 10 per hour, otherwise employers wont believe you are ready to get stuck in or know whether you can handle yourself when the going gets tough. Changing career is a daunting experience and not to be lightly undertaken. However, choosing a career as a tradesman is not a decision you will regret. Author bio: Clive Wedderburn is a freelance writer/editor/chef/actor with an interest in everything occupational, paying particular attention to best/worst practises in the workplace. To find out more about electrician courses from ET4U visit their website at electricaltraining4u.co.uk. This is a Guest post. If you would like to submit a guest post to CareerAlley, please follow these guest post guidelines. Good luck in your search. Visit me on Facebook

Consider Resume Writing For Driver

Consider Resume Writing For DriverOne of the best things about a Driver's license is that you can sell yourself and your needs better than ever before. Even if you are not presently employed, you can still gain many benefits from a driver's license. You can enjoy the benefits of being able to drive in many different states, you can enjoy the freedom of being able to get in and out of your car at any time you choose to, and you can even enjoy the security of being able to park where you want without worrying about car theft or vandalism. These are just a few of the benefits that a driver's license offers.However, when you want to maximize your self-confidence, you will need to do some things before you go into the workforce or even to find a professional resume writer for driver. While it is possible to write a resume on your own, it will take a good deal of time and may be less effective. If you want to increase your self-confidence in the process, you should consider seeking out pro fessional help with your resume writing for driver.A professional resume writer for driver will help you create a professionally written resume that will shine and impress employers. They will also help you to craft a cover letter, which will allow you to make a positive impression on potential employers. With a professional resume writing for driver, you will be able to position yourself for an excellent job or even to land a dream job that you have always wanted.Resume writing for the driver is a creative process. You will want to take several steps when it comes to creating your resume. First, you will want to think about what you know and what you are good at.Next, you will want to think about your strengths. For example, if you are creative, you can think about what types of things you can do with creativity to make your resume stand out from the rest.Finally, you will want to think about what you are interested in, as well as what you hope to achieve when you get an interview. If you are interested in the safety of other drivers, you can include information about safety awareness courses, auto insurance, and even DUI schools that you have attended.Lastly, when you write your resume, you will want to include your contact information, as well as the phone number and address to where you would like your resume sent. If you are looking for a professional resume writer for driver, you can use the Internet to find a qualified and professional writer. Simply go online and search for a resume writing for driver and you will find numerous websites that have professional writers ready to help you.When you are seeking out a writer for resume writing for driver, you can use the internet to help you. Simply search online and you will find an impressive amount of websites that have qualified professionals ready to help you create a great resume for yourself.