7 Ways to Prove Your Worth on Your Resume

7 Ways to Prove Your Worth on Your Resume 7 Ways to Prove Your Worth on Your Resume I just read a great post by Jonathan Fields over on AwaketheWheel about the 7 types of proof clients/customers need before they will buy a product or service. And as I was reading, it struck me that his advice also applies to resume writing. All too often you read things like looking for a job is a marketing campaign and your resume is a marketing document, but perhaps its hard to know how to translate that vague principle into a new resume or job search plan.Jonathans post gave me a option to come up with some practical tips for doing just that. So heres how you can turn your resume into a powerful marketing document using his time-tested sales principles.Actual Proof/Track RecordThe best assurance that youll add value in the future is showing that you have added value in the past. So emphasize results all the way through your resume. Dont just say you have an excellent track record of revenue and pr ofit growth Prove it Provide specifics. Pepper your resume with numbers. (And if the actual numbers are confidential, use percentages).Here is an example of a resume that demonstrates an excellent track record and does it in a way that draws attention to the results. The key is in pulling out the results and bolding them. Note this strategy only works if you have excellent results in every position.PedigreeJonathan says If you have any specialized training, degree, certification, license or other accreditation or qualification, share that pedigree as another touch point that demonstrates you know what youre doing. This applies to your resume just as much as to selling a product and its important to stress that pedigree upfront and not wait until the end of the resume for people to figure it out. This next resume is a perfect example. Because of the nature of my clients profession, he wasnt able to provide revenue or sales growth numbers. But he had an excellent pedigree and so we focused on that in his resume introduction. (This resume secured him his dream job and the secret is in that pedigree.)Authority EndorsementIf you have worked with influential people whose names are well-known in your industry, ask them for a reference. Dont be shy about this A recent client who worked in the video game industry provided me with a glowing reference from the guy who designed one of the worlds best-selling video games. We used that reference prominently in his resume and cover letter by quoting the best few lines from it.Another way to use authority endorsement on your resume is to highlight awards you have won (for recent graduates, scholarships or school honors work just as well). Awards are solid evidence that someone in authority liked your work. Here is an example of a resume that uses awards as a primary sales pitch for the client.Celebrity EndorsementThis is Jonathans fourth point and when it comes to product marketing, we all know its true. Its unlikely that you can get Tiger Woods or Bruce Springsteen to endorse your candidacy for that accounting job and also unlikely that their recommendation would hold much sway That said, I often use a version of this tactic when working with people in entertainment-related fields. if you can drop the fact that you have worked with names like Jay-Z, Lady Gaga or Oprah Winfrey into your resume, you probably will get more interviews. Partly because the fact you have worked at such a high-level suggests you are good at what you do, and partly because some people will just want to know what their favorite singer is like. (Hey, you use what you can)If you actually know a celebrity whose testimonial would add value, then go ahead and use them. Here is an example, where we used a testimonial from a US senator on the resume of a political cartoonist.Another version of the celebrity endorsement is to drop the names of major companies or products . If you worked for top fortune 500 companies, or on several v ery successful products, name-drop those right at the start of your resume.Social ProofWhen selling a product, marketers often use testimonials from other users to convince you that the product is worth buying. You can do the same on your resume. Pull quotes from performance reviews, reference letters or LinkedIn testimonials and use them on your resume. One piece of advice though choose testimonials that sound partal, believable and that are specific to skills needed in your target positions. Dont choose generic or bland quotes. If its important to be highly organized in your next job, then choose a quote that speaks to that. And if it does it in a funny or interesting way, even betterI recently had a client whose manager said I continue to be disappointed with Sarahs inability to clone herself. I loved that We used it right upfront in her resume and I bet it has been a big talking point in her interviews.Heres a resume that uses one quote prominently a quote that focuses on exac tly the skills needed for success as a video game producer.Theoretical /Logical ProofIn some cases, you are the logical fit for the position but dont have awards or numbers or degrees or quotes to prove it. In that case, just lay out the case for yourself in simple, clear and straightforward terms. For example, if a company is looking for a Project Manager to develop embedded software, you could just headline your resume Senior project manager with 12 years of experience developing embedded software. Simple but effectiveMetaphorical ProofJonathan describes metaphorical proof this wayHere, you create an anecdote in the style of a metaphor where a person in a story endures a struggle or experiences a need or pain very similar to what your typical prospective buyer would experience. You set-up the problem and demonstrate the pain, then show how that person resolved their pain and solved their problem using your product, service or solution.But how do you tell stories like this on a res ume? Simple just develop action-packed bullet points that demonstrate how you have solved problems/capitalized on opportunities for other employers. Check out this resume to see an example. Notice how we set up the situation for her first position (niche site with no room for growth) and then use the bullet points to tell stories about how she solved those problems.When employers read stories like these, they can start to imagine how you would make an impact on their company, solve their problems, capitalize on their opportunities.In SummaryUse as many of these different strategies as you can on your resume and you will immediately see a difference in the response rate. What works for selling toothpaste works equally well for selling you

The Best Criminology Graduate Schools in the United States

The Best Criminology Graduate Schools in the United StatesThe Best Criminology Graduate Schools in the United StatesAfter long deliberation on whether or not you should go to college in pursuit of a career in criminology, youve decided the university life is the right path for you. The bad news is that was the easy part. While choosing to go to school can be a tough decision, determining where to go to school can get even more complicated, so youll want to know where the best criminology schools are. Top Criminology Graduate Schools To help you get started on your college search, U.S. News and World Report has surveyed criminal justice and criminology programs across the United States to come up with a list of the top criminology graduate programs in the nation. The publication based their rankings on peer reviews, which were sent to faculty at 36 universities. Topping the list were The University of Maryland at College ParkThe University at Albany, State University of New YorkTh e University of CincinnatiThe University of Missouri at St. Louis. Pennsylvania State University at University Park and The University of California, Irvine were tied for 5th. The full list of rankings is available from the U.S. News University Directory. While the rankings are for graduate study programs, they can be quite helpful in determining where to go for your undergraduate degree. Undergraduate courses are often taught by graduate assistants and doctoral candidates, who are studying under the top minds in the academic realm of criminology. Choosing a School Of course, there are some other factors involved in determining where to go to earn your criminology or criminal justice degree. Proximity, cost of tuition and, the availability of scholarships and financial aid should also factor heavily into your choice. Finding Your Path In choosing a criminology degree program, you will also want to determine your career path. Yes, theres much to be gained by attending one of the schools considered to be among the best of the best, but the truth is that attending the best college is less important in some circles than it is in others. If you are planning to go an academic route and are more interested in the study of crime and behavior, or if you have designs on working in a field such as forensic psychology, it is a good idea to beef up your college credentials. A strong academic pedigree helps provide credibility and is a great first step in getting your foot in the door if you are inclined toward working as a researcher or professor. If you intentis to work in the field as a law enforcement officer or detective, the source of the degree will be far less important. Considering that many fields, including police officers and corrections officers, do not always require a college education, you will be ahead of the game by merely obtaining an undergraduate degree. No Substitute For Experience Another important consideration in determining what college to attend for a criminology degree is the availability of internships and opportunities to gain real-world experience while earning your diploma. The size of the city in which the school is located may be a factor in helping you make this determination the larger the population, the more likely it will be to find chances to work or volunteer for a local or state law enforcement agency or land an internship at a busy courthouse. Getting Ahead and Staying There Earning your college degree can be the difference maker in helping you get the job you want. A college education can also help prepare you for career advancement in the future. Finding the right school to fit your needs and goals is an essential step in finding a fun and rewarding career in criminology or criminal justice, and can help ensure you enjoy success in all aspects of your chosen field.

10 Action Verbs That Can Boost Your Resume

10 Action Verbs That Can Boost Your Resume 10 Action Verbs That Can Boost Your Resume In order to impress a potential employer, nearly every word on your resume has to pack a proverbial punch. After all, ineffective phrases and cutesy clichs can make your resume seem subpar or unoriginal, and possibly decrease your chances of getting hired. Action verbs- words that describe what a subject is doing- are a strong way to improve your resume and get bedrngnisiced.Why Using Action Verbs in Your Resume is ImportantWhy do the words you use on your resume matter so much? Adding action verbs to your resume can do two thingsOne of the reasons why its important to use action verbs on your resume is that it helps an employer visualize you doing the work, said Senior Career Specialist and Career Coach Brie Reynolds. And the mora specific or descriptive the action verb, the more detailed their picture of you will be. This helps you as a candidate because you want employers to imagine you being abl e to do the job and do it well. The more descriptive your resume, the better.The second thing actions verbs can do is make your resume easier to readBy starting every bullet point with an action verb, you set a rhythm for the employer, who is likely skimming the document. They can skim a bit faster and retain more if youre presenting the information consistently throughout. And that starts with using action verbs for your bullet points, said Reynolds.Where to Add Action Verbs on a ResumeWhen it comes to applying to jobs, standing out from the crowd is necessary. Just as our career coach suggested above, focusing your action verbs on the bullet points section of your resume is ideal. Take a look at all of the duties/responsibilities you have listed for each of your previous positions and consider how using a strong power verb can give a strong statement about your abilities.Next, take a look at your summary of qualifications (if you have one) and spruce up any verbs in that section. Lastly, once your resume is up to par, continue the good work to your cover letter where adding action verbs can encourage a hiring manager to look at your resume.10 Action Verbs to Improve Your ResumeTo help you get started, here are 10 action verbs that can improve your resume and replace old and bland verbiage. You dont want common phrases like responsible for, duties included, and worked on running rampant on your resume. Read below for some ideas on how to replace these words with an action verb.1. ChampionedInstead of Held, useChampionedChampioned can give the impression of a strong leader and show that you were a leader rather than a participant.Championed weekly performance meetings that resulted in 25% growth in Q3.2. InstructedInstead of Talked to, useInstructedInstructed can show that you were an expert and trusted to educate others.Instructed staffers regarding new remote policy procedures.3. ExceededInstead of Did, or met, use ExceededExceeded can show that youre driven and not willing to stop at simply meeting goals or doing the minimum.Exceeded previous expectations set for generating new sales leads.4. AccomplishedInstead of Responsible for, useAccomplishedAccomplished gives the feeling of completion and success. It can show that you werent simply responsible for something, but you skillfully completed it.Accomplished four accounting projects ahead of projected due date.5. ImprovedInstead of Duties included, useImprovedImproved can show that you took a project or task and made it better and increased its value.Improved the quality of remote communication by implementing a new company-wide project management system6. ConceptualizedInstead of Came up with, useConceptualizedConceptualized gives a more professional tone and shows that you were able to strategically create an idea or product from the beginning.Conceptualized new artwork for award-winning marketing campaign.7. MaximizedInstead of Increased, useMaximizedMaximized shows that you made s omething the best it can be without leaving anything undone.Maximized partnership opportunities by reaching untapped markets.8. DirectedInstead of Supervised, useDirectedDirected shows that you not only oversaw others, but you provided direction and instruction.Directed and empowered team of remote workers.9. UpgradedInstead of Worked on, useUpgradedUpgraded means you took something to the next level and improved an outcome.Diagnosed software glitch and upgraded operating system.10. CollaboratedInstead of Spoke, useCollaboratedCollaborated shows you work well and cooperate with others and know how to involve others in your work.Collaborated with fellow remote colleagues on various projects.With such small real estate space, you want to make the most of every word on your entire resume. With action verbs, take your words from passive to aggressive (and professional), and your resume will be sure to stand out from the rest.If youre looking to maximize the potential of your resume, a c areer coach can help. Schedule your one-on-one appointment today.MEET 1-1 WITH A CAREER COACH

No Risk No Reward Tips for a Career Change in Your 20s

No Risk No Reward Tips for a Career Change in Yur 20sNo Risk No Reward Tips for a Career Change in Your 20sChoices Some of them are easy. Should I stay outside in the storm? Or should I find shelter? Some choices, on the other hand, are more challenging. Should I get sprinkles or gummy bears on my ice cream? The struggle is real.All jokes aside, the decision to make a career change isnt the easiest. Perhaps it was the crushing reality that a career in Ornamental Horticulture, while soul fulfilling, turns out to have a one in a million shot of paying the bills. Perhaps the job you went to college for was outsourced or automated. Maybe you got a glimpse of how the sausage is made, and it left a bad taste in your mouth. Regardless of how you got here, the fact of the matter is that youve now arrived at a career change sooner than you would have liked.There are risks involved in changing careers. But, if you plan correctly, and set yourself up for success, you can come out on top in a be tter job with the ability to spend your time engaged in your day to day, not hiding from it. Whether you are up against the wall to find a new career, on the fence and floating the idea around your head, or even committed to the idea, here is some advice to hold on to while making the transition.The First StepsFirst and foremost, you must set yourself up to make the change. There are certain habits that successful people practice daily (I think I read that somewhere). One of these is super helpful across your whole career, as well as during a changeNetworking. By maintaining a diverse network of contacts, you can expand your reach into different areas of the job market. Lets say you are an accountant. If you only interact and socialize with other accountants, your experiences are limited to just the accountant side of life. If you are thinking about getting out of accounting, that monotony may also be contributing to your frustration. By having friends that work in diverse areas, es pecially ones that you have an interest in, you can have a mentor or at least someone to help you along the way. Even more, they may be able to help you land a gigTake Some Time for ReflectionAnd you may ask yourself, well how did I get here? Knowing how you got to this distributionspolitik is just as important as knowing where you are going. We can take the example of my friend the Ornamental Horticulturist. It may have started when they were young. Igniting the passion for this art may have been the gift of a first bonsai treeor the movie The Shining. It depends on ones childhood. From there it blossomed into a 15-year affair with shrubs. They even managed to score a spot at the best school in the country. But the reality of that job is harsh as are all artistic jobs. The winters are lean, there are cutbacks in landscaping budgets, and relocating to all year shrub weather was not an option. So now we can reflect. I probably should have taken a better look at the reality of that ca reer. Did anyone try to clue me in? Was I blinded by passion? Did the industry change? Etc. You will be surprised at what you can take away to apply to the next career choice.The Next Career ChoicePicking the next career can be daunting as well. So, I will pass along some of the best advice I have ever received. When avoidable, do not start over. Take what you have and build on that. Let us go back to our Horticulture friend. Sure, no one is lining up to have their bushes shaped into the Seven Dwarfs, but that doesnt mean you need to abandon that skillset and become an airplane pilot. Take the knowledge of your industry and apply it to another field. With all that plant knowledge one could become a head groundskeeper at a golf course, a flower shop owner, landscaper, grow medical things depending on where you live. Just be a little creative. But above all, keep the skill set you earned. Once you identify your target field, get the additional training or education you need for the jo b. The other option is to start at the bottom and play catch up with everybody ahead of you. Execute Your PlanBecome the executioner Pick a date to execute your career switch and stick to it. For some people it was yesterday. For some people, it will be a year from now, or even later. If you have a choice, my suggestion is to make some time for it. Your decision on which direction to take is better intentional and not reactionary. If you cant continue working at your current job, take a temp job doing anything while you figure things out. After all, its only temporary. You have far more significant things coming down the road. That execution date will get closer and closer. Be prepared and hold yourself accountable. At that point, you will have set yourself up for success. Hopefully, with this bit of information, you can feel better about changing careers in your twenties. Its not a disaster to change careers when you are younger. It only gets harder if you put it off. The process m ay seem painful or scary at times, but thats anything you do for the first time. Just stay prepared, know where youve been and where you are going.

The Hidden Truth About Download Resume from Linkedin Revealed

The Hidden Truth About Download Resume from Linkedin Revealed A traditional style resume template is also simple to customize. Our creative templates enable you to stick out from the crowd. Each one of our creative style templates provide a perfectly balanced mixture of personality, professionalism and a little style. Follow the URL to discover a multitude of resume examples in a selection of fashions. By utilizing this vertical resume template youre able to earn a wonderful expert impression with your resume. Your references might or might notlage be included in your resume. Youre able to download the resume template at no cost and can readily edit the template using Microsoft word. Use a template to direct you in making the format and content of your document for a much easier time in making a comprehensive expert profile. If you decided to upload your resume, pick the file from your desktop. You might need to change the file names so that you know which is which. The effective tool is currently readily available for PC and you may benefit from all its useful features right from your desktop. Download your profile for a PDF. These activities can give the impression that you presently have the understanding of the simple work processes of the field where youre applying. The seminars and training programs that youve attended can also be added to your resume especially if theyre regarding the work functions of the work position that youre applying for. Your academic achievements, if essential for the application may also be stated. Many candidates who seek jobs think they are definitely the most proper person to come up with their own resume since they will be writing about their career and exclusive qualifications. New Step by Step programm for Download Resume from Linkedin When you add your private stamp to it through imputing your special abilities, professional experiences, and wording, it is going to stand from the crowd for all of the perfect factors. All you need to do is point and click. At the close of the day they need to read something easily in order to pick out the appropriate information they require. Imagine you have two resumes facing you. What You Dont Know About Download Resume from Linkedin Now you have the hang of the way the LinkedIn profile builder works, you may add different sections if theyre related to your career. As a result of LinkedIn and Microsoft, you will be able to muster a significant bot. By comparison, a photo is necessary for an optimized LinkedIn resume. One of the absolute most important pieces of LinkedIn is your profile. Once you extract resume from LinkedIn, simply go back to your profile page to find the picture. Your LinkedIn profile data is pretty general so that it lets you produce a generic resume only. This exclusive resume template was made by Drew Chandler. This resume template is appropriate for all professions. Top Download Resume from Linkedin Choices If youre interested, you can go straight to the work opening on LinkedIn where youre able to find out more about the chance and apply. Together with job openings, you will observe details of what the job requires, aiding you to tailor your resume to a certain role. If you really need to get work, you need to be there. The most suitable job for you is closer than you might imagine.

How to Interrupt Someone During a Meeting

How to Interrupt Someone During a Meeting Picture this Youre in a client meeting along with a few of your colleagues. The client asks a question, and one of your colleagues starts to answer it but you can tell he has misheard the question. You observe the client pursing her lips, a slight frown appearing on her face as she realizes she is not getting the information she needs. Your colleague is oblivious and continues talking. You silently think, Are you kidding me? and try to build up the courage to speak but you just cant find a way in.As a public speaking coach, Ive heard about this herausforderung time and again. People know they should jump in, yet theyre not sure how to.Depending on your office culture, your colleagues may simply love to hear themselves talk, or they may be strategizing to get the bosss attention. After all, speaking up comes with a variety of benefits for your professional life. In many organizations, your higher-ups will ass ess your leadership readiness based in part on how well you speak during meetings.Sometimes, you just cant wait for an invitation to join the conversation. If someone is hogging the airtime or seems off-base in your next meeting, here are a few ways you can diplomatically interrupt themCome to the meeting prepared.Ask what I call The Three Questions in advance Who is your audience, what is your goal, and why do you care about this? Armed with that info, you can prepare 2-3 points you want to make or questions you want to ask. That way, you dont have to think of something brilliant on the spot. Dont write a script just bring bullet points.Be fully present and listen to others. Its easy to get distracted thinking about what youre going to say. When that happens, however,you miss what is actually being said in the meeting. Stay present and you will hear your chance to jump in.Use deep breathing.Deep breathing will both calm you down and give your voice resonance so that, when you do sp eak, your voice is strong and confident.Wait for the person speaking to take a breath.They haveto breathe sometime, right? Whenthey do, jump in. A strategic filler word like so or actually can help you wedge yourself into the conversation.Build or bridge. Either compliment what the previous speaker said or bridge to a different direction. Try something like, Im glad Steve brought that up, or, Let me build on what Steve said and come back to your original question.Be concise. Keep your interjection brief. Otherwise, you wind up making the same mistake Steve did. Remember to speak with a calm, confident tone. Dont disparage Steve though you may be doing so internally and dont disparage yourself by second-guessing what you have to say.Be strategic about when you jump in. Remember to speak judiciously. If you constantly interrupt without giving others an opportunity to speak, you monopolize the meeting and reduce your credibility and authority. Just as youwant your turn to speak, so d o the other people in the room.Many of my clients have used these tips to get a meeting back on track and, in doing so, close an important deal or reach consensus on a key decision. At your next meeting, try out a few of these techniques and see what happens. Use the techniques well, and you can change the trajectories ofboth the meetingand your own career for the better.Allison Shapira is author ofSpeak With Impact How to Command the Room and Influence Others.