Audio is 60% of a video
So, When in an interview, your voice is more important than your picture.
You can have great audio and average video
But you cannot have bad audio
Vinh Giang | Master Your Voice
The Ultimate Recipe for Solving Problems | Brian Tracy on UNSTOPPABLE
The Ultimate Recipe for Solving Problems | Brian Tracy
Mastering Bullet Points on Your Resume: Avoiding Common Mistakes
Bullet points are powerful tools on resumes, designed to highlight specific talking points and achievements. However, when misused, they can diminish rather than enhance the impact of your message. Here are some common mistakes candidates make with bullet points and how to avoid them:
Common Mistakes
Too Many Bullets:
- Creating a list with more than five bullets in a row.
- Results in nothing standing out.
- The text begins to resemble a large paragraph.
- Solution:
- Use functional headings (e.g., Business Development, Marketing, Financial Analysis).
- Group bullet points into sub-sections.
- Quickly differentiate types of value-add statements.
Mixed-Purpose Bullets:
- Combining job tasks with accomplishments in the same list.
- Waters down the impact of accomplishment statements.
- Makes it harder to identify key achievements.
- Solution:
- Report job tasks in a brief paragraph format.
- List accomplishments separately in a bulleted list.
- Make it easier for readers to spot key accomplishments.
Unique Bullets:
- Using unusual symbols for bullet points.
- May not display correctly on the hiring authority's computer.
- Distracts from the content of the resume.
- Solution:
- Stick with traditional circles and squares.
- Ensure your resume stands out based on accomplishments, not formatting quirks.
Why Use Bullet Points?
Clarity and Succinctness:
- Bullet points help to clearly and succinctly communicate your unique value.
- When used correctly, they can enhance readability and focus.
Impact:
- A well-structured bulleted list can make your resume memorable.
- Proper usage helps to highlight your achievements effectively.
Final Thoughts
Bulleted lists are a fantastic strategy for resumes and cover letters. They can help you clearly communicate your value and achievements if used correctly. Avoid these common mistakes, and your resume will stand out for all the right reasons.
I hope you enjoy the sarcasm of the excessive bullet points, I did
The Perils of Bad Interview Behavior: A Warning for 2024 Job Seekers
In today’s competitive job market, your behavior during an interview can make or break your chances of landing that position. It’s crucial to avoid any actions that might cast a shadow over your professionalism. Here’s a cautionary tale to highlight the importance of maintaining impeccable conduct during interviews.
A Case in Point
Imagine this: A candidate calls on her way to an interview, saying she will arrive in 10-15 minutes. Instead, she shows up 40 minutes late, without offering any explanation. To make matters worse, she spends the interview scrolling through and replying to emails on her iPhone.
You might think this is the behavior of a college student. However, this candidate was an Sr. Project Manager in her 50s. My colleague was shocked that someone at this stage in their professional life would act so unprofessionally. So, let’s go over some critical points:
1. Arrive Early, But Not Too Early
Always aim to show up slightly early—5 to 10 minutes is ideal. Arriving any earlier can make the interviewer feel rushed. If you find yourself more than 10 minutes early, wait in your car until it’s closer to your appointment time. This buffer also allows for unexpected delays like missing a turn, getting stuck behind a school bus, or waiting for a long freight train.
2. Silence Your Cell Phone
Set your phone to silent or turn it off completely. Even vibration mode can be disruptive in a quiet interview setting. If you can’t resist checking your phone, leave it in the car. It's considered bad form to be seen on your phone while waiting for your interview to start.
3. Apologize for Any Delays
If an unforeseen event causes you to be late, apologize sincerely. Nothing sets a worse first impression than appearing to devalue the interviewer’s time. Being late without a valid reason can make you seem unreliable and inconsiderate.
Final Thoughts
In this challenging job market, any time you spend with a hiring manager is invaluable. Ensure you present yourself in the best possible light by adhering to these guidelines. Remember, your behavior during the interview is a direct reflection of your professionalism and reliability.
Make sure you're always on your best behavior. The stakes are too high to take any chances.
OLD SCHOOL Resume advice: Updated for 2024
Updated post from years ago.... Please take not how things have changed
Hey there, job seekers! As an experienced professional, landing a new job
1. Include Key Information (not everything)
Start with the basics:
- Name
- Email Address
- Cell Phone Number
Marital statusAgeAddressEducational background
These details, along with your college performance, help the employer assess whether you have the right qualifications for the job. Details matter, but only as they apply to the job description of the open role. Your college experience is only a checkmark, have it, good, don't have it, out of the running.
2. Highlight Your Strengths (for what they want)
Your resume should emphasize your strengths related to the position you're applying for. Include:
- Achievements and accomplishments from past work experiences.
- Matching qualifications with the job requirements, showing that you meet or exceed them.
Avoid being overly boastful, but ensure the information isn't bland either. Strike a balance to show you’re a perfect fit for the role.
Write for the ATS score. Search 40x50.com for ATS. Boast away, no one is going to go to bat for you.
3. Be Honest (always)
Accuracy is crucial. Be truthful when listing your:
- Skills
- Achievements
- Qualifications
Honesty ensures that if you get the job, you won’t face issues performing tasks you claimed to be proficient in. that you can get this job and the next one, and the next one, and the next one.
4. Keep It Elegant and Simple (remember the computers read first, humans last)
Design your resume to be professional yet straightforward. Avoid overly artistic designs that might give the wrong impression. Aim for a formal, competent look:
- Use standard fonts like Times New Roman or Arial.
- Stick to an average size, such as 10 or 12.
- Write in plain text, so the ATS system can parse your resume, easier
5. Prioritize Relevant Information (humans scan, they don't read, usually)
Place the most important professional skills and experiences at the top. If you have special skills that set you apart, highlight them early. Remember, the person reading your resume won’t spend much time on it. In fact they read it after the computer screening and only prior to the interview. Capturing their interest quickly increases the chances they’ll read the entire document. see something they like and give you an interview.
Following these five tips will help you draft an ideal resume that presents you favorably to employers. Good luck with your job search!
Defying Age Bias Together in Jobs
Defying Age Bias Together in Jobs
Hey there, job seekers! Today, we’re tackling a tough but important topic: age discrimination in the job market. Unfortunately, it's something that many older applicants face, but don’t worry, we’ve got some advice to help you navigate these challenges.
The Reality of Age Discrimination
Age discrimination often rears its ugly head in the form of assumptions. Employers might (illegally, of course) think that older applicants will be harder to train, less productive, less tech-savvy, uninterested in lower salaries, or unwilling to relocate. Sadly, these stereotypes can prevent older applicants from even getting in the door for an interview.
The Hard Facts
In the U.S., nearly 170,000 workers aged 50 and over have been unemployed for 12 months or more. Many of these individuals search for jobs month after month, depleting their retirement savings and accumulating debt. Some have had to push back their retirement plans indefinitely.
Fighting Back: Tips for Older Job Seekers
While proving age discrimination is challenging, there are ways to boost your chances of landing a job:
- Highlight Your Experience: Emphasize your extensive experience and how it can benefit the employer.
- Stay Tech-Savvy: Show that you’re up-to-date with the latest technology and industry trends.
- Network Actively: Leverage your professional network and attend industry events to make connections.
- Tailor Your Resume: Focus on skills and achievements rather than dates to avoid age-related bias.
- Consider Different Roles: Be open to various job types, including consulting or part-time roles, to get your foot in the door.
Staying Positive
Age discrimination may feel like a curse, but with persistence and the right strategies, you can overcome these obstacles. Remember, your experience and wisdom are invaluable assets that can make a significant difference in any workplace.
Top Priority: Job Search Elevator Pitch
Hey there! Let's talk about crafting an elevator pitch that will make you the star of your local networking group. Because, let's be honest, if your pitch has a pitch problem, you won't make the impact you want. No one will rush over to meet you once it's over.
But imagine this: your elevator pitch is so good that people can’t wait to find you, introduce themselves, and network with you. Sounds fantastic, right?
So, you've read the basics of delivering a great pitch. Now, let's dive into building one that everyone will love. Here are six steps from a presentation I gave recently in Irvine, CA.
I'll guide you on what to include, and then I'll share my own example. Ready? Let’s go!
Step 1 – Introduce Yourself
Start with your name. Simple, but essential. People need to know who you are!
Step 2 – Positioning Statement
Share a positioning statement. In 4-6 words, define what makes you unique in the market. This is your hook!
Step 3 – Brief Career Summary
Give a quick career summary. Mention your last position, the industry you were in, and a key accomplishment or two. Keep it brief but impactful.
Step 4 – Work Philosophy
Talk about your work philosophy. Explain how you work and what reinforces your true value. This shows your approach and dedication.
Step 5 – Job Search Objectives
State your job search objectives. Be specific about your target title, function, industry, geography, and companies. Let people know exactly what you’re looking for.
Step 6 – How You Can Help
Explain how you can help others. Networking is a two-way street. Show them the value you bring to the table.
And there you have it! Your elevator pitch should take about 45 seconds. You can tweak it to fit into a 30 to 60-second window, depending on your networking group's guidelines.
Think you can build one of these? Lets Go!
Example:
- Hi, I'm Bob.
- Marketing Maven and Data Guru.
- Former Marketing Director in the tech industry with a proven track record of boosting brand visibility by 40%.
- I believe in data-driven strategies and creative thinking.
- I'm looking for a Marketing Manager role in the renewable energy sector in the San Antonio area.
- I can help your company harness the power of data to create compelling marketing campaigns.
Now it’s your turn! Go ahead and craft your pitch, and get ready to shine at your next networking event. Happy pitching!
