Friday, May 29, 2020

When Job Search Advice Isnt Working

When Job Search Advice Isnt Working K. recently emailed Liz and said: I am still searching for a position. I use JibberJobber everyday it seems. It does help me keep organized and sort out my connections from Linkedin and elsewhere. I have been doing this now for 18 months though and I don’t seem to be getting very far. I have watched and applied techniques from videos but I’m still not sure what I am doing wrong. I really would like a job with a company that has a good reputation for its people and management. First, kudos for recognizing what kind of company you want to work for. I recently landed a job, after twelve years, at a company (BambooHR heres one reason why: PaidPaidVacation) that has won many best to work for awards and it is AWESOME. I work with people who have worked with some of the big, awesome local companies and hearing them talk about the cultural differences and work environments honestly makes me sad. Bamboo is pretty awesome, but its sad to hear about companies who have cultures based on fear, power-hungry bosses who cant get fired because they have dirt on everyone, unreal expectations, and working the employees so hard that everyone is (a) exhausted and (b) worried about losing their job. A great culture exists. If I were to start a job search right now, Id make a target company list based on the best companies to work for lists.   Can you even imagine LOVING where you work? That happens when a company makes culture a high priority. That was the easy part of this post the hard part addresses the idea of Ive done all the stuff and its still not working. In my first job search, 12 years ago, I couldnt hardly get an interview. I later learned that this was because my resume, which everyone said was awesome, was not the right resume for the roles I was applying to. All I knew was that I was frustrated that no one would reply to me I just got those lame, cold templated emails about not being the right one for the job. It was mentally and emotionally exhausting to do what I thought was all the right stuff and get absolutely nowhere. In this last job search, within the last few months, the same thing happened. I applied to a small list of target companies for a Product Manager role. One recruiter said you are easily $175,000, because of my PM experience throughout my career, and with JibberJobber. This time around I got interviews, and even second interviews, but I wasnt landing anything. No offers (until Bamboo, but thats another story). Heres what I learned: I have been doing stuff. In many cases, Ive been doing the right stuff. But, frankly, Im weird. My resume is weird, my background is weird. My skillset and history and even my communication style is weird. Im not the cookie cutter best candidate Im weird. And lets face it, my AGE is weird. Yes, age discrimination, Im sure, played a big part in both job searches. The normal job search stuff that works a lot of the time wasnt working for me. Because Im weird, I needed weird tactics and strategies. Maybe its the Paretto thing 80% of the time the stuff works, but for 20% of the people, 20% of the time, you have to do something different. Maybe, K, you are part of the 20%. Heres my advice: Dont take the core, principle-based job search advice and throw it out. Just figure it out, and adjust it where it needs to be adjusted. Make it unique to you. I had to do this. I had to figure out what networking meant for me, in my town, in my industry, in this small group of professionals I needed to network with. What does it mean for you? Maybe you are networking but not in the right way for you, for your location, for your industry, and for your target role (and the people who have, or hire for, that role right now). This analysis of the job search process is what helped me understand what I was doing wrong and, frankly, come up with the idea for JibberJobber. Get help. The problems in my job search would have been identified and addressed if I had hired a resume writer and/or job search coach. Im talking about a real, professional, certified career professional. I found my career center was, unfortunately, useless. The guy who ran the career center didnt have enough experience to help me, at my level. He might have focused on managing his staff, or helping recent grads get internships, but he was not equipped to help a professional with a few years of experience. That was a major disappointment. I know other career centers have better resources, many for free, but Im saying invest the money to get a one-on-one professional who helps people like you. Find one who specializes in your industry, or has many clients like you (your age, your level, your industry, your locale, etc.). These career pros have been in the trenches with their clients. And they CARE. Your wins are their wins, Your heartache is their heartache (although they are in a d ifferent place, so its not soul crushing to them a coach is not as emotionally attached as you are). If I would have gotten help I bet I would have had a job within weeks, maybe a couple of months. But I couldnt see past the initial investment and I dragged my job search on way too long. Consider consulting, even if you dont make any money from it. My first real job offer came after I had proven what I could do. I didnt realize it at the time but someone I had recently met, and really respected, was watching me launch JibberJobber. One day he called and, as president of his company, offered me a job. Ive seen what you have done with JibberJobber and Im impressed. I want you to help our company   I politely declined and kept my focus on JibberJobber. But I was honestly in shock. Why was it that when I was unemployed no one would touch me as if I were a leper? But after launching a simple website I was all of the sudden interesting? Its because people could SEE results when I launched. They could wrap their brain around what I do. Ive seen this with consultants whether they make money or not, whether they have clients or not. When you say you are a certain type of professional, and what you help with, people can understand that. You are substantiating yourself.   There is great value in this tactic. So there you go, my Wednesday morning wisdom. Im sorry that this has taken so long 18 months of looking is a special kind of Hell. I hope some of this resonates, and that you can make the right changes to get the right results. Id love to hear back and see how things are going. One day youll make my entire week by saying Jason! I got my dream job!   That will be an awesome day! When Job Search Advice Isnt Working K. recently emailed Liz and said: I am still searching for a position. I use JibberJobber everyday it seems. It does help me keep organized and sort out my connections from Linkedin and elsewhere. I have been doing this now for 18 months though and I don’t seem to be getting very far. I have watched and applied techniques from videos but I’m still not sure what I am doing wrong. I really would like a job with a company that has a good reputation for its people and management. First, kudos for recognizing what kind of company you want to work for. I recently landed a job, after twelve years, at a company (BambooHR heres one reason why: PaidPaidVacation) that has won many best to work for awards and it is AWESOME. I work with people who have worked with some of the big, awesome local companies and hearing them talk about the cultural differences and work environments honestly makes me sad. Bamboo is pretty awesome, but its sad to hear about companies who have cultures based on fear, power-hungry bosses who cant get fired because they have dirt on everyone, unreal expectations, and working the employees so hard that everyone is (a) exhausted and (b) worried about losing their job. A great culture exists. If I were to start a job search right now, Id make a target company list based on the best companies to work for lists.   Can you even imagine LOVING where you work? That happens when a company makes culture a high priority. That was the easy part of this post the hard part addresses the idea of Ive done all the stuff and its still not working. In my first job search, 12 years ago, I couldnt hardly get an interview. I later learned that this was because my resume, which everyone said was awesome, was not the right resume for the roles I was applying to. All I knew was that I was frustrated that no one would reply to me I just got those lame, cold templated emails about not being the right one for the job. It was mentally and emotionally exhausting to do what I thought was all the right stuff and get absolutely nowhere. In this last job search, within the last few months, the same thing happened. I applied to a small list of target companies for a Product Manager role. One recruiter said you are easily $175,000, because of my PM experience throughout my career, and with JibberJobber. This time around I got interviews, and even second interviews, but I wasnt landing anything. No offers (until Bamboo, but thats another story). Heres what I learned: I have been doing stuff. In many cases, Ive been doing the right stuff. But, frankly, Im weird. My resume is weird, my background is weird. My skillset and history and even my communication style is weird. Im not the cookie cutter best candidate Im weird. And lets face it, my AGE is weird. Yes, age discrimination, Im sure, played a big part in both job searches. The normal job search stuff that works a lot of the time wasnt working for me. Because Im weird, I needed weird tactics and strategies. Maybe its the Paretto thing 80% of the time the stuff works, but for 20% of the people, 20% of the time, you have to do something different. Maybe, K, you are part of the 20%. Heres my advice: Dont take the core, principle-based job search advice and throw it out. Just figure it out, and adjust it where it needs to be adjusted. Make it unique to you. I had to do this. I had to figure out what networking meant for me, in my town, in my industry, in this small group of professionals I needed to network with. What does it mean for you? Maybe you are networking but not in the right way for you, for your location, for your industry, and for your target role (and the people who have, or hire for, that role right now). This analysis of the job search process is what helped me understand what I was doing wrong and, frankly, come up with the idea for JibberJobber. Get help. The problems in my job search would have been identified and addressed if I had hired a resume writer and/or job search coach. Im talking about a real, professional, certified career professional. I found my career center was, unfortunately, useless. The guy who ran the career center didnt have enough experience to help me, at my level. He might have focused on managing his staff, or helping recent grads get internships, but he was not equipped to help a professional with a few years of experience. That was a major disappointment. I know other career centers have better resources, many for free, but Im saying invest the money to get a one-on-one professional who helps people like you. Find one who specializes in your industry, or has many clients like you (your age, your level, your industry, your locale, etc.). These career pros have been in the trenches with their clients. And they CARE. Your wins are their wins, Your heartache is their heartache (although they are in a d ifferent place, so its not soul crushing to them a coach is not as emotionally attached as you are). If I would have gotten help I bet I would have had a job within weeks, maybe a couple of months. But I couldnt see past the initial investment and I dragged my job search on way too long. Consider consulting, even if you dont make any money from it. My first real job offer came after I had proven what I could do. I didnt realize it at the time but someone I had recently met, and really respected, was watching me launch JibberJobber. One day he called and, as president of his company, offered me a job. Ive seen what you have done with JibberJobber and Im impressed. I want you to help our company   I politely declined and kept my focus on JibberJobber. But I was honestly in shock. Why was it that when I was unemployed no one would touch me as if I were a leper? But after launching a simple website I was all of the sudden interesting? Its because people could SEE results when I launched. They could wrap their brain around what I do. Ive seen this with consultants whether they make money or not, whether they have clients or not. When you say you are a certain type of professional, and what you help with, people can understand that. You are substantiating yourself.   There is great value in this tactic. So there you go, my Wednesday morning wisdom. Im sorry that this has taken so long 18 months of looking is a special kind of Hell. I hope some of this resonates, and that you can make the right changes to get the right results. Id love to hear back and see how things are going. One day youll make my entire week by saying Jason! I got my dream job!   That will be an awesome day!

Monday, May 25, 2020

What makes a successful interview

What makes a successful interview The hours spent perfecting your CV and application have paid off and you’ve been invited for an interview congratulations! But it’s not time to relax just yet, you still have one of the most important stages to come. A successful interview will significantly boost your chances of impressing the hiring manager and landing the job. Alice Greedus, PR Communications Assistant from the CV Library job site, has pulled together her top tips to ensure that your interview runs smoothly. Preparation You need to walk in prepared. Yes, you might not know exactly what questions you’ll be asked, but there are other ways to ensure you’re ready. For instance, you could look up the most common interview questions and prepare general answers and examples that you can refer to during the interview. Next, conduct a Sherlock Holmes style investigation of the company. Scour their website, find the company’s goals, values and get a feel for their culture. Then search their social media pages to understand who they are and what they represent. Another handy tool is ‘Google News’. Use the tab above the google search bar to search for any news articles or press coverage the company has recently had. These could all be good talking points during the interview. And your preparation shouldn’t stop here. You need to know the job description inside out. The employer may ask you questions about your responsibilities or the skills they’re looking for. Plus you need to be able to demonstrate that you’re suited to the role. Proving your value You need to prove to the interviewer that you have the skills they want. If you don’t have a great deal of experience, be sure to sell your transferable skills. For instance, if you’re part of a sports team this might show you work well in a team. Or if you have a part time job you may have learnt organisation and time-management skills. So shout about your past achievements, but importantly relate it back to how these experiences can benefit the company. Being professional You need to mimic the interviewer’s behaviour and level of professionalism. Even if you feel comfortable in the situation, avoid sounding too informal or behaving too casually. This means speaking properly and staying away from slang words. After all, you want to show that you take the role seriously. A trait that the interviewer will be looking for is manners. They want to hire someone who is a positive reflection on their company. So remember to say please and thank you and be friendly and polite at all times. While it’s important to be keen and show enthusiasm, don’t take it too far. You don’t want to risk overwhelming the interviewer or coming across as false. Ask questions Normally at the end of the interview you will be asked if you have any questions. Don’t let the hiring manager be met with a ‘no’, then silence. This could look like you don’t care about the role or aren’t interested in the company. Especially if other candidates were really engaged with the interviewer. Aim to ask at least two questions. You can have a think before the interview about what these questions might be. Remember, this is also your chance to decide if the company is right for you, not just for the interviewer to decide if you’re right for the role. What’s more, avoid asking certain interview questions if you really want the job. Specifically about salary, perks and holidays, as it could look like you want the job for these rather than because you like the role. Here’s some examples of great questions you could ask: How would you describe the company culture at (name of company)? What path do you see for the company over the next five years? What do you like best about working for this company? When can I expect to hear back from you about your decision? How has this position evolved? Follow up The interviewer will appreciate an email thanking them for their time. It’s not only polite, but will also help to keep you in mind when they’re making their decision. So aim to do this within a day after the interview. Plus, it puts you at an advantage to those who haven’t bothered to say thank you. After all, if your skills and talents are on par with another applicant this just might be the deciding factor that you’re right for the job. But be careful with your wording and timing â€" there are some mistakes you want to avoid when sending a job interview follow-up. Here’s an example of what you could write: Dear (interviewer’s name) Thank you for taking the time to speak with me about the (name of role). It was great to learn more about the company and position. I’m enthusiastic about the prospect of joining your team, and after our conversion I am confident that I have the skills and requirements to excel in this role. I look forward to hearing from you about your decision. Thank you again for your time and consideration. Yours sincerely, (Your name) In summary While attending an interview can seem pretty nerve wracking it’s important to stay calm and focus on your strengths. If you can perfect your interview skills, you’ll be one step closer to landing your dream job. So make sure you follow the advice above to help you.

Friday, May 22, 2020

The Online Research Candidates MUST Do Before An Interview

The Online Research Candidates MUST Do Before An Interview Theres nothing worse than the feeling of walking into an interview room and being thrown questions to answer without fully understanding the company and whether its the right organisation for you. While its great to ask questions during your interview, its best to get an unbiased view (after all the interviewee will want to sell the company to you). Once you get to the interview stage, things can move along quickly and once you leave the interview its not unusual for offers to  be made within 24 hours. If things do go well  you want to make sure that you have a  realistic expectation of what it would be like to work at the organisation  before accepting a new role with them, which means doing your homework before going in for interview. With all the information readily available at your fingertips through the medium of the internet, cover your own back by checking out these  crucial bits of information before setting foot in the interview room: Inside scoop Id always recommend checking out Glassdoor before any interview! Due to the fact that its anonymous you tend to get honest feedback from current / previous employees on what its like to work for the organisation day to day. Take some extreme reviews with a pinch of salt but its always good to get an insight from people who have actually experienced working there! If they have a very low Glassdoor rating make sure you question them in the interview around their welfare  departmental hierarchy and about various policies and procedures (things like expected hours and duties, over time, escalation, SLA stuff, benefits, training etc). The company will like it because youre showing interest in the company but it will also help you detect the kind of expectations  that come from internal managers. Financial state   Every company goes through ups and downs when it comes to financials, while start-ups are notoriously associated with high risk (make sure you consider this when contemplating salary requirements etc). Larger companies are also susceptible to financial instability which could affect your job, make sure that youve done your due diligence online, a  good (free site) to start with would be Duedil. If youre interviewing with a start up make sure you ask about funding (are they going through any other rounds/are they self sufficient etc). Be mindful if a start-up is over  zealous  when it comes to ramping up headcount, if they run out of funding, this is when they may have to cut back down. Competitors Understand the industry and whats out there in the market place, not only will it help you to understand the product / services on offer but its also a great talking point in an interview. Maybe youve seen another company is creating a similar  product (whats this companys USP and whats their plan to overtake them in the marketplace?). Culture During an interview often the interviewee will want to paint  the company in a positive light and you might find yourself asking  what it would actually be like working for the organisation.  Make sure you have a realistic understanding of what the company culture is like by checking out their social media. A lot of organisations have a # (a life at) and current employees will post content of what theyve been getting up to at work. Media Coverage A quick Google search can be priceless, recent newsworthy stories can help you discover the companies successes but also offers an insight into their challenges. In particular keep an eye out for structural change within the company (maybe a CEO has recently been dismissed) which could lead you to questioning what this could mean about the companys structure (if youre feeling brave it could be a good talking point during interview). Opportunity Personally, I wouldnt want to take a role without the offer of opportunity in the future (nobody likes the idea of a stagnant role) so make sure you check out whats going on in the company (what other roles are they currently hiring for / how many open vacancies do they have?) Couple this with some killer questions about their expansion plans and project roadmap during the interview to get overall picture. Your future boss A no brainer make sure you check out any interviewers and your future boss on LinkedIn (you might have more in common than you thought). Its also worth checking out their individual profiles on the organisations website. Feeling like  Sherlock Holmes? Done all of the above? Get some shut eye ahead of your interview and sleep easy knowing that youve done a good level of background prep on the company and that youre more likely to make an informed decision on whether its the right company  for you! Feeling prepared but want to know the right questions to ask during the interview? Check out some of our top tips here  !

Sunday, May 17, 2020

4 Ways to Increase Foot Traffic Into Your Store - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career

4 Ways to Increase Foot Traffic Into Your Store - Personal Branding Blog - Stand Out In Your Career A wonderfully designed store layout, excellent customer service and a variety of useful products can all feel moot for a store if theres no foot traffic. When it comes to bringing in customers, the appearance both inside and outside a shop plays a critical role in enticing passersby. In addition to enhancing curb appeal, a store can pursue a number of strategies to boost recognition, including forming a partnership with influencers, hosting events and utilizing digital tools. Store owners can apply the methods below to bring more customers into their establishment: Ramp Up the Curb Appeal Even if they initially have no intention of going into a store, standout curb appeal can pique the interest of people passing by. In addition to a business sign that stands out from its neighbors in color and tone, consider making a display for the stores window. Use this space to capture something special about what the store is selling or to highlight tempting sales. Highlighting a sale encourages impulse buys, while a concise and witty advertisement about the products allure inspires curiosity. Something as simple as a computer store highlighting the importance of a new laptop for back-to-school or a beauty shop with before-and-after makeup photos can capture the attention of the right customer. According to research, 35% of people passing by a store dont pay attention to it if it doesnt have a sign. Also, take advantage of the surrounding space by placing a sign on the walkway in front of the store or using chalk to highlight the stores entrance. A beauty shop writing in chalk at its entrance This way for awesome beauty supplies! with an arrow pointing at the door can tempt customers as they walk past. Painting walls a striking color, flying a flag in the parking lot or entrance, planting vibrant flowers outside the entrance and offering free samples right outside the door can also make your business more noticeable. Partner with Community and Brand Ambassadors Another great way of increasing foot traffic into a store is partnering with community and brand ambassadors, whose trustworthy presence and notability can pique the interest of potential customers.   To catch their attention, pitch them an email or phone call explaining how the business benefits the community at large and how them taking a visit to the store would be an honor. From there, work on developing a relationship. There will likely be some form of compensation required, though it can be well worthwhile if the community or brand ambassador has a large network. Stores can also offer anyone the opportunity to become a brand ambassador with referral programs. If they refer a certain number of new customers or social media likes, they can receive benefits. Apparel store Jobedus referral program is a perfect example. These programs are a win-win for the store and their best customers. Host Store-centric Events Events provide attendees an opportunity they cant experience elsewhere. Examples include hosting a talk by a local artist, a fundraiser, tutorial or holiday party in the store. To spark even more interest, offer discounted store items during the event. Doing so will likely win you several new customers who will return often. Events seize upon the shared interests of attendees to grow a stores following, while also creating an engaging presence in the community. Additionally, these events provide fantastic content for social media. Stores can promote these events to a community as a whole on social media without coming across as spammy, since they are helping a local artist or charitable cause. The availability of products is just a small perk. In the promotion, be sure to emphasize the event over the items. You will have a chance to showcase the products once interested attendees arrive. Once an event is established and promoted, consider setting the mood. Put on music in the background to prevent awkward silences, while also serving refreshments like appetizers or wine. On their way out, give attendees a goodie bag with treats or sample products. Depending on how much youre willing to give, goodie bags can serve as a small showcase of the stores products. After the event, use social media to post photos and recaps from the event. You want attendees to remember the fun they had. Offer In-Store Pick-Up Home delivery may be convenient, though many people work on most delivery days. As a result, they can miss packages and be forced to drive to a mailing facility and wait in line. The alternative, driving to a nearby store with a minimal line, is attractive in comparison. Use this preference to your advantage by offering customers the option to pick up orders in-store. Research has found that about one-third of shoppers prefer an item delivered to somewhere other than their home with the rate increasing each year. Of those who responded and opted for in-store pickup, 45% of respondents bought something else when at the store. In-store pickup is ripe for new customer opportunities and increased foot traffic. A combination of curb appeal, engaging in-store events and local involvement can boost the foot traffic for a business significantly, assuming their inventory and customer service is up to par as well.

Thursday, May 14, 2020

My Personal Brand True Colors - Executive Career Brandâ„¢

My Personal Brand True Colors It took me some time, but I finally got my blanner (blog banner) together here. My plan, when I launched this blog last November, was to get it up and running right away, and start building content, authority, and link juice, instead of spending several weeks (or months) finalizing the look of it before launching. So I purchased the WordPress Thesis theme and got busy. Some might say that publishing a blog/website without a branded blanner isnt a wise approach, but because I was building the site myself, I could jump right in and get going when I had a slight break in pressing business over the holidays last year. Another issue impacting the timing of all this was my completion of the Reach Certified Online Identity Strategist program at the end of March. I presumed, correctly, that I would learn how to work with website developers and  designers  to create a blanner that would fit me and my practice. Meantime, I collaborated with a graphic designer to create my Executive Career Brand logo, to have it ready to build the blanner around. Getting back to colors. I was reminded through the online identity certification program and some research on colors and personal branding that colors are the greatest emotion-generating elements of your brand identity. Whats interesting is that often your favorite colors fit your personal brand. My two main colors, amethyst purple and grassy green, were an easy choice. People who know me best associate me with purple. Its always been my favorite color to wear and one that looks best on me. I’ve been using it for years  in business accessories. Im a lifelong organic gardener and environmentally-sensible.  My early career included a 10-year stint managing my start-up organic garden center specializing in exotic herb and vegetable plants. Green matches my green thumb and environmental sensitivities. These two visually complementary colors were already embedded in my brand identity as signature colors. But beyond the recognition factor, colors are used to evoke emotions, generate interest in your brand, and support your goals. We all know that strong corporate brands are so associated with their colors, they seem to own them â€" Tiffany’s robin’s-egg blue, the Breast Cancer Awareness movement’s pink, McDonald’s yellow arches, Target’s  bold red, etc. People generally associate my two colors with these attributes: PURPLE Wealth, luxury, royalty, spirituality, sophistication GREEN Fresh, natural, calming, healing, environmentally friendly Color Matters  is an excellent resource for color symbolism and emotions. Id love to hear what you think of my blogs new colors. My next project is  to carry  these colors consistently across my other personal brand communications channels. Related posts: 10 Steps to an Authentic, Magnetic Personal Brand Health Insurance for Your Personal Brand â€" The 3 Cs How NOT to Build Your Executive Personal Brand 00 0

Monday, May 11, 2020

Summary Sunday Recruiters and Networking

Summary Sunday Recruiters and Networking When I am talking with job seekers, they have a bitter taste in their mouth from an encounter with a recruiter.   But this doesnt have to be the case! The same thing is true when I mention the word networking.   Job seekers declare it hasnt worked for them and say it is a waste of time. I understand where these feelings are coming from. Youve felt burned or let down.   But what if you change your expectations and approach and understanding of what is supposed to happen? This round up of posts from this week are to help clarify your understanding of how recruiters work and how networking really works! Working with Agency Recruiters on Job-Hunt.org by Jeff Lipschultz Jeff debunks these three myths: Agency recruiters will find me a job. All agency recruiters are the same. Agency recruiters are career counselors. There are tons of other posts and links to gain a better understanding of recruiters in this post and on this site so go have a look! An Open Letter to My Candidates from RecruitingBlogs In Amy Alas post she suggests her candidates do the following: Know yourself. Find companies that hire that. Talk to me. Apply selectively. Be patient. Working with Recruiters from Employment InSights This is part 2 of a show I did with my new friends Steve Boese and Scott Whipkey! The real way to build a social network from Fortune by Reid Hoffman Probably one of the more insightful posts on how networking really works and happens!   He talks about: Strengthen your alliances The diversity of weak ties Three degrees of separation The best network: Wide and (selectively) deep Giving helpful help Set up an interesting people fund Reids rules (actions for you to take!)

Friday, May 8, 2020

Beyond Resume Writing Reviews - How to Write Your Own Resume

Beyond Resume Writing Reviews - How to Write Your Own ResumeBeyond resume writing reviews, it's still important to pick your words wisely. In order to do this you need to ask yourself two key questions:How is my writing going to look when it is printed? Can I create a resume that is appealing enough to get me hired? You are going to be using a lot of words so you want to make sure that what you write will look the way you want it to.The first step is to really think about what the words that you are going to use mean. If you find yourself using similar terms, you may want to take a few moments to think about whether or not they mean what you think they mean. Remember that any time you are writing a resume you want to go for the simple but appropriate thing.For example, if you have heard that it takes about 5 seconds to say things like 'I like'I have' you will want to be careful. You do not want to offend anyone and end up sounding ignorant. In addition, avoid using slang words becaus e they may be too complicated to learn and they may also be offensive to people who may have to read your resume later. Consider using more simple terms that are easy to understand.You can write more than just a resume. A resume is not the only thing you should write. It's also okay to add in some descriptions of your work experience or a little bit about yourself. However, the reason you are doing a resume is to get you an interview so don't try to fill in all the blanks.Take the time to read the reviews on the review websites and keep in mind that you are going to be reviewing a sample resume. So don't let the sample resume dictate what you should write as it is only a reference. Do your best to communicate what you want the sample to say and you will usually get an idea of what your potential employer is looking for.When you are trying to get beyond resume writing reviews you should write something that you really enjoy. For example, if you like writing then you may want to write a few things down. However, don't write something that is too technical.Also, avoid using a resume that is too general. It may seem appropriate but it will be insulting to your potential employer if they don't know exactly what you do for a living. Try to look at the sample resume and determine what you like to do and then write a resume that includes that.