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Chicago's Resume Writing Service
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Resume Tip: Play golf, list it
I battled for a long time whether hobbies should be included on resumes. After talking to several HR managers, the rule is simple.
golf, bowling, tennis are impressive hobbies. Sports leagues are impressive as well. There are others that may fit, and may behoove you within your research of the prospective company to see if they participate in sports leagues. This could work to your advantage. Now that you got the basics, go out and impress.
 
Interview Tip: Non-Verbal Communication is Communication
I had a mentor who used to say, "It's not what you say, but what you don't say is what I look for". It's important in an interview that you are specific when giving examples and telling stories. A perceptive manager can figure out in minutes if you are telling the truth or the whole truth. You should know that the way you begin and end sentences, your laugh or not, or, the way you look at someone in the eyes or not are clues. If you are authentic, then your interview will be a memorable one.
If you are used to performing, believe me, it shows. Anyone can perform for an hour interview. Your job is to show sincerity and personality, be forthright when honesty is needed, and have a little fun. It's ok to give straight answers or show some humor, but it must be genuine and a part of who you are. Don't forget to look the person in the eyes and answer questions directly.
Last thing, ask questions. If you don't, how will you show interest in the position? Your starting point maybe that you're not interested in the position afterall, but you may never know unless you ask.
Those are the basics, now go out and impress.
markdyson@competitiveresumes.net
Resume Reminders for you
- Your resume has to be perfect. Spelling and Grammar check are useful but not always accurate. Get someone else to spell and grammar check it too.
- There are 1000 people waiting to apply for the same job that you are applying for. 500 of them have more qualifications than you do. If you don't have the qualifications, don't apply. Unless you have the inside scoop.
- Spacings, caps, fonts, alignment count. If it's wrong and inconsistent, you will never hear from that company again.
- Plagiarism is totally trash worthy. Don't copy from the web. Next!
- Cover Letters should tell something about you that your resume doesn't. Substance is the word. Personalize it, "I appreciate the talk we had yesterday about the position..."
- Canceled is one l, not two. See #1.
- Proofread, Proofread, Proofread.
- Pay attention to how to apply for the job. If the posting states, "Do Not Fax", then don't fax.
- Apply for one job, at one company at a time. Let HR decide if you fit other positions. You shouldn't look desperate.
- Quantified professional achievements count, but don't list everything.
Hopefully, this can get you started. Good luck.
Job Search Tip: Have You Made Your Online Profile Yet?
By now, if you are still relying on the Sunday paper for Job leads, you need to start focusing your job suearch online. If you haven't noticed, but the job section is only 3-5 pages long these days. However, you can start by building your profiles and posting your resumes at Monster, Careerbuilder, Hotjobs sites today. Pay attention to detail, and you can make your information as private as you want, and potentially get calls tomorrow. 
Interview Tip: Check Your Ego At The Door
In your interviews, emphasize the "team effort", so that the "individual effort" will come thorugh. You lose credibility when you talk as though your co-workers didn't influence your abilities or challenges, or that they were all incompetent. Your individual accomplishments will be noticed when you show continuity in working with others.
markdyson@competitiveresumes.net
Resume Tip: Details?
Your resume can have too many details when highlighting the 3 or 4 most important job duties is needed. Hone in on the results you produced as they fit the position you are applying for. You may need to qualify and quantify your results if the position you apply to requires it.
This may save a few trees as you can pontificate about the details in the interview.
markdyson@competitiveresumes.net
Resume/Interview Tip: Show growth
What always impressed me about candidates that prepared and interviewed well are the ones that were perpetual learners. It didn't matter if they were in school, or reading books by thought leaders, the initiative to learn new things to implement translates to a new position before they interview. Try displaying your ability to adapt and learn quickly talking about how seriously you handle new information.
Resume Tip: Ask a direct question
Someone I know very well had a Hiring Manager who was having a tough time asking questions. When my friend was asked a really obscure question by the manager, she asked 'Could you please ask a more direct question?'
Point--Be sure that your questions are direct as well.
Interview Tip: Don't Let Them See You Sweat!
If you are asked a question that was out of the box (i.e., What is it
like being you?), answer it without showing confusion or frustration.
It's a test to see if you can remain even tempered in an unusual
situation. Stay calm, cool and collective displaying poise and
composure.
Resume Tip: Check font size
The error that I have seen the most recently is the inconsistent use of font size. Your text within a description should only be one size, not two, and one font style. Definitely vary the company name and position in bold and a size or two larger, but use the same font style as the description.
Feel free to call me or e-mail me.
markdyson@competitiveresumes.net
Question: Should I Put My Charity On My Resume?
In short, yes. Even if you do it once a year, absolutely. Many
corporations have a hard time finding people within their organization
to buy in to their community projects. More often than not, big
companies find it easier to give money than time because of the
headache in finding volunteers.
If you have had a leadership role in a non profit charity, take the
opportunity to expose your leadership skills and experience.
Cover Letter Tip
Be specific to the person or to the company(Mr. Davis, I really
appreciate you accepting my phone call Friday. I really enjoyed our
conversation) as opposed to (I looking for a mangement opportunity).
The more specific you are, the better opportunities for a connection
with the hiring manager..
Ask for the Job
I've said before that after an interview, you should ask for the job. The video will set you sort of an example. Although, don't take it so seriously: 
The Interview Questions From Hell
by Mark Anthony Dyson, Competitive Resumes
There are questions that only make sense to the interviewer, and they will ask them time and time again. What I think is funny are the same questions asked by a second person, who obviously was instructed to ask...oh, you get what I mean. These are actual questions that have been asked during an interview. I also though these to be entertaining. Here are some of those questions:
What do you want to be when you grow up?
If you were a superhero, who would you be, and why?
If your life was a movie, what would be the title, and who would be the star?
I talked for the last 20 minutes just to see how well you would listen. Could you tell me three things about my company that I just told you?
I talked for the last 20 minutes just to see how well you would listen. What were you thinking while I was talking?
What would you say to a fellow co-worker that said he was quitting right now?
What would you do if I told you that I was a hypocrite, and that I illegally embezzled money from the company?
Are You Underemployed?
markdyson@competitiveresumes.net
Update Your Resume Every Six Months
by Mark Anthony Dyson, Competitive Resumes
You need to update your resume today. That's right, I said every six months, you should update your resume. Here are reasons why:
- If you have heard rumors of layoffs within the company, you need to update every three months.
- As work begin to pile on your desk may facilitate opportunities for more training, that you may want to include on your updated resume.
- As you begin to look at various job postings, you can compare what the position requires and make sure that your resume includes that experience (don't lie).
- If you haven't updated your resume in the last six months or less, you may need a resume overhaul (can I do it for you?)
- Include soft skills as they pertain to your profession. Many people still think that Customer Service is a not a skill, when in fact, is a required one in most cases.
markdyson@competitiveresumes.net
Do you have a high or low tolerance of ambiguity?
by Mark Anthony Dyson, Competitive Resumes
Definitions of ambiguity on the Web:
Are you a person that can take a project when given nothing, and produce something with minimal to no help? Or, are you a person that will ask a lot of questions, needing more specific instruction? It is the difference between high and low tolerance of ambiguity.
If you are a person that has a high tolerance of ambiguity, you understand how to initially start the project, with no fear of being wrong or adventurous. You can take minimal instruction, and turn it into something. Oh, it's not perfect, but you can start in the right direction without being told. You may still need to tweak the details, but you have given the project a frame, making it easier for your teammates and bosses to finish.
If you are a person that has a low tolerance of ambiguity, you are likely to ask many questions about how to start a project. You like it to be in black and white. Oh, it's not a bad thing because you like to do it once and be done. You like to plan out the project before starting. You may even need hand holding every now and then, so that you can specifically lay out the project as asked.
Having said that, as soon as employers understand that from your resume AND interview, then that's when they are comfortable making a definitive decision about you. Your goal in an interview is to show both. You should be prepared to answer questions that you can display leadership qualities and independence, yet always ask the right questions about the job. You should always ask questions about your potential position. It's one of my golden rules, you'll be questioned on it later.
Questions? Email me at:
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