How to Create a Generic, Useless, Well Written Resume

How to Create a Generic, Useless, Well Written ResumeGeneric, Useless ResumeHow to Create a Generic, Useless, Well Written ResumeIn this line of work, I get to see lots and lots of resumes. Occasionally Ill see one thats so outstanding it would make a hiring manager weep tears of joy. On the otzu sich end of the spectrum you have the ones that are just baffling. (Dwight Schrutes resume would fall into the baffling category.)The resume writer strings together a lot of professional-sounding words, but fails to differentiate her/himself from any other Pat or Chris or Jamie on the street. The resume may seem impressive at first, butthen you realize its not really saying anything. Its likea restaurant that puts on a big fanfare, only to serve youan empty plate.Want to see what I mean? Below is a professional looking, typo-free resume that does zero, zilch, nada to define the applicants unique value. It could be describing you, me, or the guy sitting three rows behind you.________________ _____________PAT APPLICANT123 Main StreetSpringfield, US 12345555-444-3333patapplicantemail.comOBJECTIVEA challenging position in a dynamic, growth-oriented organization where creativity and innovation can contribute to the bottom lineSUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONSExperienced professional with broad-based skills developed through education and on-the-job trainingEnergetic team player who is equally effective working independentlyProven record of meeting deadlines and staying within budgetOutstanding ability to respond to internal or external customer requestsExceptional communication and interpersonal skillsStrong Microsoft Word and other computer skillsWORK HISTORYSeptember 2005 - Present Management Assistant Acme Inc., Springfield, USPerform administrative duties in support of upper managementAssist with all aspects of department operationsKeep organized records of project statusCommunicate with customersFill in for absent employeesachter monat des jahres 2003 - August 2005AssociateJon es and Sons, Springfield, USCompleted daily and weekly tasks assigned by direct supervisorCollaborated on complex projectsDiscovered ways to streamline inefficient processesAcquired greater industry-specific knowledge over timeEDUCATION2003 Springfield High School, Springfield, US_____________________________OK, I think thats enough to make my point.This resume may look OK at first glance, but theres no context. Its all generic fluff. The words could have been written by anyone from a bookkeeper to a beekeeper. Exactly what job is this person qualified for? In what field? Manufacturing? Retail? Dry cleaning? Investment banking? Food service? Lifeguarding? We have no ideaAn effective, interview-worthy resume makes it easy for hiring managers to understand where youve worked, what you can do, and how your unique experiences and talents apply to their specific needs.If your resume looks anything like this useless, generic sample, youd better adjust your cap and settle in for a looooong job hunt.

How Women Can Negotiate Salary with Confidence

How Women Can Negotiate Salary with Confidence How Women Can Negotiate Salary with Confidence By Diane DomeyerThroughout my career, I have attended and spoken at conferences and industry events on topics of hiring and career management. One question I am asked often is, What is your best piece of career advice for women? This is a subject I am passionate about, and there are always several tips I like to share, which I have learned from others and through my own experiences. However, the most significant piece of advice I can offer women is this Learn how to negotiate effectively, especially when it comes to your salary.To have a successful career, women (and men) need negotiation skills. We negotiate every day with our teams and clients on ideas, projects, deadlines, contracts and mora. Asking for a higher salary during negotiations can be one of the more intimidating conversations, yet its absolutely necessary for advancing your career. Two sepatarif surveys from found that about h alf of both men and women feel they are underpaid. But only 45% of women said they tried to negotiate higher pay in their last job offer, compared to 68% of men.Women must be as bold in asking for what they want, need and deserve as their male colleagues. We bring so much to the table, but some may notlage be as confident in salary discussions, or may be willing to settle on a lower figure.Why?Well, there are many hesitations people have when it comes to negotiating starting salary or asking for a raise, like the fear of rejection, lack of preparation or not knowing the right way to ask.And in some cases, women are concerned they will be perceived negatively when they are direct and persistent. Yet you need these traits to successfully ask for higher compensation. Perhaps we dont want to open up a conversation that could be uncomfortable or tense. Or maybe we dont want to jeopardize our current opportunity by appearing ungrateful with whats offered.Yes, negotiating can be nerve-wrac king whether you are a woman or a man. But my advice is to believe in the value you bring to an organization and work on your confidence. Its unlikely that youll regret asking for higher pay, and its a perfect way to demonstrate that youre a self-assured professional. If youre nervous or reluctant to ask for more money, preparing a thorough and fact-based business case can help remove emotions tied to the request. Whether youre negotiating salary for a position youve held for a while, or youre asking for more in a job offer, here are some essential steps to requesting higher pay with confidence and clarity.1. Do your homework before negotiatingYour first step in negotiating pay is to do some research to better realize your value. What is the market rate for your position in your area? What are other companies offering their employees in terms of salary, benefits and perks? Gather information from a variety of resources, like Robert Halfs Salary Guides, to share with your manager or potential employer.But dont stop there. Look at the cost of living in your area, your commute and, most importantly, your career path, when evaluating your current salary. Once youve compiled all this information, decide on a number that youd like to present to the employer. It should be reasonable, but and heres the key it should also be a bit higher than what you really desire.GET YOUR SALARY GUIDE2. Prepare a business caseIn todays economy, professionals have some negotiating leverage, as skilled candidates are scarce and employers want to hire you or keep you on their team. Making a strong business case can really show your employer how valuable you are to the organization.Never assume others are as aware of your accomplishments as you are. Create a list of your recent successful projects and positive feedback youve received as evidence of your excellent work. If you can articulate a return on investment for the company in terms of revenue, cost savings, productivity gains or improvement in customer experience, that will be all the more valuable. Simply put, be bold in promoting your accomplishments.3. Time it appropriatelyOf course, the best time for a job candidate to negotiate salary is right after they receive the initial job offer. For an employee, the timing is a bit trickier. The ideal moment to ask is soon after completing a successful project or receiving great feedback from a leader.Avoid asking when your team or company is struggling, and dont surprise your manager with the request and expect an immediate response. Rather, during a one-on-one meeting, mention that you would like to find a time in the near future to discuss your latest accomplishments and career goals, including compensation, and try to schedule a meeting within a week or so.4. Communicate confidentlyWhen you meet with your manager or potential employer, demonstrate confidence and poise throughout the discussion. Remember, this isnt a demand it is a strong request, and your res earch and business case will support your proposal.After highlighting your recent achievements and mentioning the unique skills you bring to the team, propose the number youd like and expect to negotiate back and forth before landing on a final figure. (This is why you added a bit extra to your anticipated salary in the first step.)SEARCH OUR OPEN JOBS5. Have a backup planIf the conversation doesnt go the way you want, dont be discouraged. Before the meeting, prepare for a possible no by considering other perks or benefits you can negotiate beyond salary. Would you be more satisfied in your role with a few more vacation days or a flexible work schedule that could improve your work-life balance? You can also request a follow-up meeting to see if a raise would be possible at a future time.Learning to negotiate is crucial career advice for women to advance their earning potential and professional success. Avoiding salary negotiations can hold you back in your career, so take time to pr epare for these conversations and build your confidence.

Simple Steps to a Corporate Employee Wellness Program

Simple Steps to a Corporate Employee wohlbefinden ProgramSimple Steps to a Corporate Employee Wellness ProgramDeveloping an employee wohlbefinden program can be an effective way to reduce health insurance premium costs and produce a much happier, and healthier workforce. All of these factors add up to greater levels of productivity that can generate additional business revenues. Many business leaders dont know how to start a corporate wohlbefinden program that gets results. Here, you will find 8 steps to take towards creating an employee wellness program for your workforce. Use an Employee Survey to Evaluate Needs The best designed corporate wellness benefits and programs focus on the actual needs of employees. How can you get this detailed information? Conduct a workplace survey and ask employees directly. Get at least 5 to 10 low-cost wellness ideas out there for wellness perks and see what are the most popular that your employees choose. Identify Wellness and Lifestyle Issu es As part of your survey, you will also be assessing the lifestyle concerns and wellness needs that employees have. For some, it could be getting more active for others, it could be to reach targeted health goals. Get to the heart of these needs to increase participation in the wellness program. Find a Corporate Wellness Technology Tool To facilitate your corporate wellness program, its time to research and find a technology product that can help employees self-manage their wellness goals. There are many wellness tech tools that can help employees keep their health in check, track fitness, and weight loss goals, and connect with the resources they need to make informed choices. Partner with the Employee Benefits Company and Wellness Vendors A successful wellness program is made up of many people and resources, including the support of the employee benefits company and wellness vendors. Be sure to work directly with the insurance broker to find out what wellness benefits an d tools already exist, because many offer free and low-cost options now. Connect and establish a directory of local wellness vendors to provide services like onsite massage therapy, healthy cooking demos, and even discounted wellness gear. Establish a Written Employee Wellness Policy and Team Just like any other employee policy you create, you will also want to publish clear employee wellness program guidelines and make them part of your employee handbook. Hand them out when recruiting and when enrolling employees in their benefit plans, and have posters around the workplace that educate employees about this wellness initiative. Host a Wellness Event Centered on Employees One way that many companies roll out their wellness programs is with an onsite health and wellness fair for employees and their families. Work with local vendors to participate, and include a wide variety of wellness interests to make this a successful fest. Time the wellness event around certain dates. Sch edule one at least two months before the annual open enrollment period. Promote Health and Provide Wellness Incentives in a Fun Way While your wellness fair will be a fun event, its no substitute for year-round education and promotion of your wellness program. Make it a part of your corporate culture with ongoing incentives for employees to take steps to better their health. Host walking and running clubs, have an area on campus for fitness and de-stressing and create marketing around the idea of wellness at work. Gather Feedback and Results for Future Improvements Over time, your company will be able to spot trends in the way employees respond to and participate in wellness programs. Success stories will emerge out of the ranks of those who take part in the wellness offerings. Make sure to gather feedback and ideas for future enhancements to the program.