Your source for career advice

Welcome to our Career Corner!

As part of the launch we’re debuting the employment area for techniques, tips, questions and answers. We’ll be exploring a variety of human resources topics such as techniques for seeking new employment, changing profession, managing one’s current job, improving team work, communication skills, employee relations concerns, performance review preparation, hiring process, termination process, and anything else you want to know.

I welcome your questions to askthehrprof@gmail.com!

REnew, REfresh your REsume

Start a new year by writing or updating your resume.  If you’re in the midst of a job search a refresh could be in order to imagine your resume differently.  A satisfied worker should keep their resume updated and prepared in case the company or you change your mind about your current employment.  The starting point of a new resume is you.  Who are you and what are your right positon(s)?  There are many steps to creating a resume which showcases your talents and experience. 

Begin by deciding who you are and then what you can do with your talents. 

When you begin with yourself, you’re more likely to create a resume that positively represents you.  If you are currently in job search you may believe this step of self reflection is unnecessary and even a waste of time.  Perhaps you believe “I already know myself.” If it is accurate, then going through a self assessment won’t take too long.  Perhaps, as is the case for many, you may have gotten ‘lost’ along your professional journey.  Perhaps you’d like to change direction?  Checking-in with yourself can put you on a better path. 

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Answer some questions for yourself to have the building blocks for your new resume.    

1. What are your values?  What makes you happiest?  When are you at your best?

If you’re already in job search, this could be a deep dive or a check-in to ensure you’re on the right path.  Take time to make sure you know what sort of company and position(s) are best for you. 

Not in a current job search?  Thinking of making a change? This could be a time to prepare for your next stage.  This could be your moment to change direction.  Move with smarts and preparation.  Do the personal work to move into your next opportunity.   

2. What position(s) are of interest to you?  Do you want to continue in a role similar to your current (most recent) one?  Are you going to use your current skills in a new profession?  How do these roles match with your values?  Make a list of all these positions. 

3. What are the skills, experiences needed to obtain the position(s) you desire?

Do an honest, accurate assessment.  Look at job postings for the position(s) you desire.  Notice trends.  Make a list of all necessary skills.   Even if you are staying in your current (or most recent) profession, a review of current job postings and trends could help you determine if you are current on your skills. 

4. What are your gaps?

When you know what your gaps are you can begin to fill them.  Do you need practice, education, and/or opportunity to fill your gap(s)?  Make a plan to complete the necessary steps to diminish your gaps.  Remember to assess your current skills to determine how your current skills can be used in your desired role. 

5. What is special about your accumulation of skills and experiences?

Every person is different.  Your personality, interests and past job experiences create a unique mixture of talent.  Do a personal evaluation to gain a new perspective of what is special about you.  If you have extensive experience make sure to emphasize that.  If you have a rare skill don’t forget to fully elaborate about it.  Use current job postings to complete some comparisons.  Make note of skills, experiences that you should showcase on your resume.  What job functions or tasks are distinct to your experience? Perhaps you completed a project many don’t get the opportunity to do.  Maybe you finished some task that only a highly skilled person can do. Put your best talents forward!

The resume isn’t an exploratory place.  The resume is a declaration! It must be definitive so a Manager/Recruiter can understand who they are getting and what skills come with you.    

When you know who you are and what position(s) you’re seeking you can develop the best presentation of your skills.  Understanding your mix of talent, skills, experience, and values is the start of a great resume. 

Nicole Morgan, SPHR, SCP has more than 15 years human resources experience.  Experience includes working all aspects of HR from payroll to benefits; recruitment and hiring to performance management; benefits and family medical leave to training programs.  Nicole coaches individuals and organizations to success.  Individuals use her expertise to write their resume, profile, and strategize career projectory.  Organizations heed Nicole’s advice on training, mediation, HR investigations, policies, and procedures.  Have a question? Email asktheprof@gmail.com