Tag: Executive resume writer

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LinkedIn Tip of the Week

Michelle Cook Kaufmann

LinkedIn tips2Did you know 79% of recruiters have hired someone by using LinkedIn? In fact, LinkedIn is the top choice for finding candidates by 94% of recruiters. According to a recent study, 55% of recruiters changed their minds about a candidate based on something they saw on their social media profile.  If you’re not on LinkedIn, then you may be missing out on major job opportunities.

Following is this week’s tip on how you can utilize LinkedIn to search for a job:

Develop a great Headline – Your LinkedIn headline shows up just below your name on your profile and represents your online brand. Since your name and headline are all a user will see when conducting a search on LinkedIn, make your headline count so the user will want to click on your full profile. “Marketer seeking opportunity” is weak, but “Consumer Products Marketer Seeking a Small Brand to Make it Big” tells your next boss that you plan to deliver.

If you are currently searching for a new job, consider partnering with me to create a job-winning resume and LinkedIn profile. Let me help you shorten the length of your job search and get you on track to the career of your dreams. 

Contact Michelle at MCKResumeService@gmail.com or (727) 278-4367 

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Attention-grabbing ways to start a cover letter

Michelle Cook Kaufmann

cover letterBeing like everyone else will not get you far in your job search. Hiring managers receive numerous resumes and cover letters weekly. If you want to stand out among the rest, you must catch their attention.

Make sure you don’t use a common intro in your cover letter, such as:  “Please accept my resume for consideration of the (ABC) position within your organization. “

Snoozer! Don’t waste space in your opening line by citing the obvious. You need to be different, unique, and appear more valuable than the competition.

Following are a few focus points that lend to attention-grabbing openers: 

  1. Mention the name of a mutual acquaintance. Name dropping virtually guarantees your letter will be read – nothing beats the coattails of someone the hiring manager likes and respects.
  2. State the manager’s name and how you met in the past. Seeing their own name always catches their attention. Furthermore, knowing you have taken the time to get to know them and respect them enough to want to work for them will cause the hiring manager to read more about you.
  3. Lure them with the notable benefits you have to offer. The qualifications you possess that directly relate to the qualities the hiring company seeks will get you noticed.

Samples of sizzling cover letter opening lines:

  • “Julie Nelson mentioned your company has opened a division of sporting goods and suggested I contact you.”
  • “Your speech on Tuesday was inspiring, Mr. Roberts. Soon I will have completed my master’s in physical therapy, just in time for your entry-level opening in the PT ward.”
  • “Since you will soon be working on photo sessions for the Spring catalog, I have enclosed my resume and portfolio to show just how ideal my background in photography and design is for your marketing strategies. “

What makes these opening lines great is they mention names, connect to an experience, reveal in-depth knowledge of the company, or express relevant qualifications. All show the candidate as a person who cares enough to take extra measures to prepare a great self-marketing tool.

If you need assistance designing an attention-grabbing cover letter and/or resume, contact Michelle: MCKResumeService@gmail.com or (727) 278-4367

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3 things you should never say in a job interview

Michelle Cook Kaufmann

job interview

Are you having trouble landing a job, but not sure why? The right skills and an impressive resume may help you get an interview, but there is more to getting hired.

Experts will tell you it’s all about whether you present your character, personality, skills and values in a positive and relatable manner — that’s what attracts employers.

Following are just a few things you should never say or do in a job interview:

  • I don’t really know much about the job; could you tell me about it? Big mistake! Employers expect candidates to research the job before they arrive for an interview. You need to be able to explain confidently why you want the position. If you haven’t researched what the job is about, you may be wasting the employer’s time and your own. It’s okay to ask questions, but not anything you should already know from reading the job post or researching the company.
  • How much vacation time will I get? Nope! It’s not a good idea to ask any questions during the interview that make it appear your focus is not on working.
  • I really need to take this call. Oh, nay nay! Hiring managers and recruiters are amazed that interviewees actually answer their phones and respond to text messages during face-to-face interviews. Leave your phone in the car, or at least turn it off during an interview, so you are not tempted to answer it.

Stop and think for a moment before you say what is on your mind. If you have any doubt it’s something you should or shouldn’t say, play it safe and don’t say it.

Wishing you much success in your future employment!

Is your resume in tip-tip shape for a job interview? E-mail it to me and I will gladly review it for you. – Michelle at MCKResumeService@gmail.com

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5 resume writing tips for new grads

Michelle Cook Kaufmann

college grads3It’s that time of year when college grads start contemplating writing their first resume. They know the competition for jobs is fierce, so how do they go about presenting themselves in the best possible light?

Here are a few tips:

  1. Create a professional email address. One of the biggest complaints from employers is when a new college graduate uses a cutesy or unprofessional email address. For example, something like icarryagun@gmail.com  is not going to help your job search. Be sure to create a professional email address that you will continue to use for business purposes.
  2. Be relevant. For a new college graduate, a one page resume is usually a good length. Be sure to include experience that is relevant to the job you are applying for. Although it’s great that you maintained a paper route from age 14 to 17, it isn’t really relevant to an employer considering you for a civil engineering position. Employers are interested in the academic credentials and experience you obtained while in school.
  3. Be honest. Avoid the temptation to pepper your resume with buzzwords and skills you don’t actually possess. It annoys employers when they interview an applicant and find they can’t explain what’s on their resume. It can cost you dearly when a hiring manager finds out you lied – and they always do.
  4. Proofread. Submitting a poorly written resume plagued with spelling and grammatical errors, passive language and other easily correctable mistakes is a surefire way to catapult your resume right into the trash bin. Be sure to proofread your resume and have one or two trustworthy individuals reproof it for you to make sure it’s perfect!
  5. Work full-time at finding a job. Don’t make the mistake of thinking employers will find you just because you posted your resume to a few job sites. This is only a starting point. Whether you are a recent grad or an experienced professional searching for a job, never sit back and wait for the next job to find you. There are jobs out there – work hard and you’ll find the one for you!

Wishing you much success in the adventures life has to offer!

Need help designing a resume, cover letter, follow-up thank you letter, or LinkedIn profile? Contact Michelle at MCK Resume Service: 

I am offering a 15% discount to new grads on entry level resumes during the month of April!