Tag: Professional Resume Writer

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5 Qualities Hiring Managers Look for in a Prospective Employee

Michelle Cook Kaufmann

trump - you're hiredDid you watch The Celebrity Apprentice this season? If so, hopefully you noticed some of the exceptional characteristics Leeza Gibbons exhibited as a person and professional. Who wouldn’t want her on their team? The qualities she demonstrated are exactly what Hiring Managers look for in potential employees…just ask Donald Trump!

Some of these qualities include:

  •  Intelligence – Business smarts pertains to the ability to plan, organize, set priorities, solve problems, and get the job done. It also refers to your level of common sense and practical ability to deal with day-to-day challenges on the job. Curiosity is a trait of intelligence and one way to demonstrate and increase your aptitude is to ask creative questions. The more you ask intelligent questions, and carefully listen to the answers, the smarter you become.
  • Leadership – Having the ability to take charge of assignments and accept accountability for achieving the required results. The mark of a good leader is not making excuses, but demonstrating a willingness to lead in an organization by offering to take charge of company goals and committing yourself to performing at high levels.
  • Integrity – One of the most important qualities for long-term success in life is being known as someone who has integrity. This begins by being perfectly honest with yourself and in your relationships with others. Be willing to admit your strengths and weaknesses, where you have made mistakes in the past, and what you will do to improve. Demonstrate loyalty by speaking positively about previous employers.
  • Likability – Hiring Managers seek prospective employees who are warm, friendly, easygoing, and cooperative with others, people who can join the team and be part of the workplace family. Teamwork is the key to business success, so experience in working as part of a team in the past and a willingness to work as part of a team in the future can be among the most attractive things about you when interviewing for a job.
  • Inner strength – Inner strength means you have the determination and ability to persevere in the face of adversity. It shows you have the capacity to be persistent when the going gets tough. One way to demonstrate inner strength is to remain calm, cool, and relaxed during a job interview. This demonstrates that you will remain composed should any crises arise during the day-to- day operations of the company.

Build and strengthen these qualities in yourself in your everyday actions with family, friends, co-workers, teachers, etc. Then, allow your overall character and positive qualities to shine and make an impact the next time you go for a job interview. Once you land that perfect job, continue working on your character by practicing the behaviors you see in top performers.

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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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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Unique Graduation Gift

Michelle Cook Kaufmann

graduation giftsWould you like to bless a college or high school graduate with the perfect unique gift? Consider giving them a professionally written resume.

When you give the gift of a resume, you give: A better shot at an interview, more opportunities, and increased confidence — the ultimate in thoughtful and practical gift-giving.

For the month of June, entry level resumes start at $75 (a $20 discount) and cover letters at $35.

For more details, contact Michelle at MCKResumeService@gmail.com or (727) 278-4367.

 

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5 ways to be an exceptional employee

Michelle Cook Kaufmann

be exceptionalIs there a way to become that employee your boss can’t possibly live without? Ask yourself the following questions to determine if you might be an irreplaceable employee.

Are you willing to go the extra mile? Employers expect you to do your job, but are you the type of person that goes over and above? Employers love when someone picks up the slack where needed, pitches in when necessary, and stays late if required.

Are you flexible? An adaptable employee is willing to adjust when companies make changes. They don’t insist on doing things their old fashioned way. Employers know they can count on them to make adjustments when necessary and keep the company moving forward.

Are you progressive? Offer creative new ideas to save the company money and/or time. Be sure to promote the company to others so it gains profits and remains steadfast.

Are you developing new skills? An employee that learns new skills and applies them to their job is an asset to a company. By staying current in your industry, you improve your performance and become invaluable to those you work for.

Are you a problem solver? A company does not have much use for an employee that causes problems. But, an employee that is adept at solving problems – well now that’s someone an employer wouldn’t want to lose.

Although this list is not all inclusive and doesn’t determine who will earn or keep their position, these tips can help you become an invaluable and possibly irreplaceable employee. Be sure to examine your work ethic and how you operate within your organization. If you are lacking in any of these areas, polish up and improve your performance.

If you are currently searching for a new job, consider partnering with me to create a job-winning resume and cover letter. 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!

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What a professional resume writer can do for you.

Michelle Cook Kaufmann

mck logo2In today’s job market, a number of factors affect whether an applicant is hired or not. Anywhere from using the proper key words in a resume to wearing the right outfit for an interview can determine whether or not you are considered for a job. In this economy, it is vital that you pay attention to the details. So, while creating a resume might seem a fairly easy task, perfecting it may require hiring a professional.

Always think of your resume as being a first impression of the professional you – since most often it is what a company will see before you land an interview. A professional resume writer will know what language businesses are looking for and how to ensure all your skills and job experiences are effectively communicated. That’s their job.

Technically, a resume writer falls under the category of “ghost writer”. Hiring professionals need never know that you chose to have someone help you craft your resume. But, in so doing, you may increase your chances of getting noticed by HR professionals and hiring managers and ultimately move up in your targeted career sector.

Just as you would probably hire an electrician to rewire your home or a plumber to fix a leaky faucet, hiring a resume writer means having a skilled professional help you create a marketing document that best represents you.

I welcome the opportunity to help you improve your chances of finding the perfect job. Check out my services page to see just what MCK Resume Service can do for you and your career.

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Looking for a job?

Michelle Cook Kaufmann

job search tip yellowGet your family and friends involved!

Make your job search a team effort by telling your family and friends that you are searching for a job.

It is important to have a strong support system. They can be there to cheer you on in victory, or pick you up if you’re feeling down. Furthermore, your support team can keep an eye out for any job opportunities they come across.

Keep in mind, every person you know is a potential contact. Following are some ideas of who you can involve in your job search:

  • Family members
  • Friends
  • People in your address books (hard copy, e-mail, and social media)
  • Your Christmas card list (or comparable)
  • Co-workers from past jobs
  • People you know at the gym, physical trainer, or sports teams
  • Neighbors
  • People who come to do work at your home
  • Clerks you know at stores
  • Barber, hairdresser, manicurist, etc.
  • Waiters, waitresses, restaurant managers
  • Your doctors and their staff
  • Religious associations
  • Rotary, Kiwanis, Lions, or any other group you belong to

I’m sure you’ve got the picture!

Please let me know if I can be of assistance to you in creating or updating your job-winning resume. ~ Michelle Cook Kaufmann, Resume Writer

Some people dream of success… while others wake up and work hard at it.  ~Author Unknown