What is a Resume and How to Write One

What is An Effective Resume?

First of all, let’s be clear about what’s not. The most common—and worst!— type we see from clients is a boring list of “the things I did.” This is a resume-to-nowhere except frustration, disappointment and failure.

Better, but still not good enough, is the resume that says: “Here are the things I did in my last job (or jobs), and here are the results these things achieved.” OK, we’re moving in the right direction, but we’re not there yet.

Why? Because list of results all by itself doesn’t mean much in isolation. This type or resume lacks context; it doesn’t explain why the accomplished mattered. It doesn’t answer the all-important “So What” question.

A Career Change Resume Is Different

A career change resume has to do all of that and more. All good resumes showcases meaningful results by saying: “Here are the things I did. Here are the results we achieved, and this is why those results mattered.” Furthermore, a career change resume...

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How to write a strategic, smart and savvy career transition resume

Changing careers and changing jobs are two different things. While embarking on a new career does pose challenges, it also brings exciting and energizing possibilities and the chance to meet new colleagues and friends.

It may also help to know that you’re not alone. Nowadays a typical employee goes through anywhere from five to eight career changes...and that doesn’t even count the job changes within those careers. It’s happening everywhere. People are on the move from dead end jobs to rewarding new careers. You’re in good company.

Of course, career change isn’t usually easy and it does take time. You need to be prepared. You need to have a solid understanding of yourself and your abilities. You need to know the job market and current economic and hiring trends.

And you need to have the right tools.A effective, professional resume that anticipates and proactively responds to any possible concern relating to career change is essential.

What is An Effective Resume?
First of all, let’s be clear about what’s not...how not to write a resume! The most common—and worst!— type we see from clients is a boring list of “the things I did.” This is a resume-to-nowhere except frustration, disappointment and failure.

Better, but still not good enough, is the resume that says: “Here are the things I did in my last job (or jobs), and here are the results these things achieved.” OK, we’re moving in the right direction, but we’re not there yet.

Why? Because list of results all by itself doesn’t mean much in isolation. This type or resume lacks context; it doesn’t explain why the accomplished mattered. It doesn’t answer the all-important “So What” question.

A Career Change Resume Is Different...

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Military to Civilian Resume Writing

What is An Effective Military to Civilian Resume?

First of all, let's be clear about how not to write a resume. The most common - and worst - type of veteran to civilian resume we see from clients is a boring list of "the things I did." This is a resume-to-nowhere except frustration, disappointment and failure.

Better, but still not good enough, is the resume that says: "Here are the things I did in my last job (or jobs), and here are the results these things achieved."

Document Your Accomplishments
Include examples of how effectively you used these skills and the value they brought to your company. Some career coaches ask the following questions to substantiate the strength of the skills:

• Challenge – what challenges did you face?
• Action – what steps were taken?
• Results – what results were created?

An effective veteran to civilian resume is one that anticipates and proactively responds to any possible concern relating to career change is one of your essential tools. That's why we've put together some great resources on creating a career change resume for veterans to help you change careers, not just jobs.

Here is what's available in the Career Transition Toolbox:

-The 5 Steps to creating a Career Change Resume
-Resume Writing Tips: Part 1
-Resume Writing Tips: Part 2
-Click here to access the Toolbox

Extra Resources
All About Electronic Resumes
Should You Use an Executive Resume Writing Service?



Should You Use an Executive Resume Writing Service?

If you haven’t considered using an executive resume writing service, you might want to reconsider. It's one more thing you can do to stack the deck in your favor. When you consider how such a small an investment can lead to big returns--high starting salary, improved long term career growth--it's money well spent.

Selling yourself and your talents on paper is different, very from making a good impression in a face-to-face interview. Your resume has fifteen seconds to either to get you in the door or kill off your chances entirely.

Fifteen seconds.

Even if you’re looking for an entry level position, chance are there are more applicants than positions, and, when applying for a Federal job, the resume is your primary tool which has to comply with requirements from the US Office of Personnel Management. So you have to know exactly how to fulfill the application guidelines, while showcasing your skills to your best advantage.

An expert from an executive resume writing service knows how this is done.

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