Author: Greg Ryan

Hi! Welcome to my Blog. I like to use my experience as both a Certified Résumé Writer and administrator in charge of the candidate selection and interview process for my department to share helpful tips that I have picked up along the way. This blog will be updated frequently. I hope you enjoy it! Positive Testimonials and remembering to “Like” my Facebook page are GREATLY appreciated.

7 Ways to Make Your Interview a Success – From the One Asking the Questions

For this blog entry, I decided to take a break from focusing specifically on résumés and cover letters to address another topic that I have become very familiar with: The Interview. For many people, simply reading those words can be intimidating. Today, I’m going to show you simple steps to take that will both reduce anxiety while also increasing your chances of getting a job offer. If you have read my previous blog posts, you may know that I regularly select candidates and lead interviews for my department. Since I work for one of the largest companies in the area, this process can occur quite often. I have also been the interviewee on many occasions so I can sympathize with both sides of the interview process. Speaking from an interviewer perspective, here are 7 ways to make your interview a success.

1. Study common interview questions and prepare responses. There are certain common topics addressed in the majority of interviews (these can be found through a simple google search). That is not to say that you will get these exact questions, but chances are that you will be asked something very similar. Having responses ready to go will greatly reduce stress and lead to more elaborate answers as well.
2. Research the employer. While sometimes difficult, it goes a long way to be able to base your responses on specific needs or interests of the employer. This will make it very easy for the interviewer to envision how you will benefit their company.
3. Be a PRO. As in Prepared, Respectful and On-time. Take time to investigate what the job opening requires, brush up on current industry lingo, go back and review everything you have accomplished to this point in your field, etc. It is equally important to be respectful, toward both the people you meet during the interview and to the position itself. Even if the person is someone you just pass by and not in the actual interview, treat them as though they are. You never know who they might know or what position they hold. Also, bringing coffee or food into the interview may give the impression that they don’t have your full attention.  Be sure to formally thank the interviewer(s) via e-mail, mail or phone call after the interview has ended. Lastly, be early for your interview. Not only do you not want be late for obvious reasons, arriving early and having a few minutes to sit will help to relax you before going in.
4. Be CONFIDENT. Always remember, if the interviewer wasn’t interested in you, you would’ve have been called in for an interview in the first place! You’re there because you have something valuable to offer.
5. Give specific examples. Actual success stories from your previous positions will show that you are an important asset for any company. Specific and detailed examples are much more impactful than general statements or theoretical ideas.
6. Ask insightful questions. This will make you seem well-versed in the industry, as well as committed to improving yourself and your potential future employer.
7. Sell Yourself. Don’t be modest… or cocky. Very often, the candidate that is offered a position is not necessarily the most qualified, but instead the one that best promotes his/her strengths and value to a company. The one caveat is that you don’t want to come off as cocky. This can turn off employers and give the impression that you aren’t easy to work with. Be confident, not cocky.

Visit gregryanresumewriter.com to perfect your Résumé and Cover Letter today!!

Hi! Welcome to my Blog. I like to use my experience as both a Certified Résumé Writer and administrator in charge of the candidate selection and interview process for my department to share helpful tips that I have picked up along the way. This blog will be updated frequently. I hope you enjoy it! Positive Testimonials and remembering to “Like” my Facebook page are GREATLY appreciated.

3 Ways To Know You Need Multiple Resumes

Writing a resume can be a daunting and intimidating task. So it’s understandable that many clients are wary of agreeing to create multiple resume versions. However, I think it’s worth it when you consider that trying to fit much unrelated information into one resume can dilute the whole thing and significantly harm your chances of employment. Simply put, it’s worth the extra time and effort if it helps your chances of landing that dream job. Here are 3 easy things to consider when debating an additional version of your resume.

1. Career Path vs. Career Paths: If you are in sales and you only want to be in sales, then one resume is fine. At most, you can simply tweak some wording to align with each specific job opening. On the other hand, if you enjoy working in sales but would also like to explore a move to the customer development side or the marketing side, then a resume for each potential career path is your best bet. While your career history can’t change, the accomplishments and skills you choose to highlight can.
2. Wearing Too Many Hats: This is for people that often work at small companies or start-ups and pretty much have to do anything and everything to keep it afloat. At some point, you may be looking for some job security and a more defined role. The trouble is showcasing everything your have accomplished and all of your responsibilities in a succinct and coherent way (and without losing the reader’s attention). You don’t have the space to focus on every detail of your experience, so identify which roles you are looking to go after and design a specific resume with content targeted toward each role.
3. Lateral Move vs. Vertical Climb: Often I have clients that aren’t sure whether they’d like to remain in a similar role but with a new company OR focus on moving up within their current company – they just know they don’t want to stay where they’re at. In these instances, it may be beneficial to have one resume showcasing how great you are at your current job for a lateral move as well as another resume highlighting your leadership qualities and ability to go above and beyond that would translate well into a promotion.

Visit gregryanresumewriter.com to perfect your Résumé and Cover Letter today!!

Hi! Welcome to my Blog. I like to use my experience as both a Certified Résumé Writer and administrator in charge of the candidate selection and interview process for my department to share helpful tips that I have picked up along the way. This blog will be updated frequently. I hope you enjoy it! Positive Testimonials and remembering to “Like” my Facebook page are GREATLY appreciated.

Top 5 Reasons Why Hiring a Certified Résumé Writer is Worth It

When I first decided to become a certified Résumé Writer, I promised myself that I would only continue doing it for the right reasons. I truly enjoy working with all types of people with a wide variety of career interests and goals. I get real enjoyment from hearing back from people that they did land that interview that has passed them by so often in the past. That is one of the reasons that I’m proud to offer my services for far less than other Résumé Writers you will find at larger companies (higher cost doesn’t always mean a better product). Additionally, I have spent countless hours honing my craft and, I think, I’ve become a pretty effective Résumé Writer. With all of that being said, I’ll be the first to admit that not everyone needs to hire a résumé writer. However, there are some very valid reasons why using a Certified Résumé Writer (whether it be myself or someone else) generally turns out to be a worthwhile investment. Here are my top 5 reasons to hire a Certified Résumé Writer.

1. Studies show that professionally written résumés are 40% cleaner and easier to read. With the applicant pool being as competitive as it is, the need for a reader-friendly résumé continues to grow in importance. Many times, résumés got pushed aside simply because of a poor layout.
2. Current on latest trends & demands. For most people, the only time they look at their résumé or read up on prospective employers is when they are looking for a job. This is completely logical, but it also means that you may not have done this in many years. Times change. What should be included on an effective résumé changes as well. Certified Résumé Writers make it their job to stay current on the most recent demands of employers.
3. Skilled writing & communication matters. Just like not everyone is trained to fix a leaky pipe, not everyone is highly trained to write a professional looking résumé and cover letter. That is another reason why it is important to be sure that any Résumé Writer you hire is actually certified. You are paying your hard-earned money for this service, so don’t be afraid to ask for proof of certification. Certified Résumé Writers spend hours doing this and have to pass a rigorous certification exam that includes being scored on being a skilled writer.
4. Know how to get noticed. Certified Résumé Writers see countless résumés in a short period of time and know best what attributes to highlight so that you stand out. This is difficult for people that only see their own résumé.
5. Save time & stress. Job hunting is one of the most important things any ambitious employee goes through. It is also one of the most stressful. When you add that to everything else going on in your life, it can be overwhelming. The comfort of knowing it is being taken care of and being done well is very valuable and well worth the money when it leads to more interviews and opportunities.

Visit gregryanresumewriter.com to perfect your Résumé and Cover Letter today!!

Hi! Welcome to my Blog. I like to use my experience as both a Certified Résumé Writer and administrator in charge of the candidate selection and interview process for my department to share helpful tips that I have picked up along the way. This blog will be updated frequently. I hope you enjoy it! Positive Testimonials and remembering to “Like” my Facebook page are GREATLY appreciated.

Top 5 Differences Between Traditional Resumes & LinkedIn Profiles

As we move more and more into the digital age, job seekers are increasingly asking how to effectively pair their current resume with their LinkedIn profile. The answer can be both simple and complicated, but also critical to maximize the impact of each document. I have written a lot on what makes a quality resume, so I wanted to take some time to focus on how your LinkedIn profile should differ from your traditional resume. Here are my top 5 differences.

1. Available space. While resumes can be limited by available space on a page, LinkedIn profiles do not have that problem. Take the time to delve into skills, achievements, awards, projects, etc. so that prospective employers, as well as your network, will see the full view of you as a professional.
2. Specific vs. General. Unlike resumes, LinkedIn profiles are not tailored to a specific job opening. Since you never know who will be looking at your profile or when they will be looking, it is best to simply paint the best possible picture of yourself and let the reader find what is most relevant to their needs.
3. Tone and Appearance. Resumes are very formal and professional in tone and appearance. Conversely, LinkedIn profiles can, and should, be more conversational in tone. Your true personality can come out more in a LinkedIn profile while explaining your experiences and skills. Also, LinkedIn profiles are statistically more likely to be viewed and followed when they include a personal photo, something that is not usually recommended on a resume.
4. Purpose. Resumes really have one basic purpose – to land an interview. LinkedIn profiles do serve that purpose too, but they also are designed to help you stay connected within your industry as well as expand your professional network.
5. Interactivity. LinkedIn profiles are far more interactive in nature and allow for others to contribute to your profile by endorsing skills or providing recommendations. They also allow you to share videos, pictures and links to relevant information and impressive achievements.

Visit gregryanresumewriter.com to perfect your Résumé and Cover Letter today!!

January

Hi! Welcome to my Blog. I like to use my experience as both a Certified Résumé Writer and administrator in charge of the candidate selection and interview process for my department to share helpful tips that I have picked up along the way. This blog will be updated frequently. I hope you enjoy it! Positive Testimonials and remembering to “Like” my Facebook page are GREATLY appreciated.

Top 8 Reasons You Need a High Quality Résumé and Cover Letter

I wanted to begin the New Year by discussing something that I believe every potential job seeker needs to know – that it is absolutely critical to have a quality résumé and cover letter if you plan on landing your desired job. Too often, I hear people question why they matter or worry that they don’t have enough to include to make it worthwhile. I will address the former in detail shortly, but to the latter I respond, “You know what is better than nothing? Anything!” Even if you aren’t sure where to begin, just start somewhere. Everyone has some sort of positive experience to draw on, volunteer work to include, degree to mention… You get the idea. Start somewhere and add to it as you go. If nothing else, it will show you where you need more exposure so that you can work to strengthen your résumé.

As for why you need a high quality résumé and cover letter, here are my Top 8 Reasons.

1. You only get one chance to make a first impression. Use yours wisely. You don’t want to be fighting an uphill battle heading into an interview.
2. The average employer literally spends only a few seconds looking at a résumé before deciding if it’s worth his/her time. A neat, clean professional looking résumé goes a long way toward capturing the reader’s attention.
3. Maximize your worth. Very often, interviews are fairly scripted in which questions are asked of you. This can make it difficult to highlight your strengths and accomplishments. Use your résumé as your chance to highlight these points.
4. Promote Why They Need You. As the pile of candidates continues to grow, you need to show the employer that you stand out as the best person for the job. A glowing résumé paints the best picture of you and can give you an advantage before the interview even begins.
5. Boost Your Confidence. We all strive to better our place within a company or in a new company. However, job descriptions can be intimidating and the fear of being unqualified can start to creep in. Preparing a high quality résumé and cover letter can build that inner confidence that you have accomplished a lot and are qualified for the job.
6. Elaborate on your strengths and accomplishments in a cover letter. Your cover letter is the place to truly delve into why your past experience sets you apart as the best candidate. Résumés are short and compact in nature and interviews can fly by quickly, so the cover letter is your one chance to really explain just how impressive you are.
7. Show off your writing and communication skills. All jobs require employees to communicate in one form or another. The cover letter is a great opportunity to prove to employers that you can communicate eloquently with potential colleagues, customers, etc.
8. Be your best you! There is only one you. And that’s a good thing! Show your creativity and uniqueness through your writing. You want an employer that wants the real you, not a fabricated version you cooked up for a résumé or cover letter.

Visit gregryanresumewriter.com to perfect your Résumé and Cover Letter today!!