Today's Job Search - Helpful Advice Online ~

Can you tell this book is loved?
Yana Parker was a résumé genius!

Are you in the process of looking for a new job?  Do you question whether or not your résumé compares favorably with others being submitted?  Do you know if you're using the right tactics to get your name out there? 

I think we all ask ourselves these questions when we are in "job hunting mode".  Below you will find a few articles and/or websites that are geared towards answering some of those questions.  Some of these may not be current (as in 2012), however, they were chosen because they do provide interesting and useful information.  Even if you discover one tip that enables you to be inspired to freshen things up a bit, it will be worth your reading time.

First, A few Résumé Writing Articles to Consider...

• 10 Words You Should Never Use on LinkedIn - Article writer Josh Dreller shares his informative (and comical) views on this subject on iMediaconnection.com and while the title only lists LinkedIn, I think it's safe to say this would include résumé creation as well!
• 10 Tips for Writing a Remarkable Résumé in Today's Creative World - Dare I say it?  I love this article.  I guess you could say, "It spoke to me".  Regardless of what résumé format you plan to use (chronological, functional or combination), if you want to be seen as a unique individual, you will probably find something that interests you here!  This is an article about words (one of my favorite things!).
• The 7 Deadly Sins of Résumé Design - This is an article viewable on a site called, "Life Clever".  Although originally posted in 2009, I couldn't agree more with a few of the "sins" pointed out.  What do you think?
• 7 Tips to Streamline Your Résumé Lingo - A short but strong article offering great advice on exactly what the title says!  A good one for all job seekers. 

Next... two websites to spend a bit of time on.  Both of these sites are full of useful information, additional links, and (even better!) great examples on different ideas and formats for your next résumé!

Susan Ireland's Résumé Site - Susan Ireland is the Author of "The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Perfect Résumé" and "Susan Ireland's Ready Made Résumés" who writes out of Berkeley, California.  I came across her site by accident when doing a little follow up on my longtime favorite résume writer, Yana Parker (now deceased).  I'm so glad I found her site!  Susan offers over 100 (yes, I said 100) examples of résumés in all three formats (chronological, functional and combination), shows 14 problem résumés "solved" and shares a wealth of advice on résumé writing and job hunting.  Her site is kept very current.  You can also view her blog which is offers great advice from other professionals in the industry - mostly via video clips. 

Aspire! Empower! Career Strategy Group is another great site not only for creative résumé strategies but also for advice on job hunting, networking and social media.  Laura Labovich states on her site, "I am passionate about helping my clients move mountains in their job search".  I believe it!  She offers a free tips newsletter to subscribers along with a great blog in addition to the main website.  Her most recent post looks like a good one, check it out for yourself! Click here to read "My List of Terrific Job Search Resources".

Best wishes on your job seeking adventure!  Please feel free to offer feedback on the information provided and know that additional tips are always welcome by your fellow job seekers.  Conversation is good!
Keep checking back ~ more tips on the way :)

It's Time to Seek Employment - Ready, Set, Go! ~

My very first résumé -
Oh my goodness!

It's time for this stay-at-home "momma" to seek employment outside of the home.  Wait... did I just say that out loud and type it for all to see?  I guess that means it's real!

Being an at-home-mom is a big job and an important one, but let's face it... it just doesn't pay very well!  My husband and I made the stay-at-home decision many years ago and have been very blessed to be able to make it happen.  I know many ladies who would have loved to have stayed home with their children, so I have been careful not to take my time at home for granted.  (I also know ladies who were running for the door to get back to work - and that's okay too!).

My children are now 10 and 14.  Our family seems to have more wants and needs, which seem to have bigger price tags attached to them, and it would be nice to be able to take vacations, etc.  So... it's time to make some income.

It will definitely be interesting to find out where this new journey takes me.  I am still very open to writing assignments at home (obviously, I would love that!), but will be considering all options. 
The first step in this process is in the works... creating a new résumé!  I love writing résumés and have for years, but I always find it harder to create my own.  (Strange, I know).  Between determining which of the new "rules" are to be followed (don't use this phrase, this word, this format in "today's" résumé), and making sure I use all of the social networking tools out there to my advantage (still figuring out Linked In), I definitely have my work cut out for me.  Of course I'll be sharing along the way hoping my experience might help others tackling the same task.

Wish me luck - I think I'm going to need it! :)

* Writer's note: I could have (perhaps should have) used the word "aloud" in my opening paragraph, however, I write in a conversational manner and would never use the word "aloud" when in conversation!  Therefore, I used the more informal "out loud".  :)