Tag Archives: resume

5 Skills You Can Learn To Boost Your CV

Apart from popular belief, skills aren’t as hard to acquire once you put in the appropriate time and effort. Additionally, there is an upsurge of apps and websites that cater to making learning easier, so it’s almost impossible not to have at least one skill that can help your resume stand out.

Essential-Skills-Top-10-shutterstock_285431867

Here are five skills you can learn to boost your worth as a job-seeker:

Languages

You can learn more than six languages using the Duolingo app. It takes minutes to download and seconds to set up. All you need to do is practice when you have some downtime. Just think in three months you can be fluent in another language!

Creativity

Do you like to write stories, take photos or paint portraits? Create an online portfolio on websites such as wix.com that have templates just to showcase your talent. This way you can highlight your dedication to your craft and confidence in your skill.

Sports

Take your interest in a sport or exercise activity to another level. For example, if you love yoga so much, why not get a certificate in it? Or become an instructor? Though it may not be a career path, it would be a great accomplishment and skill to have in your back pocket!

Charity

Voluntary positions are not a priority for a job-seeker, but it can lead to a career. Volunteering in a charity or non-profit organization can solidify your interest into a particular career field. Volunteering is also a great networking opportunity!

Skillshare

Visit skillshare.com to learn a new skill each day! This website encourages you to learn creative skills in just 15 minutes a day with bite-sized lessons you can fit in anywhere. You can join a class, watch short lessons or learn by doing. Find a skill you never knew you had!

5 Websites to help Market Yourself

City-ScapeOne of the hardest things about job searching is marketing yourself to prospective employers and network connections. Yes, you have your detailed resume but how do you sell what you do in five minutes or less? Here are some websites to aid in your marketing scheme.

Google.com

Not many people know this, but Google actually can help you build a resume. Once you have a Gmail account, Google can pull your information to easier build your CV. Follow this link https://resumebuilder.withgoogle.com/ to try it out.

But if you want to start from scratch, head over to Kickresume to find unique templates!

Moo.com

Thinking about getting business cards? Moo.com is devoted to helping you choose and print your perfect card. They’re loads of templates to choose from at a decent price. Let your business card express your personality in print!

Jimpix.com

Jimpix helps you navigate the world of usernames. In this digital age, your username becomes your identity on social media platforms such as Twitter and Instagram. What’s cool about Jimpix.com is that the site has an option to generate a username with a word a selected word. So you can type in your name or nickname, and it gives you many options. Remember to pick a username that will good on your business card!

Facebook/LinkedIn/Twitter

These social media platforms put you closer to your professional crush more than you think! Build you own profile by following or connecting with Influencers in your field. These can range from top CEOs to General Managers. Study their profiles and comment on their blog posts or status updates. BE friendly NOT creepy in your approach to inadvertently learn from them.

Wix.com

Why not own a website? Having an online resume is becoming more popular. Upload your resume, pictures and showcase your passion in your personal digital space. Think of it as a hub that just in one click a prospective employer/client can get a sense of who you are. Wix.com provides templates for online CVs that you can view and build for free!

 

 

 

How to Match Your Resume to the Job You Want

Thinking of switching professions?

Trying to break into a new field?

Are you a recent graduate looking for work?

Each job application is unique and may ask for different qualifications and experience based on the employer’s needs. It is important to read the job description before sending in your application. From the job description, you can use keywords to streamline your cover letter and resume to the job position. Matching up roles and skill set lets the hiring manager notice that your application is worth reviewing.

Below is a guide to help you with this process:Job_ad_alignment_infographic

 

 

How to Write a Great Cover Letter

Though some applications do not ask for a cover letter at times, the candidate on the job hunt should always have a cover letter template to refer to in case an application calls for it.

There are some misconceptions as to how a cover letter should look. Many candidates repeat the information on their resume – which is totally wrong.cover_letter_tips-

Here are some tips on how to write a great cover letter:

DO NOT repeat your resume

A cover letter is a safe space for you to single out projects or accomplishments at a job position you mentioned in your resume. You can highlight your leadership, communicative and project management skills depending on the position you are applying for.

DO include:

  1. Who you are
  2. Your contact information
  3. What position you are applying for
  4. How you learned about the job

Keep it SHORT

Be assertive and to the point. The recruiter does not need to know your life story, only the ones that matter to the job in question. Three paragraphs should be enough!

STAY AWAY from generic phrases like:

  • “I’m everything that you’re looking for… and more!”
  • “Thank you for taking the time to read my resume.”
  • “My skills and experience are an excellent fit for this position.”
  • “I am an experienced, goal-oriented team player.”

Making general statements does not give the employer a sense of who you are. Instead, explain why you are a great fit by giving examples.

CHECK spelling and grammar

Your cover letter is your introduction to your possible employer, so please make sure and double check your spelling and grammar before hitting send. Loads of online grammar websites can help you check your document.

For more detailed guidelines, click here!