Which is the best way to submitt a resume to HR or a hiring manager?

Hiring managers will state in the job description how they want you to submit your resume. Some will request a fax or submitting an online application. There are also some who will let you email them with an attached resume. There are three kinds of documents that job seekers need to know to ensure their resume is submitted to return the best results.

Three Resume Documents

1. Word doc
2. ASCII
3. PDF

Each document has their unique purpose.

Word doc can be changed. This version is gives you the ability to update or change anything on your resume.

ASCII is left-justified, plain text. ASCII files adopt the users default settings for typestyle and margins, and are void of formatting enhancements such as bold, italics, indents, or tabs.

ASCII resumes are unattractive to the human eye, but they offer the benefit of universal compatibility: They can be read by any word processor, e-mail program, or operating system (PC or Macintosh).

This format can be used anytime a text resume is required, but should always be used when the resume is being cut and pasted into an e-form, or when creating an HTML (Web) resume.

PDF document cannot be changed. It is best to use the PDF when sending your resume as an attachment, or when printing hard copies.

Giselle Brown
Professional Resume Writer
A Customized Resume
Career Directors International
314-324-5756

Authorized DISC Administrator

Create your online career profile – Free

Suscribe to A Customized Resume Newsletter

To help you with your decision I will cover important factors of each.

I remember when you were able to create a one sentence object statement informing the hiring managers of your goal. This technique was used all over the United States and some job seekers are still using it.

When you look at everything else in the world, you see things do indeed change. Using an objective statement is not enough anymore. Applicants have become creative and starting informing hiring managers of who they are instead of what they want. Take a look at the object statement below.

“Objective: To contribute my health management skills in a position with a dynamic firm.”

We have all seen them and used them, as well as hiring managers. After awhile they became bored reading the same thing over and over. Until, personal branding became in the picture.

What is personal branding?

A personal brand is your career marked as a brand. This brand is your unique career package. It allows hiring managers to see exactly who you are. It demonstrates that you are more then someone who wants to contribute your skills or obtain a management position. Dan Schawbel defined personal brand as

“Personal branding describes the process by which individuals and entrepreneurs differentiate themselves and stand out from a crowd by identifying and articulating their unique value proposition, whether professional or personal, and then leveraging it across platforms with a consistent message and image to achieve a specific goal. In this way, individuals can enhance their recognition as experts in their field, establish reputation and credibility advance their careers, and build self-confidence.”

Your personal brand will be one of the most important elements of your resume. Blow is a sample of a personal brand.

“More than 20 years of construction experience in all facets of “design-build” construction operations. Possess a demonstrated record of success to increase organizational efficiency and enhance productivity, in union and non-union environments. Leadership includes strategic business planning, project development, operations, finance, risk management, negotiations, marketing, quality control, facility utilization, and client-retention management. Highly organized and detail-oriented with strong inter-personal communication skills.”

Hiring managers would find the personal brand more attractive. If well written, it will draw the reader to read more and that is what we want your resume to do.

I would suggest writing your resume first then create your personal brand. Why? You will need to examine all of your past professional and educational experiences.

When examining your past experiences, you want to list how you contributed to the business. Do not list your task and duties only; this will not attract hiring managers.
“Show, don’t tell.”

Show hiring manager what you have done by presenting measurable results.

Once you have examined your past professional and educational experiences, you are ready to begin the branding process.

When you brand yourself, think about what you and what value you bring to any organization. Are you profit-driven, entrepreneur minded, or a marketing designer?

On a resume it is important to show hiring managers how you demonstrate your unique brand by listing measurable accomplishments and achievements further in your resume.

Personal branding takes place of a boring traditional objective statement. Increase your job interview rate and brand yourself.

Giselle Brown
Professional Resume Writer
A Customized Resume
Career Directors International
314-324-5756

Authorized DISC Administrator

Create your online career profile – Free

Suscribe to A Customized Resume Newsletter

Once again another hero, father, brother, friend, singer, idol, black man has passed into the spiritual world. It seems hard to believe that Michael Jackson’s life journey has ended so soon. Really, has his journey ended?

I wasn’t around when Martin Luther King was alive, standing strong representing equality for all. However, Michael Jackson was 10 years old when Martin Luther King was assassinated. I’m sure life back then was unequal and very challenging for people of color. However, these two men have brought black and white together as well as other nationalities. Martin Luther King and Michael Jackson both had a dream. That dream was to make the world a better place for all. I do believe that dream is still alive.

After Michael Jackson passed, the night of the funereal I viewed over 50 of his music videos and songs on YouTube. I was blown away by his lyrics. Now don’t get me wrong, I grew up listening to Michael Jackson. However this time I saw him in a different light. I saw his vision and his dream.

The dream is alive. History has shown me how blacks were valued less then animals.
We Survived

The dream is alive. History has shown me that persistence equals progression.
We Survived

The dream is alive. History has shown me that the impossible is possible.
We Survived

I say Michael Jackson lives. He will always be here. He has left the world with so many priceless treasures.

Whenever you want to see the hottest music video ever, play Thriller
When you need to release frustration, play Beat It, Bad. etc
When you want to sit back and enjoy oldies, play Billie Jean, Rock With You, etc
When you want really see things from the spirit of Michael Jackson, play We’ve Had Enough, Black or White, The Lost Children, They Don’t Care About Us, etc

His words will always be with us and the world. He is truly the KING OF POP. We see him in so many of our current artistes.

Michael Jackson has shown the world that color does not matter, whether you’re black or white. What matters is what’s inside. What motivates your soul? He is the only artist that visually demonstrated that skin is a color that can be changed. No matter what, the world loved him unconditionally. What do you think?

The world loves you Michael Jackson.

Written by: Giselle Brown

Giselle Brown
Professional Resume Writer
A Customized Resume
Career Directors International
314-324-5756

Authorized DISC Administrator

Create your online career profile – Free

Suscribe to A Customized Resume Newsletter

This is Liz’s list of 10 phrases that kill resumes

* Results-oriented professional
* Cross-functional teams
* More than [x] years of progressively responsible experience
* Superior (or excellent) communication skills
* Strong work ethic
* Met or exceeded expectations
* Proven track record of success
* Works well with all levels of staff
* Team player
* Bottom-line orientation

When I first read Liz’s article a few days ago, I was very surprised. As a resume writer I am guilty of using some of the ten deadly phrases. When I have used them, I make sure my client can back it up.

If you are a result-oriented professional, then it would be important to show the reader how you produced results. Telling does not make the cut; you have to “show and tell”.

It is always better to be creative when writing a resume, especially in today’s competitive job market. Having a resume that sounds like everyone else will not put you above your competitors. It would not hurt to avoid as many commonly used resume phrases. Purchase a Thesaurus; this is a good tool when expanding your vocabulary.

What do you think? Do you believe these 10 phrases will kill the resume?

Giselle Brown
Professional Resume Writer
A Customized Resume
Career Directors International
314-324-5756

Authorized DISC Administrator

Create your online career profile – Free

Suscribe to A Customized Resume Newsletter

But when writing about themselves, people tend to undersell the “product.” In addition, a full 98% of résumés created by unskilled professionals lack several of the most important ingredients. As a result, many opportunities are missed.

Some job seekers regard the résumé as “just a piece of paper.” But in today’s highly competitive job market, where the typical nationally advertised position opening will receive literally hundreds of responses, it takes an effective résumé to get interviews.

Think of it this way – a $1 bill and a $1,000 bill are both “just paper,” too. But like a résumé, their value is determined by what is printed on that piece of paper.

Your résumé is one of the most important documents you will ever create. This “make-or-break” marketing tool is what stands between whether an employer will call you for an interview or pass you by.

Giselle Brown
Professional Resume Writer
A Customized Resume
Career Directors International
314-324-5756

Authorized DISC Administrator

Create your online career profile – Free

Suscribe to A Customized Resume Newsletter

1. Use powerful action words. One of the most effective ways to express an employer is by describing the work you’ve done with strong action words. For example, instead of saying you were “responsbile for” a department (passive), say you “managed” that department (active). Some of the strongest words used on a resume are: managed, developed, authored, negotiated and conceptualized.

2. Write like an advertising copywriter, not an autobiographer. Go for the “wow” factor.

3. Emphasize results. Write from the employers’ perspective. They want to know whether you can make a positive impact on the company and how you’re going to help them generate money or save money. You can do this by emphasizing benefits and not just functions.

4. Choose a format that will best highlight your strengths, yet minimize any shortcomings in your candidacy.

5. Call an expert. When you don’t have the time to write your own resume, you can always call a professional. Note: Before you select a resume writing service, make sure you ask to see samples of their work.

Giselle Brown
Professional Resume Writer
A Customized Resume
Career Directors International
314-324-5756

Authorized DISC Administrator

Create your online career profile – Free

Suscribe to A Customized Resume Newsletter

Recruiters and employers may have to go through hundreds of resumes and cover letters. Don’t think for a second that every resume and cover letter will get read from top to bottom before deciding if they want an interview or not. It only takes 15-30 seconds to decided if you make it or not.

To stay in this competitive job market you need know what drives recruiters and employers to select a candidate for a scheduled interview.

Hiring managers like to see on a resume:

• Be specific and list what job you want
• An increase of responsibility
• Short and sweet (easy to read format)
• Good descriptions of what you did and where (chronologically)
• Clear and accurate contact information
• Clearly written in response to the job posting
• Keyword match is critical
• Specific quantifiable achievements (think numbers)
• Education and certifications
• Use bold face to catch attention
• Specific accomplishments, outcomes, and achievements
• Ability to identify skill sets (at least 3 or 6)
• Easy to identify industry expertise
• Bullet points – they help to organize achievements – this also makes it easy on the eyes

Hiring managers do not like to see on a resume:

• Lengthy and boring
• Functional resumes – when you describe all of the your qualities, but do not tell what job they were used and during what time
• They do not want a career autobiography
• To general
• Not focused or specific to what the candidate is seeking
• Typos
• Randomly applying
• Inappropriate email address or voice mail message
• Too wordy – rambling on-and-on.

When preparing your resume be sure to keep note of these likes and dislikes from recruiters and employers. You want your resume to stand out and attract hiring managers’ desires.

Giselle Brown
Professional Resume Writer
A Customized Resume
Career Directors International
314-324-5756

Authorized DISC Administrator

Create your online career profile – Free

Suscribe to A Customized Resume Newsletter

Social Networking
Online Networking
Job Banks
Recruiters
View Resume
Online Resume

I know you have excellent career achievements and credentials, so it makes me wonder how they showcase on your resume. Employers have cut cost and time when selecting potential candidates by building a keyword list. These keywords are designed to capture candidate’s resumes. The keywords are uploaded to a special search engine, i.e. Resumix . When a resume is submitted online it has to speak the same language as the employers preselected keywords. The more keywords you have better your chance of your resume making it to a human.

If you have been sending out the same document for 10 months, it is best to rewrite your resume. Sending the same material month after month will get boring and cause more frustration. This lets you know that something is missing. Rewrite your resume to target specific company’s desires.

Giselle Brown
Professional Resume Writer
A Customized Resume
Career Directors International
314-324-5756

Authorized DISC Administrator

Create your online career profile – Free

Suscribe to A Customized Resume Newsletter

Networking is good when you are looking for a job. Attend networking event or networking internet sites. You never know what someone else knows.

Giselle Brown
Professional Resume Writer
A Customized Resume
Career Directors International
314-324-5756

Authorized DISC Administrator

Create your online career profile – Free

Suscribe to A Customized Resume Newsletter

Hiring managers like to see their candidates working rather than unemployed. Also, when updating your resume you will not have a gap in your employment history.

You can also use your “dead-end job” to gain new accomplishments and skills that can be added to your resume.

Giselle Brown
Professional Resume Writer
A Customized Resume
Career Directors International
314-324-5756

Authorized DISC Administrator

Create your online career profile – Free

Suscribe to A Customized Resume Newsletter