June 2015 – Resolution Technologies

6 Things You Shouldn’t Put on Your Resume

June 24, 2015/in Career Guide/by Resolution Technologies

Formatting your resume can be tough. Sometimes, it seems like there are a billion ways to create a resume and there’s really no right formula to do so. Although you should create a resume that best reflects you as a candidate for a position, there are things that could hurt you in your job search if they’re included.

You could be up against a handful of other candidates, so it’s important to make sure you take your time to take a hard look at your resume to remove any errors or inconsistencies. A resume is often an employer’s first impression of you, so you have to create a resume that stands out and doesn’t get tossed aside. Below, we’ll outline SIX elements that should NOT be included in your resume.

1. A list of references

When writing down a list of references or saying “references available upon request,” you’re wasting a valuable line of your resume. Unless an employer or recruiter specifically asks for you to list references on your resume, you should leave them off. If an employer wants to speak with your references, they will most likely ask you to provide that information separately.

2. Personal information

Don’t include things like your height, weight, marital status, and religious or political preferences on your resume. Not only is this irrelevant and inappropriate, it’s also illegal for an employer to ask this information in your interview. You should leave room for professional experience instead.

3. Pictures or images

A headshot or other pictures of yourself or work takes up valuable space on your resume to talk about past roles and experiences, but it’s also inappropriate. Including images on your resume makes it appear less formal. If you have work or projects that you’d like to showcase, prepare a portfolio that you can offer to show recruiters or employers in addition to your resume.

4. False information

Even when you’re trying to expand upon your experience, it’s important to keep it as true as possible. You don’t want to say you’re an expert at a certain software or platform, get hired, then not be able to use it in your new job. Be honest with recruiters or employers and let them know, “Hey, I’m not extremely proficient in using this software, but I’m willing to learn.”

5. Links to unprofessional content

Many individuals are beginning to create professional social media accounts on sites like Twitter and LinkedIn. If you’re tweeting or posting professional content that relates to your industry or the job you’re looking for, feel free to provide your Twitter handle or LinkedIn profile link on your resume. However, if you have a personal account that might have inappropriate pictures or content, it’s best to leave this off your resume.

and the biggest mistake of all…

6. Grammatical errors and typos

Always make sure you read and re-read your resume before you send it out. You can even ask other people to look over it for you to check things you missed. Grammatical errors will show an employer that you don’t pay attention to detail and could get you automatically rejected for a position. Also, make sure your contact information is correct. You’ll want the employer to be able to get in touch with you in the best way possible.

Ok, so what’s the big takeaway?

At the end of the day, creating a resume is all about presenting the best version of yourself. You want to include valuable information that will get you hired and keep off the things that won’t, because every inch of your resume is precious space. Recruiters and employers often look at hundreds of resumes a day. You don’t want to make a mistake that will get yours tossed in the trash. Pay close attention to detail and spend some time creating and perfecting your resume — it’ll be worth it in the long run!

You’ve perfected your resume and now it’s time for an initial phone interview. Check out our blog post for 5 Tips for Your Next Phone Interview! To apply for one of our latest IT or business positions, visit jobs.resolution-tech.com.

Here at Resolution Technologies, we understand that serving our clients and consultants is what matters most and promise to never lose sight of that! We take the time to understand your individual needs through face-to-face interaction and strive to always make sure your objectives are met. Resolution Technologies is a full-service Information Technology Staffing firm offering flexible solutions for our clients ranging from contract, contract-to-perm, and direct perm placements. Whatever your needs are, we promise to provide unrivaled quality and service.

5 Tips for Your Next Phone Interview

June 15, 2015/in Career Guide/by Resolution Technologies

You’ve successfully made it through the resume submission, and now the company is interested in taking the next step by setting up a phone interview with you. A lot of people think that an interview over the phone is easier than face-to-face, but it’s important to take this step seriously in order to make it to the next round of the interview process. Below, we’ll outline 5 tips to help you be successful during your phone interview from start to finish.

1. Research the company and the interviewer

By looking at the company’s website and checking out your interviewer’s LinkedIn profile, you can be knowledgeable about recent happenings, latest awards, the company’s culture, and more. If you have a better understanding of how the company operates and performs, you’ll be able to better connect during your interview and show that you’re interested in joining their team. Spend an hour or so before your interview to familiarize yourself. Since it’s a phone interview, you can keep your laptop open in front of you to reference the company website or an interesting article.

2. Be ready to take the call

Plan to be ready for the call at least 5 minutes before the scheduled time in case the interviewer calls early. You don’t want to be caught off guard if you’re not in a private area. To make sure you have optimum reception, you may even consider taking the call from a landline instead of your cell phone.

3. Have the proper materials

Make sure to have a copy of your resume in front of you, as well as the job description and any notes and questions you have about the position. Your interviewer will have your resume and may ask you to walk them through your prior experience. By having your resume on hand, you’ll be able to answer questions with specific experiences that relate to the job you’re interviewing for.

4. Sell yourself in the best light

The last thing an employer wants to do is hire someone with a negative attitude. It’s important to avoid negative comments about a former job or an employer. The past is the past, so it’s important not to dwell in a bad experience or job.

Also, be sure to not exaggerate any of your technical experience. It’s important to be open and honest about your abilities or lack thereof. You could say, “I know what that is and know what it does, but I don’t have work experience with it. I would love the opportunity to learn it and have the ability to pick up new skills quickly.”

5. Ask the important questions

Allow the interviewer to run the interview and save your questions for the end. Don’t ask anything that you already know — salary, location, etc. Make sure you have a list of thoughtful questions about the position or the company. By asking questions that make your interviewer think, you show that you’re serious about your job search and finding a position that’s the best fit for you.

You’re ready!

Now that you have a few tips for your interview, you’ll be able to make a positive impression and move on to the next step of the interview process. Next steps typically include a face-to-face interview, technical aptitude screening, or even an offer if they think you’re the right fit for the job. Be prepared, keep a positive attitude, and answer every question to the best of your ability, and you could be on your way to a new position!

Here at Resolution Technologies, we understand that serving our clients and consultants is what matters most and promise to never lose sight of that! We take the time to understand your individual needs through face-to-face interaction and strive to always make sure your objectives are met. Resolution Technologies is a full-service Information Technology Staffing firm offering flexible solutions for our clients ranging from contract, contract-to-perm, and direct perm placements. Whatever your needs are, we promise to provide unrivaled quality and service.

How To: Create the Most Effective LinkedIn Profile

June 5, 2015/in Career Guide/by Resolution Technologies

In the age of the Internet, social media is becoming a vital tool for finding your next job and networking with employers. The most powerful business networking tool out there right now is LinkedIn. With over 350 million users from 200+ countries, the networking possibilities are endless. In this blog post, you’ll learn why LinkedIn is important and how you can create the best profile to grow your personal brand.

Your personal brand is how you distinguish yourself against other candidates and relay to a potential employer why you’re the best for the job. Because your name is searchable on the Internet, your personal brand also reflects the information that’s available on search engines like Google and your social media profiles. In order to use this to your advantage, it’s important to build a LinkedIn profile that accurately reflects your personal brand.

LinkedIn gives you the opportunity to connect with other industry professionals, share content, join discussions, and create and build valuable business relationships. If you’re serious about building your personal brand and using social media to do so, LinkedIn must be a part of your social media mix. Let’s discuss some tips for creating the best LinkedIn profile to get you noticed by potential employers.

Key Elements of a Great LinkedIn Profile

Professional headline— Below your name, there’s room for you to create a tagline for yourself that will show up not only on your profile, but also on LinkedIn Search. You’ll want to include keywords that will make sure recruiters can find your profile when they search for professionals in your area. Here are some examples:
- Software Developer at ABC Company
- Sr. Network Engineer at Technology Corp.
Photo— Upload a professional headshot to make your profile stand out. Recruiters are more likely to view your profile if you have a photo. Make sure to use a photo that is business appropriate.
Background— Choose a creative background that reflects your personal brand. If you’re familiar with a Facebook cover photo, the LinkedIn background is very similar.
Contact info— Once people connect with you and are interested in your profile, they’ll need a way to contact you if they think you’d be a great candidate for their available position. There is a LinkedIn direct message feature, but there’s room on your profile to add your email, phone number, address, website, etc. Provide whatever information you’re most comfortable with sharing.
Showcase your work (adding media)— LinkedIn allows you to add elements of your portfolio for your connections to see. This is a great way to display documents, photos, presentations, or videos that you’ve created. By showing examples of your work, potential employers or recruiters can get a better understanding of the work you’ve done. You can even add your resume to your profile.
Recommendations— Have a previous manager or co-worker that knows a lot about your skill set and how great of an employee you are? LinkedIn allows you to request written testimonials that show up under the respective company or position. This has the potential to be one of the most powerful aspects of your profile.
Skill and endorsements— Adding skills to your profile showcases your strengths. It also creates keywords that recruiters and employers will find when they search your profile. Your connections can even “endorse” you for your skills. Here’s an example of the skills section:

The number and photos correspond to your connections who have endorsed you for a certain skill.

Staying Active on LinkedIn

The name speaks for itself — if you’re going to create a LinkedIn profile, it’s important to be active and stay engaged. One of the best ways to build relationships and grow your network is by using the website’s “people you may know” section to find former classmates, coworkers, or others in your industry. You can also run an advanced people search and find alumni as search tools to add connections.

Joining groups is another way to stay active in your network. There are millions of groups for LinkedIn users varying from IT Professionals, Young Professionals, and Your Local Alumni Chapter. Groups exist to share content and ideas, as well as bring people together. You can even build your own group if you can’t find one you like. Within a group, you can participate in discussions about hot topics, ask questions, and even share your own content, like blog posts or your favorite articles. Which brings us to our next point…

Generating Original Content

LinkedIn used to be a platform to strictly make connections and search for jobs. It has now become more social and allows for users to share their own content. You can publish your own blog posts and become a thought leader in your industry. If you had something to share, you can share it on your own feed to your connections, as well as to groups you are a member of. This is a great way to showcase your expertise and show that you’re keeping up with the latest trends. You never know, someone could read your blog post and contact you about an available position. Just be sure to keep your content appropriate and professional. Publishing original content can lead to a stronger personal brand.

So, what’s the biggest takeaway?

We’ve shared a lot of information with you about creating a LinkedIn profile to build your personal brand. This will get you started, help you find connections, and allow you to gain valuable exposure in your network. However, the most important thing you can do to get noticed by recruiters and employers is STAY ACTIVE. Don’t let your profile just sit there and take up space in the LinkedIn world. Create a profile and then fill it with as much information as you can about yourself and your professional experience. Your LinkedIn profile serves as a visual resume, so use this to your advantage. You might just find your next career challenge if your profile is strong enough and used to its greatest potential.

Want to learn more about using social media in your job search? Check out our recent blog post to learn how!

Here at Resolution Technologies, we understand that serving our clients and consultants is what matters most and promise to never lose sight of that! We take the time to understand your individual needs through face-to-face interaction and strive to always make sure your objectives are met. Resolution Technologies is a full-service Information Technology Staffing firm offering flexible solutions for our clients ranging from contract, contract-to-perm, and direct perm placements. Whatever your needs are, we promise to provide unrivaled quality and service.

How To: Use Social Media In Your Job Search

June 2, 2015/in Career Guide/by Resolution Technologies

Just a few years ago, finding a job was as easy as looking at a job board, submitting a resume, and waiting for a recruiter to pick up the phone and give you a ring. These days, that’s unfortunately not the case. It seems like everyone is on social media, from your co-workers to your great-aunt. While some may think it’s smart to avoid social media when looking for a new job, it’s becoming an important tool that connects job seekers with potential employers.

Not only can you use social media to learn more about a company’s culture, you can also use your social media presence to become more connected with your industry. In this post, we’ll outline the importance of social media in your job search, as well as the “do’s and don’t’s” of using social media to land your next job.

Why Use Social Media?

Employers are starting to recruit potential employees through social media platforms as a strategic tool over conventional job boards. By using the connections you have, you can utilize the networking aspect of social media to find jobs at specific companies or in geographic areas that most interest you.

Being online not only connects you with vast amounts of information, it can also open you up to a wide network of professionals. Networking is crucial to your job search — it’s all about who you know. By making connections, you’ll be able to showcase your expertise and skills to those in your network that can connect you to opportunities that may not otherwise be posted online.

Now, let’s talk about what’s right and what’s wrong when it comes to using social media to take the next step in your career.

Social Media DOs

DO set up a LinkedIn account if you haven’t already. LinkedIn is THE go-to social media platform for professionals. This website serves as a visual resume where you can upload your portfolio of past work and current projects, and it also allows you to connect to other professionals and see their profiles and experience. LinkedIn even suggests jobs that they think you’d be interested in. We’ll go into more detail about creating a LinkedIn profile in a later post, but the key is making sure your profile is complete. If you have an empty profile, you’re not using your profile to its full potential.
DO showcase your expertise in your industry. Join groups on sites liked LinkedIn for professionals that also work in your industry. Social media is all about interacting, so join group discussions about the latest trends and get engaged.
DO follow companies in your industry or others that you’re interested in. By following a company on social media and knowing what’s going on within the company, you’ll be able to speak to your knowledge of the company during an interview. This shows that you’re serious about working for them. Don’t be scared to tweet at them either — they just might respond!
DO share articles relevant to your industry on sites like LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook. This shows potential employers and others in your industry that you’re engaged with the latest trends and will keep you up-to-date with what’s happening.

Social Media DON’Ts

DON’T post anything you wouldn’t want an employer to see. Everything you put online stays on the Internet forever, so be careful about what you post. Employers often hire third-party companies to perform a search of a candidate’s social media presence. Don’t post anything that could come back and haunt you later, especially photos of alcohol and wild parties.
DON’T create an account and let it sit there. Social networking involves interaction and attention. If you take the time to create a profile, make sure you devote some time to commit to being active and staying engaged. There are many powerful tools behind social media that will be wasted if you don’t take advantage them.
DON’T use a photo on your LinkedIn profile of you at the bar with your friends. If you’re going to use professional social networking, keep it professional. Again, what employers can see online speaks of your character and impacts your personal brand. Put on a button-up shirt or a dressy blouse for your photo that shows you clean up well.
DON’T talk badly about companies or other people on social media. Everyone’s watching what you say. Make sure to keep the content clean. If someone sees you bashing others online, that could reflect the kind of employee you could be in the workplace. It’s important to keep the content you post neutral, so be careful when posting about touchy subjects like religion or politics.

Social media can be a powerful tool when conducting your job search if used in the right way. If you take the time to set up a profile, build a network, and engage in conversations, you could find yourself presented with a job opportunity that you never thought you’d have.

Here at Resolution Technologies, we understand that serving our clients and consultants is what matters most and promise to never lose sight of that! We take the time to understand your individual needs through face-to-face interaction and strive to always make sure your objectives are met. Resolution Technologies is a full-service Information Technology Staffing firm offering flexible solutions for our clients ranging from contract, contract-to-perm, and direct perm placements. Whatever your needs are, we promise to provide unrivaled quality and service.