Just Like Your Favorite Shoes, Make Your Resume Shine

by Erin O'Connor Jones

categories: Job Seekers, Resources, Resumes, Search Strategy

Published May 19, 2009 @ 12:56PM PT

Writing your resume is sort of like shopping for a new pair of shoes - the choices are endless, but in the end you want a pair that look great and complement your style.   Typically shoes can't be returned if they are worn, but you can change them based on what your doing or where you are going (think sneakers for the gym and dress shoes for the interview).  And just like your stylish shoes, your resume should shine with your personal style, skills and achievements.

The thought of customizing a resume can be tricky and confusing especially if you haven't looked for a new job in 20 years or are switching sectors.  The chronological resume is designed to show your work history in order, by date.  This is a popular type of resume and really works for people who've been in the same field or job for a long time. It also works for people with no gaps in their work history.  A functional resume or skills-based resume presents your skills and abilities, highlighting your accomplishments and range of experiences.  This resume sometimes works best for sector switchers and those returning to the workforce  because it can emphasize your transferable skills including those gained through volunteering, training or hobbies.

The newest arrival to the list of resume formats is the multimedia resume.  Listen here to a recent NPR news story that talks with job seekers getting noticed using Multimedia presentations.  After listening, you can visit here to design your own.  It's here that you can develop your resume complete with photos, music, presentations and best of all, it's free.

When reviewing resumes, I ask a lot of questions about work history, skills and achievements to determine a candidates' best resume presentation.  Remember this: A great resume is customized and isn't a "one size fits all," but should always reflect your skills, experience and possibility to a potential employer (and don't forget to spell check).

Nonprofit Work = Career. Need I Say More?

by Erin O'Connor Jones

categories: Job Seekers, Random, Resources, Search Strategy, Sector Switcher Stories

Published June 01, 2009 @ 08:07PM PT

My interest in sector switchers and commitment to helping job seekers navigate the nonprofit world, is heightened every time I read another success story or hear about projected job growth in the sector.  MSN's Money feature writer, Donna Freedman, recently highlighted switchers in her online article, Serve America (and get paid), and reiterates what so many of us already know, working in the public and nonprofit sector is not a sabbatical from your real job or career, it is a career.  Need I say more?  Check it out here and let me know your thoughts.  

Don't Forget to Say Thank-You: 3 Things of Note

by Erin O'Connor Jones

categories: Interviewing, Job Seekers, Random, Resources, Search Strategy

Published June 04, 2009 @ 12:18PM PT

Hand written notes are mostly a thing of the past and unfortunately for many people, the thank-you note has gone this way too. I recently read that only 32 percent of job seekers actually send follow-up thank you notes. By not sending a thank-you note, you've lost an opportunity to connect with the agency or organization.  Whenever a job seeker asks me if they are necessary or if people still write them, my response is always, yes, write the thank-you note. 

The current economy and its competitive job market demand that candidates pull out all their best manners including an old-fashioned (It's my opinion that they've never lost fashion) thank-you note. This is not just any thank-you note, but another opportunity to get noticed by a POTENTIAL employer. What's the best way to the approach this?  Here are three things to do:

1. Note Cards  They should be a neutral color, with little embellishment and "tastefully styled".  White, creme, light blue, or even light pink colors will do just fine, but remember that less is more.
2. Names and Business Cards  Whenever possible, get the proper names (and spelling) of the people/person that you will be interviewing with. If this doesn't work, ask at the end or beginning of the interview for their business cards or names.  If they don't have cards, write their names down before you leave the building as it's easy to forget especially if there are more than two people.
3. Write the Note A personalized note is not just polite, but an opportunity to follow-up with one last thing about the organization that impressed you or the chance to say something you forgot to in the interview.  It's a note, not another cover letter.  Leave it to a few paragraphs and most importantly, put it in the mail!

If you are a sector switcher or considering a new job opportunity, a hand written note is just one more thing that will set you apart from other candidates.  Think about the last time you received a hand written note. Did you throw it away immediately or did you hang on to it? If it's a close competition to choose the best candidate, a thank-you note may set you apart from someone else and make the difference. If you are still unsure, google thank-you notes and you'll see the range of how-to write a thank-you note tips and information that turn up 

Trading Spaces

by Laura Gassner Otting

categories: Job Seekers, Random, Resources, Sector Switcher Stories

Published May 28, 2009 @ 08:56AM PT

If you think the pace in the nonprofit sector will be slower or more laid back, think again.  It's often the reverse especially for sector switchers faced with a whole new world and culture.  If you've spent your career focused on the bottom line and maximizing profits, prepare yourself to focus on mission and revenue while learning a new language unique to the nonprofit sector.  Also important will be your ability to adapt to a new culture and make it "all fit together" to be successful in your new career.  You can read all about sector switchers today in the Financial Times in an article by Lauren Foster. She presents a range of perspectives from a few great sources including a successful sector switcher and Nonprofit Professionals Advisory Group Founder and President,  Laura Gassner Otting (my other boss!).

What's Your Issue?

by Erin O'Connor Jones

categories: Job Seekers, Resources, Search Strategy

Published July 13, 2009 @ 06:48PM PT

If you are considering a sector change, you probably have a zillion questions related to finding a place to work or maybe you've already figured out what your main issue area is (along with all the other issues that come along with a career change). I talk with many people each week, helping them to work through issues related to a nonprofit job search including resumes and search strategy.

For many people, it's more complicated than putting together a great resume or writing a fabulous cover letter.   If any of this (or all of it) sounds familiar, I've got a quick exercise that makes these decisions easier to manage:

1. Is now the right time for a career move, and if so, why?  I've mentioned before that the nonprofit sector shouldn't serve as a refuge from the current economic storm. If that's your motivator for changing sectors, it's not the right move.  There are many reasons people make the move including that they just can't handle another day in their corporate job or in their cubicle, have an empty nest at home or have already benefited greatly from their career and are ready for a new playing field. Whatever your reason, make sure you've considered all the angles as this will be key to deciding which job you'd like. Consider things such as your current salary, tenure, retirement package, flexibility, ability to manage change and lastly, all the things you can't live without.
2. Determine what interests or excites you or more directly, if you could choose to work anywhere, where would it be.  Sometimes it's easier to ask the opposite question - what doesn't interest, excite or motivate you. Consider an organization's mission, its reach and impact. Or better yet, consider the type of change you'd like to make in your community or the world and whether you can find a mission that matches your passion and needs your expertise (we all have at least one).  

Take the time to reflect on the answers to these questions. Your answers should drive your job search strategy or even, change the trajectory of your career path.  You might be surprised that it takes you only 10-15 minutes to ask, answer and reflect. If so, you're clear about your issues and search strategy. If not, take the time to complete the exercise.  In the end, you'll see that it's worth a little pain to get to the other side.

Confessions of a Sector Switcher: Test Drive Your Next Career

by Erin O'Connor Jones

categories: Job Seekers, Resources, Search Strategy, Sector Switcher Stories

Published August 05, 2009 @ 07:11PM PT

The choice to switch jobs isn't always voluntary as people are laid-off, fired or their company relocates or closes. Many people use this time to explore new opportunities, develop new skills or to volunteer with the hope of figuring out "what's next" in their career. I often refer to volunteer work as an "unpaid pay-off" especially if you are switching sectors. You'll gain new skills, create or expand your network, fill in the "employment gap" while unemployed and get an inside peek at an organization you are interested in.  Choose your volunteer position as carefully as you would a new job (or a new car) and consider it a "test drive" of your next job. This experience will give you an advantage over your competitors and fellow job seekers.

If you have the opportunity to volunteer, I highly recommend taking full advantage of your "forced" vacation to take a personal inventory, and explore how and where your skills and expertise can be used in the nonprofit section.  If this sounds like a good plan or it's your story, read here and here about how people are choosing volunteer work to jump start, restart  or to tune-up their careers. If you have a similar story, share it in the comment section or via email.

It's Official: Register NOW for Nonprofit Boot Camp!

by Erin O'Connor Jones

categories: Cover Letters, Interviewing, Job Seekers, Resources, Resumes, Search Strategy, Sector Switcher Stories, Sector Switchers

Published November 02, 2009 @ 06:37PM PT

If you are feeling frustrated, disengaged or depressed about your job search, you'll want to learn about the new job seeker boot camp! I am going to co-lead the series with Laura Gassner Otting, author of "Change Your Career: Transitioning to the Nonprofit Sector" and founder and President of the Nonprofit Professionals Advisory Group.  This Boot Camp promises to be out of the ordinary, engaging and filled with timely and lively discussions to help your job search!  Here are the details:

NPAG's "Boot Camp for Nonprofit Job Seekers," four-part series will begin on Thursday, November 18, 2009 at 12 noon (EST).  You'll learn the subtleties of nonprofit sector, the best way to craft a winning resume and cover letter, new and improved strategies for networking and a session dedicated to answering your job search questions. Best of all, participants will receive NPAG's nonprofit job seeker workbook, designed with checklists, resources and tools to complete a successful job search.

Boot Camp dates and topics include:

• Working in the Nonprofit Sector, November 18, 2009 12 noon (EST)  You'll get a look inside the nonprofit sector to determine if it's the right place for you. Laura and I will lead participants through the sector, talk about the culture and address the many myths and misconceptions about work in the nonprofit sector.
• Craft Your Winning Resume and Cover Letter, December 2, 2009 12 noon (EST) This session will look closely at resume and cover letter design and format. You'll see the good, the bad and the ugly through the eyes of recruiters, and take away important, new knowledge about presenting your best self.
• Improved Job Search Strategies, December 9, 2009 12 noon (EST) Do you feel like you've exhausted all your resources? Or are you losing or lost your motivation? Let us help with your job search strategy with new techniques and sources along with our favorite, best-kept job search secrets!
• Live Question and Answer, December 16, 2009 12 noon (EST) This is the final session where all your questions will be answered. If you can't join the others, take advantage of this lively and informative Q&A session. Questions will be accepted in advance, and you'll definitely want to listen to hear and learn from fellow job seekers.

We are accepting only a limited number of registrants to make this Boot Camp as personal and interactive as possible.  Given this, register now for the entire series or just the topic that interests you the most!  Don't miss this chance to engage and reinvigorate your job search!  Email me (erin@change.org) if you have any questions - I want to hear from you! (Don't let the picture scare you, there won't be any push-ups.)