Saturday, May 30, 2020

Hotel Manager Resume Sample Writing Guide [20+ Tips]

Hotel Manager Resume Sample Writing Guide [20+ Tips] Hotel Manager Resume SampleCharles Morrowcharles.morrow@gmail.com906-250-6749ObjectiveEffective and communicative hotel manager with 6+ years of professional experience in a dynamic environment. Eager to help The Bellevue Hotel ensure seamless daily operations and offer experience exceeding guest expectations. In previous roles boosted annual revenue by 30% and improved the hotels Tripadvisor rating by 1.2 points on a 5-point scale.Work ExperienceHotel ManagerThe High Street Hotel, New York, NY20142018Interviewed, selected, coached and supported associates, ensuring they performed in accordance with the established hotel standards and values.Assisted the General Manager in preparation of forecasts and reports as well as in the development, implementation, and monitoring of the budget.Resolved customer complaints, and anticipated potential problems by reviewing and monitoring operational issues, business flow, and associate performance.Cooperated with the sales staff to discuss and im plement sales strategies to improve occupancy levels and revenues.Created specific, measurable, achievable, realistic, and timely action plans to remedy guest service deficiencies.Key achievements:Slashed the number of customer complaints by 50% through ensuring that staff followed customer service guidelines.Improved hotel rating on Tripadvisor from 3.5 to 4.7 within a single year.Hotel ManagerThe Ambassador Hotel, New York, NY20102013Hired, trained, developed, measured performance, disciplined, and scheduled department staff.Led the tactical execution of strategic initiatives under the direction of division leadershipPromoted the hotel, its services, and facilities while maximizing occupancy and ADR.Processed daily reports, reconciliations, journals, and others.Handled guest complaintsKey achievements:Exceeded guest satisfaction scores over 90% in all critical areas.Improved customer service scores by 20% and exceeded annual sales by more than $70K.EducationMBACornell University, New York, NY2011B.A., MarketingCornell University, New York, NY2009Key SkillsAnalytical skillsCommunicationConflict resolutionHotel operationsMultitaskingNew business developmentPrioritizingProblem-solvingProject managementTime managementCertificationsCertification in Hospitality ManagementThe School of Hotel Administration at Cornell UniversityLanguagesSpanishAdvancedFrenchCommunicativeInterestsMovies of the 1980sInterior decorationWant to save time and have your resume ready in 5 minutes? Try our resume builder. Its fast and easy to use. Plus, youll get ready-made content to add with one click. See 20+ resume templates and create your resume here.Sample Hotel Manager ResumeSee more templates and create your resume here.One of our users, Nikos, had this to say:[I used] a nice template I found on Zety. My resume is now one page long, not three. With the same stuff.Create your resume nowLooking for other hospitality or management roles? Check out our guides:Account Manager ResumeAssi stant Manager ResumeManager ResumeProject Manager ResumeStore Manager ResumeBusiness ResumeReceptionist ResumeHospitality ResumeHostess ResumeFront Desk ResumeHeres how to write a hotel manager resume that shows hospitality could be your middle name:1. Choose the Best Format for Your Hotel Manager ResumeMake sure your hotel general manager resume looks inviting enough for the recruiter to feel at home, andExtend their stay.Heres how:Top your resume with a resume name header that includes your personal information.Make sure your resume sections have reader-friendly titles and are easy to navigate.Go for the best resume format. A chronological resume template will be great for your purposes as it concentrates on your experience and achievements.The font for your resume should look professional and be large enough for the recruiter to read comfortably.Leave out the information thats not immediately relevant to the job. Use white space to your advantage.Not sure whether to send your res ume in PDF or Word? If you havent been asked to submit an MS Word resume, go with the PDF format.2. Write a Hotel Manager Resume Objective or SummaryFirst off, you need to learn how to write a profile in your resume.Whats that?Its a short opening statement thats supposed to introduce you to the recruiter and sell them your strongest points.Just like a one-minute elevator pitch, but shorter.You can opt for:A resume summary, which is a good choice for candidates with no less than 2 years of experience. A resume summary draws attention to your accomplishments and professional experience.A resume objective is great for entry-level candidates or career changers. It highlights the transferable skillsthat make you a great candidate for the role.And one more thingTo open your hotel manager resume in the most effective way, add numbers that prove what youre really capable of.Pro Tip: Dont start writing your resume with this section. Write it at the very end once youve got something to summar ize.3. Create the Perfect Hotel Sales Manager Job Description for a ResumeHeres the thing:Its your experience in a resume that counts.And this section of your hotel manager resume needs to do one thingProve that youll do the job better than the other 250+ candidates.So, tailor your resume to the job description and make your competition look like they only managed their own condo:Start with your current job and list your previous positions in the reverse-chronological order.Add your job position and company names, dates worked, and locations.List your experience using bullet points. 5 or 6 bullets per position will do.Make sure your experience bullets contain resume power words, such as cooperated, created, boosted, managed, etc.Focus on your experience thats relevant to the position.Try to put numbers in as many bullet points as you can.Pro Tip: If youre having problems quantifying your experience, pick out up to 3 things youre proud of and you can easily quantify. Put them in a ke y achievements subsection.4. Make Your Hotel Manager Resume Education Section Stand OutYour hotel manager resume education section matters.If it didnt, anybody could become a hotel manager.Heres how to get it done quickly:Over 5 years of experience? List your school name, degree, graduation year, and school location. Youre done.Less experience? Youll benefit from including such elements as extracurricular activities, academic accomplishments and awards, as well as relevant coursework.You might also want to add certifications to your resume in a dedicated section.Pro Tip: Add info on your GPA score if its higher than 3.5 and you graduated up to 3 years ago.5. Highlight Your Hotel Manager SkillsYour skills are what your employer needs.Take a look at the list below to help you select the best ones for your hotel manager resume:Hotel Manager ResumeSkillsBudgetingBusiness knowledgeDelegationFinanceHiringHotel operationsLogisticsMS OfficeNew business developmentProject managementAnalytica l skillsCollaboration and teamworkCommunicationConflict resolutionCritical thinkingDecision makingLeadershipMultitaskingNegotiatingOffice management skillsPhysically fitPlanningPrioritizingProblem solvingTime managementIts important to focus on your key skills and abilities relevant to the job.Heres how:Make a big list of all your skills and abilities (put your soft skills and hard skills, as well as technical skills on it).Reread the job ad to see what skills the employer requires most.Return to your list and pick out all the skills listed in the ad.Now select up to 10 of your strongest skills and put them in a key skills section.You can sprinkle your entire resume with relevant skills. Your job description and resume profile are great places, too.Pro Tip: See to it that the skills you choose are adequate for the position. A hotel front office manager resume may require a different skill set than a hotel operations manager resume.When making a resume in our builder, drag drop bull et points, skills, and auto-fill the boring stuff. Spell check? Check. Start building your resume here.Create my resume nowWhen youre done, Zetys resume builder will score your resume and tell you exactly how to make it better.6. Add Other Sections to Your Hotel General Manager ResumeYou can easily differentiate yourself from the lot by adding some additional sections to your hotel manager resume:Accomplishments on a resumeLanguage skillsInterests for a resumeVolunteer work7. Attach a Hotel Manager Resume Cover LetterIs a cover letter necessary?Its not. If you dont care about getting that job.If youre serious, though, just know that about 50% of the recruiters expect you to attach one to your job application.With the tips below, youll learn how to write an application letter in a snap:Choose the right cover letter format for the job.Learn whats the best way to start a cover letter.Tell the hiring manager what you can offer.The ending of your cover letter matters as much as its begin ning.Make sure your cover letter word count is within acceptable limits.Pro Tip: Always follow up on your job application to show youre serious about getting the job.And youre done!This is how you make a job-winning hotel manager resume.Are you writing a hotel general manager resume for the first time? Or perhaps youre a seasoned pro eager to help the rookies out? Wed love to hear from you, leave your comment below!

Tuesday, May 26, 2020

Women who are not my role models

Women who are not my role models Newsweek ran a piece titled Leading the Way to focus on women who will, supposedly, lead in the 21st century. The list includes a bunch of women who either didnt adjust their careers for kids or have jobs that are incompatible with family. Here are some examples: Sarah Chang: I travel all year long. And every week is a new city. Renee Reijo Pera: At 47, I am going to become a mother soon. Marissa Mayer: Google is a very comfortable environment for me becausea great late-night conversation really inspires me. The women of Newsweek are not the heroes of my generation. On the whole, my generation is not interested in this sort of achievement. Not even the men. Wharton just published a study titled, Plateauing, Redefining Success at Work. The study finds that rather than subscribing to the onward and upward motto, men and women in middle management are more interested in plateauing, unhooking from the pressure to follow and uphill path that someone else has set. (Thanks, Wendy) The Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland published a study that found that senior executives have a lower quality of life than the terminally ill. (via Slow Leadership) These women in Newsweek have given up everything for their careers. This is not what my generation views as success. This is what baby boomers view as success. Newsweek does not reference to the fact that Gen Xers typically put family before career, and there is no acknowledgment that fertility takes a nose-dive at age 35. In fact, this article about women who have careers that leave no room for families is paired with photos of women with twins and triplets: As if IVF works all the time. Which it doesnt. Everyone worries about the media using women who are too thin as role models. I worry about the media using women who give up everything for their job as role models. Both are outdated and serve to limit women in senseless ways.

Saturday, May 23, 2020

12 Books of Christmas Give The Gift of Reading

12 Books of Christmas Give The Gift of Reading I imagine that someday in the not-too-distant future, traditional books will have met their demise.  Already, theres Kindle and Nook and a host of lesser-known options.  Sure, its nice to be able to carry dozens of books in something the size of a note pad.  But isnt there something just irreplaceably delicious about curling up with a real, live book?  Why not consider the gift of reading this year? As Editor  and one of the writers for Ms Career Girl, there are a lot of books that cross my desk for potential review.  Ive gathered together a list of 12 that I think would make great gift ideas to all  readers.  One book, or two . . . or hey, a book a month for the next year!   Ive linked them all to Amazon for your convenience, but you can get them in lots of places.  And whether youre like me and like the physical copy or prefer the digital version, theres plenty of time to get your hands on them or have them delivered in time for the upcoming holiday.  For all kinds of literary tastes, here are my Twelve Favorite Books of 2016 The Assertiveness Guide for Women by Julie De Azevedo Hanks After defining assertive as a reflection of confidence, good communication skills, and the willingness to take action, Julie then skillfully breaks down what it takes to be assertive.  But its not about embracing what we normally would consider masculine.  Its about owning all of who you are as a woman deserving of your place in relationships, work, and life. Build Your Dream Network by J. Kelly Hoey Yes, its even more true now than it ever was.  Who you know is critical to  your future in almost every way.  Have you been one of those who at first detested networking as just using other people for your own benefit?  And if you got past that, does the how-to of networking in the connected digital age just seem to elude your best efforts?  Kelly will take you by the hand and open your eyes to the power of ethical, honest networking. Earning It Hard Won Lessons From Trailblazing Women at The Top by Joann S. Lublin Imagine if you had the chance to get inside the mind of 50 of the most successful business women in the world.   Imagine the insights, the inspiration youd come away with to help create and achieve your own career path.  Imagine no more, Joann shares all that and more from her own journey with the Wall Street Journal and that of 50+ other women who have soared right through that glass ceiling we all know about. Fulfilled! Critical Choices: Work, Home, Life by William A. Schiemann Happiness.  Inner peace.  Its those feelings you get when you reach the end of the day, or year, or your life, and joyfully reflect on what youve done and been blessed with.  In what Id call a practical guide to the age-old questions about the purpose of life, William helps you examine your own passions, dreams, and desires and fashion them into a practical plan that leads to personal fulfillment. Habit Changers 81 Game-Changing Mantras To Mindfully Realize Your Goals by M. J. Ryan Most of us have used affirmations at some time or another in our lives.  Heres an updated application of the techniques typically used in affirmations, but with fresh perspective.  Chanting So-and-so is going to stop being a jerk will probably have no real effect.  But how about taking care of what youre really able to, namely. your reactions to his being a jerk?  Heres help in tackling 81 of lifes most common annoyances, habits, and trip-ups. The Language of Sisters by Cathy Lamb While Ive never been the romance novel kind of girl, I cannot resist the story that feels so familiar and comfortable that I might as well be in it myself.  These are the books I usually cannot put down and end up getting one or more nights of very little sleep because, you know, Im just going to read a couple more pages . . .   Since I lost my sister a few years ago, it was easy to engage this comfy story of the love, life, and laughter of sisters, and of family. The Leaders Mindset: How to Win In the Age of Disruption by Terence Mauri Ive always called it thinking outside the box.  If youre familiar with that term, then lets up the ante.  How about thinking way outside the box.  Maybe even where no woman has dared go before.  THAT is the place where todays leaders take us.  To see the making of their dreams into our realities.  Disruption is about scratching across the expected answer and going beyond.  Terence takes a look at that process, and challenges you to engage in a new way. Life, Incorporated A Practical Guide To Wholehearted Living by Haley Bock Remember the time you drove from one place to another, and when you arrived you couldnt remember the time in between departure and arrival?  Its almost spooky.  But in our crazy, too-busy world, thats what were doing every day.  Rush, rush, rush . . . and another year is gone.  The achievements are hollow, the accolades are but shadows of an unfulfilled life.  If youre ready to reconnect with life, yourself, and those you love, Halley will show you how. (R)evolution: One Mans Leadership Journey by Anna Conrad Weve all seen or worked for the person who was a real jerk. Or worse.  Given that many of us will spend at least part of our lives in some kind of managerial, supervisor, or business owner position, thats not the role model we want to use.  Annas book may be relatively short, but it gives a sometimes poignant look at what a good leader is like, and will have you examining yourself to measure up to the boss you wish you had. Touched The Caress of Fate by Ellisa S Amore It was a dark and stormy night . . .  Okay, now you know why I dont write fiction.  But Ellisa is writer extraordinaire. This gripping romantic fantasy will take you on a journey that has been described as seductive as Meet Joe Black, as mysterious as City of Angels, and as powerful as Twilight.  If thats not enough to entice you, then savor the possibility can love conquer death?  Get your glass of wine and favorite blanket, and curl up by the fire. Unsubscribe: How To Kill Email Anxiety, Avoid Distractions, and Get Real Work Done by Jocelyn K. Glei I really hate it when my day starts with a shriek from my own mouth.  Are you kidding me!?  Or other things definitely NOT G-rated when I open my email and theres a million items in the inbox.  Having started my career before email really took hold (stop doing the math!), I was bound with  a pager that I was required to answer.  Jocelyn has put together what Id call the 12-step program for email-a-holics.  Read it, and take the pledge! You Negotiate Like A Girl by Amy Trask Alphabetically, this one is here at the bottom.  But while all of this list are favorites, this one was captivating.   Amy didnt just break into any old boys club.  She broke into THE boys club, the NFL.  Nothing but pure satisfaction danced in my head as she recounted a lifetime of working with the Raiders.  Sometimes referred to as the Princess of Darkness by her boss Al Davis, she gained not only the respect of the guys but became a league-wide legend. Image credits. Main.  Fireplace.  

Monday, May 18, 2020

Style And Beauty Advice For Your Job Interview

Style And Beauty Advice For Your Job Interview Image from Steve Wilson Getting ready for an interview is a nerve-racking experience. On top of all the reading, research and practice you must do before the big day, you also have to consider how you will present yourself to your potential new employer. Now, take a deep breath because we have lots of fantastic style and beauty advice that will ensure you look the part for your interview. Let’s take a look: Dress for the job you want This is a useful mantra to keep in mind, not only for interviews but throughout your career. When selecting your outfit for the interview, ask yourself: what would a typical person who has the job you want wear? By dressing for the job you want, it will show to the interview panel that you are professional, take your career seriously and that you are ambitious. These are qualities that every employer will be looking for in their candidates. Be comfortable Another important thing to remember when dressing for a job interview is that you must feel comfortable, both physically and emotionally, in your outfit. If you don’t, your mind can become focussed on your discomfort, rather than on the questions you are being asked. This will be apparent to the interview panel. And you could end up fidgeting with your clothes which will be distracting for you and those interviewing you. Don’t be afraid to invest a little If your hair hasn’t been done in a while or your teeth could do with a scale and polish or whitening don’t be too reluctant to pay for these treatments before your interview. By dealing with anything you might be self-conscious about, it will make you feel more confident going into the interview. As we are sure you will be smiling a lot in the interview, you may wish to check out Centennial Dental Centre for their cleaning and whitening services. Wear something small but eye-catching Often the trouble with interviews is that you are just one person among a large group of candidates who are desperate for the job. While your personality and experience will be the main elements that stand out, it can help to wear a little something that will prompt the interviewers’ memories. “Oh yes, the lady with the green scarf.” Be sparing with your makeup It is a good idea to keep your makeup look as minimal as you are comfortable with for two main reasons. Being in an interview situation makes even the most laid-back person nervous. When you are anxious, you tend to get hot. Heat and lots of makeup means shiny, oily looking skin. Using lightweight products is a good idea. Secondly, the interviewers want to see you. Not someone who is hiding behind inches of makeup. Thank you for reading our style and beauty advice for your job interview. We hope that it helps you to look the part and feel comfortable and confident in yourself. Now go get that job! We wish you the best of luck!

Friday, May 15, 2020

Private Equity Resume

Private Equity ResumeA private equity resume is essential for anyone who is considering entering the investing industry. If you are a student in business school, or a recent graduate that has been offered a job with a private equity firm, then the sales resume will be of value to you. Here are some tips that will help you prepare for your private equity resume.The first thing you should do when preparing for your private equity resume is to write down your strengths and weaknesses. If you have a past success in marketing and advertising, and you are a strong communicator, then you should create a cover letter samples for potential clients and supervisors. On the other hand, if you have no prior experience in these areas, then you should create an outline on what you know about marketing and advertising and what you do not.The next thing you need to do is to list down all your previous jobs and how long you worked there. This can help you put your skills and abilities into perspective and ensure that you don't have something that is missing from your resume. You should also list down the titles of the jobs and what their position was. This will make it easier for you to find them.List down your qualifications. This is important because your potential clients and supervisors are going to want to know about what your previous experience is. If you have not worked in a certain field before, then make sure you list this under your previous work history. Also, if you have not worked in an industry where you have not been paid before, list this under your prior education and skills.After you list down all the things you've done in the past, it is time to describe your previous investors. This is especially important if you have had dealings with previous investors in the past. Describe how you worked with the company and how they reacted to your actions.Another effective ways of summarizing your past experiences is to list down the projects that you completed and the results they yielded. Do remember that your interests may be aligned with those of your current employers and supervisors. It's up to you to find out if you can accomplish their needs and fulfill their goals.Finally, a final paragraph of information about yourself is necessary. Make sure you list down how long you have been in the private equity industry and also list down any awards you might have received during your career. Remember, your private equity resume is more than just a list of accomplishments.Your private equity resume needs to be prepared from top to bottom. If you were not very outgoing, then you need to outline your personality and make sure you highlight your strengths. This will help you stand out from the crowd.

Tuesday, May 12, 2020

The Over-40 and Baby Boomer Client Strategies for Client Success - Hire Imaging

The Over-40 and Baby Boomer Client Strategies for Client Success - Hire Imaging Over 40 and Baby Boomer Job Search: Ageism Ageism in the workplace does exist and has probably been exacerbated by the current economy. Yes, there are negative stereotypes out there. Older workers know nothing about computers. Older workers can be cultural misfits. Older workers dont have enough stamina and brainpower. There are as many perceptions as the diversity of those making hiring decisions and the organizational cultures that exist in the workplace. My clients and I acknowledge this. And then we brainstorm and plan to meet them head on. Over 40 and Baby Boomer Job Search: 10 Success Strategies Here are 10 strategies that I arm my over-40 clients with to move forward in positive career exploration, design, and management. Over 40 and Baby Boomer Job Search: Strategy 1 Know when to make a career change This means exploring new career options and developing that ideal next career. This comes down to finding the fit of satisfying essential ingredients of your ideal next career, such as interests, abilities, career marketability, earnings, and value / lifestyles. Over 40 and Baby Boomer Job Search: Strategy 2 Identify and Promote Age Advantage This means playing to your strengths. Examples might be possessing multi-generational skills, broad transferable professional and volunteer skills, a mature value system, a balanced ego, a wide network of contacts, or excellent crisis management skills. Dig into these and let them shine. Over 40 and Baby Boomer Job Search: Strategy 3 Target Healthy, Hiring, Age-Diverse Careers This means uncovering whats hot and whats not. Identify the top financially healthy, hiring, and age-diverse industries. Explore the demographics of the aging population relative to new career opportunities, i.e. 225K jobs will be created from baby boomers retirement based on Department of Labor predictions. These are predicted to create new career options in healthcare, education, biotech and entrepreneurial endeavors. Over 40 and Baby Boomer Job Search: Strategy 4 Acquire Inexpensive Skills and Credentials Updates This means reviving a current or past career or jumpstarting a new one. There is a quote by John Ruskin to take to heart here: When love and skill work together, expect a masterpiece. Get the information you need (remember that negative stereotype about computers?). Let your fingers do the walking to check out certifications, training, education requirements, salary ranges, and costs within a job position on the Web. Start doing some talking. Do your research and seek advice of someone working in your position of interest. Refresh your skills and credentials for the same position. Licensures, certificates, credentials and continuing education courses need to be updated or renewed. Acquire new skills and credentials for other positions of interest.Remember that although transition to another position or venture is not always a matter of skills and credential updates, it is always beneficial. Over 40 and Baby Boomer Job Search: Strategy 5 Create an Ageless Resume This means creating a wow resume a resume that emphasizes your outstanding experience, strengths and benefits to the employer. It also means surviving the 30-second skim or scan of a resume so it doesnt end up in the circular file.   Make sure your resume meets todays trends. Consider both the scannability and electronic-friendly aspects of the resume, as well as the visual impact of the presentation resume. A resume must have an appropriate heading, down to the name. Never underestimate the visual impact of your name. The target should be clear to the reader. A clear target includes type of role, industry, a condensed version of your strengths and skills, and a statement of how you will benefit the company. The resume must include a concise and powerful summary containing a condensed version of relevant work experience, a description of the areas in which you excel, and one which reflects your strengths and strong personal characteristics.   Format is very important. Use a chronological format when you have an unbroken work history and are seeking in the same occupation. Use a functional or hybrid format when youre changing occupations, have a broken work history, or are minimizing your years of experience. Create a Wow! What an Accomplishment! resume. Include accomplishments that are relevant to the position. Arrange them with the most significant as first on the list. If you have relevant experience youre proud of but dates you back 25 years, it is OKAY to put Other Work Experience: IBM Programmer. Drop the name without the details. Over 40 and Baby Boomer Job Search: Strategy 6 Conduct a Strategic Job Search. This means dont put all your eggs in one basket. In your career search, employ more than one Job Search method to increase your chances of employment. Develop a systematic Job Search plan. Increase your daily contacts to prospective hiring managers and networking contacts. Network, post your resume on company Websites, work with personnel agencies, initiate strategic mailings, and pick up the phone to call! Make sure your on-line searches are effective. Know which sites to use and how to use them. Over 40 and Baby Boomer Job Search: Strategy 7 Update Your Image for Networking and Interviews. This means achieving a memorable first impression. First impressions are formed within the first 60 seconds of meeting someone and are made up of visual cues (55%) and vocal energy (38%). Recognize that the product youre promoting is yourself. A makeover appearance matters to form a good first impression. Project vocal energy, high confidence, and enthusiasm. A relaxed, centered composure with stylish business attire is important. Improve your personal hygiene and grooming; this will go a long way in creating a better chance of success. Over 40 and Baby Boomer Job Search: Strategy 8 Ace Tough Interview Questions. This means that failing to effectively address age-related and discriminatory questions and accepting a job offer on the spot without negotiating your best compensation, are the two most common interview pitfalls. Will you be using this job as a bridge to retirement? I was such a people person and enjoyed the business world so much, that retirement was not in my vocabulary. I could not see myself staying at home and playing in my yard. Being part of a team is what makes me the happiest. Typical questions to anticipate: Where do you expect to be five years from now? What are your long-term career goals? Are you too expensive? What are your salary expectations for this job? During the first interview, you can tactfully deflect a direct answer about salary at least once, so as not to irritate the interviewer. Typical questions to anticipate: What are your salary expectations for this position? Youve got some good answers, but I still need to know what your salary expectations are for this position? Possible answers: Ill be happy to discuss salary when the position is offered to me or I would prefer to discuss salary in light of the opportunity presented and my potential contribution to the firm or I have researched this position with XYZ and have found a salary range from $75,000 to $90,000. Is this what you have in mind? Will you be a cultural misfit? Be prepared to show compatibility in interview answers like describing the time you collaborated as part of a multi-generational team, or were proactive in several youth-oriented activities. Do you have enough energy, stamina or brain power to do it? Its unlikely that youll ever be asked this question, however related questions like these are commonly asked in interviews: How do you feel about working in a fast-paced environment? Are you able to come in early and leave late? Describe a recent work experience where you were under pressure with a tight deadline. Heres one way to answer questions about your energy and stamina: Ive always had a lot of energy and enthusiasm for my work, and Ill continue to do what it takes to produce a quality product and meet or exceed deadlines. Arent you overqualified for this position? This is the exact question that often comes up for mature candidates, especially if youve listed 20 or more years of experience in your resume. Your goal in answering this question of over-qualification is to emphasize the strength of your experience and highlights of your accomplishments. Your answer should be along these lines: At my last employment, I had the privilege of working with people of great age diversity. I reported to a CEO who was 10 years my junior, and I had one team member who was my senior. I believe my experience and wisdom will be a welcome addition to your team. What if youre asked illegal questions? The Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA) of 1978 prohibits discrimination against applicants aged 40 and over. Questions like How old are you? or When were you born? or When did you graduate from high school? are illegal! You will rarely be asked such blatant questions. If by mistake you are, then the employer may either be ignorant about the law or just simply curious. Here are some recommended answers: #1 Apply grace: I really dont think it is appropriate for me to respond. #2 Apply a sense of humor: You know that a woman never tells her age. #3 Tell the truth: I graduated from the Penn State in 1955. Sharpen your negotiation strategies. As an interview progresses, build rapport with the interviewer by stressing your strengths and accomplishments in order to obtain a better salary offer. Dont rush things. Instead, get your offer in writing. Try to negotiate a job offer and ask questions. Over 40 and Baby Boomer Job Search: Strategy 9 Explore Entrepreneurial Ventures / Self Employment. This means that age and experience are advantages in a self-employment venture. Ask yourself if â€" 1) you have the financial reserves allowing you to borrow or raise funds; 2) you have a successful track record of achieving goals; 3) you have proven yourself to be self-directed and a leader; 4) you are a calculated risk-taker with successful risk-taking experience. What are your entrepreneurial options? Areas of possibility include franchises, consulting, buying an existing non-franchise business, or starting a new business. Over 40 and Baby Boomer Job Search: Strategy 10 Discover New Careers for Post-Retirement Years This means that even if youre 65, you may be too young to quit working. When is the right age to quit working? The question is not really, When is the right age to quit working? but What work do you want to do at your current age? Remember that negative stereotype (which, by the way is held by many employers AND over-40 job seekers), I/You will be a cultural misfit at my/your age? Well, a recent AARP survey shows that 23% of us will be working after we reach 70.The reasons vary, running the gamut from financial need, to longer life spans, to declining 401Ks, to staying mentally/physically fit longer. Adopt the mindset to enjoy a career in your third stage of life. A career in the years after the 50th birthday can be the most satisfying time of your entire life. Enjoy and excel in a new career. Over 40 and Baby Boomer Job Search: Parting Thoughts. In my work with over-40 and baby boomer clients, we focus on what works not what might get in the way. I encourage clients to think of themselves as a company of one and operate like an outside consultant to sell their skills and experiences. We work together on preparing them for a great period of transition if they are changing fields. Clients do a reality check on their personal communication styles. If they are experiencing a painful career transition, we coach on taking time for self-care to heal and stay mentally positive. This mindset involves not competing with younger workers, but mentally prepping to BE the competition for these workers. Our work together involves the clients knowing themselves and where they want to go, creating and following an action plan, and garnering support from others who can help. Ageism is real, but the over-40 job seeker can beat it by emphasizing skills and building relationships. It can be a rewarding time one of the best chapters in your life! STRATEGY #1: KNOW WHEN TO MAKE A CAREER CHANGE.

Friday, May 8, 2020

Resume Writing Services Proceed With Caution

Resume Writing Services Proceed With Caution Lately Ive seen numerous blog posts and mainstream media articles about the resume writing industry, the value of the credentials resume writers hold, and the lack of regulation of the industry. Most of the comments are very tongue and cheek and skeptical of the profession and most of the articles are written by people who have limited knowledge of what resume writers do. I could have a field day linking to all the rants and other questionable editorializing Ive read over the past few months, but Im not that interested in boosting the Google juice of people with their own agendas, skewed perspectives, and ill advice, so Ill just address the issues here:Credentialing. The person who cuts my hair has some sort of beautician license, the instructor at my health club is certified to teach exercise, and my dentist displays a certificate in his office to prove he went to dental school. But I didnt choose any of these professionals because of their certifications. I chose them because I che cked out their work. I looked at pictures of people whose hair the hairdresser had styled, watched an exercise class the instructor was teaching, and talked to a few of my dentists patients before having him work on my teeth. I appreciate the credentials because they tell me that the person has gone through a process to get to where they are, but that is not the factor that ultimately influences my buying decision. The credential helps me determine a base line but I need to trust the person before purchasing the service. I think purchasing a resume or coaching services should be viewed the same way. Most people dont base any purchase decisions on the fact that someone has a credential, and few believe that all credentials are created equal, so why are these bloggers and journalists claiming that resume writers are hawking their certifications to lure people into purchasing their services? It just doesnt work that way. People are smarter than that.Pricing. Again, the pundits claim th at the pricing for resume writing services is all over the board. And it is. As are the services of therapists, architects, doctors, accountantsthe list goes on and on. Different writers offer different experiences. Learn what you are getting from one writer versus another and make a decision based on the value you believe you will derive from the experiencenot by comparing the price tag alone.Industry Regulation. Its true that this industry is not heavily regulated and perhaps the industry would benefit from greater regulation, but at the same time, some of the biggest critics of the non-regulatory status (recruiters and HR professionals) are in unregulated professions themselves. Is there anything stopping a person from hanging out a shingle and claiming to be a recruiter? Did that HR manager who constantly walks the thin line between employee advocate and strategic business partner come out of a mandated program that makes them the expert on human relations, business ethics, and fairness? I think not.So please, if you have been reading the advice of people who are bashing the resume writing industry, take a moment to reflect on how condescending their advice is. You are an intelligent consumer. If some aspect of a resume writing service doesnt sit well with you or you arent convinced that the person has a valuable service to offer, dont use them. Become an educated consumer, ask questions, and shop around. At the end of the day its about the strength of the relationship between you and the writer and the confidence you have in their abilities based on your knowledge of the service.