THE FIRST CUT is the Deepest. You need to avoid the pain if you can. Make your resume  pass the first cut.

Gaining an interview means that your resume passed the first test or often, the first cut.  However, a lot of applications don’t make the first cut and here are just 3 MAIN reasons why,

Poor presentation

Spelling mistakes, bad formatting are just two examples of poor presentation. The resume is a reflection of you! Poor presentation says that you really don’t care!

TOO LONG

The resume goes on and on and on.  Restrict yourself to 2 pages unless you are going for a role as Prime Minister

Irrelevant

The resume demonstrates that you are talented on all areas – except the job you are applying for!!  This leaves the reader asking ” so why has this person applied for this job?” Make sure the content relates to the advertised position- it has to be relevant.

Need help to write a resume that gets you to an interview? call us now on 0404056278 to secure a consultation

Ivana Agapiou resume writer and career advisor

The post Make it past the first cut with a great resume appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

Top 5 hot tips to a great resume

There is a load of information available on how to write a good resume, from accessing templates and samples from the internet, to standard knowlegde and prior experience.  I have observed that many internet examples are “American” in culture and perhaps not the best style to suit in Australia. But, there is no better teacher than sucess, in fact, nothing beats success!

Here are my top 5 hot tips for creating a resume

1. Be concise and relevant to the job you’re applying for
2. Keep resume to two pages maximim
3. Dont use fancy fonts and tables
4. Make sure there are no spelling errors or typos
5. Page one is your lead and has the best real estate value

1.Be concise and relevant to the job

Often “cookie-cutter” resumes are gathered out of the dust or off the shelf and sent to various job adverts without any prior scrutiny. Make sure you read over the job description carefully and insert yourself into the role. Once you can visualise the job and you in it, then start to mold and edit your resume to read similarily. The reader must feel that there is a strong alignment between you and the role. This may mean you delete irrelvant facts and highlight the items that are more important to the employer. This is clever and it works! Naturally, you must remain truthful and authentic.

2.Keep resume to two pages

Unless you are the Prime Minister or have to submit a lenghly acedemic style resume, keep your document to 2 pages. This also helps you to ascertain what is really important and assists you to remain concise and to the point.  Studies have shown that readers often are time poor, and sometimes (often) are read by inexperienced HR personnel who are responsible for culling and shorlisting. Make it easy for them to distinguish the good applicant by providing a concise and relevant document.  They need to read relevance and need to feel that you could be a great match.

3.Ignore fancy fonts and tables

Using smanchie styles is fine if you are applying for a role in a creative industry. If this is the case, then go wild. If however, you are in the mainstream, go for the simple, clean lines. As a general guide, use a maximum of 3  fonts (size and style variations) only. Many employers may not have advanced software so often fancy fonts and tables are not compatible. Use bullet points to help the reader through your material. Keeping it simple means that the reader is not struggling to find the information they seek.

4.Check for spelling errors and typos

Sounds simple but many don’t review the document prior to pressing “send”. If you are too familiar with the document, you can often miss simple errors. Ask a friend to read it if that is the problem. Whatever you do, proof-read a few times and different intervals that way you can review with fresh eyes. The reader WILL judge you on this, as they figure if you were “sloppy” in the application, you may be also a sloppy worker.

5. First page is the best real estate

Page one is the best page. Don’t mess it with irrelant facts like hobbies etc. It needs to highlight YOU.  The front page should tell me all I need to know about you. Your last job being one of the important items as well as a career statement that descibes you best. Often the readers do not not have the time or the inclination to read much further than page one so make it count.

In conclusion, your resume should be an easy read, it should tell the reader all about you in 30 seconds and it should get you shortlisted  to an interview! If it doesn’t then take a hard critical look at it and adopt the 5 hot tips to see if that will get you the success you deserve.

Ivana Agapiou

FIGJAM RESUMES – your best resume writer

0404056278

The post Top 5 hot tips to a great resume appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

A DIY resume 

It’s sometimes, an uphill battle to present a resume that’s just right.

We will labour over what to include, what to delete.  We are conflicted over what is relevant for the position we are applying for, and so often, when we create and write our own, we have a distorted view, we see the world from our own perspective, not from the reader’s viewpoint.

Let’s be honest, many of us are also unable to objectively read, let alone, edit and proof read our own writing

A good resume writer knows the industry standards and the major requirements of a recruiter whether that’s the  internal HR departments or small business owners. The Writer will forge your resume to relate to the reader. It will match to the job advertised; it will be a resume with a point of difference!

Contact figjam resumes for a free consultation and quote for your next career move

 Ivana Agapiou Resume writer and career advisor 0404056278

The post DIY Resumes? are some things better done by others? appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

Writing a winning resume is a skill, and an art.

Producing a winning resume that stands-out is a specialised skill, and also an art. You will need to have a resume that works for you. It has to be tailored and specific for the position you seek. Your personality, abilities and talents need to be clearly noticeable. You need to be “different” from all the other cookie cutter style resumes.

If you rarely receive a reply to your job applications, there is a strong message and lesson here. Clearly, your resume is not working for you.

Resumes are the most crucial factor in many job applications, they are the only way a prospective employer obtains an impression of you, your work history and suitability for the role/culture.

What is your resume saying about you? Is it error-free? is it written for reading? is it too long? too short? lacks relevant information? looks like every other resume and does not have your individual stamp? Is in such a small or large font that it is illegible? I could go on and on and on here,  you get the drift. 

There is help available if you think your resume is sick, and by this I mean it is in poor health and unable to get you over the line to an interview, then you will need to seek specialist advice.

Often having an Objective third party read, review and assess the document, reading and interpreting it from the “employers” perspective. Yes, we are all sentimental about our resumes because we know how long and lovingly we entered our valuable work history and details. Great, now get over yourself,  do you want “that’ job or more rejection?

Finally, seek an expert by phoning 0404056278  and  Ivana Agapiou our resume writer will talk with you about a personalized resume. It will be devised so that it will launch you to your next interview and perhaps your dream job!

Write your resume Port Macquarie

Ivana Agapiou resume writer and career advisor

0404056278 #resumes #resumewriter #FIGJAMresumes,

The post Resume writing is a skill. appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

How to take advantage of  a private recruitment agency

Recruiters act as a “conduit” between you and your prospective employer. They can facilitate your progress to a shortlist, nor not.

When your application is received by the agency, they will scrutinize your resume and cover letter. HR personnel will carefully assess of your skills, experience and qualifications and how these match up to any advertised or non-advertised, position and also to any specific employer requirements.

Recruitment agency perspective

Acting on behalf of an employer, they will scrutinize your application for best “fit”.  That means that they will be evaluating the appearance, presentation and professionalism of the documents as they serve as the very first impressions of you. Yes, they do look for errors, poor attention to detail and Yes, they make many judgments based on what they see.

If your application documents are good enough to make a shortlist, you may be contacted by the agency for follow-up interview/s and perhaps a skills test. The agency makes its money from the employer once a candidate is chosen. Therefore, it is in their best interests to find the perfect candidate. They are NOT necessarily on your side, instead they focus and prioritize on matching up the best applicant to the employer’s specifications.

Your best first impression is the resume

Prior to applying,  check that your Resume is up to scratch. Does it match what the employer is looking for? Has it yielded you an interview in the past? Have you double-checked it for any errors prior to pressing “send”?

Print one out and see how it looks. Does the format and layout appear professional? Often less pretty and fussy tables, colours, fancy text means less problems with compatibility at the other end. Keep it simple, clean and easy to read.

A resume is your “sales flier” and if it does not “sell” you, it is letting you down. Recruiters rely heavily on first impressions and often this comes through  in the form of the resume. Take your time making sure your resume is perfect and an accurate picture of you.

Don’t know how to write a resume? We do offer this service, please call us.

Ivana Agapiou – resume writer 0404056278

The post Recruitment Agencies, how to use to land a job! appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

Resumes need to be read, not rejected.

How can you attract the reader’s attention? Here’s a little secret gem that just might help keep your readers interested. I suggest you add an enticing  “About me” statement. 

Resumes, like applicants are individual.

The About Me Statement needs to shine a light on your personality, values and passion. Here are a few top tips on improving your statement.

Your statement should contain most of the following:

• Level of experience in industry
• Skills on offer to the employer
• be written specifically to the advertisement, what job role is it,  and what skills are needed in that job.
• Qualifications and or certifications relevant to position
• Explain why you for this job
• What is the special “Something” that differentiates you from other employees?

To successfully write a resume for reading, the responses could read a bit like these following examples,

A Barista

“Being a Barista is not just a job! I love serving customers and can operate various commercial coffee machines. I have speed and physical agility, and I possess initiative and can think quickly on my feet. I’m creative and enjoy making each cup a work of art. I can distinguish qualities of a coffee such as body, astringency, bitterness, fruitiness, acidity, chew, under extracted, over extracted, and the texture of the milk, and last but not least, I love working under pressure!”

The Pitch

“I like being the public face for a hotel. As the first person a customer sees or the first voice they hear, I know how important it is that I consistently act in a professional manner providing the customers with a great first, and lasting impression. I am also a great typist, and pride myself on my accuracy and administration skills. As well as this, I’m told that my smile is contagious!”

General Hospitality and Retail customer service roles

The Pitch could be, “I deliver a high level of customer service and I understand the importance of presentation and great communication skills. I like to be efficient and to provide  timely service. I adopt a very flexible approach to working various shifts, and can work a variety of hours. I enjoy engaging with Guests and customers and building repeat business”.

Examples offered are just examples but could be used to form your unique elevator pitch

If you need professional advice and assistance to upgrade your resume and application or are still concerned and having difficulty writing for reading, not rejection, then CALL NOW  Ivana on 0404056278  or visit figjamresumes.com.au for a phone appointment

Resume consultant,  Ivana Agapiou Resume writer and career advisor

The post Resumes written for reading, not rejection. appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

UNDERRATE  your resume at your peril…It’s not easy to devise your own resume – one that works and gains you an interview.

Every day we receive job applications, mainly ones that include an attached resume. Most of the time the resume as presented, does not reflect the advertised position. In fact, we often comment that we have no idea why the applicant is interested in the position as they don’t appear to have any work experiences, skills or abilities that match the advertised job.  The resume MUST help the reader and potential employer understand why you would be the best person for this job. How do you do this? Here are some major tips…

1. Match the advert. Read and study the advertised position and ensure that you can actually perform a minimum of 80% of the tasks required. Once you are certain that this job is achievable for you, tailor your resume to reflect the requirements of the job. For example, if the job asks for experience, and you have that, then check that you have highlighted this in your resume.
2. Research the company. Find out a bit about the business, like, who, what and where so that you have some background into the job and the company. This information will help you to devise a stronger application.
3. Ask a friend.  Seek friends and/or family and ask them to check your resume and solicit feedback and any help to improve the “look” and the content. Often we are unable to boast or promote our own achievements, yet our colleagues and family will often tell us how good we actually are!
4.  Proof read. Proof read. Proof read! Don’t forget to read the end result carefully, slowly and check it all for not just spelling errors, but for appearance and layout too!

In summary, these are just 4 helpful hints on acquiring a solid and “active” resume.  If you are still unsure, please go to https://www.eatherrecruitment.com.au  or contact Ivana on 0404056278 for a quote on our Resume writing service!

Ivana Agapiou Resume writer and career advisor

The post RESUMES are underrated – start rating it! appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

Looking for work? Loads of others are also on the search.

Make sure you stand out, but also make sure you do use the tried and true methods first.

Job seeking activity can become a full time job.  We hope that some of the following suggestions assist you in your search. Most importantly, stand out from the herd and have your application and efforts count!

Firstly, the tried and true – the faithful list….

• SEEK and my career and on-line recruitment services
• Networks and connections within your industry and social circles
• Registering with various agencies for work
• Newspapers and periodicals
• Word of Mouth and knowledge of possible up coming vacancies, ask around!
• Cold calling and unsolicited resumes to employers of choice
• Advertise your skills through social media channels
• Update and fine tune your resume

Connect with key players through Linkedin

Once you have exhausted the list for sourcing work, consider carefully how and when you will approach the vacancy. Is your resume up to scratch? does it sell you well? Do you need to obtain a second opinion? What stands out about you in your resume? Is it a memorable one? Have you linked your resume to the job your seeking? What is the local demand like for jobs and can any of your work skills be transferred to suit the market?

If this is all too daunting, why not consider consulting with the experts and seek advice on your current and future prospects? Eather Recruitment offer a suite of services to suit your individual needs! Call us to find out what we can do for you

Ivana Agapiou resume writer 0404056278

The post Looking for work in all the right places appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

Will your current job motivate you in 2023? If not, then its time to reflect on your job and your career

The Pandamic has many of us reflecting and reviewing our careers and how we spend our limited time.

Here are a few key questions that may help you to either pat yourself on the back or kick yourself into gear!

Firstly, what were your 2022 highlights, at work, at home? or with your personal relationships and  within your hobbies/outside interests? Think about the following questions,

• Where there any opportunities lost?
• Are you in a job you enjoy? what are the things you enjoy most?
• Are there any aspects of your life you would like to see changed?
• When did you enjoy a break from work and worry?
• What relaxes you the most?
• What would you like to include in your life, that is currently missing or there is not enough of?
• If you have the chance, is there anything you might do differently in 2023?

Just a few stimulating questions that should help to determine whether you are on track or off the beaten track, and if that it’s the right direction to head

Ivana Agapiou Resume Writer

FIGJAM RESUMES

The post 2023 is a great time to review your job and career choices appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

Your Resume needs to contain your Knowledge, Skills and Abilities.

These can be also disguised under Key Selection Criteria (KSC), each have distinct differences between them. Know the difference and win the interview.

Knowledge: The level of education, experience and training an individual must have at minimum to be considered qualified for the position.

Skills: Specific skills such as ability to create manipulate and utilize spread sheets, word, processing programs

Ability:  Tasks you have performed and the length of time spent in a particular role.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (SKA’s) are often contained in a list of special qualifications and personal attributes that you need to have for a particular job.  These are the unique requirements that a recruitment agency wants to find in the person selected to fill a particular job.  A primary purpose of KSAs is to measure those qualities that will set one candidate a part from the others.   How well an applicant can show that he or she matches the position’s defined KSAs determines whether that person will be seriously considered for the job.

Knowledge statements refer to an organised body of information usually of a factual or procedural nature which, if applied, makes adequate performance on the job possible.  A body of information applied directly to the performance of a function.

Skill statements refer to the proficient manual, verbal or mental manipulation of data or things.  Skills can be readily measured by a performance test where quantity and quality of performance are tested, usually within an established time limit.  Examples of proficient manipulation of things are skill in typing or skill in operating a vehicle.  Examples of proficient manipulation of data are skill in computation using decimals; skill in editing for transposed numbers, etc.

 Ability statements refer to the power to perform an observable activity at the present time.  This means that abilities have been evidenced through activities or behaviours that are similar to those required on the job, e.g., ability to plan and organize work.  Abilities are different from aptitudes.  Aptitudes are only the potential for performing the activity.

Some job applicants are not sure whether the KSC requirements apply to them or where a response is optional.  There’s an easy way to decide when to pay attention to KSCs.  In a word –  “ALWAYS”.

Recruitment Agencies may emphasize the most important aspects of a job by assigning relative weights to each KSC.  Others will designate particular KSCs as being Mandatory (M) or Desirable (D).  Obviously the job applicant will want to focus the most effort on responding to the more heavily weighted KSCs or the mandatory ones, but it is important to remember that you need to address everyone on the list.  If a vacancy advertisement makes no distinction among the position’s KSC, the applicant should assume that all KSCs are equally important.

A key point to remember about all KSCs is that they must be job-related.  An agency cannot ask for anything in a KSC that is not in the job’s position description.

That’s enough on KSC for now, watch this space on “How to respond to KSC” and  Capability Statements along some writing tips and tricks.

In summary, if you need help with your applications or resume,contact Ivana, our resume writer on 0404056278

Ivana Agapiou career and outplacement consultant 

The post Knowledge, Skills and Abilities, why you can’t ignore them! appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

Resumes and Roses require constant attention.

Are you dreaming of the same, secure job for life?  A job with status and tons of security or even a rose-paved career path that extends far into the future with more roses at the end?

Then, I am sorry, as this dream is truly a thing of the past. There are no guarantees of job security or of permanency in any job.

In this climate of change, innovation and creation of new job roles, what are you doing to best prepare yourself for the tricky, often twisted path?

Even roses need to adapt to seasonal fluctuation, unexpected changes in weather patterns, and unpredictable climate. Let’s not forget the competition for nutrients from weeds, disease and pests, not unlike some workplaces.

Many of us associate what we do each day at work with who we are. This is not entirely our fault. Identity is closely associated with our jobs and at most social occasions, people will ask us “Where do you do?” and make judgement of us based on our job title!

Businesses both large and small, are reviewing and changing the way they staff their workplaces. It could mean more part time and/or casual labour, it could be a matter of downsizing. I’m not implying that their methods are ethical. but it does happen.

A job is something that we do, but should not be something that defines us fully, and forever! Our work provides us with an income, and our job gives us a title along with responsibilities and duties to perform. Some lucky people get to do the job that they love for many years and can actually attain the 100% perfect fit! However, this is not the norm, most of us tend to link and merge our personality into the job and do the very best we can do to enjoy our working life.

Now here’s the problem. We sometimes “marry” and merge our personality into our work, so much so, that if and when, the job is no longer available due to whatever reason, redundancy and economic downturn. We are understandably distraught.  Jobs themselves are labelled, either permanent or temporary, and this misleads us into thinking that permanent work is on-going and perhaps forever.

The best way to approach the world of work is to truly understand that you don’t “own” any job, and to start this process, don’t call it “your” job. It’s just a role and a duty you are performing at this space in time, to be of use to the community; acquire an income; feel fulfilled and maybe enjoy a way of life.

Your job is not your whole life, even though it can help us meet others and socialize, provide personal and professional growth, and of course, be a source of income. The job is here and now, and who knows for how long? No one can predict the future with any certainty, and we are no longer assured of one job for life (unless we start our own business based on our interests, and even then nothing is assured)

We are living and working in times of rapid change, with new technologies and new ways of performing roles, and let’s mention the other R word. ROBOTS . In Conclusion, what are you doing to best prepare yourself for the future?

Here are three major suggestions to help get you thinking,  and hopefully set you on the rosy path to learning and growing from experience: Keep abreast of change, Maintain your currency, and thirdly, check the job market.

1.Keep abreast of trends, read and research articles on new ideas and emerging work patterns – seek out contemporary and analytical thinkers on You Tube, Ted talks,  or listen to podcasts, but keep informed or you will feel “left out” or worse,  hit by a change that other’s saw coming first and were more prepared to adapt.

2.  Maintain your currency in education, training and up-skilling and with new technologies; never stop learning and developing your knowledge, whether its personal development; meditation, learning how to learn, or viewing stimulating lectures on You Tube. Just do it!

3. Check the job market regularly, what new roles and new industries are emerging? Most importantly, Review, Revise and refresh your resume every 6 months!

In conclusion,  what are you doing to maintain your currency? How are you remaining relevant within the job market? What strong, core skills-sets do you possess? How do you keep abreast of current recruitment practices? Is your resume written in such a way that it emphasizes your transferable skills?

Ivana Agapiou 0404056278  #resumewriter

The post Resumes and Roses, both need constant attention appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

No kidding! If your resume is not getting you the interview, then it’s not the most memorable Rose in the bunch. It’s the one that got discarded and abandoned.

There are a few things that may need adjustment so that it gets a chance to be noticed. Firstly, we assume that you have updated it and it’s a current document.

Even with currency, here are 10 reasons why your resume may have been discarded…

1. Your resume does not match the advertised job -example – You send a resume filled with retail experience for a job as a scaffold
2. The reader (future employer) thinks you didn’t meet 80% of the criteria for the role – eh.. you haven’t provided enough evidence that you can do the job
3. The resume was poorly presented (spelling errors etc) – my pet hate, it leaves the reader wondering what else you don’t care about
4. your work history has large gaps – don’t leave mysteries, explain any gaps
5. your resume is far too long – unless your the Prime Minister, DON’T!
6. you missed the closing deadline – hmmm they might be thinking you’re disorganised
7. your contact details are incorrect – look at comments #3
8. your forgot to insert current contact details – make sure you are contactable
9. you have sent  the wrong application documents ( ie for another job all together!) opps- care factor?
10. you don’t meet the basic requirements for the role (ie lack the mandatory qualifications) if they ask for mandatory qualifications, you will need to back that up.Resume writing is a skilled process. It needs your absolute attention to detail and most importantly, the reader has to be your  main focus. Answering the question – What do they want? will guide you to present a better and more successful document that aligns your experience with the job you are applying for.

FINAL POINT- Tell the truth, you can still be 100% honest without compromising your chances to be shortlisted for the job. Never lie!

Need help to organise your resume so that you get THAT interview? call us now on 0404056278 to secure your time with our HR professional Ivana Agapiou.

Ivana Agapiou Resume writer and career advisor

The post RESUME writing Services appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

Selection Criteria. If you are seeking work especially within large corporations, the job application process has become even more onerous and tricky.

The process often requires you to possess a huge amount of critical thinking, analysis and the qualities of a best selling author.

In the past, the expectation was that you responded to selection criteria. That was tough enough. Now there is a whole new world of potential suffering that manifests into paralysis and sheer fright! The expectation is that you can read between lines,and interpret any job description, and be able to respond with creative intelligence to “capability statements” or articulate answers to seemingly innocuous key questions within a cover letter (no more than 2 pages allowed)

As you wade through the pages of corporate guff, (some of which is not useful) which often includes the now trending competency percentages for the role, you are expected to interpret how you can match these required job attributes to your experiences. Sometimes you are required to be almost a literary genius!  All the responses require you to demonstrate how you encompass your competencies and your experience into great, meaty examples that relate to their job.

In the past, most applications were initially screened and handled by HR administration or  HR professionals, these were the people who first eye-balled your application and would shortlist by simply skimming  your application, searching for certain phrases or buzzwords. Here’s the tricky thing … not all applications are read by human eyes anymore. Many employers and HR departments that employ large numbers of staff, utilize scanning software to search for keywords in job applications and ONLY  when the computer pings with matches,  will they read the applications!

Regardless, it’s vitally important to make sure your application has the right keywords contained within, so that a match or a “hit” happens in the search. Please note that this is not an excuse to implant your application with a loads of random buzzwords or make it obvious that you have copied phrases and sentences into your application.

The computer searches rely on verbs and also nouns. If you were applying for a accountancy role, then you’d want to make sure you included keywords your job application, like profit and loss statements, along with using niche terms that are relevant and are integral to the role advertised.

The easier you make it for the recruiter or the scanning software to find and match your skills and qualities to the job, the quicker and easier it will be that you are shortlisted,  and the more likely it’ll be that they’ll ask you for an interview.

YES! The application process now requires a huge amount of critical thinking, analysis and the qualities of a best seller author.

Ivana Agapiou  resume writer and career adviser

The post Your job application needs to be smarter, shorter, smoother and simply match the criteria appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

What is the difference between a Job agency and a recruitment agency?

Eather Recruitment, although posted and listed under Yellow pages and most on-line media as an Employment Agency, is actually a Recruitment agency. What is the difference you ask? It’s important to know before you send in your resume!

The big difference is that Employment agencies actively find unemployed  people work. They conduct their business usually as a government funded agency so therefore they work from the candidate first, finding out what skills and experience they posses and then try to find an employer who may be interested .

A recruitment agency works with employers in the first instance, gathers a comprehensive brief and job description and then searches the job market for the best person for the job. Often these candidates are not unemployed, rather, candidates who seek a promotion; new career path, often they are highly skilled and experienced.

This is a simple explanation, please contact our office  if you want to know more of how our employment services can help you. If you are seeking a new resume or require help with job applications, simple or complex, contact Ivana on 040405678 or check out www.figjamresumes.com.au

The post There’s Employment Agencies and then there’s Recruitment Agencies appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

I’m sometimes asked to create a one page resume document that tells all. A page that contains just enough information to capture the reader’s attention. Clients may request that all their work history and vital information be summarized for a quick read. It’s believed that a one pager is very effective in selling their skills in seconds.  Whilst its true that a single page can be useful to tell your story succinctly, it is also selling you short.

The length is important

It’s selling you short because the front page of any resume is prime real estate and should capture the reader’s attention fully. It should entice, engage and be a catalyst for the reader to turn the page and curiously continue to your second and third page.  The document should lead the reader to explore further. This captivation and may lure the reader to shortlisting your application.  In fact, there is no need to have a resume that is more than 3 pages. Two pages is the ideal length, unless you are applying to be the Prime Minister. The important factor here is that you have them at “hello”!

Many recruiters and HR departments are busy, lack time and really want to read a resume that connects you to the job they have advertised. They want to connect the dots without having to read a deluge of information. Therefore, it is imperative that your resume reads well, with simple settings and without fussy tables and pretty colored patterns. Personal photos are for Facebook only!

Match your experience,skills and knowledge

Most importantly, you want to match your experience, skills and knowledge to the job description and the selection criteria. Read the advertisement carefully and ascertain where you’re a match.  Keep it simple and clean, with limited fancy headings. It should flow and be easy to read. Avoid technical terms that are specific to your previous work and that hold no relevance to the advertised job.

In summary, make your resume stand out by including 2/3 pages that are streamlined and tidy and most importantly, easy to read.

Forget the one pager and stick to the tried and true resume sample.

The post The one page Resume appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

Responding to Selection Criteria. It’s a specialised skill and you’re not alone.

This article with cover how should you respond and address selection criteria.

Firstly, you are required to address each criterion separately, providing enough detail for the panel to assess your abilities in relation to them. While there is no specific word or character limit, the average response should be around 350 -500 words per criterion. The best approach is to 1.Understand the Position description 2. Provide evidence 3. Be positive and specific 4. provide outcomes/results .

1. Understand the Position Description (PD) It’s important to read the whole of the PD, considering the responsibilities of the job and how they relate to the selection criteria. Make sure you understand what sort of responsibilities relate to every criterion. For example, writing reports, negotiating with colleagues and providing information to clients all relate to a selection criterion based on “communicates effectively”. In your response to that criteria you should therefore cover your experience relating to writing, negotiating and providing information. You should make notes under each selection criteria regarding the types of things you should cover. Inform the panel on what aspects of the criterion you are addressing. For example, the excerpt below from an applicant’s response to the criteria uses the same terms (report writing, negotiating and providing information) to show how their experience relates to the role they are applying for:

“In several positions I was required to negotiate with colleagues and clients in relation to deadlines. for example, while working as an Account’s Assistant with XYZ Company, I had to liaise regularly with clients to negotiate deadlines for payment. I worked in partnership with them, clearly explaining the reasons for the deadline and adopting a flexible attitude if possible. I also ascertained a good understanding of my client’s business to ensure I understood and worked with their needs and their own specific deadlines. As a result of this relationship-building approach, I consistently received payments on time and was therefore able to maintain cash flow and decrease outstanding debts.”

1. Provide evidence, This is  really important when formulating relevant examples from your work, study, life and/or volunteer experience. Decide which examples ‘fit’ best, then use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Approach and Result) to outline them. The STAR approach ensures that you provide evidence of how you are suitable for the job, not just generic statements. With the example above: The S situation was working as Sales Officer with XYZ.  The task was negotiating the deal, The A approach was explaining the reason for the deadline, being understanding of the client’s needs and adopting a flexible attitude and The R result or outcome was ensuring payments were received on time to prepare and submit the end of financial year  report,  by the required deadline.

Often the difficult part is knowing what examples to use from your work history and what sort of things to emphasize or highlight. You might find that you have too much information to fit into just a couple of pages or you may struggle to write a paragraph. It is best to be concise and avoid going off on tangents. Every bit of information should link to the selection criteria. It must be positive and specific, using positive and specific language and avoiding ambiguous or passive expressions, such as “I was involved in” or “I assisted in”. Use strong action terms and verbs and avoid passive language when describing your qualifications and experience, for example, say “I lead the project” rather than, “As part of my ongoing duties, I participated in the project”. Avoid negative terms, such as “dealing with problems”. Instead, turn it around and couch the phrase as “meeting challenges”or “resolving issues”.

3. Review your work and once you complete your responses to the selection criteria, go back over your application and check that: · You have covered all aspects of the criteria· The structure of your response to each criterion is logical· The information is concise, there is not extra information that does not relate to the criterion · Your sentences are positive and clear· Your grammar and spelling is correct · The best approach is to ask someone else to read your work and ask that they consider the above points when assessing your response

In Summary, the most important things to remember:

• Read and understand the whole PD
• Address all the selection criteria
• Focus on the criteria based on the Core and Business Enabler Capabilities
• Give solid examples and don’t forget to outline the results and outcomes
• Try to keep to around 500 words per criterion · Sell your contribution
• Read through your work over and over and even have someone else edit and review too! Then press SEND!!

Finally, if this sounds all too difficult we can recommend the services of a resume writer.

Ivana Agapiou career and outplacement consultant and resume writer

The post Responding to Selection Criteria appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

Resume rejected? Job lost? Missed that promotion?

Rejection hurts.  It’s often a time we grab our go-to happy habits and find it actually makes us feel worse.

Here are some common strategies that don’t actually work very well in the long term, but are a well-known quick fix’s – see which one/s resonate with you.

1. Comfort food. The secret treat and other retail solutions. 

Often, the things we choose as treats aren’t good for us.  Surprise! The pleasure is brief, and once the sugar high melts away, we are left with feelings of guilt, loss of control, and other negative thoughts that just deepen the lousiness of our day.  Food does affect mood. So when you find yourself thinking, “I’ll feel better after I eat a block of chocolate, or engage in retail therapy and impulse buy,  STOP. PAUSE, and ask yourself, ” What am I really doing?”  “Will I feel better afterwards?” “What are the consequences of this behaviour”? I know when I over-indulge I feel quite sick literally, this along with the guilt and stupidity of my actions kills me for ages!  Yep! I made a bad situation worse! Better to go for a jog, go to the gym, and or talk it out with a friend.

2. Feeling sorry for yourself and making excuses.

When you’re feeling down, you might be tempted to let yourself off the hook, to think, “I deserve to skip my jog today, I deserve a break.” In fact, sticking to a resolution and routine will actually boost your sense of self-esteem and self-control. So NOT letting yourself off the hook might do more to boost your happiness.  Telling yourself you are feeling lousy will act as another excuse to NOT do.  I actually hate exercise, yet I know it has benefits, so I’ll walk the dog or go out in the garden, any thing that is active and distracting.

3. Switching off your phone.

I find it difficult to talk with others if I’m feeling upset. I am often tempted to ignore calls or switch off my phone, and I have even cancelled lunch dates, for no other reason other than ” I didn’t feel like it”.  However, studies show that introverts and extroverts get a mood boost from connecting with other people. Although it can be tempting to isolate yourself when you’re feeling unhappy, you’re better off talking and making plans with friends or family.

4.  Openly, aggressively, venting your negative emotions.

I can act a bit tetchy and irritable when things don’t go my own way. This may manifest when I’m receiving poor customer service and I might over-react in a negative way. In fact, many people believe in the “catharsis hypothesis” thinking that expressing anger is healthy-minded and relieves pent-up feelings. Not so. Studies show that expressing anger aggressively only aggravates it;  It’s better to take a deep breath, count to 10 and behave calmly.

5. Staying in bed or in your pajamas all day.

Being dressed like a sloth, only makes you behave like one. Get out of bed, shower and get dressed in favourite gear!  Sometimes it can be fun to hang out in your trackie-dacks all day, but if you’re feeling lethargic, powerless, or directionless, not getting dressed is going to make you feel worse. Put on your clothes, including your shoes, so you feel prepared for whatever the day might offer. While you’re at it, make your bed.

6. Having a drink.

Alcohol affects people differently, and even if you don’t have a drinking problem, alcohol can negatively affect your happiness. Speaking for myself, alcohol is not a happiness-booster. I had to stop drinking, because I realized that even just one glass of wine made me feel more depressed and I would spiral downwards into binge eating and other poor behaviours.(see the 5 points above!)  Don’t assume that a drink will help you unwind, or feel more relaxed, you just think it does.

How you you cope with rejection? What things have you tried to “pick yourself up?” What ones made you feel worse, in the end?  Which ones work for you to effectively beat the blues?

Ivana Agapiou RESUME WRITER

The post Handling Rejection appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

Your resume is one of the main ways employers have of making a judgement of your ability to perform a role.

Your document requires structure and a pathway of understanding for your reader. It should not be a difficult maze of distracting information to navigate.

It should  reflect who you are, what you have done and what you could offer a new employer; it should not be an example of how much you don’t care about the impression you’re making.

Seriously, the resume that is highlighted below was an actual, live application (yes all the names and contact details have been changed to protect the innocent)

The font size and the layout is exactly as it presented and Dear Ruby (not her real name) was applying for a role as an office assistant. We have left all the errors intact so that you can judge for yourself.

This IS a BAD resume and it will not be able to allow Ruby to get to an interview.

• How many errors can you find?
• What judgement did you make of Ruby as a potential employee?
• Would you refer her to a position within your business?
• What advice would you give Ruby on improving her resume as well as he approach to work outside of Hospitality industry eg for Office work?

check this real example (names changed ) READ ON!

 …………………………………………………………………….

RESUME

 NAME:                Ruby Brown

ADDRESS:          Yada Yada NSW 2444

DOB:                    6^th December 1996

MARTAL STATUE:      single

MOBILE:            0400 600 211

EMAIL:               hotchick96@hotmail.com

PREVOUS EMPLOYMENT:                                  

September 2010 – currence

Company: Flynns on the water Café

Place: Port Macquarie

Position: Barista, Waitress and Cook

Duties:

• Taking orders
• Preparing food
• Customer service
• Cleaning
• Cooking meals takeaway and dine in
• Opening and closing the café
• Ordering stock
• Barista – Making Coffees
• Waitress
• Cash handling

November 2011 – April 2013

Company: Real Expensive Property

Place: Port Macquarie

Position: Traineee Property Manager –

Duties included:

• Answering the phone
• Scheduling and Conducting viewings of rental properties
• Scheduling and Conducting routine inspections

November 2012 – 2014

Company :Boring as anything

Place: Hell on Earth

Position: Admin

Duties included

• Organising repairs/sending work orders
• Entering new tenants in REST
• Updating owners on their investments weekly
• Sending emails
• Receipting rent and water
• Adding, editing and removing rental properties on Port Plus
• Archiving and allocating documents

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS                                                           

2014 Peak Coffee Coarse Module 1, 2 & 3 completed, Port Macquarie

2012 McCafe Barista Certificate completed, Port Macquarie

2013 finished highschool

REFERENCES:                                                                                                      

Joe Blogg

Manager

Mcdonalds

Hobbies

Surfing; swimming; crafts;singing; dancing; going out with friends; music; football; social media;gym; singing

How many errors did you find? This resume is in serious need of an overhaul!

Having your own troubles with resume writing – talk with our expert Ivana Agapiou resume writer and career advisor 

0404056278

The post OMG! A Resume with a bad attitude! appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

The new reality is unpredictable.

The post The new reality appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

Spend valuable time on the writing, thinking, planning and reviewing and it will be worth every minute!

• It should be a breeze. A walk in the park. A lovely relaxing think, but all too often talking about ourselves in positive light, is the most difficult thing to do. Most of us need help with learning the Key secrets to writing responses to Key Section Criteria and other tricky demands of the application process.

Job Applications that require responses to  Key Selection Criteria (KSC)- or Capability Statements, can be an excruciating experience…especially if you don’t know what to do!

Firstly, you must respond to the Key Selection Criteria. If you only send in your Cover Letter and Resume for a job that has a request for you to respond to Key Selection Criteria your application will immediately be discarded

Don’t assume that employers or the selection panel will pull the information out of your application package and pick up the salient points.  They will not!  Even if they had the spare time for such insight, they are not allowed to infer anything.

Here are some General hints to follow when responding to KSC (Key selection Criteria)

• Read the vacancy announcement carefully  ( I often read it out aloud and slowly – it helps!)
• Gather the information needed to begin writing
• Be specific and be precise
• Get to the point and don’t ramble
• Use poignant examples to support your assertions (current and past colleagues may be able to assist you remember)
• State specifically what you have done, and the results or outcomes
• Do not use acronyms
• Present yourself in “clear and plain” language
• Do not borrow language from the position description
• Make sure you answer each Key Selection Criteria separately. NEVER, ever, write a response that combines 2 or more Key Selection Criteria in one response or write, eg, refer to para 1 or refer to resume
• Study each Key Selection Criteria very carefully. Note the language used and the very specific areas the question covers. Underline any key words and phrases. Then write your response.

For each Key Selection Criteria, delve into your career history and work experience and come up with an example that demonstrates the particular skill or experience that you are being asked for. Try to find examples of a project that was completed (i.e. something that started and ended, with a definable result, while you were there) and write a response outlining what you actually did to assist with the project

Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) structure to respond to the Key Selection Criteria

Keep your responses to Key Selection Criteria within the guidelines on the advertisement.

Keep it succinct and brief. More than 3 or 4 pages per criterion is almost certainly too much. Less than this is to brief and more than this will put you at risk of waffling. Please Note that waffling does not cut it. The questions are very specific and it’s critical you provide specific responses.

There are a number of publications and further information on the web .Let us know if  these tips are useful!

Ivana Agapiou resume writer and career advisor

0404 056 278

The post Let’s explore the Excruciating “Writing Part” for Key Selection Criteria appeared first on Eather Recruitment.