How’s yours looking? Is it a doer-upper, or  just a sad derelict dump. Is it a show stopper that highlights heaps of potential.

RESUMES are still one of the best ways to help you gain an interview! 

Let’s not kid ourselves. Resumes are one of the best tools at our disposal for gaining an interview, and perhaps that job that we want. Sadly, it’s influence is underrated and very misunderstood!

In this blog, we will examine the power of the Resume. Here are two useful tips:

• Make sure the resume reflects your professional image well. In other words if you are applying for a job that demands high level of accuracy and your resume is full of spelling errors… your image will be tarnished and you may not be considered for the role as it contradicts the requirements for the role.
• Match your skills and experience to the advertised job. Avoid applying for jobs for the sake of applying for jobs. Be selective and make sure it’s actually a job you might like and most important, one that you are qualified to do!

It’s simple, easy but if you are still worried about how your resume represents you – contact us for information regarding resume writing services. We know what a good resume looks like and we know what is required to get you to that most important interview!

Ivana Agapiou resume writer and career advisor

 Ivana career advisor and outplacement consultant on 0404056278  and check out website www.eatherrecruitment.com.au for pricing

The post The Resume is the reigning KING! appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

Looking for work is just like fishing.

You have to have the right bait, the right target employers and the right timing.

Finding a job in Regional NSW is a little more challenging that the Metro areas, however, there are tried and true methods that work in any job market.

Let’s explore the fishing analogy

The Right Bait

I believe your resume is the “Bait” that catches the attention of the reader (or not!). What results have you got from your resume? Have you sent heaps out with little result? Did your resume “bait” the reader enough to invite you to an interview? If not, change your bait! Each time you fish for work, make sure your bait is adapted to the role  or the “catch”. Sending the same resume out for various jobs, is NOT helping you bait the right catch!

The Right Employer

A good fisherman reads the weather reports, checks for the best areas for particular catches. Looking for work is no different. Research the companies you are keen on; (don’t be afraid to make a phone call and ask questions!) Examine the future of this industry – is it viable? if you got work ( or fished here) is it fertile enough to sustain you in the future; check that you have the right qualifications; skills and experience; Written job applications need to be tailored to the job advertisement.

The Right Time

Seeking a career change? or looking for a new job in the same industry? Just like fishing for the same breed of fish means working out what that particular fish likes best. What would be the best bait and what times are best to catch them? Employers and industries often have “down times” or seasonality too! If you are seeking a complete career change – what have you learnt from previous experiences and jobs that would be relevant in your new path? This is known as “transferable skills”. Fishing in new zones, requires the Angler to utilize what they have already learnt and be prepared to fail sometimes. List all your capabilities, skills and make sure that this is what your new employer is looking for. As a recruiter, I rarely get a call from applicants asking questions on an advertised role, if I do receive a call, many just rave about themselves, without asking ONE question on the role! This is not to right time to rave… that is for the formal application. First and foremost, find out all you can…

Ivana Agapiou resume writer

The post Looking for work? are you searching for jobs in all the right places? appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

 Your Resume should align with your personality.

Your resume should not hide secrets, and yet, it should not reveal too much either. It should be draw card, an enticement for the reader, to explore further by calling you in for an interview. The reader is intrigued and interested enough to find out MORE about you.

Don’t be afraid to describe the the REAL you in your resume as it needs to be a document that reads as authentic as your signature.  How do you begin? here’s a quick guide

• Firstly, be Brave. Be very brave. Your resume needs to “sell” you so this is not the time to be too shy.
• Create a statement that best describes you as an employee.
• Ask co-workers and friends for help with this character description , ask the question “What’s it like working with me?
• Use this as an “about me” statement on your resume, it works as a guide for the reader as to your suitability as well as adds that unique “signature” to your resume.
• ask yourself ” In all my job roles, what was it that I did differently to others,  to make my job successful?”
• Maintain a record of all your accomplishments, no matter how small
• Remain true to yourself and apply for roles that will help to bring out the best in you!

Writing your own resume can be tricky and often we emphasise the wrong areas or even omit the very important ones. Sometimes, it’s best to engage the services of an objective and effective resume writer. This person can analyse and evaluate the best way to demonstrate your personality on paper. They should be able to flesh out the best and highlight your career skills that align with the job advertisement.

Sill need help? call Eather Recruitment for a referral to their resume and career consultant  Ivana  0404056278 NOW!

The post A Real, Authentic Resume appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

A little FIGJAM is good for you. I‘m Good, Just Ask Me.

That announcement is OK, provided the self-praise is meant to bolster and boost your confidence.

This is especially true if you’ve suffered a career disappointment. However, be wary of staying in this state of mind for too long. There may be a risk that you could become a little too arrogant and less humble.

There will be times when you will need to have a ready script that sells all your key achievements.  When its vital to proudly state what great contributions you have made to a successful project or to your workplace. The trick is to have it said or written in such a way that you don’t appear arrogant and totally “up your self”! 

Your resume needs to have your relevant achievements listed, as it pertains to the job your applying for. The reader can clearly see the correlation and connection between you – their job description and personality profile they seek. A resume needs to spell out what you have done and most importantly, how well you did it!

There are a number of reasons why you should include a little  FIGJAM in your resume’s work history, let me list the 5 top reasons you might want to be a bit proud.

1. it’s true and correct, you are good!
2. your achievements are an historical journey, demonstrating improvement, learning and growth
3. the resume records outcomes and milestones that prove your worth
4. serves as a memory jogger when responding to selection criteria or capability statements
5. lovely and damn good for you to know your worth

Many employers want you to be confident and self-assured. They are not seeking a shy wall flower who is reluctant to support and “back-up” their own capability statements. They want to hear that the person they have short-listed can cut the mustard, that it isn’t just bravado speaking.   Most want to know that you are as good as you claim to be. Be ready with solid examples that support your statements; be ready with statistics; outcomes and/or examples of your work. Often the best way to demonstrate your greatness is by providing testimonials, so make your sure our referees love you and can also substantiate your claims!

Having trouble working out the difference between arrogance and proudly stating your worth?  You are not alone here, we all struggle with this! The best way to write your own history is to have an objective third party help you.  Ideally, this person doesn’t know you, they don’t have an agenda, other than to see you succeed. All they want to do is help you flesh out the diamonds in your work history.

Lastly, self praise is still great to boost your confidence!

If you need help crafting a job application that provides your future employer with a positive view of how you can enhance their business, give me a call on 0404 056 278 or visit figjamresumes.com.au

Ivana Agapiou – resume writer and career consultant

The post A little FIGJAM is good for you appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

The Waiting

We are often asked how long it would take a company to get back to you after you have applied for a job. There is no right answer.  There is best practice that most companies try to follow.

Many companies have a structured recruitment phase.  This includes:

1. composing the advert
2. Listing the job on net /media
3. scouring through resumes
4. screening applications (usually 2 weeks after advert goes live) scanning resumes
5. calling successful candidates to an interview
6. reference checks
7. selection
8. Informing all the unsuccessful candidates

Often the bigger the company, the longer they take to recruit. However, small business owners who are time poor, may also take a long time to contact you.

Sadly, all too often, many don’t call; write or email you back at all. This wait period is, and can be, highly stressful. To ease your anxiety, make a list of all the jobs you applied for. On this list, include the Company name; the job outline; the date you applied (or their closing date for applications)  and the reasons why you applied. That way, if /when you get THE CALL, you will be prepared. This is important to do especially if you have applied for several jobs at once. There is nothing more unprofessional than responding to that all important call with “who are ya?” or even worse, “what job did I apply for?”

When you do get the call, and are scheduled for an interview, make sure you are fully prepared. If you haven’t done it already, research the company and the role further.

Lastly, you got the call! and now all you have to do is perform your very best at interview and then throw it all to chance! Hopefully, you will be called and congratulated on getting the job. If not, soldier on, as sometimes its not you.. its just chance…

Ivana Agapiou – resume writer, career advisor, outplacement services

The post The big, long wait, will you get that call? appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

 Jobs need hard skills, experience, but also attitudinal and personal attributes that enhance the work environment

You may have the qualifications and even the experience needed to perform the work, however if you don’t possess the hard-core “soft skills”, that is, a strong work ethic, an ability to get on with others and a high level of emotional intelligence, your success in any role could be greatly diminished.

In 2002, the Business Council of Australia and the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry produced the Employ-ability Skills for the Future report in consultation with other peak employer bodies.  The report identified  key, generic employ-ability skills that individuals should have along with relevant job-specific and/or technical skills. They are:

1. Communication
2. Teamwork
3. Problem solving
4. Initiative and enterprise
5. Planning and organising
6. Self-management
7. Learning & Technology

1. Communication

Developing your communication skills can help all aspects of your life, from your professional life to social gatherings and everything in between.  The ability to communicate information accurately, clearly and as intended, is a vital life skill and something that should not be overlooked.  It’s never too late to improve your communication skills and by doing so improve your quality of life. Professionally, if you are applying for jobs or looking for a promotion with your current employer, you will almost certainly need to demonstrate good communication skills. For example, the ability to:

• present appropriately to a wide variety of audiences
• demonstrate a varied vocabulary and tailor language to suit your audience
• listen effectively and when required, present ideas appropriately,
• write clearly, concisely with the reader in mind
• perform well in a team, showing initiative and common sense as well as respecting others

Many of these are essential skills that employers seek. As your career progresses, the importance of communication skills increases; the ability to speak, listen, question and write with clarity and conciseness are essential for most managers and leaders.

2. Teamwork

Getting on with others; understanding how others as well as you, can contribute positively to the team effort is a most important aspect of any role. The ability to work effectively with others on a common task; taking actions which respect the needs and contributions of others; contributing to, and accepting the consensus; negotiating a win-win solution to achieve are all aspects of a great team member.

Behavioural indicators include:-

• Building and Maintaining Relationships
• Give and receive feedback from peers or other team members in order to perform the task and improve outcomes
• Share credit for good ideas with others.
• Acknowledge others’ skill, experience, creativity, and contributions.
• Listen to,  and acknowledge the feelings, concerns, opinions, and ideas of others.
• Expand on the ideas of a peer or team member.
• State personal opinions and areas of disagreement tactfully.
• Listen patiently to others in conflict situations.
• Define problems in a non-threatening manner.
• Support group decisions even if not in total agreement.
• Achieving the task
• Give and seek input from others (in formulating plans for recommendations).
• Assist others in solving problems and achieving own goals.
• Share information, ideas, and suggestions.
• Ask for help in identifying and achieving goals and solving problems.
• Check for agreement, and gain commitment to shared goals.
• Notify others of changes or problems in a timely manner.
• Make procedural suggestions to encourage progress towards goals.
• Check for understanding.
• Negotiate to achieve a “win-win” outcome.

Do you have These Skills?

You’ll need to be able to prove to employers that you actually have the skills they want for the job. In applications and interviews they will ask ‘competency questions’ or ask for ‘capability statements’ that begin with phrases such as ‘tell me a time when …………. ‘ or ‘give me an example of ………….. ‘ Your answers will be the evidence that you have what it takes.

To find out how well developed your skills are already you could try this simple exercise:

Rate yourself on each of the behaviours:

• 1 = I do this very well. I am consistent and successful in it
• 2 = I am good at this. With some practice I can make it perfect!
• 3 = I am getting better, but still need to work on this a bit more.
• 4 = I am not particularly good at this – yet!

Revisit this exercise several times – you’ll want to have as many skills as possible at 1 and 2 before you apply for graduate jobs.

And, think about all the life situations you’ve been in – university, work, leisure, travel, social – and identify incidents and examples from them that show that you have already used the skill.

3. Problem Solving

Even when it isn’t specified in the job description, many employers will look at your problem solving skills at various different stages of the application process. This could be anything from psychometric tests to group activities or one-to-one interviews.

Problem solving is all about using logic, as well as imagination, to make sense of your situation and come up with an intelligent solution. It is connected to a number of other skills:

• A Level head and resilience in assessing a situation, and reassessing it if you fail the first time
• Analytical skills, creativity and logical thinking to reach a solution

4. Initiative and enterprise

Are you able to see innovative ways of doing things? do you have experience in  seizing opportunities, and taking initiative?  It may involve a newer way of looking at a situation or the addition of a new idea to improve or streamline an existing process. You’ve developed your initiative and enterprise skills if you’ve taken on leadership roles or practiced a better way of doing things.

Skills in initiative and enterprise are demonstrated by:

• adapting to new situations
• developing a strategic or long-term vision
• identifying opportunities not obvious to others
• translating ideas into action
• generating a range of options
• initiating innovative solutions

5. Planning and organising

This involves the ability to identify what is required in a given situation and to manage people and resources effectively to achieve results.  It also involves being able to manage time efficiently and priorities what tasks need to be done to achieve an overall goal.

You’ve planned and organized when you decided what courses to take at University, devised a study schedule for exam time, or managed work and school commitments simultaneously.

Examples of Planning and Organizing include:

• managing time and priorities
• establishing clear project goals and deliverables
• allocating people and other resources to tasks
• multi- deadline and time management
• collecting, analysing and organising information

6. Self-management

This skill refers to the ability to take responsibility for your own actions and life direction, and to set goals and successfully achieve them.  It involves setting achievable goals and using your time and resources effectively to achieve them.

If you’ve worked independently on a project, thought about your career goals and researched how to achieve them, or used a diary to plan your semester, you’ve demonstrated self management skills.

Self Management skills are demonstrated by:

• planning ahead and having a personal vision and goals
• evaluating and monitoring one’s own performance
• taking responsibility
• articulating ideas and vision

 7. Learning and Technology

Maintaining currency by keeping abreast of new technology and applying it to problems, as well as the ability to embrace life-long learning in the field of technology.

Skills in using technology are demonstrated by:

• having a range of basic IT skills
• willingness to acquire new IT skills
• selecting the appropriate technology for a given task

Learning refers to your ability to manage your own learning and contribute to ongoing improvement and expansion in your own knowledge and skill set.  This also refers to your ability to learn workplace skills and expectations specific to your organization.

If you actively seek to learn new things in lectures, have taken courses to develop specific hobbies or skills or have successfully fit into a new work environment, you’ve used your lifelong learning skills.

Skills in lifelong learning are demonstrated by:

• being open to new ideas and techniques
• contributing to the learning community at the workplace
• actively seeking a range of mediums to learn– mentoring, peer support, workshops or networking
• having enthusiasm for ongoing learning
• being willing to learn in any setting; on and off the job
• being prepared to invest time and effort into learning new skills

What soft skills do you possess? what ones do you think you need to fine-tune?   You can never learn too much! If you need help identifying your soft skills along with responding to a job application that requires you to outline your experiences.. Phone Ivana on 0404056278

Ivana Agapiou resume writer

The post Soft skills – its a hard-core necessity appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

Big fish are attracted to the right bait – is your resume the “right bait?”

Ever wondered why you never hear back from your job applications? Are you frustrated with not landing an interview, let alone “that”  job? Do you send out the same resume  for a variety of jobs?

Consider job searching is just like fishing.  Seasoned fisherman know that you need 3 main things to capture “that” particular fish.

The right bait on the right line – 

Resumes are not supposed to be one size fits many. They should be tailored and and pertinent to the advertised job. They should tell the reader that you have most of what they are after – the experiences, the skills and the knowledge required to perform the job that they advertised. Don’t make it difficult for them to see the “fit”. Don’t be too abstract and fancy. Just like a fishing lure, attract them to your resume, with attractive, yet highly relevant information. It’s important to meet at least 80% of the criteria or your resume will fall into a waste area and just be food for other less important fish.

The right time and place

You may want to apply for a CEO position, and you may even do a great job. However… are you really ready? Is this the right time, and is this the right organisation? Make sure you research and investigate not just the future of the company, but the demands of the role.  Realistically revise your work history. What aspects of your past and current career make you a serious contender for this role? Can you match your skills, experience and knowledge to their requirements? Hate to harp on…but you need to meet at least 80% of their essential criteria to get to a shortlist,let alone to the interview!

The right technique

Yes, you can send your resume in for loads of jobs, and yes, you can feel like you have invested a great deal of time job hunting, but if your technique is always the same, you may just be attracting more of the same.  AND be super frustrated. If you are lucky, perhaps you get little nibbles, little bites, enough to ruin your bait, (and your day)  but not enough to land you that interview.  Not all jobs are the same, therefore not all applications should be the same. It’s not a factory. It’s not a science. But it is common sense and a mark of a great communicator, if you can step into the reader’s shoes and consider what it is that they really, really want!

In summary, consider the end-game and the fish (the jobs) you want to attract . Which fish do you want to attract? Imagine what will attract them to you. Because, just like employers, not all fish are the same, you need to stand out and at the same time, look like a perfect fit! Will you be the solution that they are looking for? Will they rush to your application and want to contact you immediately? if not, why not?

Hopefully, if nothing else, you will think twice before sending out copious resumes and applications. One size does not fit many.

Ivana Agapiou career and outplacement advisor ; resume writer

#resumes #resume #resumewriter #jobs #jobapplications #FIGJAMresumes

The post Landing that big fish is just like landing that big job! appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

Employers usually look for “what’s wrong” with the applicant first, rather than what is right about them! Hiring is tough!

Eather Recruitment and labour hire is fortunate to have a wealth of resumes and candidates. We’re lucky enough to get a lot of interest in the many roles we post, but the massive number of responses we receive means we need to be efficient about the way we conduct the hiring process. One way we edit and process the applications, is by matching them to a mandatory list of “must have’s”.  Firstly, the RESUME must pass the first screen! Provided this makes the grade – There are 5 areas we explore and from our research, it is also the very same for many employers!

   1.  Candidates  haven’t conducted any research into the company

When we first opened and just getting off the ground and recruiting for staff,  one of  our first questions was about what the candidate knew and thought of our business: One candidate responded by saying “To be honest, I haven’t had time to research you yet!” That’s when the interview should have ended and saved both of us a lot of time.

Getting the company name wrong,  or not checking out their website, not thoroughly researching what a company does – you’d think getting these things right would go without saying, but they come up more often than you’d expect, and demonstrate a lack of attention to detail, passion for the product and industry and, frankly, respect for the company and interviewer.

2.      Typo’s and lack of attention to detail on Resume and application

Speaking of attention to detail, typos are another non-starter. Our team has received many  resumes expressing a candidate’s enthusiasm for a role at “Either Recruitment” or emphasizing their “Attenntion to dertail skills” (really!!). First impressions matter, and it’s worth taking the time (and getting a second set of eyes to look over your resume, cover letter and LinkedIn page) to make a good one.

3.      Out dated LinkedIn / Facebook Profiles

In many industries, but in particular the Tech world, having an out-of-date LinkedIn profile just doesn’t make sense. Sharing your resume via email is great, but having a clean, updated and professional public profile is essential. Having an updated LinkedIn profile says that you value personal brand management, understand current hiring trends and are upfront about your career history. Take the time to clean yours up, get recommendations from colleagues (and write them in return!) and make yourself look enticing to potential employers. You never know who might discover you that way.

Facebook profiles – make sure privacy settings are in place and that the cover photo reflects a professional image – yes,  employers DO look at this.. they DO check on your LIKES, LINKS and posts.

4.      Inappropriate on Twitter

Employers often check out candidates’ social media presence when screening resumes. Posting inappropriate, unprofessional content on your public Twitter account is obviously an even big red flag. If your Twitter account is public, it’s part of how you represent yourself and your company. And if you’re going to include it on your resume, make sure you’re not rescheduling interviews due to “a really bad cold” while posting about the fantastic hangover you have from last night’s binge (yes, this has happened).

5.      NOT Motivated to Do Great Things

If a candidate has no response to a question that should be easy for them to answer, it’s a good indicator that they don’t have that deep-seated motivation to do great things. Figure out what that question is for you.

• Why do you want this job?
• What would you do if you had $1 million?
• What kind of business would you start, if you could do anything?

As for our golden question, I’ll leave that as a surprise for when you’re interviewed at Eather Recruitment and Labour Hire!

Finally, naturally, the list of positive qualities we to look for in candidates far surpasses the negatives. Enthusiasm, passion, energy, intelligence, thoughtfulness – these go a long way in convincing a potential employer that you’re right for the job. Does this sound like you?

Ivana Agapiou,

Eather Recruitment

The post Who we are reluctant to hire appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

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.

A resume is a living, breathing document! It should NEVER remain static, if it does, it will loose its relevance and perhaps become redundant.  Workplaces and work requirements are changing rapidly and it’s important for job seekers to get a professionally written and rewritten resume completed for their job search.  What does this mean for the applicant  who is looking for a job now?  Today’s job seeker must have a well-written resume; the resume that is rich in content,  concise and with wording that showcases career achievements, capabilities  and accomplishments as it pertains to the job that they are applying for!    The resume must demonstrate diversity in skills and capabilities based on technical skills, and where possible, volunteerism, languages, publications, and awards and recognition.

The job seeker should be careful when hiring a resume writer.  They can be sucked into ridiculously expensive resume writing services with very little return on their career search investment.  Some resume services charge between $1-2,000K and the result is essentially ‘a pretty resume’ that on appearance looks great, with borders, fancy text, and filler words, but very little Return on Investment, because it’s loaded with subjective verbs versus objective descriptors.  Some claim that they can “re-brand” the applicant.  This is often marketing bunk! Re-branding sounds a bit too fake for me!

There are resume certification services that claim their resume writers are the best qualified  – but those certifications are not necessarily important.  And, you don’t necessarily need to meet face-to-face with those resume writers – that just makes you spend time and money that is not really necessary.

You do want to use a resume writer with hundreds, if not thousands of resumes under their belt and loads of positive reviews and references.  You do want to see samples of those resumes when you are shopping around.  A professional resume writer will also explain the process to you,  for what they will do with your resume.  They will explain the process, the steps, and work interactively to reword and design the best-practices of the resume rewrite formatting.  Good resumes service companies will offer smaller and affordable packages, so even if the job seeker is unemployed, they can afford the services (this means the resume writer is empathetic to the job seeker’s financial circumstances).  You want to get a ‘good feeling’ from the resume re-writer’s personality, where you hear their empathy and just know they are on your side and will work hard to really make your resume shine to recruiters.

EDUCATE YOURSELF ON RESUMES AND RECRUITING PRACTICES:

Statement claim 1:                       

You need to rewrite the resume for every job you apply for …

Response 1:              

Not necessarily so,  if you write a ‘capability’ resume, for all your skills, experience, strengths, and education, that one resume only needs to slight adjustments for each job application.

Statement claim 2:           

Resumes should only be 2 pages long

Response 2:              

Resumes can be longer than 2 pages. Agencies and employers are looking for the most qualified candidate in experience, which means you may need to ‘load’ that resume with far more content to really compete with the dozens or even hundreds of other competitors for those  jobs.

Resumes for private sector companies can be one page (if new to job market and fresh graduate) and

to up top four pages (if experienced careerist).

In the main, Resumes used to be submitted in paper form.  Loads of filing cabinets took up lots of valuable office space.  Now,  most resumes are required to be uploaded  and digitally stored.  And, now the recruiters can search that database of resumes in the entire database or only within the job requisition pool of applicants using  Search criteria for the more vital key words in a resume and find the more qualified candidates in a few key strokes.  They don’t care how long the resume is (now) because they let the search engine do the identification of the more qualified candidates and only need to glance over the resumes now for  key words and phrases. In summary, it might just be a machine that decides if you are shortlisted to an interview!

TAKE ACTION – be proactive

Commence  the process of updating and obtaining a rewrite of your resume TODAY with the best resume writer in the marketplace so you, as the job seeker, can be ready to actively (or passively) search for that next exciting career job!

Ivana Agapiou resume writer

The post Resumes need attention and updating appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

Enhancing or damaging your image

We are often asked, “Is what I wear at work really matter?” In a word, yes. Although we don’t like to think that appearances and body language matter, the fact is that people react to us based on their perceptions. Research shows that people are more likely to hire, promote and recommend us if we look and behave professionally. In fact, managing our personal image is just like managing a great “brand” – it can be a very effective marketing tool!

Others make decisions based on their first and on-going impressions of us, so it’s important to get your personal image packaging right. Learning to visually express who you through good wardrobe decisions, right fit, clean and ironed clothes —can positively impact your future. By the same token, presenting a less than professional image can have a negative affect.

Eather Recruitment’s policy is to always present professionally, not just in dress, but in manner.   Don’t ever assume no one is watching  and thinking….and analyzing

Lastly, in job interviews – you never get a second chance to make a great first impression!!

Ivana Agapiou career advice 0404056278

The post Project the right image for that job! A good resume helps… 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.

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

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