RANDOM RESUMES get lost and forgotten, and often lead nowhere.

Are you sending out random resumes to any and all advertised jobs, ones  that only you think you could perform?

Are you on “auto” applications list with a number of job sites? Do you send the same resume to a variety of job advertisements? Are you maintaining a list of where your resume is sent?

STOP IT! It’s doing you more harm than good.

Here’s  four main reasons why:-

1. as amazing as you are, face it – there are some jobs that are just not suitable for you
2. most employers will dismiss your resume anyway as they can’t see the relevance
3. it wastes time and effort for all parties
4. it “pigeon holes” you as “desperate”

We know how difficult the job market is, we know you are super keen to get your resume out there, however, fishing with the wrong bait only leads to frustration and disappointment. The intended reader wants to see that you the foundation and core skills required for the role advertised. They want to know that they are not wasting their time.  For example, if your past work history was working as a environmental ranger, working predominately outdoors, and with loads of other people – and you apply for an indoor  role within administration, working predominately indoors within a back office, and often alone – then you will have to demonstrate and prove in your resume that you have either the experience or the core skills to perform that role.

The reader can not,  and often,  will not, perform a leap of faith.  They will be asking themselves “why has this person applied for my role?”. They may even think you are a wee bit silly.

In summary, don’t apply for a job unless you can match the job description at least 80%. Don’t send random resumes that lead nowhere. Don’t use the same cookie cutter resume for each and every job application.

Ivana Agapiou resume writer and career advisor

The post Random resumes without a cause appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

 Resumes that stand out from the rest, (for all the right reasons) and are often the best! 

If you want a job, you will need to have a resume that works for you! it needs to be tailored and specific for the position you seek.

So, you have what you think it’s “a cracker” of a resume and you’re sending this resume out to a variety of jobs and …. nothing… …no interview requests, and if you are lucky, you get a “sorry, you have been unsuccessful” reply…  There is a strong message and lesson here… 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… 

Now you want to know what to do?  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… you need to seek specialist advice!

You do need an Objective third party to 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 not?

Seek the experts – phone 0404056278  for a personalized meeting and have the very best resume devised that 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,

To view our resume options and career consulting pricing please click here

http://www.eatherrecruitment.com

The post Work that resume to get “that” job interview! Resumes Port Macquarie appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

Cookie Cutter or crafted RESUME – your choice to stand out, or stand in line

This Kangaroo pic is memorable and stands out because its taken during, and at, an unexpected and unusual  setting, it’s intriguing; its likable.

Just like our traditional image of kangaroos,  RESUMES haven’t changed much in many years. BUT they need to, if you want to be selected from the rest!

Resumes usually appear much the same and tend to suit a general purpose. Most applicants spend a lot of time making sure that their resume meets a high standard. However, there is groundswell of employers and HR departments that are begging for even better “stand – out” resumes. They often lament that they are underwhelmed, unimpressed and either have to re advertise or think of promoting from within.

So, are you applying for a new job either within or outside your organisation and suddenly you realize your resume is not up to scratch?

Your’e not alone. Many of us neglect to update our resume, let alone give it another  thought until it panic stations.

Usually, when you do find an old resume, (if your’e lucky) you growl in pain as you read the old material whilst realising your’e too busy to meet the deadline which is  OMG …looming loud….and you start to panic. OK OK you got this – No worries, you could access the miles of FREE Resume templates and insert your data. Good start.

The problems with COOKIE CUTTERS is that there is NOTHING unique or individual or personal about you in there.  I don’t mean interests and hobbies, I mean, a personal touch that almost makes the reader yell YES! finally someone to interview who has the skills set we are looking for.  The cookie cutter never gets this reaction as it could represent anyone’s work life/history. Yes, It serves it purpose (sorta) as  it lists achievements; dates and job roles… but does it SELL you? I mean the real you? the person who has what it takes; the person with the spot-on work history that matches requirements? the person with the right personality and attitude,. and most importantly, does it relate to the the advertised job?  I’m sure you’ll be able to design an award winner for someone else! It’s often too difficult to be objective with your own stuff!  Another set of eyes and another person who has no agenda other than to get you to interview, is your best bet.

Don’t know anyone? then phone 0404 056 278 to talk to our HR and recruitment professional, Ivana Agapiou who will work with to to get you that interview ! #resumes #resumewriter #FIGJAMresumes,

Ivana Agapiou resume writer and career advisor

The post Cookie Cutter or crafted RESUME – your choice to stand out or stand in line appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

LIVING and working in Port Macquarie, a dream and a reality, however it has it’s challenges.

How do I find a job in Port Macquarie?  is our number one – most frequently asked question!

Yes, we have a ton of people wanting to move here and every day we respond to calls from all over the place from people who want to relocate away from the maddening city life.

The major reason for discontentment is the long commute to and from work in the Metro areas.

How do you get a job in one of the most beautiful and progressive places in Australia? Here are 5 useful tips

1) Research, research and research again

Find out who are the major employers; where are the majority of the jobs; what are the main industries; what is the average cost of a home or an apartment?; are the rents reasonable?

2) be prepared to compromise on income

you may never receive the same salary as in the Metro areas – this is a sad fact

3) adapt and be versatile

Many jobs in Regional areas require you to be flexible in your approaches – for example, a job in the Metro may be quite linear, whereas in Regional areas, you have to be prepared to wear several hats in the same job and not be paid more for the extra accountability or responsibility

4) be personal and up close

be prepared to understand that in small towns, almost everyone knows everyone. You will not be an “anonymous” and it’s more difficult to hide and be isolated!

5) check out the networks

There are a number of robust networks for example, Hastings Women’s Business; http://www.hbwn.com.au/Hastings Business Enterprise Network; Port Macquarie Chamber of commercehttp://www.portchamber.com.au/

I hope you enjoy your transition to the more rural areas of Australia and in particular, NSW.  All the very best for your new future in a wonderful part of the world.

Lastly, make sure your resume is up to date and can reflect your ability to be flexible!

Ivana Agapiou resume writer #FIGJAMresumes #resumes #resume #jobapplications

The post How do I find a job in Port Macquarie? appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

Speak no evil and then no one will think poorly of you.

Ever walked away from a job interview and had a nasty flash back. You rewind it all your head, and you hear your responses to the questions and you cringe.”OMG you say, I wish I hadn’t have said that!”

Too late now as the interviewers not only heard what you said, they have already made judgements and decisions about you that will affect your future.  What are the dangerous questions I hear you ask? here are a few questions that are TRAPS meant to catch you off guard and some are just ordinary questions that appear to be inane… but can lead you down the wrong path.

1. Tell me about your last employer.
2. Why did you leave your last job?
3. What type of management style do you work best with?
4. What are your weaknesses?
5. Describe your last place of employment
6. Have you ever had a performance review and what did you learn about yourself from the process?

What are the right responses? Here are a few bits of  wise advice 

1. Explain how your last employer was helpful in assisting you to gain valuable experience/skills and knowledge
2. You left you last job on good terms ALWAYS
3. You can work with all types of management styles and you may prefer X
4. Talk about what you think may be a weakness and how you recognize how you need to improve
5. Always talk in positive terms about ANY past jobs
6. Describe how feedback helps you to develop and grow

In summary, remain up-beat and positive.

NEVER EVER enter into negative criticism – NEVER EVER say bad things, or gossip about your last employer or workplace. Need help and coaching for that important job interview? contact our career advisor and resume writer on 0404056278

Ivana Agapiou Resume writer and career adviser

The post What potential employers don’t want to hear at the job interview appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

A relevant resume is still required, but you also need to get a grip and smooth your way around responses to Criteria or Capability statements.

As well as a great resume, you need to understand how to provide relevant responses,  you have to make your job application look & read like the process was effortless! Just like these pelicans in the pic, you can’t see the mad peddling under the water, all you see is smooth operation and a “glide”! we know that JOB applications & Resumes that require you to respond to Key Selection Criteria can be – NO, ARE  a very time-consuming task that requires great skill. 

 Responding to key criteria

In this article, I provide a sample criteria that comes up often for  many roles, and that is,

“High-level written and verbal communication skills including well-developed presentation skills.”

Good communication is a core competencies for all jobs.. regardless of the level! Notice that this statement also asks for 3 skill-sets – written/verbal and presentation to an audience. You can try to “bundle” all three,  or you can divide it up, either way, I strong suggest a very basic formula to follow:-   S.A.R  – Situation/ action / response

Summarise what you understand is effective communication first, then provide a great examples of when you used your communication skills effectively ….

Here is an example scenario –  when you were Managing Director’s PA and had to place a convincing argument to upgrade communication systems/phones which included Data base acquisition.

Situation – MD not sure about necessary change – no systems in place and antiquated phone and IT

Action – What did you actually “do” in this instance…  acted – took initiative to consult / listen/ research data… report. .cost analysis  – demonstrate benefits to Manager

Result – implementation of new process and procedures along with new IT supporting the changes – cost saving; time efficiencies; streamlined systems

The same formula applies to  Presentation skills

Explain how it is all about the audience! Who are they? What are the objectives of the presentation? To persuade? To inform?

Situation – you recently presented a mini – education assessing to Business Women’s network meeting

Action – had to prepare and present on Eather Recruitment – why use a recruiter?

Result – audience informed of services and persuaded to consider when next recruiting – connecting with a larger audience and personalizing the contact. Three leads were made and followed through with successful sales

Ivana Agapiou resume writer and career advisor

The post Job criteria-Capability statements, How to respond… and get the Job Interview! appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

Can you trust your referees to say positive things and sell you in the best light?

It’s only your future after all..

Its not what referees write that matters, it’s what they say that has clout.

Many job seekers make the mistake of thinking that a written reference is Gold. Whilst it’s great to have nice things written about you, the written reference is not the best way for a prospective employer to determine if you are the right person for their job. Here’s 5 reasons why..

1. no one.. I repeat..no one would write anyone a bad reference. It’s a permanent record after all.
2. you wouldn’t show a prospective new employer a mediocre or poor reference
3. the written reference can “date” you (not a relevant document after 3 years)
4. often the referee cannot be contacted by the prospective employer who may want to ask questions
5. many written references have the mandatory motherhood statements and words like, “honest and trustworthy” “reliable” etc.. very few are written with your personality or individuality in mind… they are often broad, sweeping statements that don’t reveal much at all.

Now…you will need at least two,  100% tried and true referees.  Their name, job title, contact details ( the three essentials) entered at the end of your professional resume. Here are the test  questions to determine a great referee for you.

• can they provide relevant and recent (last 5 years) details of your work and duties, your performance,  and your personality?
• did you leave their employ/supervision on good terms?
• are you 100% certain you can trust them to speak highly of you? if even a bit uncertain – don’t use them

Remember that referees are in a power position. A prospective employer relies on what they say and what they DON’T say, for example, they may say something like “no comment” and leave the new employer in doubt of your abilities.

Lastly, and most importantly, contact your referees regularly and let them know what you are up to. Certainly, ensure that they are happy to act as your referee, and most of all follow your gut instinct.. if you feel that they may not say/do the right thing… if in doubt… leave them out

#resumes #resumewriter #FIGJAMresumes,

good luck  with your job search

Ivana Agapiou

Career Advisor; resume writer and Outplacement Professional

The post Can you trust your referees? appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

After the RESUME has done it’s job…

and you have secured an interview – it’s time to stop…pause… think… and

“do not proceed past this point”

until you…

Practice  – Practice  – Practice 

or run the risk of remaining the bridesmaid and never the bride, for a very long time….

The job interview is the most popular way employers have to decide on whether to employ or not,  and regardless of how relaxed an interviewer / employer may make you feel during the interview….They are still in “formal” mode, observing your body language, listening and looking for any reason NOT to employ you.  In fact, getting you to feel comfortable is clever interviewer behaviour.  Most of us behave quite differently if we don’t feel threatened. Some interviewers use the opposite technique and act combative and a bit aggressive, this can also be a test to see how you might react and respond under pressure. So, yes interviews are a staged audition and you only have a short time to impress. It can be brutal!

Body language makes up for up to 80% of the communication – so it means that what you say is not as important as how you say it! So why do so many of us neglect to practice and ensure that our posture, eye contact and gestures are congruent and match with what we are saying?

Many employers will observe how you present, whether you arrive early, whether you are dressed professionally, and how you communicate with front office staff. Some even watch you waiting to be called in for interview!

Proceed with caution only after you follow the recommendation that prior to any audition,  (any interview) you sit in front of a big mirror and practice responding to possible and impossible questions; practice your delivery and then practice, practice, and practice again!

Take special note of the 6 following areas: Posture; seating; eye contact; gestures;smile and dress.

1.Posture – open, honest equals – chest out, square shoulders, open palms and hands either by placing side by side or together on your lap.

2.Seating position –-try to sit facing a little side-on, even if the chair is “full frontal” this direct positioning can be a bit disconcerting, shift your body a little so that you are not exactly front-on and appear confrontational.

3.Eye contact  – direct eye contact is a tricky one. If your contact is too piercing, you can appear weird/scary and if your eye contact is evasive, you can appear a bit dodgy and maybe untruthful. Check yourself in the mirror or whilst in discussions with a partner, ask for their feedback on your eye contact. It is great to maintain eye contact when talking to a person however it can become a bit creepy and uncomfortable if you stare too intensely at them. To combat this, break eye contact every 5 seconds or so by looking away at either another panelist, or at a spot behind the interviewer. This needs to be performed as naturally as possible.

4.Gestures – with hands placed by your side or loosely folded on your lap, it will be easier to gesture out and openly, revealing the inside area of your arms as you speak. This part of the body exemplifies openness and honesty.

5.SMILE!

Good eye contact must be complemented by a genuine smile, or else you’ll just be staring, which makes anyone feel uncomfortable. Now don’t always smile, cause that just makes you look insecure, but smile at the key points. Along with staring, never do it for more than 4-5 seconds, as this bypasses the comfort zone.

Mirror their eyes: pay attention to eye brows and mimic the emotions of surprise or sadness –  It works best if accompanied by a little nod at these points of inflection.

6.Your dress

Err always to the professional side. Know that what you wear will be interpreted rightly or wrongly. So try to get it right the first time. Study the company, their corporate colours, and their dress standard. Do your best to wear clothes that look like the right “fit” not just in correct sizing, but a “fit” or match,  for the company’s image. First impressions only take seconds and can last a lifetime.

In summary, if you made it to the interview stage, you are almost there, so why allow another candidate, who has developed the knack of great, positive body language, beat you to the job? Get that mirror and start rehearsing for the job YOU deserve!

Ivana Agapiou – consultant – resume writer 0404056278  and career counselling

#resumes #resumewriter #FIGJAMresumes,

The post The job interview IS an audition appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

Have you forgotten something?

Until you need one, you don’t think you want one, you really can’t see the point-or maybe make the time to get one? Then “that” dream job you’ve always wanted suddenly gets advertised and you’d like to apply …and you begin to panic- it’s a mad rush and race to get one done!  You’ve forgotten your resume! Sound familiar?

It may be years since you last formally applied for a job or it may be that in the past, you have always been “tapped on shoulder” for work.

Now they want your resume and sadly, you have neglected to keep one that is current, and most importantly, you haven’t been maintaining a record of your jobs; promotions and added skills, education and training etc.

Even if you are in small business and even if you have NEVER had a group certificate, you need to have a record or a PROFILE that you can utilize in your marketing and on-line presence.

I highly recommend that you consistently update your resume so that at a moment’s notice you can produce it. If you don’t know where to start then the next best scenario is to have one professionally done. YES call for help – and  NEVER caught chasing one, or leaving home without one ever again.

Ivana Agapiou Resume writer, blogger and Outplacement Consultant 0404056278

#resumes #resumewriter #FIGJAMresumes,

The post Don’t leave home without one! appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

What’s your image? What do you want people to say about you? What would a typical business introduction of you actually sound like?

What this pic tells you about the lady with the martini, what would you say? Would you hazard a guess as to her personality?

Sometimes, even without realizing it, our first impressions would have automatically formulated an opinion and a character judgement. That’s usually the norm.

You make mental notes of their actions and behaviors along with both their verbal and non-verbal communication;  they way they dress, their accessories, where and how they are seated, make you think about their personality and you will often automatically stereotype or implant a lasting image that will make it difficult for you to ever change your first opinion.

Many speakers and authors in my field are happy presenting in their jeans and T’s. They may want to “connect” with a particular demographic. They may want to appear casual and relaxed.  However, when I’m seeking to add credibility, I believe I need to look more corporate and knowledgeable.

I have already taken into account my rather extroverted, loud personality type, so I may try to “tone” my first impression down. At the same time, I want to differentiate myself and develop my own personal brand to that effect, so I plan to look a certain way. I attempt to dress in line with the company code or the cultural norm. I may want to wear a plain business suit with shiny patent, black shoes. (girls and their shoes eh?) But I always like to add a focal, memorable, yet subtle item to my overall outfit. It may be the addition of a soft scarf,  or a vintage brooch, I may even wear interesting shoes – Yep, that’s as wild as I get!  I always include just a touch of added interest, perhaps an item that could be a topic for small talk during the interview. (not that I ever  It certainly marks my point of difference.

When did you last take a good look at what others may see when they look at your personal brand both online and off?

Give yourself an audit and see if there are any areas that could do with reviewing from the 8 points below.

1.Voice-mail message.

Do you have the same message as everyone else “I’m sorry I’m unable to take your call….” or do you change it regularly depending on what is happening? For instance, if you are at a conference in Toronto, you might say something like “Today I’m listening to Jordan.B.Peterson at a conference for business leaders in Toronto, so I will attend to your message in the next available break….” Do you think the caller will be impressed with your message and at you for taking the time to keep yourself up skilled? I think so. It’s also just more interesting.

Most importantly, when you’re expecting a call back from a job interview, you don’t  want your prospective employer hearing a poorly worded or poor taste message on your voice mail. YOUR VOICE and the way you speak, is an integral aspect of your communication, and helps to form your profile, your voice mail message therefore, needs to reflect the personality and perception that highlights the best in you.

2.Your email signature.

Make it easy for people to get hold of you, so think about including your telephone numbers, your address, your website url, and links to your relevant social channels such as your LinkedIn profile. Some like to include a small head and shoulders photo of themselves, which is particularly useful if/ when you meet for the first time. There’s a face to the name!

3.LinkedIn profile.

Having a link from your email signature to your LinkedIn profile means that you must have a robust profile on show. At the very least, have an up to date photo, a descriptive professional headline, and a great summary of what you do and why someone should use you. Not having a profile up, or only having a half-baked one, will make you look unprofessional, unfinished or like someone who is not adept with technology.

4.Email content

Is your spell check turned on? Sending out an email with spelling mistakes, letters the wrong way round, along with  bad grammar could make you look less intelligent. Always read your email through slowly, and thoroughly before sending it to double check everything is in order. I always add the email address right at the very end so I don’t accidentally send it before I’ve checked it.

5.Email address

myfamily@gmail.com or mail@yourhugelongpersonalname.com all give the impression of a micro business when in fact you are probably not. Use your company domain name email address even if you don’t have a website behind it and make generic email address more personal. Instead of mail or info@ try hello@ or team@. Better yet, use an actual person’s name.

6.Business card.

Does it feel like good quality fabric or cheap and papery? It’s part of your first impression so be confident when you hand them out. Print your name, title, contact details, social media links and anything else you wish to include. Don’t be afraid to use both sides, it’s prime brand real-estate so use it but keep it professional.

7.Your outward appearance

“Always dress just a little bit better” is great advice for any situation. If you are interviewing at a tech company and you know they will all be wearing jeans and T-shirts, then going in a suit and tie might not do you any favours. Instead, dress just a little bit better and wear a great shirt with your crisp jeans and polished footwear. Wear the best footwear you can afford and polish them regularly, people do notice.

8.Car Signage 

Once you drive a sign written vehicle, you have to behave differently if you want to protect your brand. Not only do you need to keep your vehicle clean, but road rage when someone “cuts into you” is a big NO NO.

In summary , there are many more areas that form your personal brand such as the way you interact with others, how you perform at work with your bosses and colleagues and what you share publicly on Facebook, they all add up to formulating “you” and your image. The trick is to remain authentic and whilst being yourself, decide how you want to be seen, how you want to be perceived; what you want to be known for and remembered for,  and plan to move your personal brand in that general direction.  It’s a gathering of all your personal data and information to form a united and uniform impression to the outside world. You will want to align your values so that the combined image you project is the image that others interpret accurately about you. It leaves no room to question your integrity or your intent.

“There are some games you don’t get to play unless you are all in.”
? Jordan B. Peterson

 Who would you say has a great personal brand? What do you do to work on your personal brand? Do you think it even matters?

as long as you’re thinking about it..that’s the first step

#resumes #resumewriter #FIGJAMresumes,

Ivana Agapiou Career and outplacement Advisor 

The post What’s your Tag line? appeared first on Eather Recruitment.

The world of work is in constant, rapid change, no longer can we rely on a job for life, or a rosy career path all lined up far into the distant future with more roses at the end. LOL.

To have a robust garden, it has to adapt and be flexible to different seasons, unexpected changes in weather patterns, and unpredictable climate. Let’s not forget the competition for nutrients from weeds, disease and pests… hmm not unlike some workplaces!

So too many businesses need to be fully aware of future trends and both large and small businesses are reviewing and changing the way they staff and manage 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 right… but it does happen…There are no guarantees of  job security or of a permanent job … in this constant climate of change – what are you doing to best prepare yourself ? 

Many of us associate what we do each day at work with who we are. This is not entirely our fault! At most social occasions, people will ask us “What do you do?” and than make judgement of us based on our career choice!

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 a us a title along with responsibilities and duties to perform. Some lucky people get to do the job that they love and can actually attain a  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. Our jobs can help us socialize, provide personal and professional growth, and of coarse, be a source of income.

Now here’s a problem… we sometimes “marry” and merge with our work, so much so, that if and when the job is no longer available due to whatever reason, redundancy and economical downturn… we are understandably upset!  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” a  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 acquire an income and a way of life!

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)  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 …  so,  What are you doing to best prepare yourself for the future? Here are five helpful suggestions to get you thinking… and hopefully set you on the rosy path to learning and growing from experience:

1. Keep abreast of trends, read and research articles on new ideas and emerging work patterns – seek out contemporary and analytical thinkers, check Utube, 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 attending stimulating lectures. Just do it!
3. check the job market regularly, what new roles and new industries are emerging?
4. Review, Revise and refresh your resume every 6 months!
5. Keep a strong, core skills-set that are the foundation to any job – core competencies are a necessity anywhere!

Ivana Agapiou #resumewriter

RESUME WRITING SERVICES

The post A job, is a job, is a job…not your whole identity appeared first on Eather Recruitment.