Your Resume: Where to Get Free Help

In my coaching practice, even those already in the workforce often don't realize how much resumes have changed. And continue to change.

Those developments range from the need for keywords to the hammering of skills (and in a quantitative manner) versus the raw job experience per se. Also, have you noted on the resume your advanced knowledge (yes, advanced) of generative AI.

So, it's no surprise that newbies to the labor market are unaware that this isn't their father's or even their older sibling's resume. 

The very good news is that there is plenty of guidance as well as concrete recommendations - available 24/7 and free - on Reddit Resumes. New items are always being listed so check the subreddit several times a day. 

On the internet there are templates for resumes in specialized fields such as public relations. That too is free. Here is an example of Indeed's guide for the PR field. 

Professional anonymous networks such as Fishbowl and Reddit usually have sector-specific sites on which they provide broad-based advice as well as nuts-and-bolts walk-throughs on the application process.

Here on Fishbowl is a segment on what posters indicate law firm Paul, Weiss is "looking for." You will incorporate those tips on preparing your resume as well as other applications materials. There's more. If you go to Paul Weiss’ or just about any other organization's job portal, you can click on the long-form description of the position. Here is one for Paul, Weiss business-development analyst. You can pick up the keywords and what skills you should be frontloading during the end-to-end application process.

In addition, you can try contacting the HR department of the organization you plan to approach and ask what their preferred format for a resume is. Can they transmit an example, with confidential material removed?

Another way to shake loose that kind of company-specific data is to scroll LinkedIn for current or former employees and ask guidance on the resume format and, if they are willing to share, other information on standing out. This is the era of extreme networking so those contacts could be useful long-term. If you present yourself well, they might be willing to give you the name of an insider to approach or even refer you.

What I tell those I coach is what counts the most is your openness. As everything keeps changing, it will seep through if your mindset is in a pushback mode for what you are required to showcase and how. 

This is not new, though. Way back in the 1970s when "What Color Is Your Parachute?" was becoming the bible of job search among its fundamentals was (and is): The best at the job hunt is the professional who will get hired, not necessarily who might be the best for the job. So, invest at becoming a genius in landing work. Since the labor market is so volatile you will be hunting often. 

Data or the gut for your careers and communications? Both of course. Complimentary consultation with intuitive coach, content-creator, and Tarot reader Jane Genova (text 203-468-8579, janegenova374@gmail.com).

  

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Harvard/Columbia Law Students Made Their Point, Davis Polk Rescinds Their Jobs

Image
"Davis Polk & Wardwell rescinded job offers to three law students at Harvard and Columbia universities after organizations they were part of made controversial statements about the Hamas attack on Israel ... they were leaders of groups that signed on to the Joint Statement from Palestine Solidarity Groups at Columbia University and the Joint Statement by Harvard Palestine Solidarity Groups on the Situation in Palestine."   Bloomberg Law , October 17, 2023 Davis Polk did not provide the names of the students. Could privilege be part of the reason the students who made the statements might have been unaware of the potential for severe consequences? In the hood as well as lower middle class neighborhoods we were totally aware of the correlation of what came out of mouths and employment and even survival. I got down cold not to mouth off. Legendary were tales of what happened to those who did shoot off their mouths.  The clients of law firms could be among those who are creat
Read more

The Two Letters - Being from Ethiopia Doesn't Get Melat Kiros Off the Hook from Understanding the Implicit Employer-Employee Contract in America

  That first letter.  It had been sent from a number of law firms - ranging from Sidley Austin to Sullivan & Cromwell to Paul,Weiss - to a number of law school deans. As many interpreted that communication it seemed to contain a veiled threat that if perceived antisemitism wasn't stopped recruitment at those law schools could be. I experienced the tone and content as, well, heavy-handed. And I have said just that in public venues. But I no longer do contract communications assignments for law firms. No residual looping remains since I have changed careers.  When I did do law firm assignments, such as for Paul,Weiss, you bet, I avoided any tone or content even in non-related material which could throw shade on the clients. That's the way it goes.  Since before doing assignments for law firms I had worked full-time for the Fortune 50, from the get-go I got the "it" - no open disagreement with those who sign the check. In fact, the "approval channel" is
Read more

From Watergate Glam to Offering Buyouts to Reduce Manpower By 240: The Washington Post

It's another sad day in what had been glam.  The Washington Post announced its plan to downsize manpower throughout the organization by 240. That will start with buyouts.  CNN admitted it's not ready for the future. The Wall Street Journal has gone part pop culture to attract a younger audience. The average age of its reader is 59. We already know ABC probably will be up for sale. Establishment media is making its point: Its existence is uncertain. What could replace it could be digital apps on phones. Public relations folks will pitch their clients' stories to the apps. Or maybe PR also will go poof. Everyone will be an influencer. Data or the gut for your careers and communications? Both of course. Complimentary consultation with intuitive coach, content-creator, and Tarot reader Jane Genova (text 202-468-8579, janegenova374@gmail.com ).
Read more