As an advocate for ethics and integrity in the Canadian resume writing industry, I have the pleasure of knowing and working with some of the best resume writers that Canada has to offer. I have personally trained and mentored a number of highly qualified Master Certified Resume Strategists who have gone on to offer outstanding services in the Canadian labour market.

Our industry offers many authentic resume writers who provide services with ethics and integrity. Having deep reverence for the work of these qualified Canadian resume practitioners, it comes as a shock to me every time I learn of organizations that are not so ethical.

This month, I’ve learned about a large number of infractions from a few organizations offering resume solutions to Canadians. The complaints I have learned about include a range of unethical business practices:

• Plagiarizing marketing material from other resume websites and blogs. 
• Making unsupported claims regarding their organization’s rank within the industry. 
• Identifying exceptionally high client satisfaction rates without proof.
• Not sticking to prices shown on their website.
• Producing poor quality resumes and supporting documents.
• Not delivering on the resume and career services promised.

Most resume services in Canada never plagiarize anything. They always provide clients with exemplary services – and they are true to their word.

Do your homework. It’s easy to find authentic organizations in Canada before you ever retain them. Just look them up in two places:

Career Professionals of Canada’s website:

http://www.careerprocanada.ca/FindAProfessional

Determine if they are a REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL MEMBER. The most qualified practitioners listed have the Certified Resume Strategist (CRS) or the Master Certified Resume Strategist (MCRS) designations.

The Better Business Bureau:

http://www.bbb.org/canada/Find-Business-Reviews/

The TOP ORGANIZATIONS are rated at “A+” however there are a few organizations that have been given the lowest rating “F.” Not all organizations are listed, but your best bet is to select one that has a good rating on the BBB site.

Before retaining a resume service, do your due diligence. Ask for independent proof of statistics presented on a website. Make sure you receive a formal quote in writing prior to paying for services. If you have not received the quality, pricing, and services that were promised, you have a right to register a complaint with the Better Business Bureau.

Thank you for reading my blog! For further information, connect with me at Graham Management Group. We are a BBB Accredited Business with an A+ Rating. You can also find us registered as Master Certified Resume, Interview, and Career Strategists with Career Professionals of Canada. Please email me if you spot any errors in this post.

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Resume Services that Give the Industry a Bad Name

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I recently read a thought-provoking debate between resume writers worldwide who are members of PARW/CC. Some members felt that certain words used in resumes are “dead” yet others found them to be valuable and descriptive.

In my professional opinion, you should never discount a specific word, nor should you include it in your resume, unless you have seriously considered the potential outcome. When determining what to say in your resume, consider every word, phrase, and sentence carefully.

If I asked you if you are “dynamic” or “innovative,” I can be fairly certain that you’ll say “yes.” That’s because just about every professional who is targeting a senior-level role would say the very same thing when describing himself or herself. So, the real question is “who are you really?” If you are thoughtful and truthful in describing yourself, hiring decision-makers will see the significance of what you bring to the table.

“How forcible are right words!” Job 6:25

Any word used at the right time in the right way can be powerful; however, when a word is overused, it loses its power. Can you imagine what a prospective employer might think when he or she browses through a stack of resumes and sees “out of the box” almost every time? As an experienced professional targeting six-figure positions, you need to show your distinguishing factors. Try to come up with creative, new ways to describe yourself if you really want to stand apart.

Your challenge is to select your words extremely carefully and incorporate only the best descriptors of the value you bring to the table. Rather than using a tired clichéd word such as “motivated” how about incorporating a different word that describes how you are motivated? Maybe you are “industrious and inventive in resolving tough concerns” or you might be “meticulous in performing due diligence.”

Of course, if you want to spark the interest of employers, sometimes you must use certain words even if they seem to be overused in resumes. Keywords are typically nouns that describe the job requirement, such as “strategic planning,” “mergers and acquisitions,” “profit and loss management” and “client relationship management.” These types of phrases are meaningful to employers and they are looking for them in your resume. You need to ensure that you incorporate words into your resume that show how you meet the needs of employers and address the requirements in their posted jobs.

“How often misused words generate misleading thoughts.” Herbert Spencer

Sometimes it’s okay to say it like it is. Big, fancy words such as “intellectual” or “entrepreneurial” may look nice on paper, but if you are studious or hardworking, just say so. And if you don’t understand the meaning of the word – don’t use it.

Important sounding words don’t always attract interest or offers either. For example, you might think that describing yourself as a “visionary” is going to impress board-level decision makers, and yet you may not get a call. It’s likely that the board is looking for a tactical expert who can successfully implement the board’s vision through uncommon means. Had you explained what you actually do – and have done successfully many times – you might have had a shot at the role.

“Words may show a man’s wit but actions his meaning.” Benjamin Franklin

Anyone at a senior level could say that he or she is “highly experienced,” “results-oriented,” a “team player,” or a “strong communicator.” Who wouldn’t be, if they were targeting a six-figure position? There are many ways to express your value. Don’t use these words if you don’t have to.

If you feel you must use typical resume words, back them up with actions. For example, support your suggestion that you are “results oriented” by substantiating it with concrete examples that prove the results you have attained. You’ll convey your talents, achievements, and value in a way that helps you to stand apart – not blend in.

“Words mean more than what is set down on paper. It takes the human voice to infuse them with deeper meaning.” Maya Angelou

Rather than just using the words, start proving your value. You don’t have to come across as a run of the mill applicant. Instead, think about yourself as someone with uncommon value – something that nobody else offers. Give what you bring to the table a human voice. Show the reader who you really are and your deeper meaning will come through. You’ll demonstrate why you are the only candidate that truly stands out and meets the need of the role you are targeting. Remember…

“If words are to enter men’s minds and bear fruit, they must be the right words shaped cunningly to pass men’s defenses and explode silently and effectually within their minds.” J. B. Phillips

Tell me your thoughts. Where do you stand on the debate? What words do you feel are overused?

If you want to learn more secrets from the resume writing world, CLICK HERE

Thank you for reading my blog! Please email me if you spot any errors in this post.

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Are the words in your resume wasting the employer’s time?

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Today is your chance for a fresh start – an opportunity to assess your career goals and to build a new path either within or outside your current organization. If your present work situation is making you feel uneasy about the future, you may not have to leave immediately. By improving your existing relationships, you can recapture your vitality and significance within the company while creating a stable foundation for your future career transition.

Rehabilitate your Relationships

In all aspects of life – as in business itself, we have relationships that are initiating, developing, stagnating, or declining. When you are in the first stage at work, you feel excited, energized, and generally enjoy coming in every day. In order to survive and possibly thrive in your current situation, you need to recapture the romance of that first stage.

Evaluate the relationships you have with those around you. How are things with your team? What are you experiencing with your colleagues? When you converse with your boss and others are the conversations warm and trusting, neutral, disinterested, or antagonistic?

Devise a plan of action for each type of relationship.

Your team needs you. How can you mentor them and provide support in ways you’ve never considered before? Think about how you first approached them and how receptive they were. What did you do that was different to how you interact now? Be considerate of their feelings at this time. If you are stressed and think you are no longer ‘in the know’, imagine what they must be going through. Listen to their concerns and plan ways to make changes in areas where they can have some control. Share what you can about the company’s vision, keeping them informed, and using a positive and supportive tone. Be their mentor in ways you haven’t in the past. Be their trusted leader.

Your colleagues need you. Even if your peers appear to be shutting you out or are openly cool with you, you can change your reaction to that coolness with warmer business-like responses. This isn’t about schmoozing and being phony with insincere compliments, but responding in an honest fashion. Arrange to meet and discuss challenges that you are all facing. Come to meetings with positive ideas instead of pointing out what’s wrong or what you don’t like. Now is not the time to be in a power struggle. It’s time to build trust with two-way conversations and bringing innovative ideas forward.

Your boss needs you. Whether you have an executive above you or report directly to the Board, you have stakeholders that need to know they can count on you to perform with utmost business integrity. You need to show them that they can have total faith in your judgement and that you are on board with the vision and culture. Be receptive to considering all ideas they put forward while openly sharing what you believe sound like reasonable opportunities for the company and where you envision their may be barriers to success. Set aside your personal emotional responses in favour of mature, forward-thinking comments that will reassure them you have the organization’s best interests at heart.

You need you. Only you can manage your own reactions to what you are feeling. You can choose to do nothing and continue the decline or you can decide to work on rebuilding relationships and look for ways to feel better about your situation. Think of this as your ROR (Return on Relationships). What you give in the form of honesty, support, understanding, and your contributions to the success of others and the company, not only builds relations for now, but can sustain you in the future.

Whether you decide to move on or remain with your current company, the positive investments that you make in all your relationships will give you lasting returns. The newfound or reinforced trust that they have in you will make you feel better about who you are and your value to the organization. Some of your efforts will make the current situation more stable, a few will simply become accepted with no real change, and many will thrive.

You will reap more than an internal feeling of well being. Your ideas may receive better reception. What you will learn from others will surprise you. You will enhance your network. It will be easier for you to request – and obtain – help in the form of LinkedIn recommendations and other support as you go forward.

Do you have some helpful strategies to share with my readers? In today’s business world, there are so many that can benefit from your recommendations and personal success stories.

You can find other nuggets in my article on Creating Superb References http://www.grahammanagement.com/Things_GMG_Articles_CreateSuperbReferences.xpg

Thank you for reading my blog! Please email me if you spot any errors in this post.

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Excel in your career by rebuilding existing relationships

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If you are like most talented and qualified career professionals, you probably love helping your clients achieve their career goals. You have invested in learning your craft and gaining your credentials. You have everything you need to succeed – except good clients who are willing to pay what you are worth.

The problem is you’re spending most of your days trying to attract clients, struggling to explain your value, and attempting to close the sale. Instead of creating a consistent stream of revenue, your days, weeks, and months are “up and down.” Aren’t you tired of the rollercoaster?

Many practitioners I speak with are tired of working SO DARN HARD for SO LITTLE MONEY. This program is not about being a better career practitioner. You already know how to do that. It’s about making money.

•  Attract REAL clients
• Close YOUR sales
• Make MORE money

I’m ready to share my secrets for success. If you are ready to create a profitable business, you need to connect with me right away. This program starts next week and there are only a few seats left.

YOUR PROGRAM STARTS NEXT WEEK, but YOU STILL HAVE TIME to register. You must contact me right away. This is your last chance to join us.

You can learn all about the program here:

BUILD A PROFITABLE CAREER BUSINESS

…with Sharon Graham, Canada’s Career Strategist

Thank you for reading my blog! Please email me if you spot any errors in this post.

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Special Event for CANADIAN CAREER PRACTITIONERS

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49% of Canadian executive resumes have significant issues hampering readability.

As a leader and innovator in the Canadian resume writing industry, Graham Management Group (GMG) actively keeps a finger on the pulse of the market. In the largest research study of its kind, we evaluated 1000 randomly selected resumes that we received from senior executives, managers, and other $100k+ professionals. Almost half of the resumes we received had significant issues hampering readability.

These days, employers and recruiters have very little time to read resumes. They may become impatient and frustrated with resumes that are not concise and direct, and may not even make the effort to read them completely. Resumes must be crisper, tighter, and more compelling than ever.

Candidates who create a resume that is a “good and easy read” tend to produce better results in their search. In order to get your foot in the door, your resume must be read. It’s not how much you say, but what you say and how you deliver it. There are many ways to strategically make your resume readable:

• Don’t create paragraphs that are lengthier than five lines in total unless there is a significant reason for the extra content.
• Make it easy for the reader to get through your document by writing concisely, using active language rather than passive language.
• Forget using personal pronouns. Do not speak in the first person, using “I” or “me.” Rather, use direct language to present a more professional tone and create statements with impact.
• Emphasise your abilities with powerful language, but be careful to cater to your reader. Avoid using acronyms and buzzwords without context. Rather than trying to use complicated words, use terms and key phrases that he or she will easily understand and value.
• Focus on accomplishments rather than responsibilities and start each accomplishment with a past tense verb to show that you have already achieved it. Avoid repeating the same the same action verb too often, but ensure that your writing is consistent and parallel throughout.
• Eliminate exceptionally lengthy lists. If you must provide a long list of bullet points, limit each point to three lines or less. Include ample white space between bullet points. Arrange your accomplishments in order of importance, adding impact by ensuring that your final bullet ends with a bang.
• List your computer or technology skills in one place. You don’t want the reader to have to work hard in order to figure out your hardware, software, or networking knowledge.

When it comes to your resume, always cater to the needs of your target market, and include only the essential information. Write concisely. If the reader enjoys the read, you are much more likely to get a call.

DOWNLOAD THE FULL GMG REPORT HERE:  http://www.grahammanagement.com/ResumeResearch2010.xpg 

Graham Management Group

Research Study: How Does Your Resume Compare? 

Competitive Career Intelligence for Six-Figure Canadians 

info@GrahamManagement.com | www.GrahamManagement.com | 866.622.1464 

Thank you for reading my blog! Please email me if you spot any errors in this post.

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Enhance the readability of your executive resume

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I’m so thrilled with the response I’ve received about this new program. I would like to thank everyone who has registered already, and many more of my colleagues for sending their “well wishes.” 

The EARLY BIRD RATE ends tomorrow and there still are a few spots left. I’m ready to share my secrets for success, are you ready to create a profitable business? You can learn all about this special event for Canadian Career Practitioners here:  BUILD A PROFITABLE CAREER BUSINESS

Thank you for reading my blog! Please email me if you spot any errors in this post.

Post from: www.sharongraham.ca

Build a Profitable Career Business – Early Bird

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During this recession, 50% of practitioners are making more money than the previous year. – Resume Writers Recession Survey 2009

Special Event for CANADIAN CAREER PRACTITIONERS  

Doesn’t it make you wonder how some career professionals are so busy with their practice that they can “pick and choose” clients?

Through the last ten years, I’ve met many independent practitioners across Canada. Some are successful, some are struggling, and these days, most are frustrated with their lack of income and apprehensive about their future.

Over the years, I’ve helped hundreds of practitioners increase their profits in tough times and in good times. Often, I’m asked how I was able to build TWO successful Canadian career businesses that are actually growing and thriving during this economic downturn.

I’m now ready to share my secrets and I’m excited to introduce a new program BUILD A PROFITABLE CAREER BUSINESS. This is a 4-week fully interactive teleclass, networking, and mentoring program for independent professionals. In this one-of-a-kind program, you’ll learn how to

• Attract REAL clients
• Close YOUR sales
• Make MORE money

If you are an entrepreneurial career counsellor, employment consultant, resume writer, or career coach and you want to build your profitability, then you will not want to miss this opportunity.

Register right away and take advantage of the EARLY BIRD special. New and existing members of Career Professionals of Canada pay HALF PRICE and get a 3-month extension on their annual membership.

Learn all about the program here:

 BUILD A PROFITABLE CAREER BUSINESS

…with Sharon Graham, Canada’s Career Strategist

Thank you for reading my blog! Please email me if you spot any errors in this post.

Post from: www.sharongraham.ca

BUILD A PROFITABLE CAREER BUSINESS

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25% of six-figure job seekers are not addressing their shortcomings effectively 

Based on two North American studies, it is clear that many executives are still opting to follow templates rather than creating a distinctive, strategic resume. Historically, professionals have been told to list their career history in a chronological format, presenting their career progression in reverse sequential order. Functional resumes, on the other hand, have been used to disguise career issues by categorizing the career history under competency headings. There are other strategic options. Executives rarely choose to implement those. 

Graham Management Group Resume Research Study  

As a leader and innovator in the Canadian resume writing industry, Graham Management Group (GMG) actively keeps a finger on the pulse of the market. In the largest research study of its kind, we evaluated 1000 randomly selected resumes that we received in 2009. These resumes were sent to us from senior executives, managers, and other six-figure professionals across Canada. The survey found that 25% of resumes were structured in a format that did not position the candidate most effectively. 

Practitioners often debate which format to use: chronological or functional. However, typically, many completely ignore a third option – a strategic combination resume format that may be a hybrid of the two. 

Accountemps National Survey 

There is a strong argument for applying a reverse chronological strategy whenever possible. A survey recently conducted by an independent research firm on behalf of Accountemps suggests that hiring managers veer away from functional resumes. 150 senior executives from 1000 of the largest North American companies were asked if they prefer a chronological resume versus one organized by job functions and skills. 75% of the respondents interviewed said they prefer the chronological format. Only 17% indicated that they prefer functional and 8% had no preference. 

Hiring managers dislike functional resumes because the skills and relevant accomplishments are separated from the employment history. This makes the resume difficult to follow, as the reader cannot connect the candidate’s accomplishments with the position they held at the time. 

Career Professionals of Canada’s Recommendation  

Career Professionals of Canada, the national Canadian association administering the Certified Resume Strategist Credential, suggests that “while it is true that recruiters prefer the reverse chronological resume, there are occasions that call for other formats. Whenever possible, give preference to the reverse chronological format to keep the individual‘s responsibilities and accomplishments under the respective job titles. If you must, use a hybrid combination of functional and reverse chronological that will strategically minimize your client’s obstacles while meeting the employer’s needs.” 

Based on the research, it may be best to avoid the functional or skill-based format. Since most recruiters prefer resumes to be formatted in a reverse chronological format, unless there is a major career barrier to address, there is no reason to veer from this strategy. 

In many circumstances, a hybrid combination of functional and reverse chronological will strategically minimize obstacles and meet the prospective employer’s needs. If the candidate is attempting to transition into a new industry or role, or is addressing a major career lapse such as a lengthy sabbatical or career gap, then such a strategic option should be considered. Whichever format you choose, ensure that you mitigate all career barriers and present a compelling and readable story to draw in the hiring manager. 

DOWNLOAD THE FULL GMG REPORT HERE:  http://www.grahammanagement.com/ResumeResearch2010.xpg 

Graham Management Group

Research Study: How Does Your Resume Compare? 

Competitive Career Intelligence for Six-Figure Canadians 

info@GrahamManagement.com | www.GrahamManagement.com | 866.622.1464 

Thank you for reading my blog! Please email me if you spot any errors in this post. 

Post from: www.sharongraham.ca

Is your functional resume hurting your executive search?

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70% of US recruiters have rejected candidates based on their online reputation.

If you care about what prospective employers think, say, and do when they learn about you, then your online reputation matters. Just as a good online reputation can persuade employers to hire you, a bad one can cause them to disqualify you.

Your presence on the internet plays a key role in the perception that people have of you. When it comes to your brand identity, prospective employers, recruiters, even your own colleagues and clients will make assumptions based on what they find out about you. A poor online reputation can cause many problems. It can disqualify you from a job offer. It can cause you to lose income or sales. In some cases, it can even cause an employer to terminate you.

Don’t take my word for it. In January 2010, Cross-Tab released the results of a research study commissioned by Microsoft. The study examines the role that an individual’s online reputation plays in their professional and personal life. Much of the research focuses specifically on job search.

According to the study, online reputation plays a significant factor in hiring decisions. 70% of US recruiters say that they have rejected candidates based on information they found on the internet.

These days, recruiters and human resources professionals are extremely internet savvy. Cross-Tab’s study found that, in most cases, they are very likely to review your background online. To decide if they will call you in for an interview, they will first learn as much about you as they can. Moreover, in many companies, recruiters and HR professionals are required to make online screening a part of the recruitment and hiring process.

Managing your online reputation is crucial – unless you just don’t care what people think, say, and do about you. Whether you are a job seeker or if you are currently working, you need to manage your online reputation. Just as poor marketing and bad press affect businesses negatively, if you have a weak or negative online reputation you will experience unwelcome consequences.

Reputation management is a big business for a reason. Information on the Internet remains there for a very long time. In many cases, it is archived and not easily deleted. Your pictures, profiles, resumes, social network pages, videos, blogs, and anything else about you can be viewed and shared by others. Especially when there is something compelling about you, people will forward online links and documents to inform others about you.

The good news is that 85% of those surveyed said that a positive online reputation also influences their hiring decisions. You can create positive results by managing your online brand identity. Take some time today to upgrade your online reputation to make your best impression on prospective employers, recruiters, colleagues, and clients. You won’t regret it.

Thank you for reading my blog! Please email me if you spot any errors in this post.

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Does your online reputation really matter?

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You can now download the results of OUTLOOK 2010: Competitive Career Intelligence for Six-Figure Canadians, Graham Management Group’s groundbreaking survey conducted in January. The survey provides current insight into the labour market. It assesses the competitive career and job search landscape and identifies strategies for Canadians in the $100k+ salary bracket.

Graham Management Group (GMG) is a Canadian firm specializing in career transition solutions for executives, managers, and six-figure professionals.  Canadian executives, directors, managers, and other six-figure professionals provided GMG with in-depth information about their career strategies.

DOWNLOAD THE  COMPETITIVE INTELLIGENCE REPORT HERE:

http://www.grahammanagement.com/Outlook2010SurveyResults.xpg

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Competitive Career Intelligence for Six-Figure Canadians

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