5 Things Spell-Check Won’t Catch in Your Resume

With many big agencies receiving hundreds of resumes for every job opening, it’s safe to say that the PR scene is a competitive one. Candidates need some killer resume-writing skills to make the most from every time a recruiter decides to check their profiles. After all, a resume shows many things – your personality, attention to detail,…… Continue reading 5 Things Spell-Check Won’t Catch in Your Resume

Entry-Level Resumes Should be One Page Only

In the past few days, I have been asked the same question by three readers: “Does a resume have to be kept to one page?” In a weak moment, I told one active student that she could get away with more than a page—but I later had second thoughts and decided to check with several…… Continue reading Entry-Level Resumes Should be One Page Only

Showcase Your Resume, Talent Via E-Portfolio

For someone who carried a scrapbook-type portfolio to his first few interviews, I became an early supporter of e-portfolios as an efficient way for job seekers to creatively present their resumes and work samples to prospective employers. Finding the time to develop a job-winning portfolio isn’t easy for college students, but many colleges now give students…… Continue reading Showcase Your Resume, Talent Via E-Portfolio

Avoid ‘To Whom It May Concern’

Last week, a friend who runs an advertising agency in Chicago passed along a letter from a soon-to-graduate senior. Even though the job seeker apparently took the time to figure out the email address for the agency head, her cover letter opened with “To Whom It May Concern” rather than his name. In addition to the…… Continue reading Avoid ‘To Whom It May Concern’

Resume Tweaking Season Is Here

An annual rite of spring should include a thorough reassessment of your resume. Job seekers, however, might feel time already has slipped away since they are now faced with the urgency of getting resumes into the hands of prospective employers. Despite that urgency, slow down a moment. Don’t hit the SEND button until your resume effectively reflects who you are and what…… Continue reading Resume Tweaking Season Is Here

Resumes: Stick to Facts, Not Tricks

Q. My friends and mentor tell me I have a strong resume, but it’s not getting me very far. After reading the Wall Street Journal article on creative job searches, I am wondering if I should create a non-traditional resume to set me apart from others. A. While a vast majority of resumes stick to…… Continue reading Resumes: Stick to Facts, Not Tricks

Don’t Let Resume Creep Overwhelm Job Search

Q. I am applying for my first full-time job at several agencies, but no matter how much I edit, I still can’t get my resume down to one page. I have had four internships and was active in several campus organizations, while also working part-time. Even if I use 9-point type I need an extra…… Continue reading Don’t Let Resume Creep Overwhelm Job Search

Update Your Resume Now

When was the last time you updated your resume? If you answered anything other than “earlier this year”, don’t procrastinate. Do it now. Case in point: A 30-something agency VP told me last week about her failure to be considered for a significant job with another firm because she didn’t have an up-to-date resume. She…… Continue reading Update Your Resume Now

In a Job Search and Elsewhere, Proofread. And Proofread Again.

Q. I tried to speed up my job search by modifying form letters to a number of agencies, but I forgot to change the original agency name within the 20 emails I sent to other agencies. So far, I have only heard from a couple firms and they didn’t mention anything about this mistake. Should…… Continue reading In a Job Search and Elsewhere, Proofread. And Proofread Again.