Hiatus through September 30th

by Donna Svei July 19, 2010

Hi Folks,
AvidCareerist is a true labor of love for me. However, right now my client workload is demanding my full attention. The major project I’m working on will likely wrap in mid-September. Following that, I’m going to want an end of summer breather. I hope to be back blogging by October 1st, earlier if events, [...]

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You Can Strengthen Your Resume with One Simple Rule

by Donna Svei July 14, 2010

The Rule
Limit the length of each sentence in your resume to 25 words or less.
Implementation
To count the length of a sentence in Microsoft Word, highlight the sentence and then click on Tools/Word Count.
If your sentence exceeds 25 words, either (1) simplify it or (2) break it up into two or more sentences.
Example
I pulled this 28-word [...]

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Want Interviews? 3 Critically Important Elements of Your Resume

by Donna Svei July 12, 2010

Hiring managers hire two types of people.
The first type, if the manager has the budget for it, is someone so able and willing to do the job that the manager can happily delegate responsibility to that person and turn his/her attention back to other matters. I call this first type the “Hit the Ground Running” [...]

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You Can Strengthen Your Resume by Axing this Word

by Donna Svei July 8, 2010

The words you choose to use on your resume matter. The words you choose to utilize on your resume matter. Which of the two previous sentences do you prefer?
I like the first one. Why? Because the word “use” is simpler, and easier to say, than the word “utilize.” When we speak, we say “used.” We [...]

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HOW TO: Abuse LinkedIn for Job Search Networking

by Donna Svei July 7, 2010

I’m not making this up…any of it…here’s the reply I want to send to a LinkedIn networking request I received this morning…
Dear LinkedIn Friend,
Thank you for your “kind request” asking me for a few minuets (sic) of my time to look at your “Full Profile.” I address you here as “LinkedIn Friend” because you addressed [...]

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You Sent Your Resume and Cover Letter. No Response. Oh Joy. Now What?

by Donna Svei July 6, 2010

“I sent my resume and my cover letter and I haven’t heard back. Now what?”
Start with a radical self-assessment. “Ugh!” you say as you click away from this page as fast as you possibly can. Hey, wait, keep reading, this is good stuff! Really.
Did you send a two-column cover letter that shows that you meet at [...]

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Recovery Gaining Traction for People with College Degrees

by Donna Svei July 2, 2010

The jobless rate for college grads appears to have FINALLY established a firm downward trend. June’s 4.4% rate is the lowest in the last 12 months.
The news for other levels of educational attainment is much tougher. Other jobless rates were: Some College 8.2%, High School Diploma 10.8%, Less than High School Diploma 14.1%.
More information here.
The [...]

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Prophylactic Measures: 12 Tips on How to Avoid Ever Working for the Boss from the River Styx

by Donna Svei July 1, 2010
Thumbnail image for Prophylactic Measures: 12 Tips on How to Avoid Ever Working for the Boss from the River Styx

Have you ever worked for a boss you hated didn’t particularly enjoy? Who wasn’t, um, your cup of tea? I have. I remember early in my career getting up one morning unable to face another day with the woman who managed the project I was doing. So I called in sick of her. I’m also [...]

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Your Resume’s Education Section: 16 Things It’s A-OK to Leave Out

by Donna Svei June 30, 2010

In the U.S., most job applicants for professional level positions give a concise description of their education on their resumes. That description includes college level degrees plus any extra education that is both significant and relevant to the job they’re applying for.
Some applicants, however, get a little carried away and include a bit of everything [...]

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Resume Accomplishment Statements: 1 Fresh Idea, 6 Examples

by Donna Svei June 29, 2010

The biggest challenge most job seekers face when writing their resumes is identifying their accomplishments. Normally bright, capable people go into fail mode when it comes to blowing their own horn. Because of this, I love to come up with ways to help my resume clients remember their greatest moments.
In writing your resume, it’s good [...]

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