Tuesday, July 5, 2016

Job Search Driving You Crazy? Use a job search schedule



Sticking to a job search schedule can really help you get results from your job search.  One of the biggest complaints I hear from job seekers is that they get little or no positive feedback for all of the time they spend job searching.  They typically are spending their valuable time applying online to positions...only!



This can be very disheartening, to say the least!  Not only do employers not often provide positive feedback - often they don't even have an auto-responder.  A job seeker may think their resume is being reviewed when it might never have been received. 

Follow-up is a great way to get both positive feedback and ensure your resume has been received. You may even get to schedule an interview. Varying your job search activities will keep you from feeling as if you are hitting your head against the wall on a daily basis.  Click the link above to download your free Job Search Schedule. 


Sunday, July 3, 2016

What a nice surprise!

I was working at home when there was a knock at the door - very unusual on our dead end street on the outskirts of our small town.  Who was it?  Fedex with a gift from a client!  Attached a lovely note thanking me for my help in his reaching a very important milestone goal.  I am not sure what Harry & David put in the little white cookies with jellie in the middle, but I am pretty sure I gained 4 lbs. from each!  Feather light they melt in your mouth, leaving it watering for more, even though you just couldn't....

Thursday, June 30, 2016

Resume and LinkedIn writing services


The reason you often hear that a one-page resume is preferred is that the employer often doesn't turn the page on the first pass. That is why I use a customized format for each client- all the important information is included on the first page, which can stand alone if necessary.  Expanded information can be provided on a second and even third page if necessary.

An employer will review your resume, at least, three times for three different reasons, so we want your resume to address to those three separate occasions:

#1 Deciding your resume goes in the
Keep or Discard Pile
#2 Deciding if you are an actual candidate
Pick me, pick me!
#3 When called for an interview – to write questions to ask or to refer to during the meeting

I could rebuild your resume for $150 or if you need help with a cover letter and LinkedIn I could offer you a package rate for all three for $250.  I am willing to negotiate if you need, but I think these are pretty good prices.  I suppose someone may offer you a lower price! I don't think anyone would give you better results. It all depends on what you are looking for...

Typically I have a one-week turnaround, but I have taken as long as a month if a customer needs it. I prefer to finish up as quickly as possible so my client can start the job search process, but sometimes while working together the client decides to change course! This is fine with me as it is sometimes just part of the career planning process.

Here is a short list of what you can expect from my resume writing process:

I will rebuild your resume and your image by ensuring the skills and abilities employers are looking for are highlighted as well as your achievements! I will also change the formatting, which is very easy to change if you don't like anything or if you would prefer something specifically.

My main goals are to:

1. Make your resume stand out from others.'
2. Make it easy for an employer to pick it up and very quickly see why you warrant a call for an interview!
3. Present your particular information in a way that is appropriate to your job target(s)
4. Use as much of your words from your original resume to keep it from sounding generic
5. Ensure you are happy with the result and comfortable discussing the contents with a potential employer!

After we are satisfied I will send to my assistant to review for consistency, grammar, etc…

I look forward to assisting you! We can get started today if you like. If you have other questions or concerns, please let me know. Thank you for taking the time to consider me!


Mary Sherwood, MS, CDMS, CCM
Occupational Consultant | Landline 302.644.1827 | Mobile:  410.444.1989                                                     
LinkedIn Pro: https://www.linkedin.com/pro/marysevinsky                                                     

Let’s Connect: LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | Website

Thursday, February 25, 2016

Include achievement-based details in your resume

I often receive resumes from potential clients that look just fine. Okay.  I can tell they worked hard on the resume, and there are no terrible red flags, but their approach is typical to most job seekers/resume writers – providing more of a laundry list of duties rather than communicating what you can do for your current or new employer, depending upon your goal for the resume.  

The reason you often hear that a one-page resume is preferred is that the employer often doesn't turn the page on the first pass. That is why I use a customized format for each client- all the important information is included on the first page, which can stand alone if necessary.  Expanded information can be provided on a second and even third page if necessary.


 
An employer will review your resume, at least, three times for three different reasons, so we want your resume to address to those three separate occasions:

An employer will review your resume, at least, three times for three different reasons, so we want your resume to address to those three separate occasions:


#1 Deciding your resume goes in the Keep or Discard Pile
#2 Deciding if you are an actual candidate Pick me, pick me!
#3 When called for an interview – to write questions to ask or to refer to during the meeting



It is important that your resume meets all of these needs.  One good way to start is by including information that is achievement-based.  State what you have done in a way that makes it clear what you can and will do for the potential employer. This is all they really want to know!

Here is a good and short article that helps to guide how you should approach writing details in your resume:  http://lifehacker.com/improve-your-resume-with-this-simple-formula-recommende-1566107526 in short it says:  "The key is to frame your strengths as: 'I accomplished X, about Y, by doing Z.”



Achievements:  Objective information about your abilities – Won Best Employee of the Year Award 3 out of 4 years OR Numbers based information about your abilities – Handled 40 accounts concurrently or reduced anticipated costs by 40%  
http://jobsearch.about.com/od/resumewriting/a/resumewow.htm

Another way to make sure you stand out is to communicate your personality and work qualities.  Soft Skills:  Qualities rather than skills - personal attributes that enable someone to interact effectively and harmoniously with other people. Can also include qualities that make you a good worker – Creative, Persistent, Problem Solver, Team Player, Leader, etc  (more info here: http://n.wikipedia.org/wiki/Soft_skills)

Want to go it alone?  Download free resume templates here.  If you find you do need help, I will revise your document based on any of these templates for only $50.
If you need my help to revamp your current resume: Typically I have a one-week turnaround, but I have taken as long as a month if a customer needs it. I prefer to finish up as quickly as possible so my client can start the job search process, but sometimes while working together the client decides to change course! This is fine with me as it is sometimes just part of the career planning process.


Here is a short list of what you can expect from my resume writing process:

I will rebuild your resume and your image by ensuring the skills and abilities employers are looking for are highlighted as well as your achievements! I will also change the formatting, which is very easy to change if you don't like anything or if you would prefer something specifically.
My main goals are to:


1. Make your resume stand out from others'. 

2. Make it easy for an employer to pick it up and very quickly see why you warrant a call for an interview! 
3. Present your particular information in a way that is appropriate to your job target(s) 
4. Use as much of your words from your original resume to keep it from sounding generic 
5. Ensure you are happy with the result and comfortable discussing the contents with a potential employer!


Mary Sherwood, MS, CDMS, CCM


Occupational Consultant | Landline 302.644.1827 | Mobile:  410.444.1989                                                     
Let’s Connect: LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | Website
JOB SEARCH FOR THE REST OF US Group on Linkedin: http://lnkd.in/dB5sATb




Thursday, February 4, 2016

No Success Before Work

Mary Sherwood, MS, CDMS, CCM
Occupational Consultant | Landline 302.644.1827 | Mobile:  410.444.1989                                                     
Let’s Connect: LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | Website
JOB SEARCH FOR THE REST OF US Group on Linkedin: http://lnkd.in/dB5sATb


Wednesday, January 6, 2016

Career, Resume, LinkedIn, Cover Letter, and Interviewing


PROS:
Professional, Rehab, & Occupational Services, LLC

Mary Sherwood Sevinsky, MS, CDMS, CCM
OCCUPATIONAL CONSULTANT
116 Front St., Unit 737, Lewes, DE 19958
Phone:  302.278.0940 Fax 302.644.1827
Email:   Mary@Life-Works.Info


Working to get people working....Need help? Let's Talk.

Tuesday, January 5, 2016

Delaware Congressional Delegation Job Skills Training Workshop

I am so honored to be included again this year

Delaware Congressional Delegation

Job Skills Training Workshop 

April 4th 9am to 1pm


More details as they become available I will also be exhibiting at the Congressional Delegation Job Fair on April 7th. 

Join me there - let me know if I can help in the meantime!
 
Occupational Consultant | Landline 302.644.1827 | Mobile:  410.444.1989                                                     
Let’s Connect: LinkedIn | Twitter | Facebook | Website
JOB SEARCH FOR THE REST OF US Group on Linkedin: http://lnkd.in/dB5sATb







My Blog List

Follow me on Google +

Popular Posts