9 tips to improve your resume

Make your resume more effective with this advice from Ohio Means Jobs' Alaryce Shea.

Alaryce Shea of Ohio Means Jobs Lake County offered advice to people looking to improve their resumes Wednesday at Mentor Public Library's Main Branch.

If you're job hunting, looking to switch careers or just want to make your resume as effective as possible, you'll want to see what he recommends.

1. There's no such thing as a perfect resume. If you ask 10 people what they think of your resume, you'll get 10 answers and they'll all contradict each other. Shea recommends asking no more than two people to review your resume. (Of course, you want to make sure those two people know what they're talking about.)

2. What is the purpose of a resume? It isn't to get you a job. It doesn't even get you an interview anymore (though it used to.) No, the purpose of the resume is to get you the phone call or email that leads to the interview. (And the interview will hopefully lead to a job.)

So you need to constantly ask yourself this while writing your resume: "Will this make them want to call me?" It's great that you speak Russian, sing in the church choir and play jazz piano, but if it doesn't make them want to call you, then it doesn't merit inclusion. Does the company mention specific skills in the job opening. Do you have those specific skills? Make sure you mention those specific skills, instead!

3. Big companies don't read every resume—not even close. Instead, your resume goes into a database. When a position opens, the company searches through the database for certain keywords. If your resume doesn't have enough of those keywords, your resume doesn't get read. Even if you would've been perfect for that job.

So you need to include those keywords. But how? Do you turn your resume into a Mad Lib where every third word is some phrase you know they want to hear?

Shea recommends adding an extra page to your resume specifically for keywords. Include your name, title it Keywords and simply list your pertinent skills beneath. If you drive a forklift, include keywords like "tow motor" and "forklift." If you work in marketing, "event planning," "advertising," and "graphic design." Management: "hiring," "managing," "budgeted" and so on. (Make sure all of your keywords are true. Don't say "welding" if you have no idea how to weld.)

This way, your resume is more likely to show up in a keyword search, which will actually get it read.

(Only include the Keywords page if your resume is entering a database. Don't add it if you're mailing your resume to someone directly.)

4. There's more than one type of resume. You have your reverse-chronological resume, which lists your work experience from most recent and concludes with your education. This is the most common type, but not necessarily the most effective. The second is the functional resume, which focuses on accomplishments and skills. (This is especially useful when you're making a career change.) The third is combination, which (obviously) combines qualifications and employment history. Shea says the combination resume is usually the most effective.

5. Consider how you phrase things. Don't just list your responsibilities; include accomplishment statements. To phrase it differently—don't just say what you did, tell them what you did well. Don't say "managed the budget;" say "through responsible spending, cut _____ from the budget." Don't say "taught computer classes;" say "trained thousands of people how to use Microsoft Word, Excel and Publisher."

6. Have a Skills and Qualifications section. List 15 or so of your skills, all of which should be pertinent to the job to which you're applying. And what is a skill? According to Shea, "If you did it once, can do it again and want to do it again, it's a skill." Which leads us to...

7. Have different versions of your resume. Not all of your skills are going to be pertinent to every job you apply for. You know how to use Photoshop? Great. That doesn't matter if you want to drive the Zamboni. Tailor your resume to the job for which you're applying.

And, in general, don't feel the need to include everything. Your resume is a brochure, not an autobiography. If they want to know more, they can call you.

8. It's good to include your volunteer experience, especially if you haven't worked in awhile or are changing careers. But you don't need to list the 32 different organizations in which you've participated to show your community-minded. Pick two—the two most pertinent to the job you want. Once again, if they want to know more, they'll call.

9. I haven't mentioned objective statements or references yet. That's because you don't need them—cover letters either. "References available upon request" is sufficient.

Some final thoughts: write in Arial or Times New Roman fonts, 12 pt.; it's OK for your resume to be two (or even three) pages; save your resume as a DOC not as a DOCX, PDF or (so help me) WPS; if they ask for a requested salary, answer "open" or "negotiable." If they demand an actual number, use glassdoor.com as a reference. And, yes, spelling and punctuation matter.

For more help, visit Ohio Means Jobs Lake County at 177 Main Street, Painesville. The phone number is (440) 350-4400.

Mentor Library will continue to team with Ohio Means Jobs for programs throughout the year to help career-seekers. In February,we’re hosting a computer class specifically for job hunters; and, in March, we’ll offer advice on how to ace job interviews.

This is in addition to the computer classes on how to use Facebook, Microsoft Word, Publisher and email we have slated for this February.

Get résumé advice from from the experts

Get resume-writing advice from the professionals at Ohio Means Jobs on Wednesday, Jan. 21, at Mentor Library's Main Branch.

Only 30 percent of people in the United States feel engaged at work. (Sadly, that's ahead of the global average of 13 percent.)

And most of that 70 percent probably still prefer their job to unemployment.

What we're trying to say is this: There are a lot of people out there who wouldn't mind brushing up their résumé.

Why not get help from the experts?

The professionals from Ohio Means Jobs will be at our Main Branch from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 21. offering suggestions on how to write (or rewrite) your résumé. If you bring your résumé, they can even give you personalized advice.

The program is free and open to everybody. If you're interested, you can register for it on Mentor Library's site or call the library at (440) 255-8811 ext. 216.

We're teaming with Ohio Means Jobs for programs throughout the year to help career-seekers. In February,we’re hosting a computer class specifically for job hunters; and, in March, we’ll offer advice on how to ace job interviews.

This is in addition to the computer classes on how to use Facebook, Microsoft Word, Publisher and email we have slated for this February.

The path to a better job begins with your résumé. If you want to join the minority that actually enjoys its job, make sure yours is the best it can be.

Manufacturer Cristal to talk career opportunities at Mentor Library

You probably don't realize how ubiquitous titanium dioxide is. It's in everything from paint to sunscreen to food coloring, but you would never notice it.

Moreover, a lot of you probably don't realize that the second largest producer of titanium dioxide in the world is based in Northeast Ohio—Ashtabula, specifically.

That producer is Cristal and its Human Resources Leader, Sapphire Wells, will be the speaker at our next Career Coffee Talk at 10 a.m. this Thursday, April 24, at Mentor Public Library's Main Branch. (You can register for the Coffee Talk here.)

Wells said Cristal is hiring mechanics, planners, supervisors and operators for its manufacturing site, as well as professional staff. More information is available at www.cristalcareers.com.

Wells added that she will discuss recruitment, resumes, online applications and tricks of the trade, as well as answer questions during her Career Coffee Talk on Thursday morning.

If you're interested in learning more about Cristal, and possibly working there, come to our Career Coffee Talk this Thursday.

Career Coffee Talks is a series of monthly informal talks designed to help people get the tools they need to help them find the career they want. The series is spearheaded by Ohio Means Jobs Lake County and hosted by Mentor Public Library.

Previous speakers in the series include STERIS, Lake Health and Progressive.

STERIS to discuss career opportunities at Mentor Library

STERIS Corporation was already one of the largest employers in Mentor, even before it added its new, state-of-the-art manufacturing center to its facility at 6100 Heisley Road in Mentor.

STERIS is looking to hire qualified TIG welders and CNC operators to work at this manufacturing center.

Those who are interested in working in these fields can come to the Career Coffee Talk on Friday, March 21, at Mentor Public Library’s Main Branch. Karen Ralston, senior human resources manager for STERIS, and Rossmald Heredia, Director of Operations will provide information about career opportunities at the manufacturing center.

The talk begins at 10 a.m. It is free and open to the public. People can register for it beforehand by visiting Mentor Public Library's website or by calling 440-255-8811 ext. 213.

STERIS is a leader in the design, manufacture and sale of infection prevention and surgical products and services, focused primarily on critical healthcare, pharmaceutical and research markets. Those who are interested in working for STERIS but cannot attend Friday’s talk are encouraged to visit http://www.steris.com/about/careers/ for information on current opportunities.

Career Coffee Talks is a series of monthly informal talks designed to help people get the tools they need to help them find the career they want. The series is spearheaded by Ohio Means Jobs Lake County and hosted by Mentor Public Library.

Learn what you need to get a job at Lake Health

Applying for a new job can be intimidating.

For example, consider Lake Health. It's one of the biggest employers in the county; and you might be qualified to join them, even if you're not a doctor.

But you might be intimidated to apply there, especially if you don't already know someone who works at Lake Health.

Fortunately, you can get insight you need from Cathy Araps, a nurse recruiter at Lake Heath, during the next Career Coffee Talk on Feb. 20 at Mentor Public Library's Main Branch.

Araps has been with Lake Health since 1986.

During her Coffee Talk, she will explain how to go into Lake Health's online application system, look for a position and apply for it.

"We no longer take any paper applications," Araps said. "It's all done electronically."

Anyone who has considered working for Lake Health should come to her Career Coffee Talk.

The talk is free and open to the public. You can register for it on Mentor Public Library's web site.

Career Coffee Talks is a series of monthly informal talks designed to help people get the tools they need to help them find the career they want. The series is spearheaded by Ohio Means Jobs Lake County and hosted by Mentor Public Library.

Click here to see what tips Charlene Long offered on resume and interview preparation at last month's Career Coffee Talk. Long is the Talent Acquisition Specialist for Progressive Insurance.

Progressive's Charlene Long offers 10 tips for job hunters

Charlene Long, the Talent Acquisition Specialist for Progressive Insurance, kicked off our monthly Career Coffee Talks Thursday.

The talks are organized by Ohio Means Jobs Lake County and we host them at our Main Branch.

Long offered a lot of great advice for people who are working on their resume or preparing for a job interview.

While we can't recapitulate verbatim all her helpful suggestions, here are 10 of her best tips—five for resumes and five for job interviews.

Tips for resume writers

1. When drafting your resume, think about he company to which you're applying and the job that you want.

Don't write that your objective is to be a manager if you're not applying for a management position. (Likewise, if immediately being a manager is important to you, then maybe you shouldn't apply for that job.)

2. Don't feel the need to make a resume one page, but make sure everything on the resume is relevant.

Along those lines, what's relevant information for one potential job might be irrelevant for another.

3. Make sure your resume tells your story.

If you have gaps in employment, don't be shy about explaining them. (You don't have to get too specific. You can always say "personal reasons," Long said.)

Also, on a related note, you probably did more than you realize during your gaps in employment. If you volunteered or got any training, make sure to include that. It helps tell your story.

4. Keep your resume free of spelling and grammatical errors.

Spelling and grammar gaffes upset some people more than others. Some folks will ignore them if they think a person is, otherwise,a strong candidate. But for some people, it's an automatic disqualification.

Err on the safe side and don't make any spelling errors.

5. To write a cover or not to write a cover letter?

Long acknowledged that cover letters don't always get read. However, depending on circumstances, they can also be a difference maker.

"When we do read them, we depend on them to learn your motivation for the job.

Tips for job interviewees

6. If you put in time to prepare, you'll be much better off.

Research the company beforehand. No what questions you want to ask, which brings us to our next point.

7. Ask questions.

Ask about the culture of the company. Ask about the expectations of the job. (Don't ask about salary yet. Save that for when they make a job offer.)

You're interviewing them too.

Also, bring a pen and pad to the interview.

You don't have to record everything they say, but you should at least jot down the answers they provide to your questions.

8. When the interviewers ask you a question, answer with a specific example.

For example, if they ask how you dealt with an angry customer, don't say, "I would do that a lot." Say "I did..."

9. If you're on a phone interview, focus on the interview.

Long had some horror stories.

"You hear the flush," she said.

10. Thank the interviewer afterward.

It's OK to thank them via email.

The next Career Coffee talk is Feb. 20 at Mentor Public Library's Main Branch. the speaker will be from Lake Health. You can register for it here.

Progressive offering advice to job seekers at Mentor Public Library

Did you resolve to find a better job this year or are you trapped in what seems like an endless job hunt?

Either way, we want to help.

We've partnered with Ohio Means Jobs Lake County to host a series of monthly career coffee talks at our Main Branch.

The talks are designed to help people get the tools they need to help them find the career they want.

The first talk will be from 10 to 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 23; and the speaker will be Charlene Long, the Talent Acquisition Specialist for Progressive Insurance.

She’ll offer advice on what companies like Progressive are looking for in prospective employees.

This talk is also free and open to the public. No registration is necessary. Just come in, get some coffee and hear some advice that just might change your life.

Ohio Means Jobs & The Reserves Network hosting job fair at Mentor Library

Ohio Means Jobs Lake County and The Reserves Network are teaming for a job fair to help people find both temporary and long-term employment.

The fair will be from 10 a.m. to noon on Friday, Jan. 17, at Mentor Public Library’s Main Branch.

The Mentor branch of The Reserve Network helps match people to positions throughout Lake County and parts of Geauga County. Those positions from packing and assembly to machine operation and inspection.

The Reserve Network has immediate needs for labor candidates with industrial skills, including CNC machinists, machine operators and assembly. General-labor positions are also available.

The job fair is open to everyone and no registration is necessary. Job seekers should bring a resume and two forms of identification. They should also be professionally dressed and prepared to interview.

With the aim of helping job seekers, Ohio Means Jobs Lake County has also partnered with Mentor Public Library to host a series of monthly career coffee talks at our Main Branch.

The talks are designed to help people get the tools they need to help them find the career they want. The first talk will be from 10 to 11 a.m. on Thursday, Jan. 23.

The speaker will be Charlene Long, the Talent Acquisition Specialist for Progressive. She’ll offer advice on what companies like Progressive are looking for in prospective employees.

This talk is also free and open to the public. No registration is necessary.