New Graduate Resumes

If you are reading job search blogs, articles, or books, you’ve no doubt come across the topic of networking. For many people the word conjures up feelings associated with public speaking, one of the most feared activities of all human activities!

For the typical new grad it likely extends to panic. After all, how many professionals does the typical new grad know? Who the heck is he to “network” with? Who is she to contact?

You know, networking is one of those easy-peasy activities to begin. Baby steps first, which may lead to a few toddler-like stumbles, by in time will encourage confident strides … and voila! You are networking.

Here’s an idea. Recently I was chatting with a friend whose daughter, the CAO of a large company in Toronto Ontario, often conducts the hiring process. Her first “plan of attack”? To network! She calls a friend from a similar firm and asks if she’s had any good resumes or interview candidates lately, someone who impressed her but perhaps didn’t quite fit the needs of her company but might indeed fit the need of my friend’s daughter’s company. Another friend admitted to hiring the grand-daughter of a neighbour. Before you cry “this stinks,” you need to know that the girl had appropriate qualifications and credentials – she didn’t get in without having the skills needed just because she lived next door to someone related to someone with the power to hire!

People like hiring a “known.” They feel reassured if they hire someone who comes with endorsements, recommendations, from a good family etc. Right or wrong that’s how it works much of the time.

So, new grad, start by sharing your new and updated resume with everyone in your circle. Be clear about the kind of job you are looking for, even mention a few companies that are your faves, and encourage all to share within their circles. The CAO of your favourite company may only be separated by three degrees, and that may be just close enough to land your resume in his or her Inbox.

A piece of advice that is regularly given to job hunters, especially those at the top – the CAOs and such – is to distinguish themselves by identifying what makes them special.

These things can be quite different. For example, for an older, male actor, the good genes that mean he will have a luxurious head of hair until the day he leaves the earth-bound stage for a heavenly one, would be suitable. Not so for the CAO of a municipality of course. For the CAO, a career history with rich experience in three typical municipal departments would have more impact. And for a writer? Ongoing studies, dedication to a blog, holding writing classes at the community centre – significant proof of a love for the craft positions the applicant as serious about her career.

But what about the typical new grad? Does a recent graduate have anything that distinguishes him from the next applicant?

Here are a few ideas to consider:

• did you work your way through school, i.e. pay your own way? That means you juggled a job with studies and if you add details to your resume, you can show real time management, determination, single-minded focus, organization – all manner of wonderful attributes and skills.
• did you choose to take the most challenging courses, leaving the fluff courses for others? If you did, you can demonstrate that you are passionate about your chosen field of studies, don’t shirk responsibility, and rise to challenges.
• did you complete four years in three and with an excellent GPA? Again, sharing this tidbit of info puts you top of the heap! The organization and self discipline this takes certainly distinguishes you.

Many examples of distinction exist. I like to say: job hunter, know thyself! No one can sell you, like you, and when you’re in the interview, you are on your own! You must sell yourself. If you need help with this, New Leaf Resumes is here to help. My service is distinguished by two awards (www.careerprocanada.ca) in the Best New Graduate Resume category, cover letters published in “Cover Letters for Dummies,” and lots more! I quite simply love what I do. Working to your career success, Stephanie

After 100,000 years of listening to stories, human beings’ brains are hard wired for these. From the earliest fire-side story-telling of clan traditions, to troubadors relaying the next town’s news with story-telling songs, to today’s preoccupation with the stories related to the latest celebrity scandal, we all love a good tale.

The best commercials are little stories; the best movies tell a compelling story; the best-seller list of fiction guarantees a best seller … stories sell. That’s why your resume MUST contain stories. No, not exaggerations or embellishments or outright lies … stories that draw a reader in and reveal to them who you are and how you work and by extension, what they can expect from hiring you.

Obviously this must be a short story. It must be relevant to an employer’s needs. And it must be true, as references are checked. Try this one out:

• Impressed factory Floor Supervisor with perfect attendance, desire for cross-training, and friendly nature. Result: earned a summer position three years in a row, which paid my way through college.

Isn’t that far more effective than “stocked shelves and assisted customers, when needed”?

Stories “stick,” stories have power, and stories belong on your resume. (Don’t let anyone tell you they don’t. ) How do I know this strategy works on student resumes? Because I’ve written many new grad resumes that have led to real employment in study-related positions. Check out the samples on my website. If you’d like my expert help, I’d be honoured to help you land your first career-launching job. Working to your career success, Stephanie