Using these words will help you get your next job!

With so many people still out of work I am surprised by the number of resumes I receive that are poorly written. It seems to me that many have not taken the opportunity to review their resume and to do what is needed to improve it in order to get a better chance of receiving a call to interview. There is tremendous competition for each job available and your resume is just one more tool employers and recruiters use to screen you out. You might be the best security professional in the industry; however, if your resume does not properly reflect your accomplishments and achievements (or is too wordy) you will likely be eliminated without even knowing it.

When writing your resume, your goal is to present your skill set and accomplishments in the best light possible. One of the best ways to do this is by honing your job descriptions using powerful verbs. By reading this part of your resume, recruiters should be able to get a firm grasp on the work you’ve done as well as the work you are capable of completing for them. By choosing the right verbs, you can help the reader to visualize you at their job!

As a first step, go through your resume and look at the verbs you are using now. Don’t have any? Consider turning short phrases like “increased efficiency” into statements like "improved efficiency resulting in a $75,000 savings." Or "manage staff" to “manage a staff of 5 direct reports and 110 indirect reports”. Are the verbs you are using descriptive? If not, use a thesaurus or brainstorm to find better word choices. Instead of “provide weekly reports to senior management team,” try “compiled and analyzed incident reports and presented recommendations to senior management staff.”

However, don’t overload or embellish your resume with action verbs. Instead, use them to highlight your biggest achievements and most valuable skills. Below is a list of some top action verbs that can help you start! Looking it over might even help you to remember other responsibilities that you have not already listed.

Accelerated
Empowered
Motivated
Accomplished
Enabled
Negotiated
Achieved
Encouraged
Obtained
Acted
Engineered
Operated
Adapted
Enhanced
Orchestrated
Administered
Enlisted
Organized
Allocated
Established
Originated
***The list above is abbreviated. If you would like a complete list of 100 descriptive verbs, feel free to email me at: david@pinnacleplacement.com

Grab your resume and see how many of these words (or similar ones) are on it. This should give you a pretty good idea if you need a major overhaul.

Good luck.
David Lammert

10 Keys to Acing Your Interview with Human Resources

Most companies will expect you to meet with their Human Resources department at an early stage in the interview process. The traits HR professionals are looking for can be far different from the hiring manager; however, don't underestimate the power of the HR staff to influence the hiring decision. The hiring manager will be more interested in your skill set as it relates to their specific position, but winning the approval of HR is critical.

Here are 10 key tips for a successful interview with the HR professionals:

* Never throw anything or anyone under the bus (no matter how much they may deserve it). This applies to your former employer, coworkers, or Osama bin Laden. HR is seeking to screen out whiners and troublemakers. Be kind and positive about everything and everyone.
* Make sure your appearance is in order. Fair or not, you are judged based on how you look. Clothes must be pressed and on the conservative side. Give your shoes a fresh polish. Don’t wear cologne or perfume. Leave your bling at home.
* Don’t smoke before the interview. There is an unconscious bias against smokers, even from other smokers. Smokers are also more expensive to insure.
* Avoid being cocky and telling them how incredible you are. You got the interview didn't you? Let your results sell you. A little humility will go a long way with Human Resources professionals. This is near the top of complaint list from HR managers.
* Don’t share your life story. Although HR team members tend to be very friendly and excellent listeners, don't confuse Human Resources with your mother or your best friend. Confine your answers to business topics.
* Don’t expect HR to have a timeline for the hiring process. Ideally, they want to fill the opening tomorrow so they can move on to filling other roles. However, the process has many uncontrollable variables. Realistically, it will probably take a few months.
* Be prepared to talk about your strengths and weaknesses. Avoid standard answers like: you struggle to delegate or you care too much. An interview is a conversation, not a bad Match.com profile. Show some self-awareness and ability to improve weaknesses.
* When you walk through your resume, don’t gloss over any career mistakes. It is positive to share a slightly negative experience that taught you something. It shows character. Tell them how you learned something from the experience.
* Connect with them. They may represent a multi-billion dollar company, but, they are human beings, too. Scan their offices (or LinkedIn profile if it's a phone interview) and look for awards, photos, or something noteworthy. Make a connection. This is what salespeople do, and it works. They will remember you for it.
Make it easy for them to hire you. Site examples and tell stories during the interview process, frame those examples and stories in a way that relates to the job description, the issues in the industry, or the company’s mission. Be relevant and you will be remembered.

It doesn’t take a box of donuts or a cheesy line (chances are they have heard them before) to capture the memory of an HR professional. Be honest, tell your story, and try to relax. There’s no magic formula to acing your interview, but there are plenty of ways to put your foot in your mouth and sabotage your chances for success.

Good luck!
David Lammert

The Handshake

The handshake sets the tone for most interviews so, be sure to get off to a solid start with a confident, professional introduction. Research shows that a handshake can establish the same level of rapport that it would take three hours of face-to-face conversation to achieve.

With that in mind, let's review some tips for shaking your way to a job offer or solid business relationship.

1) Be first out of the gate.
When the interviewer approaches you, be the first to extend your hand. It shows an openness and proactive nature. Both are qualities all employers desire.

2) What's your slant?
Begin with your hand slightly angled...your palm should not be completely facing the ground. A sideways slant allows for a better lock between hands.

3) The palms hold the key.
Palm-to-palm contact is most important element of the handshake. The palm-to-palm contact is symbolic and shows you are fully engaged and connected.

4) The eyes have it.
Making eye contact is a no-brainer. It is essential to taking the connection to the next level and to demonstrate confidence.

5) Under pressure.
Here is where you take your cue from the interviewer, and apply no more pressure than about two levels above the pressure they are exerting. Whatever you do, avoid the extremes of too much or too little pressure.

Many of you might think this is an elementary topic to cover. However, I can tell you of several candidates I know who lost an opportunity simply with poor “handshake” technique. The interviewer was so put off by the candidates introduction that they told me "it didn't matter" what the candidate said after that because "the interview was already over."

Shake the hand of someone you know and trust and obtain their feedback. It might just help you get a job.

Thanks,
David Lammert